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TOPIC: Thinking Patterns and Thinking Bias This week, Dan and Merlin talk in detail about how our unconscious patterns of thinking can damage our quality of life and hinder our ability to grow. Links for this episode:Cognitive bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaDon't You Dare Use 'Comprised Of' On Wikipedia: One Editor Will Take It Out : NPRFor single-minded devotion to grammatical rectitude, you'd be hard-pressed to match a Wikipedia editor named Bryan Henderson, who goes by the user name of Giraffedata. He was the subject of a piece by Andrew McMillan on the long-form site Medium that provoked a lot of debate. Giraffedata has a single bee in his bonnet, the phrase "comprised of." He has written a 6,000-word essay on his Wikipedia user page explaining why he thinks it's an egregious error. And to drive home his point, he has made 47,000 edits over the last eight years, most of them aimed at purging the phrase wherever it occurs on the Wikipedia site. He doesn't show it any mercy even when it appears in a quotation — in his view, it's a kindness to writers not to quote their mistakes. Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman: 9780374533557: Amazon.com: BooksAvailability heuristic - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe availability heuristic is a mental shortcut that relies on immediate examples that come to a given person's mind when evaluating a specific topic, concept, method or decision. List of cognitive biases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCognitive biases are tendencies to think in certain ways that can lead to systematic deviations from a standard of rationality or good judgment, and are often studied in psychology and behavioral economics. Fundamental attribution error - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaIn social psychology, the fundamental attribution error, also known as the correspondence bias or attribution effect, is people's tendency to place an undue emphasis on internal characteristics to explain someone else's behavior in a given situation, rather than considering external factors. Ep. 148: "Can't Find the Starch" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Problem: You need the belt to see the belt. 5by5 ShowbotXanadu (Rush song) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaConspiracy (TV Movie 2001) - IMDb

TOPIC: A lotta ins, a lotta outs, a lotta what-have-yous. This week, Dan and Merlin are all thrown off since they're recording on a Monday. Weird, right? They mostly talk about the respective states of comics and Apple fandom. Links for this episode:MailMateMailMate is an IMAP email client for Mac OS X featuring extensive keyboard control, Markdown supported email composition, advanced search conditions and drill-down search links, equally advanced smart mailboxes, automatic signature handling, cryptographic encryption/signing (OpenPGP and S/MIME), tagging, multiple notification methods, alternative message viewer layouts including a widescreen layout, and much more. A quick overview is given below, but an extensive list of screenshots is also available. You can read about MailMate and its developer here. 30: Beyond Continuity PornWe help new, long-time, and lapsed comic book fans alike discover characters, stories, and creators worth reading. Part panel discussion, part creator interview, all-new, and all-different each week.Co-hosted by John Gholson Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited | Comics | Marvel.com5by5 | After Dark #512: After Back to Work #211phil noto - Google SearchSponsored by Squarespace (Use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off) and lynda (Visit the link to get a free 10 day trial).

TOPIC: The weather is not the sky. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about discovering the challenges that help you to thrive—and grow. Links for this episode:Email overload: Building my own email app to reach Inbox Zero.Search | San Francisco Public Library | BiblioCommonsCostco Business Delivery - Wilcox Organic Hard Cooked and Peeled Eggs, 2 pk, 12 ctMonodraw for Mac — HelftoneIngenuiTEA Teapot from Adagio TeasAmazon.com : Tazo Earl Grey Filter Bag Tea, 24-Count Packages (Pack of 6) : Black Teas : Grocery & Gourmet FoodCostco Connection MagazineM?nuka honey - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com : Manuka Health MGO 400+ Manuka Honey (20+) 250gm : Grocery & Gourmet Food5by5 | Back to Work #29: I Download FLACWith Dan on sabbatical, Merlin is joined by TV’s Rob Corddry (Children’s Hospital, The Daily Show, Hot Tub Time Machine) to talk about Getting Things Done, writing, fear, and finding success as a blood-soaked clown.Special guest Rob Corddry. I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii, AD 79: Lauren Tarshis, Scott Dawson: 9780545459396: Amazon.com: BooksWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics): Pema Chodron: 9781570623448: Amazon.com: BooksPema Chödrön - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPema Chodron Foundation — Buddhist Monastic Life in the West - Gampo AbbeyWhen Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (Shambhala Classics): Pema Chodron: 9781570623448: Amazon.com: BooksSponsored by Citrix GoToMeeting (Visit the link and click the “TRY IT FREE” button to get a free 30-day trial), and FreshBooks (Visit the link and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How did you hear about us” section for a free 30-day trial).

TOPIC: Less of an Island. This week Dan and Merlin talk about time, negotiations, and what we want (and don't want) from our email apps. Links for this episode:Eudora (email client) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMicrosoft Outlook - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSlack: Be less busyMacromedia HomeSite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Squarespace (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off), lynda (Visit the link to get a free 10 day trial), and Casper (Use the code "BACKTOWORK" for $50 off your mattress order).

TOPIC: Throwing Stars and Managers This week, Dan and Merlin talk about working in a beehive and discuss whether they played D&D properly. Links for this episode:Brain Games (National Geographic) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBrain Games (TV Series 2011– ) - IMDbApollo Robbins, The Master Pickpocket: Tricks of the Trade - YouTubeapollo robbins - Google SearchAmazon.com : Aqua Notes - Waterproof Notepad 40 Sheet Mountable Pad : Memo Paper Pads : Office Products5by5 | The Dan Benjamin HourUngainly X-Mann Meetup #7 — Merlin MannSponsored by PDFpenPro 7 (Visit the link to learn more and start using PDFpenPro 7 today), Squarespace (Use the code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off), and FreshBooks (Visit the link and make sure to enter BACK TO WORK in the “How did you hear about us?” section to get FreshBooks free for 30 days).

TOPIC: Illness, Late Night TV, AI in the home, and Talking Baby Dolls This week, Merlin battles the flu to talk with Dan about late night television, binge watching, talking baby dolls, and the kind of artificial intelligence we really need. Links for this episode:"Portlandia" One Moore Episode (TV Episode 2012) - IMDbThe Arsenio Hall Show - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | Back to Work #3: The Second ArrowTheanine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAdderall: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Safety Info - Drugs.comAmazon.com: Baby Wanna Walk: Toys & GamesOral-B’s Bluetooth Toothbrush Offers App Features It Doesn’t Necessarily Need | TechCrunchPortlandia - One more episode... - YouTubeSponsored by Squarespace (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off) and lynda (Visit the link and do something good for yourself in 2015, sign up for a FREE 10-day trial).

TOPIC: Scoping the Minimally-Viable Me This week, Dan and Merlin catch up on illness, Marvel comics, and what-have-you, but end up talking a lot about who we really are—who "I" actually am. Merlin eventually slips into an imbued and mildly-psychedelic fugue state that may strike the listener as alternately insightful and insane. Links for this episode:Review: HAWKEYE #21 | ComicosityHawkeye #21 - Comics by comiXologyUpdated: "Visual Guide to Marvel Character Movie Rights" Infographic by The Geek Twins [Infographic] ~ The Geek TwinsFrom 'Batman' To 'Birdman,' Michael Keaton Knows Suits And Superheroes : NPR5by5 ShowbotThe Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety: Alan W. Watts: 8601300190136: Amazon.com: BooksJoCo Cruise Crazy 5: Jan 31-Feb 8, 2015 | An 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas, with Jonathan Coulton and friends | JoCo Cruise CrazyBirdman (2014) - IMDbMarvel 75 Years: From Pulp to Pop! (2014) on VimeoMarvel Studios - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLouis CK - Incurable Shitty Ankle - YouTubeFantastic Four | Official Teaser Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX - YouTubeSponsored by Citrix GoToMeeting (Visit the link and click the “TRY IT FREE” button to get a free 30-day trial),FreshBooks (Visit the link and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How did you hear about us?” section for a free 30-day trial), and lynda (Visit the link and do something good for yourself in 2015, sign up for a FREE 10-day trial).

TOPIC: Work as Practice This week Dan and Merlin chew on some of the numerous eternal imponderables of creative work—with a special focus on "work as practice." Links for this episode:Cotton Bureau – #SUPERTRAIN by Roderick on the LinePack a small bag with the very first official Roderick on the Line shirt. 5by5 | Back to Work #31: You Can Polish AC/DC All Day Long5by5 | Back to Work #205: Obsolete, circa 19935by5 | After Dark #503: After Back to Work 205Ep. 25: "Supertrain" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannThe Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety: Alan W. Watts: 8601300190136: Amazon.com: BooksRicky Jay: Deceptive Practice ~ Film Trailer and Synopsis | American Masters | PBSRicky Jay - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAudio Dharma - Lovingkindness (Metta)Metta, or lovingkindness is the heartfelt wish for the well-being of oneself and others. The practice of Metta meditation is the systematic cultivation of our capacity for lovingkindness. Cultivating friendliness and goodwill is an important partner to mindfulness meditation. "Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants" - YouTubeIf You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say, SAY IT IN ALL CAPS | This American LifeFlow (psychology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Magic Number | You Look Nice TodayThe Mind - Alan Watts - YouTubeAlan Watts speaks on worrying and compulsive thinking. Sponsored by FreshBooks (Visit the link and enter 'Back to Work' in the “How did you hear about us?” section for a free 30-day trial) and PDFpen for iPad & iPhone (Visit the link to learn more and start editing your PDFs anywhere you are).

With Merlin on sabbatical, Dan is joined by John Roderick to discuss his recent visit to Africa, the military, corporate friends, strategic thinking, the Internet, digital books and albums, echoes, playmobil figures, measuring your arms, the tribal world, selling coats on the internet, and more. Links for this episode:Lockheed AC-130 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaRoderick on the Line - Merlin MannNeoconservatism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaJCI - Cold acclimation recruits human brown fat and increases nonshivering thermogenesisFar-left politics - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHow to Sharpen Pencils: A Practical & Theoretical Treatise on the Artisanal Craft of Pencil Sharpening for Writers, Artists, Contractors, Flange Turners, Anglesmiths, & Civil Servants: David Rees, John Hodgman: 9781612193267: Amazon.com: BooksArtisanal Pencil SharpeningJonathan CoultonDon't miss the Three Johns at Camp... - Armed Forces EntertainmentSF Sketchfest 2015: Roderick on the Line with Merlin Mann an...Sponsored by Casper (Visit the link and use code COMICS for $50 towards your comfy new mattress purchase), Harry's (Start shaving smarter today and use the code COMICS for $5 off your first purchase), and Squarespace (use code ITSYOURSHOW for a free trial and 10% off).

TOPIC: "I am NOT talking about bartending." A kind of two-parter this week. First up, a meditation on invasive thoughts, how they can take over our lives, and how we can maybe learn to deal with them. Second (starting about 38 minutes in), a VERY SPOILER-HEAVY dissection of the amazing new time travel movie, Predestination. Links for this episode:Predestination (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia'"—All You Zombies—"' - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPredestination paradoxes in popular culture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaEP 200: All You Zombies - Escape Pod : Escape PodPredestination International TRAILER 1 (2014) - Ethan Hawke Sci-Fi Thriller HD - YouTubemutewinter/ShowbotEclipse desktop & web IDEsAmazon.com: Etymotic Research HF5 Portable In-Ear Earphones (Black): ElectronicsPredestination (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaInvisibilia : NPRBatman | This American LifeThe Man Who Couldn't Stop: OCD and the True Story of a Life Lost in Thought: 9781447238287: Amazon.com: BooksWhy OCD Is 'Miserable': A Science Reporter's Obsession With Contracting HIV : Shots - Health News : NPR5by5 | Build and Analyze #37: Happy in Three PlacesRoswell That Ends Well - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaA time traveller's primer | Ryan North | TEDxUofT - YouTubeParadox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTemporal paradox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPredestination paradox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGrandfather paradox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBootstrap paradox - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Man Who Folded Himself - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBy His Bootstraps - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPrimer (2004) - IMDbSeawater - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"However, drinking seawater to maintain hydration is counterproductive; more water must be excreted to eliminate the salt (via urine) than the amount of water from the seawater itself." The Incomparable | Monkey with a Tinfoil Sandwich (Episode 153)TopatoCo: Time Traveler Essentials PrintHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004) - IMDbHarry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMikeBeasterfeld/Shewbot-ircbot · GitHubrob liefeld pouches - Google SearchMikeBeasterfeld/Shewbot-rails · GitHubI made this timeline of events for the time travel movie Predestination (2014) - ImgurSF Sketchfest 2015: Roderick on the Line with Merlin Mann an...Sponsored by lynda (Visit the link and do something good for yourself in 2015, sign up for a FREE 10-day trial to lynda.com), Citrix GoToMeeting (Visit the link and click the “TRY IT FREE” button to get a free 30-day trial), and Warby Parker (Visit the link and get free 3-day shipping on your order).