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TOPIC: It's Business All the Way Down. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about joys and frustrations of contemporary consumer technologies. So great yet so frustrating. So powerful yet so hobbled. It's weird how, as great as the newest tech ever gets, we so quickly find we're bumping right up against business, business, business. Then, there's some more discussion of updates in iOS 9 and what we can now do with iPhone 6s, highlighting the astonishing power of trackpad mode. Finally, some updates on Dan's cord-cutting and how one may choose how and what we're each willing to pay for—and how it's just no fun to amortize other people's garbage with your own time. Links for this episode:How to use the keyboard as a trackpad on your iPhone 6s | iMoreFirst, Let's Get Rid Of All The Bosses | MetaFilterThe Act of Killing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Look of Silence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Act of Killing (2012) - IMDbIntroducing the Plex Media Player - Plex Blog : Plex BlogIt’s true: Drug companies are bombarding your TV with more ads than ever - The Washington PostThe Act of Killing - Official Trailer (HD) - YouTubeCan I Stream.It?: Search Netflix, Hulu, Google Play, iTunes, and more, for movies to stream instantly, rent, and buy.Tango till they're sore -- Tom Waits - YouTubeKarina LongworthYou Must Remember This — Karina LongworthBrought to you by: Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/BackToWork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your new website) lynda (Visit lynda.com/backtowork to get free 10-day trial access to their 3,000+ courses)

TOPIC: Procrastination is a life sentence. This week, after some high-level discussion on the topics of Marvel and media reduxes, Dan and Merlin (maaaaybe) wrap up their initial and very positive impressions of iOS 9 on modern Apple devices. More fawning talk of Siri, plus tips on easily adding items to Reminders and Notes. Dan also lays out his freeing new philosophy and implementations for doing sane email on an iPad. Then, Merlin goes off a little on why constantly feeling bad about yourself is a terrible idea. Links for this episode:Beyonce buys The Big Lebowski mansion | EW.comPerhaps the most unfortunate thing about Beyonce not giving interviews anymore is that no one has had the chance to ask her about her love for The Big Lebowski. The iconic singer, who once sampled a French dub of Maude Lebowski’s (Julianne Moore) monologue about feminism in her song “Partition,” has reportedly purchased the mansion seen in the film.  Pro Art 8.5" x 11" 20 lb. (75 gsm) 3D Graph Paper 50 Sheet Tape Bound Pad - C2F, Inc. - Wholesale Art Supply DistributorAmazon.com : VELA Graph Paper, 8.5 x 11, 65 Loose Sheets, Premium 24lb Heavyweight Paper, Class-2 'Optimized' Paper (Isometric Grid Variation) : Office ProductsCloudlifter CL-1 | Cloud Microphones | "Elevate Your Sound"The Incomparable | Love Machine (Episode 205)In the long tradition of big, giant robots came 1999’s “The Iron Giant,” the film Brad Bird made before he made “The Incredibles.” It was kind of a flop in its initial release, but this animated feature has become rightfully recognized as a classic. We debate the Giant’s original purpose, break down a surprisingly large succession of poop jokes, and ponder the Giant’s ultimate destiny to be the benevolent robot-king of Iceland. Iron Man 2 (2010) - IMDb5by5 | Hypercritical #45: Star Wars is Not a Blog PostJohn Siracusa and Dan Benjamin follow up on a host of topics: what ails Microsoft, the (slow, partial) democratization of corporate IT, the people vs. George Lucas, perpetual copyright, applications as art, Siri backlash, and the evils of Blu-ray. Reconcilable Differences #11: Frog Board Room - Relay FMThe ball really gets rolling when John ruefully updates us on the stressful state of renovations to his house—and how his quest for quality collides with whatever passes for quote-unquote craftsmanship today. Random Trek | "The Corbomite Maneuver" (TOS) with Clayton Morris (Episode 72)Clayton Morris, news guy, podcaster, and speaker, joins Scott to discuss the classic Original Series episode The Corbomite Maneuver (TOS S1E2). Topics discussed include the evolution of space exercise equipment, the ton of interesting shots used in this episode, space salads, and the horrible fate of Dave Bailey. Plus salient points on how odd looking, but well cast, Clint Howard is (we say it with love, Clint). How Well Can You Hear Audio Quality? : The Record : NPRTodd Vaziri (@tvaziri) | Twitter5by5 | Back to Work #241: We Went to PrincetonThis week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's new iPad Air 2 and continue their discussion of how much iOS 9 on modern devices is already changing how we do our work.Also, some nerdy updates on how Merlin uses synced text files via Drafts, Editorial, and nvALT. Jeff Lynne celebrates ELO's 40th anniversary by re-recording new versions of old songs · Newswire · The A.V. Club“I’m not saying the old versions aren’t good Jeff Lynne - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHow Squeeze seized the keys to their back catalogue | Music | The GuardianOf course there is a commercial element to be considered, which is that when the songs are deployed by Universal we only see a small percentage of the income. They might argue that they took the initial risk financially and are now reaping the rewards – that's business. But we have no control and most of our records, besides the hits, aren't available either on CD or on iTunes. ONoffON - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMission Of Burma - The Setup - YouTubeTonight (The Move) - YouTubeSuperheroes a 'cultural catastrophe', says comics guru Alan Moore | Books | The GuardianWatchmen author tells interviewer that they have become a dangerous distraction, and that he plans to withdraw from public life "Broken Meetings (and how you'll fix them)" on VimeoIron Man 2 (2010) - Rotten TomatoesBrought to you by: Squarespace (Visit Squarespace.com/BackToWork and use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off your new website) lynda (Visit lynda.com/backtowork to get free 10-day trial access to their 3,000+ courses) Warby Parker (Visit WarbyParker.com/Dan to get free 3 day shipping on your brand new frames).

TOPIC: iOS Amazement This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's new iPad Air 2 and continue their discussion of how much iOS 9 on modern devices is already changing how we do our work. Also, some nerdy updates on how Merlin uses synced text files via Drafts, Editorial, and nvALT. Links for this episode:What does “Spotlight Suggestions” turn off? - alexwlchanI’m no expert, but holy crap the hacking on Homeland was bad | Ars TechnicaOn trackpad mode in iOS 9 and the iPhone | iMoreLipophobicity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaUV Light Sanitizing | Clean & Polish Devices with PhoneSoapUltraviolet germicidal irradiation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTextastic - Text, Code, and Markup Editor with Syntax Highlighting - FTP, SFTP, Dropbox - for iPadWorking Copy, Git on iOSnvALT - BrettTerpstra.comDrafts | Agile TortoiseEditorial for iOSAnne Hathaway - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaUnderworld - Born Slippy - YouTubeBrought to you by Pond5 (For 25% off your next purchase of royalty-free media just visit Pond5.com and enter the 'BACKTOWORK' at checkout), Slack (Visit Slack.com/backtowork and create a new team and you’ll get $100 in credit you can use when you decide to upgrade to a paid plan), and Freshbooks (Visit the link to try FreshBooks free for 30 days and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section during signing up).

TOPIC: Speed, Reliability, and Expectations This episode, Dan and Merlin talk about this week's massive leaps forward with the pairing of iOS 9 and iPhone 6s. Links for this episode:Siri’s Headphone Tax | Bitsplitting.orgIf It Ain’t Fixed, Break It | Bitsplitting.orgChildhood's End - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGreat. My seven-year-old has discovered... | kung fu grippeOS X El Capitan review: Mac upgrade that's as solid as a rock | MacworldHow to pair your Apple Watch with your iPhone 6s or 6s Plus | iMoreMonty Python And The Holy Grail - Let's Not Bicker And Argue About Who Killed Who - YouTubeAutomatic: Connect Your Car to Your Digital LifeIf your iOS 9 device is stuck on Slide to Upgrade - Apple SupportWho’s got two thumbs and a bricked family iPad? ... | kung fu grippeHow to Use Siri, Full list of Siri Commands, Siri Questions VideoBrought to you by Smile Software (Smile loves podcasts, and everyone loves a deal, so Smile is offering 20% off new licenses purchased directly from Smile through October 15th if you use the code B2W at checkout), Pond5 (For 25% off your next purchase of royalty-free media just visit Pond5.com and enter the 'BACKTOWORK' at checkout), and Freshbooks (Visit the link to try FreshBooks free for 30 days and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section during signing up).

TOPIC: Block! Block! Body blow! Uppercut! This week, Dan and Merlin talk less about ad-blocking and more about what kind-of feels like (but might not actually be) a point of change for web advertising, podcasting, and media as a whole, which could affect, like, everything, man. Links for this episode:Internet History Podcast | From Netscape To The iPadPolitical Gabfest on the second Republican presidential debate and the possible government shutdown over the Planned Parenthood controversy.On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the second round of Republican debates and how each candidate performed, and the potential government shutdown over Planned Parenthood funding and what it means for the 2016 election. They also talk to writer, speaker, and broadcaster Merlin Mann about time, attention, and productivity. Circulating Ideas | the librarian interview podcastSteve chats with Merlin Mann about his history with libraries, the importance of the library as a community space, why libraries aren’t dead, and checking in with the Library Elf. Reconcilable Differences - Relay FMJohn Siracusa and Merlin Mann try to figure out exactly how they got this way. Quarterly rent report confirms: There are zero affordable neighborhoods for renters in S.F. - On The BlockThe overall median price for a 1-bedroom in SF hit $3,530 earlier this month This is what $350,000 buys you in San Francisco’s crazy housing market - On The BlockThe two-bedroom, one-bath “beauty” built in 1906 offers 765 square feet of living space and just went on the market for $350,000. That’s $458 per square foot, which might be considered a “bargain” since the average price per square foot in San Francisco is $957, according to real estate site Trulia. Amazon.com: Shure BETA 87A Supercardioid Condenser Microphone for Handheld Vocal Applications: Musical InstrumentsBETA 58A Vocal Microphone | Shure AmericasFlavor Enhancer - Food Flavor Enhancers - Accent FlavorHoward Hughes: His Life and Madness: Donald L. Barlett, James B. Steele: 9780393326024: Amazon.com: BooksAmazon.com: The Aviator: Martin Scorsese, John Logan, Warner Bros., wb: Amazon Digital Services , Inc.5by5 | Road WorkThe September Issue (2009) - IMDbGHOSTERY Home PageBrought to you by Harry's (Use the code COMICS to get $5 off the starter shave set), Squarespace (Use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off of your first purchase), Pond5 (For 25% off your next purchase of royalty-free media just visit Pond5.com and enter the 'BACKTOWORK' at checkout), and Freshbooks (Visit the link to try FreshBooks free for 30 days and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section during signing up).

TOPIC: Knowing what you'll need to know. This week, Dan and Merlin answer a listener question about how the "slow your roll" thought technology can apply to learning new skills. Links for this episode:Political Gabfest SFTickets | Slate Magazine's Political Gabfest | City Box OfficePolitical GabfestJohn Dickerson - How to Process a Hotel RoomJohn Dickerson, Journalist & Handsomeman | Flickr - Photo Sharing!Are People Really More Busy? The Rise of Shadow Work | The Art of ManlinessUnited States Guide: The American school system, Grades, school hours and terms: Most children start schoolChildren usually start in kindergarten or grade one at the age of five or six and go up one grade each year until reaching grade 12 at the age of 17. Occasionally a student must repeat a grade because of prolonged absence or low marks, although this is rare. The 12 years following the kindergarten year are usually organised under what is known as the ‘6-3-3 plan’ where grades 1 to 6 are in elementary (primary) school, grades 7 to 9 in junior high or middle school and grades 10 to 12 in a (senior) high school. Texas State Highway Loop 1 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaVIDEO: "Advanced Tricycling" talk by Merlin Mann (2014)Magneto - Marvel Comics DatabaseThe case of the 500-mile emailDunning–Kruger effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right: Atul Gawande: 9780312430009: Amazon.com: BooksA Life-Saving Checklist - The New YorkerIf something so simple can transform intensive care, what else can it do? Life hack. Boom. | kung fu grippeLife hack. Boom. Ep. 170: "The Wilder Universe" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: They billed John $300. Learning the bash Shell: Unix Shell Programming (In a Nutshell (O'Reilly)): Cameron Newham: 9780596009656: Amazon.com: Books100-year flood - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaKobayashi Maru - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBrought to you by Casper (Visit Casper.com/backtowork and use the code BACKTOWORK to get $50 towards your brand new mattress), Wealthfront (Visit wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free), lynda (Learn something new today by visiting lynda.com/backtowork to get a free 10 day trial to their 3,000+ courses), and Freshbooks (Visit the link to try FreshBooks free for 30 days and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section during signing up).

TOPIC: Stop that train! This week, Dan and Merlin talk about some ideas for noticing and then battling the surfeits of negative thought that sometimes threaten to overrun us. Also: talk of a cool new computer mouse, evolution in the comic book industry, and what constitutes "real camping." Links for this episode:Amazon.com: Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse (910-004337): Computers & AccessoriesUrban Dictionary: slow your rollTerm used to inform a homie that he's getting outta control and he might want to shut the hell up before he gets beat the hell up."Yo dawg, you better slow your roll fool." What does slow (one's) roll mean? slow (one's) roll Definition. Meaning of slow (one's) roll. OnlineSlangDictionary.comLogitech MX Master Review! - YouTubeTech YouTuber Mouse v2 has arrived! Amazon.com: SteelSeries QcK Gaming Mouse Pad (Black): ElectronicsQ: Will this mouse pad work with my mac? A: No. This mousepad is incompatible with Macs. The gripping material on the underside of the mat is 58c9x Wally spec from Indonesia. While this spec fits nicely into 64 bit Windows architecture, it will mix up the mainframe if you try to put this into an Apple Macintosh chipset. Podcasting Microphones Mega-Review – Marco.orgIt’s hard to find useful microphone recommendations for podcasters: most people have only tried one or two, except pro audio engineers, who have very different needs and record in very different environments. And almost no reviews include audio samples to compare.So I set out to change that. Some commonly recommended mics were disappointing, some were right on, and I’ve found some real gems that were previously unknown in my podcasting circles. Gamma World - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAirstream USA, Airstream Travel Trailer, Silver Bullet | AirstreamSocial • XOXO Festivalcatastrophize - WiktionaryTo regard a bad situation as if it were disastrous or catastrophic Brought to you by JustWorks (Get 15% off your first year when you visit justworks.com/backtowork to sign up and use the code BACKTOWORK), Wealthfront (Visit wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free, Backblaze (Don’t lose your work, back it up! Get a two week free trial by going to Backblaze.com/BackToWork), and Squarespace (Use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off of your first purchase).

TOPIC: Practice, practice, practice. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the perilous wonders of practice of all kinds. Links for this episode:How Portability Ruined the Telephone - The AtlanticAmazon.com: Boiron Homeopathic Medicine Coldcalm Tablets for Colds, 60 Count: Prime PantryPractice (learning method) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Making of an ExpertActually, practice doesn’t always make perfect — new study - The Washington PostMalcolm Gladwell’s 10,000 Hour Rule for deliberate practice is wrong: Genes for music, IQ, drawing ability, and other skills.Drafts | Agile TortoiseEditorial for iOSnvALT - BrettTerpstra.comnvALT 2.2b 106 - BrettTerpstra.comMarkdown Service Tools - BrettTerpstra.comTaskPaper — Simple to-do list software for MacInput: Fonts for CodeAdding straight single and double quotes to Inconsolata'The Kingdom of Dreams and Madness' reveals the tortured genius of Studio Ghibli | The Vergemac system kaleidoscope - Google Searchmac system kaleidoscope The Dalrymple Report5by5 | Bingeworthy: Mr. Robot #1: PrimerMise en place - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMise en place (French pronunciation: ?[mi z?? ?plas]) is a French culinary phrase which meant "putting in place", as in set up. It is 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 For A More Ordered Life, Organize Like A Chef : The Salt : NPRThe system that makes kitchens go is called mise-en-place, or, literally, "put in place." It's a French phrase that means to gather and arrange the ingredients and tools needed for cooking. Brought to you by JustWorks (Get 15% off your first year when you visit justworks.com/backtowork to sign up and use the code BACKTOWORK), lynda (Learn something new today by visiting lynda.com/backtowork to get a free 10 day trial to their 3,000+ courses), and Wealthfront (Visit wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: Losing hit points. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the stuff you have to do to stay healthy and well—and the rocky path to realizing when you have to actually "make it a thing." There's also some follow-up on OTA antennas, car keys, and how little most of us really understand about the media industries. Links for this episode:Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #10 — Merlin MannStrandpromenade / By the seaside Ringtone iOS LOOP 10 Min - YouTubeSutro Tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSutro Tower is a 297.8 m (977 ft) three-pronged antenna tower near Clarendon Heights in San Francisco, California. Rising from a hill between Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro, it is a prominent part of the city skyline and a landmark for city residents and visitors. Nalgene | The original water bottle. Made in the USA. BPA Free.Amazon.com | Thermos 12 Ounce Funtainer Bottle, Pink: Thermos For Kids: Pasta BowlsAmazon.com | Thermos 12 Ounce Funtainer Bottle, Batman: Pasta BowlsLumberjanes - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaNimona: Noelle Stevenson: 9780062278227: Amazon.com: BooksNoelle Stevenson - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHarry Houdini - The Death of Harry HoudiniBrought to you by TextExpander 5 (To learn more and download a free demo of TextExpander 5 today visit the link), JustWorks (Get 15% off your first year when you visit justworks.com/backtowork to sign up and use the code BACKTOWORK), and Wealthfront (Visit wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free).

TOPIC: Compensatory muscles This week, Dan and Merlin talk about how much emotions can become like physical injuries—and what happens when we try to overcompensate for either. Links for this episode:5by5 | The Ihnatko Almanac #152: Project RunwayAndy is joined by Merlin Mann to discuss Project Runway. nevver: Peanuts | kung fu grippeadam baldwin - Google Searchvincent d'onofrio - Google Searchwilford brimley age in 1984 - Wolfram|AlphaFeeling Good: The New Mood Therapy: David D. Burns: 0071001008999: Amazon.com: BooksFeeling Good | The website of David D. Burns, MDIt follows from this model that all emotional... | kung fu grippeIt follows from this model that all emotional change is ultimately brought about by cognitions Reconcilable Differences #7: 50 Shades of John - Relay FMThis week, John and Merlin do some follow-up on John's picky eating and his family's failures at meal planning. Both men cop to loving soup. Also some updates on Destiny.Then on to the big topic: how does John's mind work, and how did he get that way? 5by5 | Back to Work #3: The Second ArrowMerlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discuss ADD, Buddhism, mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Faraday cage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThieves using a $17 device to break into cars with keyless systemsCar Thieves Hack Remote Keyless Entry Systems with $17 Device - TechliciousHigh-tech car thieves may be breaking in by amplifying key fob signal - CBS NewsChoosing the Best TV Antenna for San Francisco, CaliforniaHDTV Antenna Selection Guide, Reviews and InformationAmazon.com: Mohu Leaf 50 Indoor HDTV Antenna (formerly Leaf Ultimate): Electronics5by5 | Road WorkAmazon.com: The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety (8601300190136): Alan W. Watts: BooksDavid Foster Wallace: The 'Fresh Air' Interview : NPRTwitterCard Wars - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!Unjustly Maligned | "Monopoly" with Cory Casoni (Episode 24)Brought to you by Wealthfront (Visit wealthfront.com/5by5 to get your first $15,000 managed for free), lynda (Learn something new today by visiting lynda.com/backtowork to get a free 10 day trial to their 3,000+ courses), and Squarespace (Use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off of your first purchase).