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DISCUSSED: After settling some confusion about Anna Borg, the boys settle into an amble about the state of voice assistants and the future of the theoretically smart home. As ever, Merlin is pretty excited about music, but he also needs your help figuring out where in the hell he got this new software keyboard. Links:Spotify – Mindhunter Season 1&2A House by the ParkSpotify – “To say, ‘Hey, I love you.’” — Hit shuffle for a quick tour of some of the ineffably disturbing songs that obsessed Merlin as a kid. Spotify – “Icicles Instead of Tears”: Merlin’s 1979 — I was a very nervous 12-year-old Ohio boy who listened to the radio a lot. My family moved to Florida and sent me to military school. What a weird goddamned year. Build With Matter | Smart Home Device Solution - CSA-IOT — One protocol to connect compatible devices and systems with one another. Smart home devices should be secure, reliable, and seamless to use. And with Matter, they are. Introducing Matter devices | evehome.comWhat is Thread and how will it help your smart home? - The Verge — Why the low-power mesh networking protocol is poised to become the backbone of the connected homeCommon Gateway Interface - WikipediaIvory for iOSHOOBS™ – USER FRIENDLY HOME AUTOMATION FOR EVERYONEHome Assistant — Open source home automation that puts local control and privacy first. Powered by a worldwide community of tinkerers and DIY enthusiasts. Perfect to run on a Raspberry Pi or a local server. Steve Ahlman on Twitter: "Never forget what they took from us. https://t.co/oSyi7No4nD" / Twitter — "Never forget what they took from us."

DISCUSSED: Merlin is extremely happy with a suggestion that Dan made, and Dan has a bunch of apps he's excited about. Links:Yahtzee - WikipediaAmazonSmile: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Black/Grey: Home & KitchenCopyLess 2 – Clipboard manager for MacLunar - The defacto app for controlling monitor brightnessDato — Sindre SorhusClocker on the Mac App StoreRectangle MacMoom · Many TricksBitwarden Open Source Password Manager | BitwardenForkLift 3 - most advanced file manager and FTP client for macOSRaindrop.io — All-in-one bookmark managerRogue Amoeba | SoundSource: A Superior Sound ControlHidden Bar - Hide menu bar icons on your Mac - SuperbitsPatricia Lockwood · Diary: Insane after coronavirus? · LRB 16 July 2020 — The first real symptoms were not mine, but my cat’s. Miette, who kisses me on the lips each morning to see if I have become food yet, became deathly ill with a stomach virus two days after my returnAdam-12 Metal LUNCHBOX 2 X 3 Fridge Magnet Art - EtsyCleanShot X for MacTablePlus | Modern, Native Tool for Database ManagementCyberduck | Libre server and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows with support for FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, OpenStack Swift, Backblaze B2, Microsoft Azure & OneDrive, Google Drive and DropboxRogue Amoeba | Loopback: Cable-Free Audio RoutingPaprika Recipe Manager for iOS, Mac, Android, and Windows

Typing on an iPad, rhyming compulsively, default media, and taking a young foodie out on the town.Links:7UP Commercial- Make 7...UP yours! - YouTubeAmazon.com: Instant Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Quickly Cold Brew Coffee, Customize Your Brew Strength, Easy-to-Use, Dishwasher Safe Glass Pitcher, Brew Up to 32 Ounces: Home & KitchenAmazon.com: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Black/Grey: Home & Kitchen

DISCUSSED: Merlin is excited about reading, and Dan sometimes puts his time in a box. Also: Breaking Bad. Links:Living In Expectation of the Unexpected Gift — This text discusses how modern society has become heavily reliant on technology to manage and optimize our lives, but in doing so has resulted in a lack of joy and satisfaction in life. It suggests that instead of allowing technology to take over, we should take the time to question our motives and desires, and to seek out the higher activities that freedom should be won for.not disappointing myself - by Ava - bookbear express — This text is about the importance of listening to oneself and following one's true desires in order to lead a fulfilling life. It encourages readers to trust their emotional reactions and not to be too focused on external validation. The author explains that it is important to disappoint others in order to avoid disappointing oneself, and that it takes time to learn to listen to oneself. Ultimately, it is only by listening to the truest and most beautiful version of oneself that one can live a truly fulfilling life.Ideas That Changed My Life · Collab Fund — This text discusses 10 big ideas that have changed the author's life, including the influence of identity on beliefs, the importance of multi-discipline learning and understanding how people respond to incentives, the power of self-interest and persuasion, the value of room for error, and the need for sustainable sources of competitive advantage. The author also argues that personal experiences can lead to bias and suggests that people should explore multiple points of view when trying to understand why others behave as they do.Brent Beshore on Twitter: "Recently asked, “What are the ten biggest ideas that changed your life?” Great/hard question. Here's where I landed... 1) Imago Dei: Every person is inherently valuable independent of behavior and beliefs. Everyone matters. Treat people accordingly, without exception." / Twitter — This document discusses ten life-changing ideas. These ideas include: Imago Dei, Rationality, Meaningful = Hard, Base Rate, Messy, Margin of Safety/Redundancy, Serving vs. Served, Non-Linearity, Forgotten, and Invert. They all have to do with viewing life in different ways in order to achieve goals and improve overall wellbeing.Year of Rage: The Oscars Slap and Other Shocking Moments in 2022 - The New York Times — This text discusses the collective anger felt in the US in 2022 and examines the sources of the anger that have been present for several years. It examines the idea of 'LIFEMORTS', which are triggers for rage, and how they are all being activated right now during the pandemic. It also looks at the idea of 'angertainment', and how politicians use it to sow dissent and stoke anger. Finally, it suggests ways to manage the anger, such as acknowledging it and then trying to let it go.I’m a very slow thinker | Derek Sivers — The author of the text is a "slow thinker" who does not have an immediate reaction to interesting conversations or deep questions, but rather takes time to think and come up with a response later on. They don't mind if this makes them look stupid in the moment as they are not trying to win debates and often ask for questions in advance for interviews. The author believes that the first reaction is usually outdated and suggests that instead of immediately providing an answer, it is better to take time to think and come up with a response. They also suggest that by example, this could show other people that they can do the same.Things you're allowed to do — This document outlines various things that can be done to make the most of resources and gain knowledge and decision making skills, such as hiring a researcher or expert consultant, running surveys, visiting a physical therapist, buying task-specific devices, engaging a human productivity monitor, repairing or getting things repaired, and asking for free upgrades or coupons. It also includes examples of services that can be purchased such as grocery delivery, laundry service, nannies, giving to charity, task-specific devices, hotels, and personal assistants. Additionally, the document lists sources of experts and research and data.Theses on Sleep - Alexey Guzey — In this essay, Alexey Guzey questions common beliefs about sleep such as the need for 7 hours of sleep, potential harms of acute and long-term sleep deprivation, and the bidirectional relationship between sleep and mania/depression. He suggests that acute sleep deprivation may not be harmful and might even be beneficial in some contexts, and that humans can adapt to long-term sleep deprivation. He also argues that sleeping less than the recommended 7-9 hours per night can result in more wakefulness and therefore should not be seen as harmful. Guzey presents evidence from experiments, data from sleep studies, and personal anecdotes to support his claims.Being a working mother in America in 2022 was sleepless - The Washington Post — This article reflects on the experience of being a working mother in America in 2022, where child-care shortages, lack of sleep, and inadequate support systems have made it difficult to thrive. Despite the exhaustion and the challenges, the author remains hopeful, wishing for moments of rest and glimpses of better things. She encourages readers to struggle on towards those better things, and ultimately, to be able to get a good night's sleep.Readwise Reader | The first read-it-later app built for power readers. — Save everything to one place, highlight like a pro, and replace several apps with Reader.Andy Tryba on Twitter: "Time-boxing is an effective tool @elonmusk and @billgates use to manage their calendars. But few use it since it’s too complicated. Here is a simplified version I call the ABC Method: 🧵 https://t.co/qz2ApZc4MR" / Twitter — Time-boxing is an effective tool @elonmusk and @billgates use to manage their calendars. But few use it since it’s too complicated. Here is a simplified version I call the ABC Method: 🧵 What is Timeboxing? 14 Examples and Use Cases [2022] • AsanaInside The Explosive Season 4 Finale | BEHIND THE SCENES | Breaking Bad - YouTube — Includes huge SPOILERS for "Breaking Bad." Don't watch until you've finished Season 4. Seriously.

DISCUSSED: Merlin recommends an exciting new beta; Dan gets a new e-reader; and Merlin has a lot to say about taking notes. Links:Readwise's Reader Beta — "Huge news: after 1.5 years of private beta, thousands of testers, and a looot of incredible work by the team... @ReadwiseReader is finally in public beta! Save everything to one place, highlight like a pro, and replace several apps with one. https://t.co/xsbJnS0U5t" Kindle Paperwhite, Oasis, Scribe & More E Readers | AmazonAmazonSmile: Kindle Oasis E-reader (Previous Generation - 9th) – Graphite, 7" High-Resolution Display (300 ppi), Waterproof, Built-In Audible, 32 GB, Wi-Fi (Closeout) : Amazon Devices & AccessoriesAmazon.com: Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) – With a 6.8" display, wireless charging, and auto-adjusting front light – Without Lockscreen Ads : Clothing, Shoes & JewelryRakuten Kobo eReader Store United States2021 e-reader roundup: Kobo Sage, Kobo Libra 2, Kindle Paperwhite reviews – Six ColorsCornell Note Taking — The Best Way To Take Notes Explained | by GoodNotes | GoodNotes BlogThe Cornell Note Taking System – Learning Strategies CenterAmazon.com: Maruman MNEMOSYNE Notebook 8.27 x 5.83 Inches (A5), 7mm ruled 24-line, 80 Sheets (N195A), Black : Everything ElseChumby - Wikipedia — The Chumby was a consumer electronics product formerly made by Chumby Industries, Inc. It is an embedded computer which provides Internet and LAN access via a Wi-Fi connection.ChumbyNote-taking - WikipediaThe Hero Item - After Show | Do By Friday on Patreon — In which Merlin goes off about ““time management.””

DISCUSSED: a classic odds n' sods episode encompassing a missing remote (and a failed system), some wallet FU, cool help with playlist management, unsubscribing in dribs and drabs, and a big-ass RV. Links:We Toured The Most FUTURISTIC Motorhome in the World! - YouTubeBuilding a Camper I can Tow with my Bike... Detailed Build - YouTubeChatGPTNo. 3236: The Humble Index Card — Today, the humble index card. The University of Houston presents this series about the machines that make our civilization run, and the people whose ingenuity created them. Soundiiz - Transfer playlists and favorites between different streaming servicesAmazon: Your Email SubscriptionsAvoiding Cloudy Iced Tea | Cook's Illustrated — Cloudiness in tea is caused by caffeine and tannins bonding with each other when tea is refrigerated or iced.Why is my Iced Tea Cloudy? | Red Rose — To prevent cloudy iced tea, you should allow the tea to cool down to room temperature before you add any ice or cold water.Inside (2023) - IMDb‎Merlin's Weird Movies for Weirdos, a list of films by Merlin Mann • Letterboxd — Keep yourself occupied with these weird movies for weirdos. I want so many more movies like these. ‎Some Next-Level Shit, a list of films by Merlin Mann • Letterboxd — This is movie fandom on Difficult Mode.Solar Lights Outdoor, AmeriTop Super Bright 1600LM LED 6000K Solar Motion Sensor Lights with Wide Angle Illumination; 3 Adjustable Heads, IP65 Waterproof Outdoor Security Lighting (White) - - AmazonSmile — a/k/a "Solar Boy"Touring the MOST EXPENSIVE HOUSE in the United States! - YouTube

Merlin is still on Island Time, so discussion is mostly limited to Columbo, Star Wars, Merlin's playlists, Ellsworth, and, of course, wallets. Links:"Columbo" The Most Crucial Game (TV Episode 1972) - IMDbA Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again - Wikipedia — "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again" (Harper's, 1996, under the title "Shipping Out"): Wallace's experiences and opinions on a seven-night luxury Caribbean cruise.What purpose does Chewbacca's bandoiler have? - QuoraThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special | Disney+ OriginalsVinegar - Tube Cleaner on the App StoreQuote by Ellsworth: “I’ll tell you what…”Jack Cassidy - IMDb — Fact: the great Jack Cassidy played three (3) different characters on "Columbo."Spotify – “No More Than a Thought” - A Gentle Introduction to Old 97’s — Some older bangers from your new favorite Christmas band.Spotify – “Always Talking to Myself” - A Gentle Introduction to The Police — Were you aware that The Police were once one of our most vital and exhilarating rock bands? No, really—I get it. But, if you never got that into them from THOSE songs, maybe try these.Spotify – “Fit Them Where They Belong” - A Gentle Introduction to Ted Leo and the Pharmacists — A band's band with songs so great you'd be forgiven for not immediately noticing how terrific the musicians are.Spotify – “The Switchback Will Make You Crazy“ - A Gentle Introduction to Richard ThompsonSpotify – “In a Nutshell” - A Gentle Introduction to Michael Penn — Getting started with one of the great, under-appreciated pop geniuses of my generation. No, seriously.

DISCUSSED: Dan has a new concern; some thoughts on resistance; Merlin shares a new insight on creativity and sleep; Dan has FU directly from the Nosferatu band; Merlin serves a turducken of suggestions related to text editing; and, finally, Dan needs your advice on wallets, while Merlin makes a case for currency. Links:Finding a native and fast text editor for the Mac in 2022・The Jolly TeapotThe Archive (macOS) • Zettelkasten MethodA Beginner’s Guide to the Zettelkasten Method | ZenkitController for HomeKit 6.0The First Minute of Every Phone Call Is Torture Now - The Atlantic — Technology is a condition. Like the weather, or the economy, or the pandemic, or traffic, or parenting.Purkinje effect - WikipediaTriangle of Sadness - WikipediaM - The Criterion ChannelX - See How We Are - (Acoustic) - YouTubeChloë Grace Moretz Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - YouTubeThe Crown (season 5) - WikipediaThe Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022) - Reference View - IMDb — Where ☝️ that image ☝️ comes from.

DISCUSSED: Merlin is playing with his new dingus; Dan almost talks about wallets; try Tailscale to make your stuff work better together; why you (yes, you) need a VPN; Dan is getting enthused about Obsidian; Merlin is freshly re-enthused about Daytum; and finally Dan is very excited about a Dracula he saw.Links:Tailscale · Best VPN Service for Secure NetworksHow to create your own VPN with Tailscale to get around stupid free WiFi network rules and protect your traffic – A Whole Lotta NothingMidea Cube 50 Pint Dehumidifier for Basement and Rooms at Home for up to 4,500 Sq. Ft., Smart Control, Works with Alexa (White), Drain Hose Included, ENERGY STAR Most Efficient 2022 : Everything ElseVocaster Two | FocusriteAmazon.com: Focusrite Vocaster Two — Podcasting Interface for Recording Host and Guest. Two Mic Inputs and Two Headphone Outputs, with Auto Gain, Enhance, and Mute. Small, Lightweight, and Powered by Computer : Everything ElseObsidianVocaster Two: Twice the features, twice the price – Six ColorsBasic Editing in Visual Studio CodeDaytum — Daytum helps you collect, categorize and communicate your everyday data.About • DaytumInvincible Czars - NosferatuNosferatu Centennial DVD Download (link) - Invincible CzarsNosferatu Death Ship - Invincible Czars Soundtrack - YouTubeGuardian Firewall - Guardian FirewallWipr — Enjoy a cleaner web.Ad Blocker TestAdBlock Tester: test your AdBlock extensionsCan You Block It ? - A Simple Ad Block TesterQuarto

DISCUSSED: Halloween Follow-Up; exit interview for Season 4 of What We Do in the Shadows; how Apple could build users' confidence and stimulate their curiosity with better documentation; Merlin makes his case for spreadsheets as your potential place where stuff goes. Links:K-Strass the Yo-Yo Guy Super Compilation - YouTubePSA: You can stop/silence the alarm on a family sharing member's iPhone, via Siri on your phone. : iphone — `Hey Siri, turn off the alarm on $Person's ‌iPhone‌`Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support — "By pressing certain key combinations, you can do things that normally need a mouse, trackpad, or other input device."Siri Light ColorsThe Spotlight Search Tips Cheat Sheet for Mac — Discover how to find files faster, track flights and stock prices, convert currencies, and do a lot more with Spotlight on macOS.Color Hex - ColorHexa.comGoogle Sheets function list - Google Docs Editors Help — "Google Sheets supports cell formulas typically found in most desktop spreadsheet packages. Functions can be used to create formulas that manipulate data and calculate strings and numbers."TableFlip - Simple Table Editor for Mac — "_The_ Markdown table editor."IMPORTHTML - Google Docs Editors Help — "Imports data from a table or list within an HTML page."Ask about your data & get suggested content - Computer - Google Docs Editors Help — "You can ask questions about the data in your spreadsheet. Based on your data, you’ll get suggestions for formatting, charts, and analysis."