Back to Work

In the most average episode ever, Merlin and Dan talk physical and digital work environments so you can get going in the right direction and don't have to spend all day on it. And, when do you know you don't want 10 times more of something and what do you do about it? There's no guarantee of security, even if you show up sober, so start acting like an entrepreneur and choose what you want 10 times more of. Links for this episode:An Unfortunate Little Man - Merlin MannSlideshow 2.0 - Blog - The Official Squarespace BlogTop 10 Programming FontsSolarized - Ethan Schoonoverdeplorableword/textmate-solarized - GitHubfilmgirl/TextMate-Themes - GitHubAppearance Manager - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaByword • A Simple Text Editor for Macoctothorpe - WiktionaryCalepinMerlin’s Calepin ThingeePelican — Pelican v2 documentationPygments — Python syntax highlighterSanta's Village artifacts | Flickr - Photo Sharing!Slideshow 2.0 - Blog - The Official Squarespace Blogkung fu grippe • An Unfortunate Little Man For today’s Back to...kung fu grippeAwkward Stock PhotosHibari: A Mac Twitter client with keyword filtering, muting, inline saved search results, inline conversations, tweet lookup, and moreCD-i - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaVIDEO: Mitchell & Webb - "A New Führer"The Front Linekung fu grippe • “Yet, here we are.” Same way, if you’re caught...Rabbit #2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing![SPONSOR] Squarespace.com - 15% off 6 months with code `bulkbag`Five terrible fake “Morning Zoo” teams | 5ivesLife Without Gluten: Perspectives | KQED Public Media for Northern CASci-Fi Hi-Fi - "How to form a stampede of engineers at Tumblr HQ."The compleat Menlo/Vera Sans comparison - All thisAmazon.com: The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety (Vintage) (9780307741202): Alan W. Watts: BooksM+ OUTLINE FONTS | DESIGNScared Shitless | 43 Foldersviolasong | Hibari design philosophySponsored by Squarespace.

TOPIC: The Hidden Cost is the True Cost Merlin is back from MacWorldPipeiWorld to talk with Dan about the True Cost of iceberg lettuce, an anchor tenant, 20 minutes of your time, and how much of your life you're going to eat sand. You don't have a TARDIS to make it back to pick up your kid or make it to Built to Spill so walk the coastline. Links for this episode:Between Two Ferns With Zach Galifianakis: Natalie Portman from Comedy Deathray, Between Two Ferns, Natalie Portman, Zach Galifianakis, Scott Aukerman, and BJPorterBetween Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Conan O'Brien & Andy Richter from Between Two Ferns, Andy Richter, Conan O'Brien, Zach Galifianakis, Comedy Deathray, Scott Aukerman, and BJPorterMandy Patinkin - IMDbAlien Nation (1988) - IMDbMerlin Mann - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediasnopes.com: Handyman's Invoice5by5 | After Dark #75: PamphletMichael Wolfe's answer to Engineering Management: Why are software development task estimations regularly off by a factor of 2-3? - QuoraThat design is money! A better ATM experience from Wells FargoHow Long Is the Coast of Britain? Statistical Self-Similarity and Fractional Dimension - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFractal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Squarespace.

TOPIC: Slipping on Dates, Sliding on Days Merlin and Dan talk about managing projects, scheduling calls, and being home when you scheduled a party. It SEEMS SO SIMPLE but then Jeannie has to go to Guam and slipping is your SOP. The way out of this quagmire is to admit you can't get out of it. You can't change a culture of slipping with a poster or a fairy princess. You have to fix the slides if you want to fix the slips. Links for this episode:Google Web FontsAgile Online StoreSponsored by 1Password and Squarespace.

TOPIC: What to do if you fear a layoff. Merlin and Dan talk about rumors of layoffs—when the fear gets you, and you start filing in the narrative with a panther, even if you're developing the best-of-breed cereal portal or have been in the newspaper's Accounts Payable department for 20 years. What do you do at the fork in the road? Do you interview with The Bobs? Do you just grow up and ask what the hell's happening? Do you try to pray away the hurricane? Or, do you just get tragically okay with being 10 times more terrified for 10 more years? Yes: there are lessons from The Wire. Links for this episode:Amazon.com: The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap (9780321413642): Stu Maschwitz: BooksStu Maschwitz - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaProlost - BlogNoble savage - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Wire - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Industry Standard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaThe Big Lebowski (1998) - IMDb5by5 | 5by5 at the Movies #1: GoodfellasRodgers Forge Snow Journal: Curbside Lawn Chairs and Parking Wars - Towson, MD PatchGorf - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaArcadeCab- MAME cabinet plans and related information5by5 | Back to Work #49: The Field of Completion5by5 | Back to Work #1: Alligator in the Bathroomcn_image.size.s-guantanamo-bay.jpg (630×427)"If anyone wants me, I’ll be in my autographed Batgirl photo with the Big Lebowski reference. "Chasing Wildebeests - Scruffy - Scruffy | ThinkingOffice Space (1999) - IMDbAmazon.com: Marpac SleepMate 980A Electro-Mechanical Sound Conditioner: Health & Personal CareColors of noise - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaX-Men Vol 1 110 - Marvel Comics DatabaseSponsored by Smile and Squarespace.

John Gruber joins Merlin to talk about blog engines, Lego, bias, credibility, the project triangle, and (duh) Star Wars.  Links for this episode:Project triangle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Wars Vintage KENNER Commercial - Death Star - YouTubeThe Phantom Edit - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Edit » Fanedit.org – Home of the faneditsstar wars despecialized - Google SearchBehind the Scenes of Harmy's Star Wars "Despecialized Edition" - Screened5by5 | The Talk Show #57: The Banana Window5by5 | The Talk Show #71: HashcowLegacy Tobacco Documents Library: About the Collectionsre: agreements between Stallone and Asso... (hlm56b00)Amazon.com: Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy (9780439882828): Matthew Reinhart: BooksAmazon.com: Don't Think of an Elephant!: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate--The Essential Guide for Progressives (9781931498715): George Lakoff, Howard Dean, Don Hazen: BooksEco - "Writings: IBM vs. Mac"43f Podcast: John Gruber & Merlin Mann's Blogging Panel at SxSW | 43 Folderskung fu grippe • Star Wars Pop-Up Book Per Back to Work #49. ...Bullshit – Marco.orgSponsored by Harvest and Rackspace.

TOPIC: How habits get made.  Dan and Merlin are back for 2012 to discuss how habits are like little hairs or inertia or homeostasis or something. How we build habits, how they get built for us, and what we can learn about habits from making our daily coffee. Links for this episode:Shutting Down My Porno Site | Pat DryburghAmazon.com: Thinking, Fast and Slow (9780374275631): Daniel Kahneman: BooksAvailability heuristicTurn your key, sir!Photic sneeze reflexkung fu grippe • annicka: zombiesenelghetto: Black Flag,...HomeostasisAmazon.com: Cuisinart DCC-1200 Brew Central 12-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker, Black/Brushed Metal: Kitchen & DiningFood drives: Charities need your money, not your random old food. - Slate MagazineBetterAmazon.com: Sakura IDenti-Pen Permanent Dual-Point Pen, Black: Arts, Crafts & SewingAmazon.com: uni-ball Gel RT Micro Point Retractable Pens, 12 Blue Ink Pens(69035): Office ProductsAmazon.com: uni-ball Deluxe Fine Point Roller Ball Pens, 12 Black Ink Pens (60052): Office ProductsJetPens.com - Japanese Pens and StationeryThinking, Fast and Slow - FT.comThis explains so much. | MetaFilterThe Forehead Ticket Trick | 43 FoldersUseful Landmines - 43FoldersWikiDaniel Kahneman - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com (use code `bigweek` for 30% off 3 months)Between the Lines - Features - Los Angeles magazineAntonio Gramsci - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCategory:Cognitive biases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGolden Gate Bridge: Construction InformationBig Miracle - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Squarespace and Sponsor 5by5.

TOPIC: Resolving to skip the New Year's resolutions. In the last episode of 2011, Merlin and Dan talk about fresh starts and modest changes rather than rehearsing for sucking. You don't need a calendar to tell you to change. Whether you want to give up nail biting, onanism, or drinking a gallon of vodka a day, you need a plan and a tolerance for failure. Plus, a little care never hurts. How to do it? Keep it small, keep it time-limited, keep it action-oriented. Happy New Year, jackals. We love you. Links for this episode:Neven Mrgan's tumbl - "Focused dabbling"5by5 | The Talk Show #72: H.R. FluffypuffLooking back at our fresh starts & modest changes | 43 FoldersFight with kniveskung fu grippe - Blue-Sky SolutioneeringFive cues that Robert Plant is ready to have sexual intercourse with you « 5ivesTwitter - "GoDaddy's the insane roommate…"Ep. 14: "Big City Apology" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannSaturday Night Live: "Kings of Catchphrase Comedy Tour Vol. 2"Fresh Start: The Email DMZ | 43 Folderskung fu grippe • Fresh Start: The Email DMZ | 43 Folders Per B2W...iTunes - TV Shows - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Remastered Editionlivin' the dream · A Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Domains Out Of GoDaddyAmazon.com: Horton Hears A Who! (9780394800783): Dr. Seuss: BooksExtensible Provisioning Protocol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSodastream | Turn Water Into Fresh Sparkling Water And SodaWater intoxication - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaOnan - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Squarespace and Sponsor 5by5.

Topic: The Meta-Distractions of "Minimalism" This week, Merlin and Dan get all "Zen" about bias and minimalism. Your background won't get any blacker, so stop burning cycles arguing on the internet or worrying about what other people think or how minimal you are. It's not about the bird skeletons, lion skins or barefoot girls. Unless that's what works. Just make sure it really works.  Links for this episode:kung fu grippe • Meet Thorstenson Finlandson[SPONSOR] Squarespace (30% off 3 months with code `fineformerlin`)[SPONSOR] 1Password (40% off everything for B2W listeners)The Hudsucker Proxy - "Thorstenson Finlandson"Fresh Starts & Modest Changes | 43 Folderskung fu grippe • 43 Simple Ways To Simplify Your LifeLarry Wall [Wikipedia]Marked: MultiMarkdown preview, everywhereRay Bradbury's Desk - mlkshkA man, a ball, a hoop, a bench (and an alleged thread)… TELLER! - Las Vegas WeeklyAmazon.com: Zen Flesh Zen Bones: A Collection of Zen and Pre-Zen Writings (9780804831864): Paul Reps, Nyogen Senzaki: BooksAmazon.com: Shoes Outside the Door: Desire, Devotion, and Excess at San Francisco Zen Center (9781582432540): Michael Downing: Bookskung fu grippe • when love breaks downkung fu grippe • Non-Canonical So.Twitter / @TJLuoma: After 14 years of putting ...Paris Review - The Art of Fiction No. 21, Ernest HemingwayVIDEO - môr mnml - Merlin's Minimalist Workspace VIDEO - Penn & Teller's Bullet Catch Illusion (amazing!)kung fu grippe - Intro to RockpileMacBreak: Minimize distractions on your Mac | 43 FoldersMacGuffin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaM-OF.lux: software to make your life betterAmazon.com: Histoire De Babar Le Petit Elephant (9782010025198): Jean de Brunhoff, Jean Brunhoff: Bookskung fu grippe - "Please Read"Dem Bones - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSatori - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMusic Jokes, U2Is it safe to use baby powder on my baby? | BabyCenterThe View from Nowhere: Questions and Answers » PressthinkTwitter: "Turns Out…"Zazen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | The Talk Show #71: HashcowOn The Verge, Episode 002: John Gruber | The VergeOfficial Gmail Blog: 2 hidden ways to get more from your Gmail addressDuran Duran - Planet Earth - YouTubeIMG: "Some Hot Chick Typing in Her Underwear"Amazon.com: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind (9781590308493): Shunryu Suzuki, David Chadwick: BooksIMG: kung fu grippe • Minimally ZenVIDEO: Delta Rhythm Boys - "Dem Bones"kung fu grippe • ‘sda’ TextExpander saves you countless...Sponsored by 1Password, Squarespace, and Stitcher.

Topic: The Narcissism of Small Differences This week, Merlin has a quiz for Dan to determine whether Ben Franklin, "The Immigrant Song," or Quantum Mechanics has the most cultural impact--as well as his teasing out Dan's go-to for uninstalling Android apps. Paying attention to the same degree you care goes nicely with keeping a sense of humor. Especially about those small differences regarding couch cushions, pink spaceships, and Sgt. Pepper's. The answers are Moby Dick, Julian calendars, ZoSo, chigger bites, and--yes--The Greater Nerd Theory. Links for this episode:Benjamin Franklin's daily schedule | Flickr - Photo Sharing!Twitter / @joelhousman: @hotdogsladies @danbenjami ...Niels Bohr - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | The Talk Show #70: Pre-Lit5by5 | Back to Work #39: A Source of Rice with VelocityMerlin's Essay: BetterNarcissism of small differences - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaZoSo - Google Searchkung fu grippe • Easily, the best edition of this very important...Amazon.com: How the West Was Won: Led Zeppelin: MusicLarry Wall QuotesMcSweeney’s Internet Tendency: List: E-mail Addresses It Would Be Really Annoying to Give Out Over the Phone.My Faith in Nerds: Stronger Than Any Gelatinous Cube | 43 FoldersElvis Presley - "Too Much" [worst. guitar solo. ever.]Led Zeppelin - "Heartbreaker" (live) [Slamming version; asinine guitar solo][SPONSOR] Smile Software (20% off with code `lastchance`)[SPONSOR] Squarespace (30% off 3 months with code `fineformerlin`)All My Love (song) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Sponsor 5by5, Smile, and Squarespace.

Topic: Moving from dumb nouns to awesome verbs. This week, Dan and Merlin talk about the problem with Capital Letter Nouns; how real and specific verbs will always trounce Excellence, Effectiveness, and Mission Statements--even in the Best-of-Breed Pursuance of Five-Nines Quality Across The Enterprise. They also look at transitive and intransitive flavors of "feasance," finding your keyboard's Excellence Key, opting-in for The Johnson Treatment, lancing that actionable boil, and (as ever) shooting the obvious fish in the obvious barrel. Links for this episode:Merlin Loves 1Password on Vimeo5by5 Illustrated[SPONSOR] Squarespace (offer code: `fineformerlin`)[SPONSOR] 1Password (40% off everything for B2W listeners)Capgras delusion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSix Sigma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaUrban Dictionary: johnson rodAntiques, Collectibles, Shows, Clothing, Food, By the Bay, Alameda Point Antiques Faire and Michaans AuctionsCapital Letter Nouns v. lower-case verbs | 43 FoldersMission statement - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAgile software development - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMarsEdit 3 - Desktop blog editing for the Mac.malfeasance legal definition of malfeasance. malfeasance synonyms by the Free Online Law Dictionary.App Store - Squarespace for iOSTexas Instruments TI-99/4A - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com: The Uncanny X-Men: An Origin Story (9781423142997): Rich Thomas, Storybook Art Group: BooksAmazon.com: Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (v. 1) (9780785121015): Chris Claremont, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne: Books5by5 | The Conversation #27: Missionless StatementsIMAGE: Merlin's Giant X-Men OmnibusAmazon.com: Extreme Programming Pocket Guide (9780596004859): chromatic: BooksIMAGE: Merlin's New FramesFrakintosh - "Hi."5by5 | Back to Work #2: Picture of a BoatSanta Claus Is Comin' to Town (TV special) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (TV special) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaWelcome to BrettTerpstra.com, home of Brett Terpstra and his nerderyFor your enjoyment and potentially limited usefulness - Blog -5by5 Illustratedkung fu grippe • “Remember…” Dan has confirmed that this handsome...Sponsored by 1Password, Sponsor 5by5, and Squarespace.