Back to Work

Back to Work

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Back to Work episodes

  • Episode 123: I Want to See Your Face the Whole Time (LIVE)

    TOPIC: First Meeting, Gifts, and Grifts

    This week—after 122 episodes, plus almost a decade of internet pal-dom—Dan and Merlin finally meet and record in a room together for the first time.

    With only passing nods to the nominal topic of "gifts," Dan and Merlin mostly get to know each other.

    Why is Dan staring so penetratingly at Merlin? Does Dan think Merlin is fat as well as old? Why does Dan keep looking at his phone? Does that look clean to you? Whose show is it, really? Is John Siracusa slender or sickly? Why can't I show you the sole of my shoe? Should we stand up? Who am I thinking of? Is it hot in here or is it just me? Which one am I?

    Also, bathrooms.

    Inarguably, a Very Important Episode™.

    Links for this episode:

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  • [SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace
    Everything You Need to Create an Exceptional Website.
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  • [SPONSOR] OmniPresence - The Omni Group
    OmniPresence is the best way to sync all of your documents across all of your devices. And it works on most web hosts, including OS X Server, which means you can store all of your data yourself.
  • Does That Look Clean to You? Sound Clip and Quote - Hark
    Howard: Does that look clean to you? Ava: Nothing's clean, Howard. But we do our best, right?
  • $5000 in 1950 dollars - Wolfram|Alpha
    $48,792 in 2013 dollars.
  • Jason Snell (jsnell) on Twitter
    Editorial director for @Macworld/@TechHive/@PCWorld. @theincomparable podcaster. Writer, primate, parent.
    • Mill Valley, CA · intertext.com
  • Glen Glenn - IMDb
    Trivia: Founder of Glen Glenn Sound Systems which has been used for sound in over 20,000 motion pictures to date.

    • This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by:

    • Squarespace

      • (Use offer code "BMO" for an additional 10% off)

    • Tonx

      • (Sign up for a Standard (or bigger) subscription by Father's Day, and get a FREE Aeropress)

    • OmniPresence

      • (The best way to sync all of your documents across all of your devices)

      1 hr 30 min
    • Episode 122: The Crowbar of Loyalty

      TOPIC: Loyalty, Altruism, Reality Check, or Extortion?

      This week, Dan and Merlin talk about what we talk about when we talk about "loyalty."

      Links for this episode:

      • [SPONSOR] Shutterstock
        Stock Photos | Shutterstock: Royalty-Free Subscription Stock Photography & Vector Art - Search and select from millions of high resolution royalty free images, stock photos, vector art, and stock photography.
    • [SPONSOR] Less Meeting
      Less Meeting helps you improve meeting planning, running meetings, and meeting follow-up. Less Meeting improves your ability to plan a meeting with meeting agenda templates and it helps you improve meeting minutes and action item follow-up.
    • [SPONSOR] Backblaze
      Easiest online backup service for $5 month unlimited storage. Backblaze's remote backup automatically backs up your data to our secure datacenter. 15 day free trial.
    • Graceland - a set on Flickr (Jimmy Marks)
      [[via](https://twitter.com/jimmymarks/status/341964747979235329)]
    • Elvis: Albert Harry Goldman: 9780140059656: Amazon.com: Books
    • Amazon.com: Secret War Brian Michael Bendis, Gabriele Dell Otto: Kindle Store
      Collects Secret War (2004) #1-5.
      • When Nick Fury finds a connection between many of Marvel's deadliest villains, he puts together a team of the most misunderstood heroes for a secret mission to do what the U.S. government could never allow.
    • 5by5 | The Incomparable #136: We Waited 16 Years For This?
      They said it couldn't be done! They said it shouldn't be done! But here we are, talking about "Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace." Why are the Jedi such jerks? A little Jedi goes a long way. Also, the biggest letdown of John Siracusa's life to date, stupid droids, good actors being boring, text versus subtext, the merits of prequels in general, and why this is a movie that makes us dream... of a better movie. Exqueeze me? (Part 1 of 2.)
      • Special guests Dan Moren, Greg Knauss, John Siracusa, Monty Ashley, Serenity Caldwell, and Steve Lutz.
    • 5by5 | The Incomparable #137: Go Wash a Droid
      We conclude our discussion of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace." We discuss the merits of podracing, debate who the Jedi's version of Fonzie is, and grapple with tricky euphemisms. Plus, is the final lightsaber duel cool or just over-choreographed? And why is there a hall full of forcefields, next to a room with no guard rails? Party on, Darth! (Part 2 of 2.)
      • Special guests Dan Moren, Greg Knauss, John Siracusa, Serenity Caldwell, Steve Lutz, and Monty Ashley.
    • Toxoplasmosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.[ The parasite infects most genera of warm-blooded animals, including humans, but the primary host is the felid (cat) family. Animals are infected by eating infected meat, by ingestion of feces of a cat that has itself recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus. Cats are the primary source of infection to human hosts, although contact with raw meat, especially pork, is a more significant source of human infections in some countries. Fecal contamination of hands is a significant risk factor.
    • Toxoplasmosis Parasite May Trigger Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorders
      The team from the University of Leeds? Faculty of Biological Sciences has shown that the parasite may play a role in the development of these disorders by affecting the production of dopamine -- the chemical that relays messages in the brain controlling aspects of movement, cognition and behaviour.
    • Links Between Toxoplasmosis and Schizophrenia - Psychiatry
    • Mrs. Dash-Original Seasoning Blend, 6.75 oz: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food
    • U.S. Wellness Meats — Our Animals Eat Right So You Can Too.
    • 4 (8 oz.) Organic Grass-Fed Tri-tip Steaks: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food
    • Hearst Ranch :: Grass-fed Tri-Tip Roast
    • 5by5 | The Conversation #27: Missionless Statements
      In this special episode, Dan Benjamin talks with two of his heroes, Merlin Mann and Jeff Veen about independence, free thinking, email, productivity, and changing your game.
    • Life Model Decoy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Life-Model Decoys (LMD's) are a S.H.I.E.L.D. designed robot that takes the form of a living person, thus making a recreation of that person. The owner can see through, speak through, and control everything the LMD does. Nick Fury's LMD's are probably the most common in the Marvel Universe.
    • Sous Vide Grass Fed Tri-Tip Roast | Award-Winning Paleo Recipes | Nom Nom Paleo
    • Secret War (comics) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      The storyline involves a large scale super-hero crossover featuring Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Daredevil, Luke Cage and Nick Fury fighting a wide array of super-villains who have received hi-tech armaments from a mysterious benefactor.
    • Braxton Hicks contractions - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Braxton Hicks contractions, also known as prodromal labor or practice contractions, or incorrectly as false labor, are sporadic uterine contractions that sometimes start around six weeks into a pregnancy. However, they are not usually felt until the second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy.
    • Don Ameche - IMDb
      Ameche was a versatile and popular film actor in the 1930s and '40s, usually as the dapper, mustached leading man. He was also popular as a radio master of ceremonies during this time. As his film popularity waned in the 1950s, he continued working in theater and some TV.
    • Skottie Young • X-Men #1 Young Variant. No Boys Allowed. 
      X-Men #1 Young Variant. No Boys Allowed.
    • Being There - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Eve brings Chance to their home to recover. Drinking alcohol for the first time in the car ride home, Chance coughs as he tells Eve his name. Eve mishears "Chance the Gardener" as "Chauncey Gardiner". Judging from Chance's appearance and manners, Rand assumes that Chance is an upper class, highly educated businessman. Chance's style and seemingly insightful ways embody the qualities Rand admires. Chance's simplistic utterances about gardens are interpreted as allegorical statements about business and the state of the economy.
    • "Hogan's Heroes" (1965)
      If you liked World War II, you'll love Hogan's Heroes!
    • Downfall (2004) - Synopsis
      The narrative begins in November of 1942. Traudl Junge and four other young women are arriving at F?hrer's Headquarters Wolf's Lair in Rastenburg, East Prussia. The women are met by Hitler's valet, Heinz Linge. After he gives the women an introduction, Hitler emerges from his office and proceeds to individually ask each woman her name and where she is from. Traudl Junge is the first woman chosen to have her secretarial skills tested and is eventually chosen to be Hitlers personal secretary.
    • Herve Leger - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Hervé Léger was founded in 1985 by the designer Hervé Peugnet, currently known as Hervé L. Leroux. Leroux adopted his current name after he lost the rights to the Hervé Léger name.
    • 5by5 | Back to Work #115: Invitation to a Blame Party
      This week, Dan and Merlin address the problems with meetings, and how we can each choose to improve them.
    • Martin and Lewis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Their success at the 500 led to a series of well-paying engagements up and down the Eastern seaboard, culminating with a triumphant run at New York's Copacabana.
    • Abbott and Costello - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      William "Bud" Abbott and Lou Costello (born Louis Francis Cristillo), were an American comedy duo whose work in vaudeville and on stage, radio, film and television made them the most popular comedy team during the 1940s and early 1950s. Their patter routine "Who's on First?" is considered one of the greatest comedy routines of all time and set the framework for many of their best-known comedy bits.
    • 5by5 | Back to Work #5: Chigger Bites on the Bus Driver
      Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin talk about the black art of paying attention to the right things, how lamps are no substitute, that it's hard whether you’re working from home or a cube, being honest about your expertise before looking for independence, and the need to move past inspiration.
    • Olestra - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      Starting in 1996, an FDA-mandated health warning label read "This Product Contains Olestra. Olestra may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K have been added."
      • These symptoms, normally occurring only by excessive consumption in a short period of time, are known as steatorrhea, and caused by an excess of fat in stool.
    • Visiting Nicolas Cages estate sale

      • This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by:

      • Backblaze

        • (get a 15-day free trial)

      • Shutterstock

        • (user offer code "DANSENTME6" and get 30% off any package)

      • Less Meeting

        • (use the special code "DANSENTME6" for 10% off lifetime for your whole team)

        1 hr 47 min
      • Episode 121: I Just Had a Dog Delivered

        TOPIC: Dan's Recent Bathroom Incident, et al.

        This week, Dan and Merlin exhale. Don't search for secret doors.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] TextExpander Touch 2 by Smile
          TextExpander Touch: Type more with less effort on your iPhone or iPad! Expand custom keyboard shortcuts into frequently-used text snippets. Grab your favorite snippets from your Mac!
      • [SPONSOR] Squarespace
        Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website. Pages, galleries, blogs, domains, hosting, analytics, 24/7 support - all included.
        • Use offer code "**`enchiridion`**" for an additional 10% off.
      • "Unacceptable Condition" by Thenamelessavenger
        "I wanted to teach myself how to use Audiosnap (a timing repair tool) in Sonar. So instead of faking a sloppy take and adjusting for rhythm, i sampled Lemongrab from Adventure Time into an entirely new composition. I am going to bed beaming tonight at how well this came out. Oh my god! I hope you like it too."
        • [[via](https://twitter.com/Josh_Harper/status/339403954817470464) and [via](https://twitter.com/blindeschildpad/status/339404606280957952)]
      • Adventure Time - "Shmowzow!" (NOTE: makes noise)
      • TextExpander touch for the iPhone and iPad: Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time!
        iOS app developers: learn more about the free TextExpander touch SDK.
      • Drafts for iPhone
        Drafts, where text starts on iOS. Version 3.0 bring even more power and extensibility to one of the most popular productivity apps on the App Store!
      • Drafts for iPad
      • Twitter / bencochran: @danbenjamin @hotdogsladies ...

        @danbenjamin @hotdogsladies I spent way too long fussing with photoshop, but uh:

        • http://f.cl.ly/items/3H2D1r441r262n2V0q0q/door-handle2.gif …
        http://f.cl.ly/items/3s3m1y3t1F401f312R0V/door-open2.gif …

      • 5by5 | Back to Work #85: Schrödinger's Soap Holder
        TOPIC: One Operational Paper Towel; One Safety Paper Towel.

        • This week, Dan and Merlin discuss how to use a public restroom.

        There's some other stuff, too. But, yeah. Mostly Dan and Merlin discuss how to use a public restroom.

      • Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) - Quotes - IMDb
        Showing all 62 items
      • Amazon.com: The Aviator (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition): Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, John C. Reilly, Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Stanley DeSantis, Alan Alda, Kelli Garner, Edward Herrmann, Ian Holm, Danny Huston, Jude Law, Frances Co
      • anothercutenerdblog: sirkeren: The Girls Of... | kung fu grippe
        The Girls Of Adventure Time [Cosplay]
      • Ben Cochran (bencochran) on Twitter
        I make iOS apps for Mobiata.
      • The Aviator (2004)
        A biopic depicting the early years of legendary director and aviator Howard Hughes' career, from the late 1920s to the mid-1940s.
      • Simon Petrikov and Marcy from Adventure Time - Daily Cosplay .com
      • Amazon.com: Infinity Gauntlet (9780785156598): Jim Starlin, George Perez, Ron Lim: Books
        It's the Avengers, the New Warriors, the X-Men and more against the omnipotent Eternal, Thanos! The Mad Titan has become the most powerful being in the universe, and enslavement or destruction may be the only choices he gives it! The successive Starlin sagas that shook space and time start here!
      • Assessment of the environmental microbiological cross-contamination following hand drying with paper hand towels or an air blade dryer - Margas - Journal of Applied Microbiology - Wiley Online Library
        "The two drying methods led to different patterns of ballistic droplets and levels of microbial contamination under heavy use conditions. Whilst the increase in microbial levels in the environment is not significant if only non-pathogenic microorganisms are spread, it may increase the risk of pathogen contamination of the environment when pathogens are occasionally present on people's hands."

        • [via Dr. Donald Schaffner]

        This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by TextExpander Touch 2 by Smile; and Squarespace (use offer code "enchiridion" for an additional 10% off).

        1 hr 10 min
      • Episode 120: Egg MacGuffin

        TOPIC: What would you do differently if you had a "safety net?"

        This week, Dan and Merlin congratulate their pal, Marco, on the acquisition of a company he helped co-found.

        Which leads to the nominal topic: what kind of safety net would you need to feel secure, do the things you'd like, and mostly banish the more persistent cumulonimbus clouds of your own anxiety?

        Many angles are explored. Why was Elvis unhappy? How is habitual Schadenfreude and automatic bile ensmallening our culture? Can we ever be—let alone feel—truly secure? And, how much of our old selves do we end up lugging along inside every suitcase we carry?

        Pretty great episode. Especially if you like the ones where Merlin gets all mad. Those are usually good ones.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock
          Sign-up for a free browse account, go to Shutterstock.com, no credit card needed.
        When you find the images you like and decide to purchase, user offer code "**`DANSENTME5`**" and get 30% off any package.
      • Comic Book Reading Order | Comics Back Issues
        When it comes to finding a comic book reading order online, the resources out there are either incomplete or “too” complete. Some sites will focus only on trade paperbacks, while others will split books up by page, sending a flashback from 2009 all the way back to 1972.  Neither allows you to put your single issues in the order they were meant to be read.  It’s with this goal that we set out to create our first reading order, and upon many requests have spread out to many other popular franchises.
      • Adventure Time - “BMO’s Pregnant Song” (Adventure... | kung fu grippe
        Oh! Oh, BMO!How’d you get so pregnant?“Who’s the mother? Oh, who’s the father?”
      • "That's where 'Tumbalog' comes in." | kung fu grippe
        On February 12, 2007, I pitched my pal, Nelson Minar, on an idea for a web service we could build that would make it easy for people to setup their own mini-site where they could post random bits of text, photos, etc.
      • See You on Larry’s Island - The Talk Show - Mule Radio Syndicate
        Very special guest Merlin Mann joins John Gruber to discuss 43-year-old Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera, career-ending injuries for writers and podcasters, and whether Larry Page more resembles a Bond villain or Magneto. In other words, the usual.
      • 5by5 | CMD+Space #43: Option+CMD+H, with Merlin Mann
        This time Myke is joined by Merlin Mann. They have a very 'Back to Work'-esque discussion covering Adventure Time and Comics books (naturally), but with a great discussion around what it's like to work in large companies, living with a routine and why achieving tenure might not be all what it's cracked up to be.
      • The One-Person Product – Marco.org
        As for me, while I wasn’t a “founder” financially, David was generous with my employee stock options back in the day. I won’t make yacht-and-helicopter money from the acquisition, and I won’t be switching to dedicated day and night iPhones. But as long as I manage investments properly and don’t spend recklessly, Tumblr has given my family a strong safety net and given me the freedom to work on whatever I want. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.
      • [UPDATED] " Back to Work Media Survival Guide
        An informal appendix of movies and TV shows that are compulsively quoted or referenced by Dan and Merlin. See? It all makes sense now!
      • Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: Harry Tosses Perry's Gun - YouTube
      • Adventure Time - “I’m Just Your Problem” -... | kung fu grippe
        That Olivia Olson has some serious pipes.She not only voices Marceline’s speaking voice, but sings many of her awesome songs.
      • Amazon.com: ACT Restoring Mouthwash, Cool Splash Mint, 18-Ounce Bottle (Pack of 4): Health & Personal Care
      • Facebook, One Year Later: What Really Happened in the Biggest IPO Flop Ever - Khadeeja Safdar - The Atlantic
        After Facebook's disastrous debut, the preferred clients of big banks walked away with huge profits. How? Public documents and interviews with dozens of investment bankers and research analysts reveal that the Street caught wind of something the public didn't. The social network and the banks told half the story. Here is the other half.
      • Edited for television: Best and worst - Straight Dope Message Board
        What, in your opinion, have been the most memorable things censors have changed when movies are aired on the small screen? I always try to remember what swear words came where, to see what they'll do to them on television.
      • Big Lebowski - Edited For TV... Badly - YouTube
        "You see what happens Larry? You see what happens when you find a stranger in the alps?!?!"
      • The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety (Vintage): Alan W. Watts: 9780307741202: Amazon.com: Books
        "We spend too much time trying to anticipate and plan for the future; too much time lamenting the past. We often miss the pleasures of the moment in our anxious efforts to ensure the next moment is as enjoyable. Drawing from Eastern philosophy and religion, Watts argues that it is only by acknowledging what we do not and cannot know, that we can find something truly worth knowing. In order to lead a fulfilling life, one must embrace the present—live fully in the now."
      • [VIDEO] Blake's monologue from "Glengarry Glen Ross"
        "Go and do likewise gents. Money's out there. You pick it up, it's yours. You don't, I got no sympathy for you. "
      • The Godfather Saga - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The Godfather Saga is a TV miniseries that combines The Godfather and The Godfather Part II into one film. It originally aired on NBC over four consecutive nights (one three-hour segment and three two-hour segments) in November 1977. The Godfather Saga is also known as The Godfather: The Complete Novel For Television, The Godfather: A Novel for Television, and The Godfather Novella. The television version was the basis for a shorter, 1981 video release known as The Godfather 1902–1959: The Complete Epic. Following the release of The Godfather Part III in 1990, a third unified version was released to video in 1992 entitled The Godfather Trilogy: 1901–1980.
      • "The Godfather: A Novel for Television" (1977)
        The first two Godfather films were re-edited together in chronological order with additional footage added.
      • Neighborhood Watch - The Bold Italic - San Francisco
        "I have seen knife fights before. I have never seen one before breakfast."
      • I Am Not Spock: Leonard Nimoy: 9781568496917: Amazon.com: Books
      • I Am Spock: Leonard Nemoy: 9780786889105: Amazon.com: Books
      • The X-Men #129 - God Spare The Child... (Issue)
        Note: This is the first appearance of the popular X-men Kitty Pryde, Carmen pryde, Terri Pryde, Donald Pierce, Harry Leland, and Emma Frost (who was a villain during her first appearances). And one of the greatest X-men-villains, Sebastian Shaw.
      • Secret Wars - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Kenner had licensed the DC Heroes. Mattel had He-Man, but wanted to hedge in case superheroes became the next big fad. They were interested in Marvel's characters, but only if we staged a publishing event that would get a lot of attention, and they could build a theme around. Fans, especially young fans often suggested to me "one big story with all the heroes and all the villains in it", so I proposed that. It flew. Mattel thought that kids responded well to the word "secret", so after a couple of working names bit the dust, we called the story "Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars".
      • Nelson's Weblog
      • Aspartame - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Aspartame is an artificial, non-saccharide sweetener used as a sugar substitute in some foods and beverages. In the European Union, it is codified as E951. Aspartame is a methyl ester of the aspartic acid/phenylalanine dipeptide. It was first sold under the brand name NutraSweet; since 2009 it also has been sold under the brand name AminoSweet. It was first synthesized in 1965 and the patent expired in 1992.
      • Paper | FiftyThree
        "Five essential tools optimized for the creative process to Sketch, Write, Draw, Outline and Color. Start with Draw and purchase additional tools from the in-app store."
      • [VIDEO] Glengarry Glen Ross - "Oh, what a big MAN you are!"
        "Your pal closes, and all that comes out of your mouth is BILE. Ewwww! "
      • [VIDEO] Scared Shitless | 43 Folders
        "You can be scared and still do it anyway. Regardless of whatever it is."
      • Monster of rock: Allen Klein swindled The Stones and broke up The Beatles and is still rock 'n' roll's most ruthless Svengali | Mail Online
        "In Britain we only really became aware of Klein when the Rolling Stones' first manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, suddenly sold the group to him, without consulting them."
      • Top 10 Music Managers Who Fucked Over Their Clients - Los Angeles - Music - West Coast Sound
      • Billy Joel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        In August 1989, just before the album was released, Joel fired his manager (and former brother-in-law) Frank Weber after an audit revealed major discrepancies in Weber's accounting. Joel subsequently sued Weber for $90 million, claiming fraud and breach of fiduciary duty and in January 1990 he was awarded $2 million in a partial judgement against Weber; in April, the court dismissed a $30 million countersuit filed by Weber.
      • Rob Corddry - Los Angeles Premiere of "Pain & Gain" held... | Rob Corddry Picture 3622432 | Contactmusic.com
      • 'Pain & Gain' L.A. Premiere: Mark Wahlberg, Rebel Wilson Wow on the Red Carpet (PHOTOS)
      • Quote Details: Henry David Thoreau: Beware of all enterprises... - The Quotations Page
        "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes."
      • Zero–sum game - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        In game theory and economic theory, a zero–sum game is a mathematical representation of a situation in which a participant's gain (or loss) of utility is exactly balanced by the losses (or gains) of the utility of the other participant(s). If the total gains of the participants are added up, and the total losses are subtracted, they will sum to zero. Thus cutting a cake, where taking a larger piece reduces the amount of cake available for others, is a zero–sum game if all participants value each unit of cake equally (see marginal utility). In contrast, non-zero–sum describes a situation in which the interacting parties' aggregate gains and losses are either less than or more than zero. A zero–sum game is also called a strictly competitive game while non-zero–sum games can be either competitive or non-competitive. Zero–sum games are most often solved with the minimax theorem which is closely related to linear programming duality, or with Nash equilibrium.
      • 5by5 | The Incomparable #141: Tony Stark Wants the Credit
        Put on your high-tech suit of armor and join us for our discussion of "Iron Man 3." We talk about Tony's post-traumatic stress, his problematic relationship with technology, and his questionable choice to use remote armor to give a present to his girlfriend. We also discuss the pros and cons of the first two Iron Man movies, analyze how this film fits in as a post-"Avengers" story, and appreciate Tony's MacGyver moment.
        • Special guests Lisa Schmeiser & Scott McNulty.
      • Fan service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Fan service, fanservice, or service cut, is a term originating from anime and manga fandom for material in a series which is intentionally added to please the audience. It is about "servicing" the fan - giving the fans "exactly what they want". Fan service usually refers to "gratuitous titillation", but can also refer to intertextual references to other series.
      • Superchunk - "Seed Toss" (1991)
        "You're tossing your SEEDS around!"
      • Starting from Scratch | This American Life
        Segment: "Making Money The Old Fashioned Way."
        • Mary Beth Kirchner documents one day in the life of a hustler named Joe, who wakes up every morning broke, hustles as much as $10,000 during the day and then loses most of it by the time he goes to bed. What it's like to start from scratch every day of your life.
      • The Specials - Nelson Mandela - YouTube

        • This week’s episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Shutterstock (use discount code “DANSENTME5” for 30% off any package).

        1 hr 37 min
      • Episode 119: Big Bag of Pandora's Potatoes

        TOPIC: Macintosh Nostalgia and Utter Apple ID Madness.

        This week, after an entirely appropriate amount of very important follow-up, Dan and Merlin talk about Susan Kare's original Mac icons, why they're not going to be appearing on John Siracusa's t-shirt, plus the litany of completely monkeyballs problems that now has Merlin ready to literally shoot his Apple ID in the back of the head, mob-style.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] Squarespace.com
          Build a Website - Squarespace - Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website. Pages, galleries, blogs, domains, hosting, analytics, 24/7 support - all included.
      • Beyond the To Do List - "Merlin Mann Interview"
        For the 1st time, the origin story behind Back to Work can be told.
      • 5by5 | The Incomparable #140: The Sublime Magicks of Exposition
        No more mutants! We discuss the 2005 Marvel Comics miniseries "House of M," in which writer Brian Michael Bendis gets to show off his love of meetings, Doctor Strange, and meetings chaired by Doctor Strange! Also, there's a crazy "What If?" style parallel universe, approximately a billion spin-offs, and in the cruelest twist, Peter Parker is briefly allowed to be happy. And finally there's a shocking finale that set the tone for mutant storylines up to the present day. Listen before the Scarlet Witch wishes this podcast out of existence!Special guests Andy Ihnatko, Lisa Schmeiser, Merlin Mann, and Moisés Chiullan.
      • 5by5 | After Dark #372: No More Merlins: Cut From The Incomparable #140
        Plenty of comics nerdery from The Incomparable's "House of M" episode.Special guests Andy Ihnatko, Jason Snell, Lisa Schmeiser, Merlin Mann, and Moisés Chiullan.
      • Creative Think - Roger von Oech
        Roger von Oech is an author, inventor, and speaker. His seminars and products have enriched the creativity of millions of people around the world.
      • Roger von Oech - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Roger von Oech (born Feb. 16, 1948) is an American speaker, conference organizer, author, and toy-maker whose focus has been on the study of creativity.
      • Roger von Oech (RogervonOech) on Twitter
        Author (A Whack on the Side of the Head, Creative Whack Pack), inventor (Ball of Whacks, X-Ball, Y-Ball), iPhone/iPad App http://j.mp/cwpap
      • Status Board (iPad app by Panic)
        You've got data. The news. Your calendar. Active projects and e-mail queues. Sales totals and bug counts. Your data isn't going away. Let's make data beautiful.Status Board takes your data and gives it meaning. Use the easy built-in panels. Or massage your data for our Graph and Table panels. It's going to be awesome.
      • Age of Ultron Digital Comics - Comics by comiXology
        For years the heroes of the Marvel Universe have lived in fear that the artificial intelligence known as Ultron would one day evolve to fulfill its desire to wipe out all organic life and take over the Earth -- that day has arrived. The Avengers worst nightmare is here-- the Age of Ultron has begun.
      • Age of Ultron - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        "Age of Ultron" (abbreviated AU) is a 10-issue limited series comic book crossover storyline published by Marvel Comics, that involves the return of Ultron and his conquest of the earth.
      • On preventing a tug-of-war
        "By far the best way to prevent a tug-of-war is to not pick up your end of the rope."
        • —Don Lancaster
      • Making musical influences your own, a followup | Nathan Shubert
        I think it’s incredibly important for all creative people to actively search out that which inspires them, and to figure out what it is about it specifically that speaks to them. But after that, it’s time to move on to the artist persona, to create something truly your own.
      • [IMG] In which disapocrypha gets Siracusa close to different metal.
      • 5by5 | Mac Power Users #136: iOS Automation
        David and Katie talk about their favorite apps and tools for automating tasks on iOS
      • The Devil's Advocate (1997 film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The Devil's Advocate (marketed as Devil's Advocate) is a 1997 American mystery thriller film based on Andrew Neiderman's novel of the same name. It is directed by Taylor Hackford and stars Keanu Reeves, Al Pacino, and Charlize Theron.
      • Merlin Mann on Inbox Zero, Getting Things Done, Opportunity Cost and Sunk Cost Fallacy – BTTDL032
      • Susan Kare - User Interface Graphics - Apple Mac Icons
      • Apple Lisa - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The Lisa is a personal computer designed by Apple Computer, Inc. during the early 1980s. It was the first personal computer to offer a graphical user interface in an inexpensive machine aimed at individual business users.
      • Apple II series - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The Apple II series (trademarked with square brackets as "Apple ][") is a set of 8-bit home computers, one of the first highly successful mass-produced microcomputer products,[1] designed primarily by Steve Wozniak, manufactured by Apple Computer (now Apple Inc.) and introduced in 1977 with the original Apple II. In terms of ease of use, features and expandability the Apple II was a major technological advancement over its predecessor, the Apple I, a limited-production bare circuit board computer for electronics hobbyists that pioneered many features that made the Apple II a commercial success.
      • The Model III TRS-80 System
        The TRS-80 Model III was one of the most successful computers ever built. It was used in schools throughout the United States, replacing the failing Commodores. It was used in offices, factories, and homes. By 1983, when it was replaced by the Model 4, a couple of million must have been sold. (Radio Shack has never given out the figures.) It was supported by the largest software libraries in existence up to that time, and several other operating systems were written for it. It became the standard grade school computer in thousands of school districts and the mainstay of small business.
      • The Enchiridion (book) - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
        The Enchiridion (which translates to "The Handbook" or "The Manual") was an ancient book with codes of conduct, guidelines, and other helpful information for heroes. The book had great power which allowed it to tear open worm holes between dimensions in the multiverse. It was destroyed by Finn in "The Lich" in order to stop the Lich from gaining access to the multiverse (although, the Lich still made it. See "The Lich" for more details.)
      • HIGH-INTENSITY CIRCUIT TRAINING USING BODY WEIGHT: Maximum R... : ACSM's Health & Fitness Journal
        To address the limitations of traditional exercise protocols and provide an effective and efficient program for our clients, one of the exercise strategies we use is high-intensity circuit training (HICT) using body weight as resistance. Our approach combines aerobic and resistance training into a single exercise bout lasting approximately 7 minutes. Participants can repeat the 7-minute bout 2 to 3 times, depending on the amount of time they have. As body weight provides the only form of resistance, the program can be done anywhere.
      • Devil - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        In some religions and traditions, these titles are separate demons
      • Demons in Christian Belief - ReligionFacts.com
        In Christian belief, angels were created good but were endowed with free will just as humans were. Some of them rebelled against God, were banished from heaven, and became demons. The English word "demon" comes from the Greek daemon (δαίμων), which originally referred to any spirit but came to be associated with only evil spirits.In Christian teaching, the leader of the rebellious angels was Satan, who has became humanity's chief adversary. He is identified with the serpent who tempts Adam and Eve in Genesis.
      • Lectric Shave
        "Blade Close. Lectric Smooth™"
      • Age of Ultron, #5
        Erm. That’s actually Tony’s MK III armor.
      • It's Showtime, Folks - YouTube
        Classic Roy Scheider in _All That Jazz_.
      • hard coded Dutch subs
        "Learning Dutch the hard way."
      • Tiger Balm Ultra
        When you're ready to nuke the pain, you're ready for Tiger Balm Ultra.
      • "greg land" o face - Google Search
      • Lisa Schmeiser (lschmeiser) on Twitter
        Shrineless Maniac
      • 5by5 | Lisa Schmeiser
        Lisa Schmeiser is normally very good about making her New Years' resolutions happen, but it looks like this will be yet another year where "write a scintillating biography in the third person" is a nonstarter. She is a veteran writer and editor with expertise in covering the technology and business worlds.
      • The Avengers #213 (1981) Hank Pym is such a... | kung fu grippe
        Hank Pym is such a dick.
      • Meetings can be…awkward.
        "Everyone assumed someone else would bring bagels.But, alas: no one brought bagels."
        • Brian Michael Bendis LOVES meetings.

        This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Squarespace (use offer code "enchiridion" for an additional 10% off).

        1 hr 29 min
      • Episode 118: One-Step Corn Kerneler

        TOPIC: Toward an (Admittedly Dubious) Unified Field Theory of Creativity

        This week, Dan and Merlin consider a framework for understanding the basic modes and focal lengths involved in producing creative work.

        Why and how do we get so hung up and frustrated about getting good at what we do? Why's it so hard to take an abstract idea for making something great, then end up feeling pathologically stymied when we struggle to actually make it?

        The boys return to the classic topic of expertise, especially the frustrating ironies that separate the pro from the amateur from the, as they say, "failure."

        Also under consideration is Roger Von Oech's fascinating modal, character-based approach to making stuff—acknowledging the very different work of the Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior. But, critically, also striving to keep those characters in the right order and on the right parts of the right task at the right time. Then, knowing when to change things up.

        Finally, there's a bit of discussion on Merlin's squirrely obsession with focal length—to not only choose the right mode at the right time, but to stay open to the idea of alternately zooming way out and way in at each step of the process. Accepting the benefits and trade-offs of switching between your macro and fish-eye lenses.

        It's a really good episode—at least way better than it sounds. And, the hosts agree that, until you find a better model for understanding How to Make Stuff, you could do a lot worse than giving this admittedly Byzantine method a spin for yourself.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] Shutterstock.com
          Over 25 million stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos. Use code "**`BACKTOWORK5`**" for 30% off.
      • Selection of Merlin's TextExpander 4 Snippets
        Extremely random stash of Merlin's TextExpander snippets, as mentioned in [*Back to Work*](http://5by5.tv/b2w), [Episode #116](http://5by5.tv/b2w/116).
      • This explains everything | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
        In which Merlin presents his highly dubious Unified Field Theory of Creativity.
      • [AUDIO] kung fu grippe - "Origin Stories: John Siracusa on Flu Shots"
        5by5 | Hypercritical #38: Virtually Spotless (October 14, 2011)
        • Genesis of The Siracusa Flu Principle.
      • Batman: The Dark Knight Returns: Frank Miller, Klaus Janson, Lynn Varley: 9781563893421: Amazon.com: Books
        Written by Frank Miller. No spoilers, please.
      • Pym Particles - Marvel Comics Database
        Dr. Henry Pym originally discovered and isolated a rare group of subatomic particles, which have become known as the "Pym Particles", which could increase or decrease the size and mass of objects or living beings. The Pym Particles work by stunting matter into the Kosmos Dimension when shrinking an subject or accruing extra matter from that dimension when enlarging.
      • Pym Particles (Concept)
        Pym particles first existed in an elixir form that had to be splashed on the object to enlarge or shrink it. Eventually this elixir was made into a gas so if could be quickly aspirated for easier transportation. After accidentally transforming into Giant-Man, Pym further refined the chemical into a variety of color-coded pills. The particles still proved unstable as they trapped Pym at a height of 12 feet. Pym Particles work by the user either shunting mass to the Kosmos Dimension (for shrinking) or taking mass (for growing).
      • camping : Shutterstock Stock Photography
      • Amazon.com: Intex Raised Downy Queen Airbed with Built-in Electric Pump: Sports & Outdoors
        Raised queen-sized inflatable airbed with dual chamber construction
      • Amazon.com: Aqua Notes - Waterproof Notepad: Home & Kitchen
        AquaNotes? provides a convenient method for preserving notes, sketches, and records without having to worry about the soggy results that occur when trying to write on traditional paper in wet environments. Let AquaNotesTM meet your need for a paper pad that can take whatever the weatherman dishes out!
      • [VIDEO] "The Shining" - "Have you ever had a SINGLE moment's THOUGHT about MY responsibilities?!?"
        JACK TORRANCE: Have you ever had a SINGLE MOMENT'S THOUGHT about my responsibilities? Have you ever thought, for a single solitary moment about my responsibilities to my employers? Has it ever occurred to you that I have agreed to look after the OVERLOOK Hotel until May the FIRST. Does it MATTER TO YOU AT ALL that the OWNERS have placed their COMPLETE CONFIDENCE and TRUST in me, and that I have signed a letter of agreement, a CONTRACT, in which I have accepted that RESPONSIBILITY? Do you have the SLIGHTEST IDEA, what a MORAL AND ETHICAL PRINCIPLE IS, DO YOU? Has it ever occurred to you what would happen to my future, if I were to fail to live up to my responsibilities? Has it ever occurred to you? HAS IT?
      • "Back to Work" Media Survival Guide
        It's a start.
      • Deconstructing Creativity: The 4 Roles You Need to Play to be Fully Creative - Litemind
        These concepts above are not new. The idea of the four creativity roles comes from Roger Von Oech‘s classic work on creativity A Whack on the Side of the Head, as well as the Creative Whack Pack (which is a deck of cards where each of the four roles is a suit — very fun, do check it out too).
      • The four roles of the creative process | creative.web.net
        The following is from A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge,
      • A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative: Roger von Oech: 9780446404662: Amazon.com: Books
      • A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to Be More Creative: Roger Von Oech: 9780060960247: Amazon.com: Books
      • 5by5 | Back to Work #62: Cultural Molasses
        TOPIC: Karmasucks, No-Sayers, and Black and White Thinking.
        • Dan and Merlin consider the karmasucks and black and white thinking that lead to inertia and a culture of derision.
        Anyone can laugh at an agenda, and it only takes one turd in the punchbowl to ruin the party, so don't ask permission, ask yes or no questions, and keep your judge behind your explorer.
      • [IMG] kung fu grippe - Awesome Comic Book Keyboard Stickers
        Dan is awesome. Ellie put most of the stickers on herself. What a cool present.
      • Regretsy | Where DIY Meets WTF
      • Macbook Keyboard Super Hero Skin by killerduckdecals on Etsy
        Tired of typing away, answering the same emails, writing the same invites, posting the same status updates.... typing the same item descriptions? Super Hero's (and villains) unite! Its like the comic book alphabet bending to the power of your almighty fingertips. This will actually fit both the wireless 13", 15" MacBooks and most MacBook Airs. PLUS it won't block out the awesome backlit keys of the keyboards underneath.
      • Amazon.com: Amco One-Step Corn Kerneler: Kitchen & Dining
        Amco Houseworks, an award-winning brand, has been making cooking and cleaning easier since the 1970s. It's a commitment that's earned it the love and respect of professional and home cooks around the world. Amco Houseworks creates quality, innovative, stylishly designed kitchen tools and accessories that help people enhance the quality of their cooking and entertaining. Amco Houseworks uses commercial grade stainless steel to craft its top quality kitchen utensils and accessories. We specialize in combining precision and performance to create stylishly designed premium kitchen tools. Our products are innovative, are intuitive and easy to use for the cooking enthusiast. This Amco one-step coren kerneler easily removes kernels from the cob in one quick motion. Place the corn kerneler at the narrow end of the cob and press straight down to the bottom of the cob. All kernels will collect neatly and there'll be no more kernel mess to clean up. It holds approximately 2 ears of kernels. To empty, pour kernels from the spout and start again. It is designed with a stainless steel blade that adjusts to the width of the corn and is top rack dishwasher safe.
      • Inedia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Breatharianism is a related concept, in which believers claim food and possibly water are not necessary, and that humans can be sustained solely by prana (the vital life force in Hinduism), or, according to some, by the energy in sunlight (according to Ayurveda, sunlight is one of the main sources of prana). The terms breatharianism or inedia may also refer to this philosophy practised as a lifestyle in place of the usual diet.
      • 5by5 | The Pipeline #7: Merlin Mann
        Merlin Mann is an independent writer, speaker, and broadcaster. He's the creator of 43 Folders, the co-host of You Look Nice Today, a regular guest on MacBreak Weekly, and the author of an upcoming book entitled Inbox Zero.We discuss figuring out and focusing on your values, a new perspective on productivity, ignoring the lizard brain, doing what you like, rejecting novelty, serving the right audience, Picaso, cognition, action, self-discovery, mindfulness, buddhism, and the new book.You can find out more about Merlin on his website, via his weblog, Kung Fu Grippe, and by following him on Twitter.
      • On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft:Amazon:Books
        “Long live the King” hailed Entertainment Weekly upon publication of Stephen King’s On Writing. Part memoir, part master class by one of the bestselling authors of all time, this superb volume is a revealing and practical view of the writer’s craft, comprising the basic tools of the trade every writer must have. King’s advice is grounded in his vivid memories from childhood through his emergence as a writer, from his struggling early career to his widely reported, near-fatal accident in 1999—and how the inextricable link between writing and living spurred his recovery. Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, On Writing will empower and entertain everyone who reads it—fans, writers, and anyone who loves a great story well told.
      • The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life:Amazon:Books
        All it takes to make creativity a part of your life is the willingness to make it a habit. It is the product of preparation and effort, and is within reach of everyone. Whether you are a painter, musician, businessperson, or simply an individual yearning to put your creativity to use, The Creative Habit provides you with thirty-two practical exercises based on the lessons Twyla Tharp has learned in her remarkable thirty-five-year career.
      • How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way: Stan Lee, John Buscema: 9780671530778: Amazon.com: Books
        Stan Lee, the Mighty Man from Marvel, and John Buscema, active and adventuresome artist behind the Silver Surfer, Conan the Barbarian, the Mighty Thor and Spider-Man, have collaborated on this comics compendium: an encyclopedia of information for creating your own superhero comic strips. Using artwork from Marvel comics as primary examples, Buscema graphically illustrates the hitherto mysterious methods of comic art. Stan Lee's pithy prose gives able assistance and advice to the apprentice artist. Bursting with Buscema's magnificent illustrations and Lee's laudable word-magic, How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way belongs in the library of every kid who has ever wanted to illustrate his or her own comic strip.
      • 8½ (1963) - The Criterion Collection
        Marcello Mastroianni plays Guido Anselmi, a director whose new project is collapsing around him, along with his life. One of the greatest films about film ever made, Federico Fellini’s 8½ (Otto e mezzo) turns one man’s artistic crisis into a grand epic of the cinema. An early working title for 8½ was The Beautiful Confusion, and Fellini’s masterpiece is exactly that: a shimmering dream, a circus, and a magic act.

        • This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Shutterstock (use code "BACKTOWORK5" for 30% off).

        1 hr 36 min
      • Episode 117: The Flu Shots of Siracusa County

        TOPIC: Offices, and when to get out of them.

        This week—in what will surely be remembered as the greatest Back to Work episode of all time—Dan and Merlin eventually talk about working at a desk and when to take it someplace else.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] Squarespace.com
          Build a Website - Squarespace - Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website. Pages, galleries, blogs, domains, hosting, analytics, 24/7 support - all included.
      • GIRL TALK - ALL DAY - ILLEGAL ART
        All Day is intended to be listened to as a whole. It is broken up into individual tracks only for easier navigation.This album is a free download.Girl Talk thanks all artists sampled.
      • Slugline
        Finally, a simple, elegant app for writing screenplays on your Mac. Slugline is a minimal, distraction-free environment for the most important part of screenwriting—the writing part.There are plenty of apps for your final draft. How about one for your first 99?
      • "Double Fantasy," indeed | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
      • humberto ramos (humberto_ramos) on Twitter
        comic book creator, karaoke singerneverland · https://www.facebook.com/ramos.comic
      • Humberto Ramos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Humberto Ramos (born 27 November 1970) is a Mexican comic book penciller, best known for his work on American comic books such as Impulse, The Spectacular Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man and his creator-owned series Crimson.
      • Humberto Ramos Official Site
      • Accidental Tech Podcast
        A TECH PODCAST WE ACCIDENTALLY CREATED WHILE TRYING TO DO "A CAR SHOW." FEATURING MARCO ARMENT, CASEY LISS, AND JOHN SIRACUSA.
      • Avengers: The Origin (Avengers (Marvel Paperback)): Joe Casey, Phil Noto: 9780785144007: Amazon.com: Books
        Redefining the origin of Earth's Mightiest Heroes! Iron Man! Thor! Ant-Man and the Wasp! Individually, each has the power to fight injustice and protect the innocent. But even the strongest heroes can only do so much when they stand alone. When the mischief god Loki uses the rampaging Hulk as his pawn of destruction in his bid to escape exile, it's up to Earth's Mightiest Heroes to stand together and stop him! The adventures of the Avengers echo throughout history, and it all begins here!
      • Mjölnir - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      • Nike Killshot 1979 / Tennis / Vintage Nike - Arkamix : Nike, jordan ,nike retro, nike air force one, vintage nike, running nike, collector nike
        Virtually identical to Merlin's all-time favorite sneakers.
      • Ep. 11: "Everybody Knew What Mr. Finnell Did" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
        The Problems: the status of Napoleon’s hat; historically significant panties on the auction block; major issues in corporal punishment; Liza’s mostly lifelike Naugahyde partner; recovering our Oprah memories; John’s investigative broom closet journalism; the IMAX technology that was wasted on the Gunther Gebel Williams clan; conspiracy theories around Pee-wee’s Sarasota jam-up; why Seattle’s goin’ hungry in the lemon yellow sun; Mr. Finnell’s copy is goldenrod; Donovan’s probably fake smile; tackling our usual authenticity issues; some “e”-zy diaeresis häcks; why John’s just not a fan; the salient différence; Merlin’s glass-lined taxi driver problems; how the sunshine bores the daylights out of the one Rolling Stones lick Merlin knows; knowing how or whether to marry the other one from Wham! (U.K.); an opium-dulled death by a thousand mimeographs; the varieties of childhood paddles; in Soviet Alaska, Teamsters bust you; knowing when to save those pedagogically-stained Dolphin shorts; the seasonal difficulties of adjudicating clowns; some sensitive cultural subtleties of ping-pong; and the complex reasons why John can’t stop playing solitaire in traffic.
      • [VIDEO] Grandpa Simpson explains elderly union-busting
        GRANDPA SIMPSON: We can’t bust heads like we used to. But we have our ways. One trick is to tell stories that don’t go anywhere. Like the time I caught the ferry to Shelbyville. I needed a new heel for m’shoe. So I decided to go to Morganville, which is what they called Shelbyville in those days. So I tied an onion to my belt. Which was the style at the time. Now, to take the ferry cost a nickel, and in those days, nickels had pictures of bumblebees on ‘em. Gimme five bees for a quarter, you’d say. Now where was I… oh yeah. The important thing was that I had an onion tied to my belt, which was the style at the time. You couldn’t get white onions, because of the war. The only thing you could get was those big yellow ones…
      • E-Book Tarnishes The Reader-Book Relationship : NPR
        Commentator Andrei Codrescu is upset that passages on his eBook reader are highlighted. This happens automatically by a crowd-sourcing program. Codrescu says it takes the privacy out of reading.
      • Underworld - Born Slippy [Trainspotting] - YouTube
      • Brian Eno Ambient 1: Music for Airports (Whole Album) (HQ) - YouTube
      • The Wrens - Ex Girl Collection - YouTube

        • This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Squarespace (use offer code "yakshaving" for an additional 10% off).

        1 hr 32 min
      • Episode 116: Beagle Removal Service

        TOPIC: Quit & Analyze, and Marvel Character Speculation.

        This week, Dan and Merlin talk about Dan's "Quit & Analyze" episode, then proceed into a very useful conversation about which characters from the Marvel Universe they're each most like.

        Links for this episode:

        • [SPONSOR] TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time
          Type more with less effort! TextExpander saves your fingers and your keyboard, expanding custom keyboard shortcuts into frequently-used text and pictures...
      • Noteboard®: The pocket whiteboard
        Every Noteboard is durable, portable, and infinitely rewritable folds up map-style.
      • 5by5 | Quit! #21: Quit & Analyze
        Dan is joined by a familiar guest, Marco Arment, to take calls and discuss Marco's very recent sale of Instapaper. They delve deeper and discuss when to hire, outsourcing, feeling burnt out, when to sell, and being selective about which company gets to buy what you've built. They take some listener calls and answer questions about job-seeking in a new town, how to come up with the next great idea, the reinvention of the corporate stooge, what to consider when you're desperate for freelance work, and what to do when you get let go from your job.
      • She-Hulk Vol. 1: Single Green Female: Dan Slott, Juan Bobillo: 9780785114437: Amazon.com: Books
        Single Green Female, outgoing, intelligent, great sense of humor. Enjoys clubbing, dishing with gal-pals and saving the universe. Ready to put old issues behind and make a fresh start. Contact Jen W. at Avengers Mansion. That's right...everyone's favorite Jade Giantess, She-Hulk, has returned for tons of fun, both on and off the field of battle! Collecting SHE-HULK
      • TextExpander and Secure Input
        Unfortunately, there are a few situations where Secure Input is left in its “enabled” state when it should not be—when you have finished entering sensitive information, or when you have begun to use a different application than the one that turned on Secure Input. In these cases, you will not be able to use TextExpander until Secure Input is disabled. So how can you disable Secure Input?
      • 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time was a series of trade paperbacks published in 2001 by Marvel Comics. Earlier in the year, the publisher had held a poll asking readers to vote on their favorite issues of Marvel comic book series. The top 25 issues were then reprinted in trade paperback form, with a list in the back of each volume listing the results of the poll from the 100th issue to the last issue contained in that particular volume. Numbers 25 to 6 were published in volumes one through five, each of which contained four issues. The top five issues were each reprinted in their own volumes (volumes six through ten).[edit]
      • Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (film) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
      • Omega level mutants - X-Men Wiki - Wolverine, Marvel Comics, Origins
        The terms "Alpha" and "Omega" (roughly meaning "first" resp. "final") are blurry in-universe terms used by some writers to categorise different characters. Omega mutants are, in theory, supposed to be the most powerful class of mutants, but with time the scope of the term has widened to include a much wider scope of characters that, following the same logic, could technically qualify half the ones in existence.
      • Omega Level Mutants - Marvel Comics Database
        PROVEN Omega Level Mutants. A character can only be added to this category if they have a reference for when they were 'outed' as an Omega.
      • White noise - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        In signal processing, white noise is a random signal with a flat (constant) power spectral density. In other words, a signal that contains equal power within any frequency band with a fixed width. The term is used, with this or similar meanings, in many scientific and technical disciplines, including physics, acoustic engineering, telecommunications, statistical forecasting, and many more. (Rigorously speaking, "white noise" refers to a statistical model for signals and signal sources, rather than to any specific signal.)
      • Brown note (disambiguation) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        A brown note is a hypothetical sound wave that would cause involuntary defecation.
      • Methuselah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        Extra-biblical tradition maintains that he died on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 1656 (Anno Mundi, after Creation), at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood.
      • Your Nice New Outfit
        (Phil Noto's awesome Tumblr site.)
      • The Monkey's Paw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
        The story is based on the famous "setup" in which three wishes are granted. In the story, the paw of a dead monkey is a talisman that grants its possessor three wishes, but the wishes come with an enormous price for interfering with fate.
      • The Howling Fat Men of the Coen Brothers - YouTube
      • Enjoying My Coffee - YouTube
      • Glengarry Glen Ross - Will you go to lunch? (Kevin Spacey) - YouTube
      • "Megan Draper," as drawn by Phil Noto.
      • [IMG] "SNAP"
        Poor Gwen. Poor Spidey.
        • Ugh.
      • Twitter / hotdogsladies: I really like Greg Land, but ...
        "I really like Greg Land, but I wish he'd meet some women with a second facial expression."
      • Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 121 - Marvel Comics Database
        "She was dead before your webbing reached her! A fall from that height would kill anyone before they struck the ground."
        • -- Green Goblin (Norman Osborn)
      • Markdown Service Tools - BrettTerpstra.com
      • Slugline

        • This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Smile's TextExpander.

        1 hr 35 min
      • Episode 115: Invitation to a Blame Party

        TOPIC: Fixing the Culture of Meetings

        This week, Dan and Merlin address the problems with meetings, and how we can each choose to improve them.

        Ten quick ideas?

        1. Purpose
        2. Agenda
        3. Grazing Policy
        4. Hard Edges
        5. Scheduling Guests
        6. Timekeeper
        7. No Ratholes
        8. Focus
        9. Follow-Up
        10. Consistency

          11. Links for this episode:

          • [SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock
            Over 25 million stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos
        11. [VIDEO] Merlin Mann - "Broken Meetings (and how you'll fix them)"
          There's a big elephant in the office today that's becoming harder to ignore—meetings.Even the best meetings can eat up massive person-hours, but those really awful ones will just kill you. You know the type.Those time-wasting, rudderless, repetitious, zombie meetings where "deep dives," "drill downs," and "face time" often mean much is debated, little is accomplished, and everybody leaves feeling broken--AND, often as not, late for their next meeting.In the premiere of this all-new presentation, Merlin Mann attacks Bad Meeting Culture with the same brand of practical, funny, and thought-provoking advice that his popular Inbox Zero talks brought to the topic of email.
        12. [SLIDES] BROKEN MEETINGS (and how you'll fix them)
        13. [ESSAY] Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule (by Paul Graham; 2009)
          When you're operating on the maker's schedule, meetings are a disaster. A single meeting can blow a whole afternoon, by breaking it into two pieces each too small to do anything hard in. Plus you have to remember to go to the meeting. That's no problem for someone on the manager's schedule. There's always something coming on the next hour
        14. Drafts - Agile Tortoise
          What’s New in Drafts 3.0Extend Drafts with ready-to-install Actions from the Action Directory! ?Drafts is a different kind of note taking app. In Drafts, text comes first – open the app and get a new, blank draft. Don’t get bogged down in a timeline to tweet or post to Facebook and App.net. Don’t tap through multiple screens to compose an email or SMS. Don’t navigate folders, create files and name them just to jot down a note or create a todo. Drafts is available for both iPhone and iPad.
        15. Mushroom War - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          The Mushroom War (usually referred to as the Great Mushroom War) is the cause of the post-apocalyptic condition of the Land of Ooo. Not much is known about the war at the moment, but the inclusion of "mushroom" in the title is probably referring to the mushroom shaped explosion generated by atomic weapons. If so, then it is likely that the Land of Ooo and the creatures who inhabit it were created from the nuclear fallout that irradiated the land. The Mushroom War is most likely started by mankind being at war with one another, but on a nuclear scale (such as during the Cold War or the end of WWII).
        16. The Enchiridion (book) - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          The Enchiridion (which translates to "The Handbook" or "The Manual") was an ancient book with codes of conduct, guidelines, and other helpful information for heroes. The book had great power which allowed it to tear open worm holes between dimensions in the multiverse. It was destroyed by Finn in "The Lich" in order to stop the Lich from gaining access to the multiverse (although, the Lich still made it. See "The Lich" for more details.)
        17. Amazon.com: The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia (Encyclopedia): Inhabitants, Lore, Spells, and Ancient Crypt Warnings of the Land of Ooo Circa 19.56 B.G.E. - 501 A.G.E.
          What time is it? Adventure Time?! Explore the magical world of Ooo with Jake the dog and Finn the human, along with the Ice King, Princess Bubblegum, Marceline the Vampire Queen, and all your favorite Adventure Time characters, in this first official guide to Cartoon Network?s hit animated series.Written and compiled by the Lord of Evil himself, The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia matches the playful, subversive tone of the series, detailing everything anyone will ever need to know about the postapocalyptic land of Ooo and its inhabitants?secret lore and spells, fun places you should visit and places where you will probably die, whom to marry and whom not to marry, how to make friends and how to destroy your enemies?plus hand-written marginalia by Finn, Jake, and Marceline. An indispensable companion to the show, this side-splittingly funny love letter to Adventure Time is sure to appeal to fans of all ages. Heck yeah!
        18. [GUIDE] Success! Install 10.8 on old unsupported Mac - MacRumors Forums
          Hi, Welcome. First of all. What is "MLPostFactor" you might ask. Well. As we all know, Apple has dropped OSX Mountain Lion support for older generation of Macs (2006~2008 Macs). The goal of the project is to support all those "drop out" Macs. So we designed this app to do just that. Read more @ Post
        19. Billy - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          Billy was a character who first appears in "His Hero." Billy is Finn and Jake's idol and the most powerful hero seen in the series. Thus, the two are immense fans of him.
        20. The Lich (episode) - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          Finn is led by Billy on a quest to save the world and beyond from the Lich.
        21. Image Comics | East of West #1
          "OUT OF THE WASTELAND"The things that divide us are stronger than the things that unite us. A Sci-Fi Western set in a dystopian America where all hope for the future rests in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse...who just happen to be trying to kill the President of the United States. One of the most exciting new books of the year, this is EAST OF WEST, a brand new, ongoing, monthly comic from the award-winning team of Marvel's FF, JONATHAN HICKMAN and NICK DRAGOTTA.
        22. East of West Digital Comics - Comics by comiXology
          The things that divide us are stronger than the things that unite us. A Sci-Fi Western set in a dystopian America where all hope for the future rests in the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse...who just happen to be trying to kill the President of the United States. One of the most exciting new books of the year, this is EAST OF WEST, a brand new, ongoing, monthly comic from the award-winning team of Marvel's FF, JONATHAN HICKMAN and NICK DRAGOTTA.
        23. Twitter / trammell: Watching @hotdogsladies' talk ...
          Watching @hotdogsladies' talk "Broken Meetings (and how you'll fix them)". Again. It's the best. http://vimeo.com/15579561 
        24. Passwords for the Manly Man
          Generating passwords so strong and secure they rise like the phoenix.
        25. Twitter / hotdogsladies: After a mere 30 hours in LA, ...
          After a mere 30 hours in LA, I’m already awesome at casually scoping out someone more important to talk to.
          26. Actually…could you excuse me?
        26. Amazon.com: The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering, Anniversary Edition (2nd Edition) (0785342835953): Frederick P. Brooks Jr.: Books
          Few books on software project management have been as influential and timeless as The Mythical Man-Month. With a blend of software engineering facts and thought-provoking opinions, Fred Brooks offers insight for anyone managing complex projects. These essays draw from his experience as project manager for the IBM System/360 computer family and then for OS/360, its massive software system. Now, 20 years after the initial publication of his book, Brooks has revisited his original ideas and added new thoughts and advice, both for readers already familiar with his work and for readers discovering it for the first time.
        27. The Mythical Man-Month - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          Brooks' observations are based on his experiences at IBM while managing the development of OS/360. He had added more programmers to a project falling behind schedule, a decision that he would later counter-intuitively conclude to have delayed the project even further. He also made the mistake of asserting that one project — writing an ALGOL compiler — would require six months, regardless of the number of workers involved (it required longer). The tendency for managers to repeat such errors in project development led Brooks to quip that his book is called "The Bible of Software Engineering", because "everybody quotes it, some people read it, and a few people go by it." The book is widely regarded as a classic on the human elements of software engineering.
        28. QPR: Quotidian Public Radio - QPR: Quotidian Public Radio - “Commentary by Anton...
          Commentator Anton Cantrusku has been thinking about technology, communication, and the future of books.
        29. End-of-life (product) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          End-of-life (EOL) is a term used with respect to a product supplied to customers, indicating that the product is in the end of its useful lifetime and a vendor will no longer be marketing, selling, or sustaining a particular product and may also be limiting or ending support for the product. In the specific case of product sales, the term end-of-sale (EOS) has also been used. The term lifetime, after the last production date, depends on the product and is related to a customer's expected product lifetime. Different lifetime examples include toys from fast food chains (weeks or months), cars (10 years), and mobile phones (3 years).
        30. Diceware - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          Diceware is a method for creating passphrases, passwords, and other cryptographic variables using an ordinary die from a pair of dice as a hardware random number generator. For each word in the passphrase, five rolls of the die are required. The numbers from 1 to 6 that come up in the rolls are assembled as a five digit number, e.g. 43146. That number is then used to look up a word in a word list. In the English list 43146 corresponds to munch.
        31. [PHOTO] kung fu grippe - "Sigourney Weaver as Ellen Ripley in _Alien_ - Riddley Scott 1979"
          Sigourney Weaver in…uhhhhh…_a space helmet_.
          32. Really very special.
        32. [VIDEO] Merlin Mann - "Steampunk DIY"
          As you may know, I'm an ardent fan of "steampunk." Here's a DIY project I recently completed.
        33. Dr. Nick (The Simpsons) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          Dr. Nick Riviera, usually referred to as Dr. Nick, is a recurring fictional character in the American animated sitcom The Simpsons. He is voiced by Hank Azaria, and first appeared in the episode "Bart Gets Hit by a Car". Dr. Nick is an inept quack physician, and a satire of incompetent medical professionals. Dr. Nick is known for his exclamation of "Hi, everybody!" upon entering a scene, which is immediately followed by the other characters present with, "Hi, Dr. Nick!", with one exception: in "Who Shot Mr. Burns?", Mr. Burns replies with "Ho, mersimp son!", but with the same inflection as the usual greeting.
        34. Pain & Gain (2013)
          A trio of bodybuilders in Florida get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong.

          35. This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Shutterstock (use code "BACKTOWORK4" for 30% off).

          1 hr 40 min
        35. Episode 114: I'm Moving to FudgePacker

          TOPIC: Quicksilver and the OS X App Launcher Landscape

          This week, Dan triumphantly returns from two weeks of crippling illness. So, the boys ease their way back into the groove with a grab bag of great follow-up, some Adventure Time talk, and a longer discussion of popular OS X App launchers, including Quicksilver 1.0, LaunchBar, and Alfred 2.

          Links for this episode:

          • [SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace
            Squarespace is the easiest way for anyone to create an exceptional website. Pages, galleries, blogs, domains, hosting, analytics, 24/7 support - all included.
        36. New Template Design: Adirondack — The Official Squarespace Blog
          Adirondack is a modern, clean design built with small business owners and savvy entrepreneurs in mind. Minimal navigation and full header images provide a bold framework for your company or brand. The template is characterized by scrolling effects
        37. New Feature Roundup: Page Duplication and More — The Official Squarespace Blog
          While we’re pushing out changes and improvements to Squarespace 6 almost daily, we wanted to point out a few recent updates that you might find helpful:
        38. [PODCAST] 70Decibels - CMD+SPACE - 038 - Inbox Zero and New Projects, with Merlin Mann
          On a very special episode of CMD SPACE Myke is joined by Merlin Mann to discuss Inbox Zero, starting New projects and a fun discussion about Adventure Time (as well as a little about comics, of course).
        39. [PODCAST] 5by5 | Mac Power Users #132: Merlin Returns
          Returning for his annual appearance, Merlin Mann joins Katie and David to talk Evernote, GTD, iPad, Podcasting and his favorite Apps.
        40. Fat Cat Software – iPhoto Library Manager
          iPLM also gives you the ability to copy your photos from one library to another, while keeping track of photo metadata that is normally lost when exporting from one library and importing into another. Titles, dates, descriptions, keywords, ratings, faces, and place information are all transferred along with the photos, ensuring that you keep all that information you spent hours entering into iPhoto. Event and albums are also reconstructed when copied, and both the edited and original copies of each photo are copied as well. You can split up a large library into multiple smaller libraries, merge entire libraries together into a big one, or rebuild a corrupt library that is causing iPhoto to hang or crash.
        41. Drafts: Action Directory
          This directory contains pre-configured custom actions to extend Drafts beyond the actions that come preinstalled with the app. If you have Drafts, browse this directory on your iOS device – when you find an action that interests you, tap the "Install" link and it will be installed in your local version Drafts. Any actions you install can be modified or deleted in the Drafts settings.
        42. [GUIDE] Success! Install 10.8 on old unsupported Mac - MacRumors Forums
          Hi, Welcome. First of all. What is "MLPostFactor" you might ask. Well. As we all know, Apple has dropped OSX Mountain Lion support for older generation of Macs (2006~2008 Macs). The goal of the project is to support all those "drop out" Macs. So we designed this app to do just that. Read more @ Post
        43. App Cubby • Hand Crafted iPhone Apps - Launch Center
          It’s like speed dial, but for more than just phone calls! Launch Center Pro creates lightning quick shortcuts to specific features buried deep within apps. Call a loved one, message a friend, launch Instagram’s camera to quickly snap a pic, tweet, or turn your iPhone into a flashlight. Launch Center Pro gets you to where you’re going faster than ever before!
        44. [PODCAST] 5by5 | Mac Power Users #133: Alfred 2
          David and Katie take a deep dive into Alfred 2.0, an application launcher and productivity application for Mac.
        45. Forecast
          [awesome web app with detailed weather conditions]
        46. Allen Hoskins - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          Allen Clayton Hoskins (August 9, 1920 – July 26, 1980) was an American child actor, most famous for portraying the character of Farina in 105 Our Gang short films from 1922 to 1931.
        47. Quicksilver — Mac OS X at your Fingertips
          Quicksilver is a fast and free Mac OS X productivity application that gives you the power to control your Mac quickly and elegantly. Quicksilver learns your habits, making your everyday chores simple and efficient.
        48. Quicksilver — LoveQuicksilver Blog
          After almost 10 years of testing, Quicksilver lays the beta tag to rest. (If the lack of an eszett brings a tear to your eye, you can always reminisce by hitting ?S on your keyboard). What does this release mean? It means more than just a change in the version numbering system - it signifies a maturity of Quicksilver and a sign of what’s to come.
        49. Quicksilver — LoveQuicksilver Blog
          With the release of Quicksilver v1.0, I sat with Quicksilver’s lead developers (at our respective far-flung computers) to gather their thoughts on this historic occasion, and to find out a bit more about Quicksilver behind the scenes.
        50. Alfred App - Productivity App for Mac OS X
          Alfred is an award-winning productivity application for Mac OS XAlfred saves you time when you search for files online or on your Mac. Be more productive with hotkeys, keywords and file actions at your fingertips.
        51. Share your Workflows - Alfred App Community Forum
          Share your workflows with fellow Alfred v2 users.
        52. LaunchBar 5
          LaunchBar is a smart and powerful, keyboard driven productivity utility that lets you access and control every aspect of your digital life. Whatever you want to get done on your Mac – with LaunchBar it’s only a few keystrokes away.
        53. LaunchBar - Switcher’s FAQs
          We’ve noticed an ever increasing number of former Quicksilver users who switched over to LaunchBar, so we’d like to provide an overview of some of the differences and to answer the most frequently asked questions in this regard.
        54. Butler · Many Tricks
          Butler's purpose is to ease all those routine tasks you do every day: controlling iTunes, opening programs and documents, switching users, searching for stuff on the web, and more.
        55. Dr. Gilmer and Mr. Hyde | This American Life
          Dr. Benjamin Gilmer gets a job at a rural clinic. He finds out he’s replaced someone — also named Dr. Gilmer — who went to prison after killing his own father. But the more Benjamin’s patients talk about the other Dr. Gilmer, the more confused he becomes. Everyone loved the old Dr. Gilmer. So Benjamin starts digging around, trying to understand how a good man can seemingly turn bad.
        56. Ep. 69: "Campfire Spaghetti Party" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
          The Problem: People would treat you so differently if you were literally riding a bear.
        57. malinger - Wiktionary
          malinger (third-person singular simple present malingers, present participle malingering, simple past and past participle malingered)(intransitive)
          58. To feign illness, injury, or incapacitation in order to avoid work or obligation.It is not uncommon on exam days for several students to malinger rather than prepare themselves.[edit]
        58. kung fu grippe - "Chasing the RIght Zero"
          Once you’ve dedicated yourself to making the things you love, every inbox can and should become a well-monitored servant rather than a merciless master.
          59. Because, at the risk of sounding a little fruity, I believe that a life in which we habitually abandon the known Good Things in order to helplessly stab at ““managing”” a nebulous morass of chaoses that we can never control is not much of a life at all.
        59. Snitchware – WeatherSnitch 2
          The search for the perfect weather app is over.Beautiful weather conditions, a brilliant interface,and all the weather information you need.
        60. Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Vol. 1: Cory Walker, Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley: 9781582405001: Amazon.com: Books
          Get in on the ground floor! This massive hardcover collects the first 13 issues of Robert Kirkman's Eisner-Nominated super-hero, along with all the extras from the first three trade paperback volumes and even more on top of that! Invincible: The Ultimate Collection, Volume 1 is a can't-miss for anyone who's wanted to start reading Invincible, but needed an easier way to start from the beginning.
        61. The Enchiridion (book) - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          The Enchiridion (which translates to "The Handbook" or "The Manual") was an ancient book with codes of conduct, guidelines, and other helpful information for heroes. The book had great power which allowed it to tear open worm holes between dimensions in the multiverse. It was destroyed by Finn in "The Lich" in order to stop the Lich from gaining access to the multiverse (although, the Lich still made it. See "The Lich" for more details.)
        62. Simon & Marcy - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          Ice King and Marceline 996 years ago.
        63. A Glitch Is a Glitch - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          Ice King creates a computer virus to delete everybody except him and Princess Bubblegum.
        64. Dad's Dungeon - The Adventure Time Wiki. Mathematical!
          Jake feels conflicted when his father forces him to try and hold Finn back in a dungeon meant to toughen Finn up.
        65. Please Stop Fighting About Your Smartphone | Gadget Lab | Wired.com
          Here’s the thing: Every phone can be right, for the right reasons. Every platform can be wonderful. (Do you know how easy it would be to make a BlackBerry joke right here? Do you? I’ve got the joke right here in my pocket. You sense it even. You’re dying to make it yourself. Go ahead. This one time. Just do it. Whisper it. I’m listening.) Here’s the thing. That Blackberry Z10? It’s right for someone, somewhere. It really is. There’s someone out there who will take that phone home and love it. Just completely love it. Not in a romantic, or sexual way. (I hope.) But nonetheless, love.
        66. Mac OS X Automation: Services Manager
          [An _indispensable_ app for turning OS X Services on and off and easily setting command keys]
        67. Cobook Contacts - the new iPhone and Mac address book
          A better address bookFind contacts faster and organize them with tags. Get integrated social profiles and keep contacts up-to-date automatically.
        68. Soulver | Acqualia
          Soulver helps you work things out.
          69. It's quicker to use than a spreadsheet, and smarter and clearer than a traditional calculator.
          Use Soulver to play around with numbers, do "back of the envelope" quick calculations, and solve day-to-day problems.
        69. Drafts - Agile Tortoise
          Drafts is a different kind of note taking app. In Drafts, text comes first – open the app and get a new, blank draft. Don’t get bogged down in a timeline to tweet or post to Facebook and App.net. Don’t tap through multiple screens to compose an email or SMS. Don’t navigate folders, create files and name them just to jot down a note or create a todo. Drafts is available for both iPhone and iPad.
        70. Accidental Tech Podcast
          71. A Tech Podcast We Accidentally Created While Trying to Do a Car Show.
          Featuring Marco Arment, Casey Liss, and John Siracusa.
        71. Drafts - Agile Tortoise

          72. This week's episode of Back to Work is kindly sponsored by Squarespace (use offer code "YAKSHAVING" for an additional 10% off).

          1 hr 22 min

        About Back to Work

        From the publisher's feed

        Back to Work is an award winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.

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