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**Back to Work**

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

Latest Episodes:

Episode 163: -( Mar 18, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: LEGO and Expertise

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about LEGO and what becoming a Master Builder can teach us about expertise.

Also: tooth fairies, binder clips, and the pedagogical warning shot.

WARNING: This episode of B2W contains information about holiday-related personalities that may be of a sensitive nature. Listener discretion is advised.

Links for this episode:

How Much Good Is Antibacterial Soap Doing You? - YouTube
It's Been 25 Years Since World Wide Web Debuted : NPR
Since then it's transformed daily life. To look back at how far the web has evolved and where it may be headed in the next 25 years, Renee Montagne talks to Kevin Kelly, a founder of Wired magazine.
To Keep Teenagers Alert, Schools Let Them Sleep In - NYTimes.com
New evidence suggests that later high school starts have widespread benefits.
Life as a LEGO Professional
Twitter / danbenjamin: Serious question and something ...
Serious question and something to think about: have you ever bought a LEGO set and found a piece missing? Me: never once in my entire life.
Dreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In the fields of education and operations research, the Dreyfus model of skill acquisition is a model of how students acquire skills through formal instruction and practicing. Brothers Stuart and Hubert Dreyfus proposed the model in 1980 in an influential, 18-page report on their research at the University of California, Berkeley, Operations Research Center for the United States Air Force Office of Scientific Research. The original model proposes that a student passes through five distinct stages: novice, competence, proficiency, expertise, and mastery.
Zotero | Groups > Research on Teaching in Higher Education Online > Library > A Five Stage Model of the Mental Activities Involved in Directed Skill Acquisition
[PDF] Five-Stage Model of the Mental Activities Involved in Directed Skill Acquisition.
(PDF of the original 1980 paper by the Dreyfus brothers)
lego : Shutterstock Stock Photography
Four stages of competence - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon 7965 : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games
Kids ages 9 to 14 will be happy the old man got the tractor beam out of commission when they blast off with the Millennium Falcon LEGO Star Wars Set. Straight from the Death Star escape scene of Episode IV: A New Hope, this replica of Han Solo's iconic starship is crafted from more than 1,200 LEGO pieces for a detailed, articulating display. With twin flick missiles, rotating laser cannons, and detachable cockpit cover, this Millennium Falcon set's got more than a few surprises left in it.
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars 75030 Millennium Falcon : Toys & Games
Enter a mini LEGO Star Wars universe with the Millennium Falcon microfighter. This fun mini version of the fastest ship in the galaxy features a quad laser cannon with 2 flick missiles and a mini cockpit on top for Han Solo to sit in! Engage the hyperdrive and get after those Imperial ships! Includes a Han Solo minifigure with a blaster pistol.
I wanna tell you about the princess I invented.... | kung fu grippe
"I wanna tell you about the princess I invented…"
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars 75032 X-Wing Fighter : Toys & Games
Fight mini LEGO Star Wars battles in space with the cool X-Wing Fighter microfighter. This great micro-version of the iconic Rebel star fighter has a surprising level of detail, like moveable wings, 4 flick missiles, Astromech Droid section and a mini cockpit for the X-Wing Pilot to sit in! Fuel up and get ready for mini-sized combat. Includes an X-Wing Pilot minifigure with a blaster pistol.
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars 75031 TIE Interceptor : Toys & Games
Play out your own miniature LEGO Star Wars space battles with the TIE Interceptor microfighter. This fun version of the real Imperial starfighter crams in lots of details, including 2 flick missiles and a mini cockpit for the TIE Fighter Pilot to sit in! So jump on and prepare for mini battle. Includes a TIE Fighter Pilot with a blaster pistol.
Amazon.com : LEGO Superheroes 76015 Doc Ock Truck Heist : Toys & Games
Doctor Octopus needs money, diamonds and gold to finance his evil plans. so he decides to make a cash withdrawal, bad guy style! Use his adjustable arms to rip the roof off the money truck and while the truck driver sprints for safety, blow open the back with the dynamite and secret button. But what's this? Spider-Man has spotted Doc Ock and swoops in to save the day! Can he tie him up with his super-strong spider web? Includes 3 minifigures: Spider-Man, Doc Ock and a truck driver.
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games
Get ready to battle the dark side with the Ultimate Collector's Millennium Falcon, Lego Star Wars Set 10179. One of Lucas Licensing's favorite Star Wars models in 2007, this replica of Han Solo's famous starship is crafted from over 5,000 Lego pieces. With so many little pieces and such unbelievable detailing, the Millennium Falcon is recommended for advanced Lego builders ages 16 and up.
Amazon.com : LEGO Star Wars Death Star (10188) : Toy Interlocking Building Sets : Toys & Games
Battle inside the Death StarTM! Recreate the action and adventure of the Star WarsTM movies with the ultimate Death Star playset! This amazingly detailed battle station features an incredible array of minifigure-scale scenes, moving parts, characters and accessories from Episodes IV and VI on its multiple decks, including the Death Star control room, rotating turbolaser turrets, hangar bay with TIE Advanced starfighter, tractor beam controls, Emperor's throne room, detention block, firing laser cannon, Imperial conference chamber, droid maintenance facility, and the powerful Death Star superlaser...plus much more! Swing across the chasm with Luke and Leia, face danger in the crushing trash compactor, and duel with Darth Vader for the fate of the galaxy! Reenact the final duel between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in the Emperor's Throne Room! Death Star measures 16" (41cm) tall and 16?" (42cm) wide! TIE Advanced measures 3?" (9cm) wide! Rescue Princess Leia from the detention block cell, then escape through the secret hatch to the trash compactor below!
Amazon.com : LEGO Movie 70808 Super Cycle Chase : Toys & Games
Bacon Method
MAKE PERFECT, CRISPY BACON EVERY TIME
SFUSD: Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices are based on principles that emphasize the importance of positive relationships as central to building community and involve processes that restore relationships when harm has occurred.
Restorative practices - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Restorative practices is a social science that integrates developments from a variety of disciplines and fields — including education, psychology, social work, criminology, sociology, organizational development and leadership — in order to build healthy communities, increase social capital, decrease crime and antisocial behavior, repair harm and restore relationships.[1]
Showbot
(Listener-suggested titles for this episode)
Logos - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Originally a word meaning "a ground", "a plea", "an opinion", "an expectation", "word", "speech", "account", "reason", it became a technical term in philosophy, beginning with Heraclitus (ca. 535–475 BC), who used the term for a principle of order and knowledge.
SRA Reading Materials
The levelled approach of this programme helps you get the most from every minute of learning time.
Zero for Conduct (1933)
In a repressive boarding school with rigid rules of behavior, four boys decide to rebel against the direction on a celebration day.
The LEGO Book: Daniel Lipkowitz: 9780756666934: Amazon.com: Books
LEGO.com About Us About the LEGO Group - The LEGO Group - The LEGO history
The name 'LEGO' is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". It’s our name and it’s our ideal.
Super Cycle! And it only took us three hours to... | kung fu grippe
And it only took us three hours to assemble.We are so master builders.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Slaughterhouse-Five, or The Children's Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death (1969) is a satirical novel by Kurt Vonnegut about World War II experiences and journeys through time of a soldier named Billy Pilgrim. It is generally recognized as Vonnegut's most influential and popular work. Vonnegut's use of the firebombing of Dresden as a central event makes the novel semi-autobiographical, as he was present during the bombing.
Equestria Girls - Helping Twilight Win the Crown [HD] [Bluray] + MP3 - YouTube
Makebelieve Help, Old Butchers, and Figuring Out Who You Are (For Now) on Vimeo
Are You An Expert?

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

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Episode 162: We're All Waiting in the Same Line Mar 11, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: ““Experiencing Issues”” with Customer Service

This week, Dan and Merlin analyze what's really going wrong when we get bad customer service. Spoiler: The brand is only as sound as its day-to-day implementation.

Links for this episode:

5by5 | Back to Work #161: Zeitgeist Helmut
TOPIC: Time, Sleep, and AspirationsThis week, Dan and Merlin talk about impossible trade-offs and the benefits of remembering this is actually your life.
The 40 Worst Rob Liefeld Drawings - Progressive Boink
This is Rob Liefeld. If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know about Rob Liefeld ... well, I'm sorry for this in advance.
Ron Swanson Supercut - YouTube
Beam & Whiteside NFS daemon - Google Groups
|> I would like to know if anybody else than myself is using Beam
Judaism 101: Torah
The word "Torah" is a tricky one, because it can mean different things in different contexts. In its most limited sense, "Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But the word "torah" can also be used to refer to the entire Jewish bible (the body of scripture known to non-Jews as the Old Testament and to Jews as the Tanakh or Written Torah), or in its broadest sense, to the whole body of Jewish law and teachings.
2: Hostile Professionalism
Airlines: we hate them, and it feels like they hate us. Is our only choice to "ride in the fucking toilet"? A former airline employee joins us to help peel back the curtain at Gate 21. (Part 1 of 2)Panelists: John Roderick, Jim Dalrymple, Lex Friedman, Brent Billings
3: Willing to Negotiate
Airlines: we've heard the horror stories. Now we dig deeper into how to get the results we want at the gate, on the phone, and in the air. (Part 2 of 2)Are we stuck in a breadline in Kiev back in '78, waiting for shitty vouchers for shitty airlines, or could we eventually see Our Own Fuckin' Airline?
Seattle News and Events | Eliminator Was ZZ Top's Best Album.
I'm not going to bore you by waxing sentimental over the undeniable mastery of early ZZ Top, or by singing the praises of their first seven records. Each one is a flawed masterpiece, some more flaw than masterpiece, which you can discover in your own time the same way I did, after you have fully absorbed the superlative greatness of Eliminator. Yes, that's right, ELIMINATOR!
Amazon.com: Nasacort Allergy 24 Hour 120 Sprays, 0.57 Fluid Ounce: Health & Personal Care
If You Had Wings - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ride began with a vaguely simulated "takeoff" in which the ride ascended a slope, while projections of animated silhouettes of seagulls and airplanes swept past on the walls, enhancing the feeling of motion and gently suggesting flight. Riders passed through a series of colorful theater-like sets with embedded small screens looping rear-projected short filmed scenes, while their cars swiveled on their bases to afford good views throughout. In all, thirty-eight 16mm projectors were used in the attraction. The scenes showcased various Eastern destinations and appealed to potential tourists with straw-hat markets, fishermen, limbo dancers, steel drum bands, and more. Many scenes had their own special sound effects. The omnipresent theme music featured a chorus of singers tunefully chanting,
Methuselah - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Re-Creating my Nonhuman Art from Deities & Demigods by Jeff Dee — Kickstarter
Re-Creating AD&D Module Cover Paintings Part 2 by Jeff Dee — Kickstarter
Expedition to the Barrier Peaks - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Expedition to the Barrier Peaks is a 1980 adventure module for the Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game written by Gary Gygax. While Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is typically a fantasy game, the adventure includes elements of science fiction, and thus belongs to the science fantasy genre.[1] It takes place on a downed spaceship; the ship's crew has died of an unspecified disease, but functioning robots and strange creatures still inhabit the ship. The player characters fight monsters and robots, and gather the futuristic weapons and colored access cards that are necessary for advancing the story.
Illustration Rates [Jeff Dee]
I am available to do artwork on commission! This web page gives you an idea of my rates. Sometimes I have to turn jobs down when I'm too booked up, so please email me first.
skottie young commission - Google Search
Rob Liefeld's uncanny Domino bathing
BACTISAFE — Expedition to the Barrier Peaks
5by5 | After Dark #447: After Back to Work 162
Insertwords comments on I Am A Walgreens checkout cashier. I greet you and wish you a good day, and I handle your condoms and tampons with a smile. AMA.
If I stopped using Comcast, I wouldn’t have the... - Fun Size Bytes
"(Let the record also reflect that Dan Benjamin snort laughed when Merlin mentioned this.)"

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Episode 161: Zeitgeist Helmut Mar 04, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: Time, Sleep, and Aspirations

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about impossible trade-offs and the benefits of remembering this is actually your life.

Links for this episode:

More Reflection, Less Action - NYTimes.com
CAPS To Launch Original Art Auction to Benefit Stan Sakai and Family - Comic Book Resources
Contributors include: Adam Hughes, Alex Maleev, Arthur Adams, Batton Lash, Eric Powell, Jan Duursema, Jerry Ordway, Jordi Bernet, Matt Groening, Michael Allred, Mike Mignola, Paul Gulacy, Sanjuliàn, Scott Shaw!, Jim Steranko, Tim Sale, William Stout, Bill Sienkiewicz, Cameron Stewart, Dan Brereton, Daniel Parsons, Dave Gibbons, Dean Yeagle, Doug Sneyd, Dustin Nguyen, Bill Morrison, Tone Rodriguez, Sergio Aragonés, Fabio Moon, Francisco Francavilla, Gene Ha, Geof Darrow, Gilbert Hernandez, Jack Davis, James O'Barr, Kevin Eastman, Jeff Lemire, Jeff Smith, Kazu Kibuishi, Liam Sharp, Tom Richmond, Michael Jantze, Olivia, Oscar Martin, Paul Chadwick, Richard Corben, Tom Mandrake, Walter Simonson, Charles Vess, Dan Spiegle, J. Scott Campbell and many more.
Astonishing X-Men - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Astonishing X-Men is the name of three X-Men comic book series from Marvel Comics, the first two of which were limited series. The ongoing series began in 2004, with its first run written by Joss Whedon and art by John Cassaday. It was then written by Warren Ellis with art by Phil Jimenez.[1] Daniel Way and Christos Gage then took over the title writing alternating stories. They were followed by James Asmus who wrote one issue, then Greg Pak, who took over for four issues in November 2011.[2] Marjorie Liu wrote the final 21 issues of the series until its end at issue
Buy the goLITE BLU energy light HF3332/60 energy light
Amazon.com: Philips goLITE BLU Light Therapy Device: Health & Personal Care
Confirmation bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Confirmation bias (also called confirmatory bias or myside bias) is the tendency of people to favor information that confirms their beliefs or hypotheses.[Note 1][1] People display this bias when they gather or remember information selectively, or when they interpret it in a biased way. The effect is stronger for emotionally charged issues and for deeply entrenched beliefs. People also tend to interpret ambiguous evidence as supporting their existing position. Biased search, interpretation and memory have been invoked to explain attitude polarization (when a disagreement becomes more extreme even though the different parties are exposed to the same evidence), belief perseverance (when beliefs persist after the evidence for them is shown to be false), the irrational primacy effect (a greater reliance on information encountered early in a series) and illusory correlation (when people falsely perceive an association between two events or situations).
Thinking, Fast and Slow: Daniel Kahneman: 9780374533557: Amazon.com: Books
Thinking, Fast and Slow - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thinking, Fast and Slow is a 2011 book by Nobel Memorial Prize winner in Economics Daniel Kahneman which summarizes research that he conducted over decades, often in collaboration with Amos Tversky.[1][2] It covers all three phases of his career: his early days working on cognitive bias, his work on prospect theory, and his later work on happiness.
Category:Cognitive biases - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
popcord™: unforgettable keyring charger - iPhone & micro usb by Powergoat — Kickstarter
Skottie Young Blasts Off with "Rocket Raccoon" Ongoing - Comic Book Resources
Thoughts About Thinking | To the best of our KNOWLEDGE
It’s funny when a six-year-old girl says it. I... | kung fu grippe
Showbot
The National - Fake Empire - YouTube
Showbot
MTV Mobile News: Exclusive: Rocket Raccoon Spins Off 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Into Solo Comic Series

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

FreshBooks (60-day free trial. Tell 'em you heard about it on "Back to Work")
HostGator (Use code "BACKTOWORK" for 30% off)
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Episode 160: Reverse Spider Sense Feb 25, 2014

Show notes

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about shaving, lights, and Dan's amazing new superpower.

Links for this episode:

5by5 | CMD+Space #85: Being a Geek, with John Siracusa
This week Myke is joined by John Siracusa. They discuss what it means to be a Geek and explore what John is geeky about.Special guest John Siracusa.
Ep. 98: "A Mastiff of Spinach" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
The Problem: They made John check his jingle stick.
Twitter / settern: I don't think I'm going to ...
(In which Serenity gets 59,000 on Threes)
Moxibustion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Moxibustion (Chinese: ?
Amazon.com: Braun Series 7- 790cc Pulsonic Shaver System, Silver: Health & Personal Care
Shaving - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
There are two types of manual razors: straight razor and safety razors. Safety razors are further subdivided into double-edged razors, single edge, injector razors, cartridge razors and disposable razors.
Be A Part Of It
Zero Charisma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zero Charisma is a 2013 American comedy film written by Andrew Matthews and co-directed by Matthews and Katie Graham. The film premiered at the South By Southwest film festival in 2013 and later screened at multiple North American Film Festivals including the Maryland Film Festival, the Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal and the Newport Beach Film Festival.
How Light Affects Our Sleep | Mark's Daily Apple
Blue light has its place, of course. A British study found that blue light-enhanced white lights in the workplace improved alertness, performance, and even nighttime sleep quality in employees. That’s during the day, though, when blue light exposure is normal and expected. Nighttime exposure to blue light disrupts our sleep hormones. Television, computer screens, even digital clocks with blue numbers – they’re all common sources of late night blue light that can affect our production of melatonin.
troglodyte mode
Programming with the lights turned off, sunglasses on, and the terminal inverted (black on white) because you've been up for so many days straight that your eyes hurt (see raster burn). Loud music blaring from a stereo stacked in the corner is optional but recommended.
Silver Surfer Soars Back Into Stores from Dan Slott And Mike Allred - Updated - Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors
Lectric Shave
Dollar Shave Club - Our Blades Are F***ing Great

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

FreshBooks (60-day free trial. Tell 'em you heard about it on "Back to Work")
HostGator (Use code "BACKTOWORK" for 30% off)
Squarespace (10% off with offer code, "SLEEP")
PDFpen Scan+, by Smile

Episode 159: You Become Your Catch Phrases Feb 18, 2014

Show notes

Merlin and Dan talk about Library Elf, app launchers like Quicksilver and Alfred, Stanley Kubrick, pushing people to create greatness, not knowing what you like until you see it, the typefaces of Moon, and more.

Links for this episode:

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

Squarespace (10% off with offer code, “SLEEP”)
Shutterstock (25% off everything with discount code “BACKTOWORK214”)
BackBlaze
BusyCal

Episode 158: Merlin-Sized Hole Feb 11, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: Why We Have Doors.

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about internet nostalgia, hacking vs. whacking, and why we have doors for a reason.

Links for this episode:

FAQ Friday - What have you wondered about sleep? : askscience
Tips for a good night of sleep are usually referred to in a scientific context as "good sleep hygiene". Here is a list from the National Sleep Foundation.
Finger protocol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In computer networking, the Name/Finger protocol and the Finger user information protocol are simple network protocols for the exchange of human-oriented status and user information.
Defeating Email
farce definition - Google Search
a comic dramatic work using buffoonery and horseplay and typically including crude characterization and ludicrously improbable situations.
Adventure Time #24 - Comics by comiXology
Princess Bubblegum faces the consequences of her science experiment gone wrong as she finally finds a way to save the day! But is it too late? Find out if Princess Bubblegum is able to right all her wrongs or if her friends will never be themselves again, it's a crazy conclusion to this arc!
Jack-Jack Attack. on Vimeo
Showbot
Eudora (email client) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Eudora - New mail - - YouTube

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

New Relic (Use code "BACKTOWORK" to get your extended 30-day Pro trial)
lynda.com (Start learning now with a 7-day free trial)
FreshBooks (They're giving away birthday cakes! Tell 'em you heard about it on "Back to Work")
HostGator - (Use code "BACKTOWORK" for 30% off)

Episode 157: Non-Dominant Hand Feb 04, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: The Spreadsheet of You

This week, Dan and Merlin talk more about sleep and how self-quantization can goose your mindfulness.

Links for this episode:

[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace
[SPONSOR] Stock Photos, Royalty-Free Images and Vectors - Shutterstock
[SPONSOR] Application Performance Management & Monitoring | New Relic
[SPONSOR] Website Hosting Services, VPS Hosting & Dedicated Servers - HostGator
Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #3 — Merlin Mann
MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, February 13th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.”
John Nack on Adobe : ** Announcing a big change: I’m going to Google.
Ben Sherman Menswear | The Official Ben Sherman Online Store
Amazon.com: Zoom H4N Handy Portable Digital Recorder: Musical Instruments
john roderick (johnroderick) on Twitter
RescueTime
RescueTime helps you understand your daily habits so you can focus and be more productive.
Pink Floyd - The Story of Wish You Were Here 2012 legendado PT-BR - YouTube
Amazon.com: Zoom H4 Handy Recorder: Musical Instruments
Fitbit® Flex™
Saga – The Essential Lifelogging App on the App Store on iTunes
Saga is the easy way to keep track of where you go and what you do, and share the true story of your life with friends, family, and followers. Live your life, and let Saga write your digital autobiography.
Moves on the App Store on iTunes
Moves automatically tracks your everyday exercise, commuting and time spent in important places. Just carry your phone in your pocket or bag.
Pedometer++ on the App Store on iTunes
Take advantage of the step counting capabilities in your iPhone 5s to improve your health. Pedometer lets you easily keep track of your daily and weekly step counts, without any impact on your battery life.
ARGUS - Motion and Fitness Tracker by Azumio on the App Store on iTunes
24/7 Steps and active Calorie counter, GPS mapping of Running, Cycling and Driving
Syncmetrics
We help you synchronize and analyze fitness and health data from Cycling Analytics, FatSecret, Fitbit, Garmin, iHealth, MapMyFitness, Nike , RunKeeper, Strava and Withings
Strava Run - GPS Running, Training and Cycling Workout Tracker on the App Store on iTunes
Track your runs with GPS, analyze your performance, join Challenges and see how you stack up against friends.
In Which We Sleepwalk At Our Convenience - Home - This Recording
It is impossible to describe insomnia to people who are sound sleepers. These are the people who trust that getting in bed will be followed by falling asleep, as surely as night follows day
5by5 | Back to Work #156: Not the Monk I Used to Be
TOPIC: Better Sleep HabitsThis week, Dan and Merlin do a deep dive on building better sleep habits with a focus on the paradoxes and planning of daily activities that can make all the difference.
Stasi - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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

HostGator (use coupon code "BACKTOWORK" for 30% off)
New Relic (Use code "BACKTOWORK" to get your extended 30 day trial)
Shutterstock (25% off everything with discount code "BACKTOWORK214")
Squarespace (10% off with offer code, "SLEEP")

Episode 156: Not the Monk I Used to Be Jan 28, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: Better Sleep Habits

This week, Dan and Merlin do a deep dive on building better sleep habits with a focus on the paradoxes and planning of daily activities that can make all the difference.

Links for this episode:

[SPONSOR] Application Performance Management & Monitoring | New Relic
[SPONSOR] Build a Website — Squarespace
[SPONSOR] lynda.com library | Trial Subscription
[SPONSOR] Smile - Welcome Back to Work Fans!
5by5 | Amplified #87: No Mac Pro for Me
While at NAMM, Jim joins Dan and special guest Merlin Mann to talk about their favorite Macs new and old, the future of the computer in the home, the power of portable and wearable devices, amps, guitars, Yamaha's purchase of Line 6, new gear, why Jim isn't getting a new Mac Pro, and more.Special guest Merlin Mann.
Logos Made Simple — The Official Squarespace Blog
Squarespace Logo helps anyone create a simple logo on their own. Logos can be comprised of a few basic elements: text, a tagline, and an icon. With the help of The Noun Project and Google Fonts, we provide a huge array of icons (7,000 and growing!) and fonts that you can easily turn into a unique logo for your business.
A Redesigned Help Experience — The Official Squarespace Blog
Rod Smart - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Torrold DeShaun "Rod" Smart (born January 9, 1977) is a former professional American football player. He played college football for the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers, and began his professional career in the short-lived XFL, where he played running back for the Las Vegas Outlaws and was known by the nickname "He Hate Me". He then played briefly in the Canadian Football League (CFL) before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL). He then spent four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, 2002–2005, playing in Super Bowl XXXVIII. He has also been on the roster for the San Diego Chargers (in 2000) and the Oakland Raiders (in 2006) and was selected to play in the never launched All American Football League.
"Bob's Burgers" (2011)
Bob's Burgers centers on the Belcher family (consists of Bob, Linda, Tina, Gene and Louise) who own a hamburger restaurant
How Sleep Deprivation Decays the Mind and Body - Seth Maxon - The Atlantic
Sleep deprivation is nearly as misunderstood as sleep itself, but it can physically and mentally harm people in myriad ways. Losing sleep can cause hallucinations, psychosis, and long-term memory impairment. Some studies have linked sleep deprivation to chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and bipolar disorder.
The Trouble with Snooze Buttons (and with Modern Sleep) : The New Yorker
One of the consequences of waking up suddenly, and too early, is a phenomenon called sleep inertia. First given a name in 1976, sleep inertia refers to that period between waking and being fully awake when you feel groggy. The more abruptly you are awakened, the more severe the sleep inertia.
How sleep makes your mind more creative « Mind Hacks
The experiment illustrates that combining what we know to generate new insights requires time, something that many might have guessed. Perhaps more revealingly it also shows the power of sleep in building remote associations.
Gaines, on Brains: Alcohol, Sleep, and Why You Might Re-think that Nightcap
This yielded an interesting result: despite falling asleep faster, the subjects who consumed more alcohol woke more frequently had experienced lighter sleep during the second half of the night.
19 Scientific Reasons Why You Should Take More Naps
Napping is more useful than coffee for getting over your midday slump.
Goodnight. Sleep Clean. - NYTimes.com
5by5 | Back to Work #90: Quit!™
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about sleep—why we need it, why most of us don't get enough of it, and why we all strain to find a million excuses for perpetually walking around like a sad zombie.
SRD:Monk - D&D Wiki
Amazon.com: Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity + Sleep Wristband, Black: Health & Personal Care
? Viking - YouTube
The Forehead Ticket Trick | 43 Folders
The car doesn't move until each person takes out their ticket and holds it to their forehead.Been doing it for 20 years, and you’d be amazed how often it saves the day.
Strother Martin - IMDb
5by5 | Back to Work #155: Newton's Fifth Law of Politeness
The Rook: A Novel: Daniel O'Malley: 9780316098809: Amazon.com: Books

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

New Relic (Use code “BACKTOWORK” to get your extended 30 day trial)
Squarespace (10% off with offer code, “FEAR”)
lynda.com (Start learning now with a 7-day free trial)
PDFpen by Smile

Episode 155: Newton's Fifth Law of Politeness Jan 21, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: Isolation and Identity

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about civility, identity, Florida, and how you can't unsee Idiocracy.

Links for this episode:

The Living Wiccan, Curse Removal & Reversal
Why Songs Get Stuck in Your Head - Elizabeth Hellmuth Margulis - The Atlantic
What Are You Doing Right Now? - Merlin Mann
"Is this really what you want to be doing right now?"
"Right Now, What Are You Doing?" | 43 Folders
5by5 | Amplified #86: Nobody's Getting My Panties
This week, Merlin Mann sits in to chat with Jim about the Nest acquisition, the problem with Google's opaque creepiness, Jim's upcoming trip to NAMM, plus some special interactive tips from Jim on working the pentatonic blues solo.Homework: Practice on GnR's "Knocking on Heaven's Door."Special guest Merlin Mann.
Idiocracy (2006)
The Future Is A No Brainer
Idiocracy (Release) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In The New York Times, Dan Mitchell argued that Fox might be shying away from the cautionary tale about low-intelligence dysgenics, because the company did not want to offend either its viewers or potential advertisers portrayed negatively in the film noting that in the film, Starbucks delivers handjobs, and the motto of Carl's Jr. has degenerated from "Don't Bother Me. I'm Eating." to "F*ck You! I'm Eating!"
"Deceptive Practice" (2012)
With wit and charm -- and lots of rare footage -- legendary illusionist Ricky Jay reveals his influences and offers insight into a secretive world.
"Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants" (1996)
"Penn and Teller at Caesar's Palace" - YouTube
Penn and Teller demonstrate the seven basic principles of magic.
Stanford prison experiment - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Erikson's stages of psychosocial development - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, as articulated by Erik Erikson, explain eight stages through which a healthily developing human should pass from infancy to late adulthood. In each stage, the person confronts, and hopefully masters, new challenges. Each stage builds upon the successful completion of earlier stages. The challenges of stages not successfully completed may be expected to reappear as problems in the future.
College Level Examination Program - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in several subject areas that are administered at more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States created by the College Board.[1] There are 2,900 colleges which grant CLEP credit.[2] Each institution awards credit to students who meet the college's minimum qualifying score for that exam, which is typically 50, but it does vary by school and exam.[3] The tests are useful for students who have obtained knowledge outside the classroom, such as through independent study, job experience, or cultural interaction.[4] CLEP also offers students (including international and homeschool students) the opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency in subject areas and bypass undergraduate coursework.
Blackfish (2013)
Never capture what you can't control.
Stories We Tell (2012)
A film that excavates layers of myth and memory to find the elusive truth at the core of a family of storytellers
The Crash Reel (2013)
The mind has mountains
Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing Without Organizations: Clay Shirky: 9780143114949: Amazon.com: Books
Accessibility | SFMTA
San Francisco Muni’s accessible services and features.
Ep. 01: "Keep Moving and Get Out of the Way" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
Punctuality, Freud, reasons, John’s brutal introversion, R.E.M.’s sense of humours, listening with toolboxes, the explicit honesty of volcano science, and ultimately rethinking humanity’s Latifahesque, fleece-and-beards struggle with the two a priori laws.
Keep Moving and Get Out of the Way on Vimeo
It's really very simple: * if you're in the way, keep moving * if you stop moving, get out of the way. This is Ape Law, and we must teach it to our young.
THE Lance Arthur (thelancearthur) on Twitter
Elfers, Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(n.b.: since Merlin's teen years, the median age has plummeted to a youthful _45_)
The Criterion Collection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Criterion Collection (or simply Criterion) is a video-distribution company that sells "important classic and contemporary films" to film aficionados. The Criterion series is noted for helping to standardize the letterbox format for widescreen films, bonus features, and special editions for home video.
Months After 'Blackfish' Release, Controversy Over SeaWorld Grows : NPR
Last month, SeaWorld finally responded. The park published an "open letter" in several newspapers that didn't mention Blackfish but defended its record of caring for killer whales. And this week, the company released an interim financial report, saying it had record attendance in the fourth quarter and that it expects to report its highest-ever annual revenue in March.
Temple Grandin by Errol Morris (part 1 of 3) - YouTube
This documentary about Temple Grandin was filmed by Errol Morris. It aired in his First Person series on Bravo US and Channel Four UK in 2000.
Temple Grandin (2010) (TV)
Autism gave her a vision. She gave it a voice.
Bob's Burgers Exclusive Clip: Tina Admires Jimmy Jr.'s Magic Touch - Today's News: Our Take | TVGuide.com

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

FreshBooks (They're giving away birthday cakes! Tell 'em you heard about it on "Back to Work")
New Relic (Use code "BACKTOWORK" to get your extended 30 day trial)
Shutterstock (25% off everything with discount code "BACKTOWORK114")

Episode 154: Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys Jan 14, 2014

Show notes

TOPIC: The Attention Stack

This week, Dan and Merlin talk about—what?—maybe the attention stack. How what we pay attention to (and, yes spend our time on) can't help but affect how we see, think, feel, and decide.

Not happy with any of those things? Start working your way down the stack.

Links for this episode:

[SPONSOR] Designer Frames & Online Eyeglasses - $95 Rx Glasses | Warby Parker
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Pronoia (psychology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In 2008 the writer and Electronic Frontier Foundation co-founder John Perry Barlow defined pronoia as "the suspicion the Universe is a conspiracy on your behalf".
Bokononism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bokononism is based on the concept of foma, which are defined as harmless untruths. A foundation of Bokononism is that the religion, including its texts, is formed entirely of lies
What's new with the LayoutEngine? | 6 Squarespace Customer Care
5by5 | Back to Work #1: Alligator in the Bathroom
In the inaugural episode of Back to Work, Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discuss why they’re doing this show, getting back to work instead of buying berets, the lizard brain, and compare the Shadow of the Mouse to San Francisco, and eventually get to some practical tips for removing friction.
Windsor (typeface) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Monkey's Paw - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"The Monkey's Paw" is a horror short story by author W. W. Jacobs. It was published in England in 1902.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.
Untangling the Present: The Role of Appropriate Attention
As anyone who has solved a complex problem knows, the trick to finding its solution lies in how you frame the issue: identifying the problem and sorting out the pattern of factors related to it. Seeing the pattern, you can decide which factors to focus on as crucial to its solution, and which ones you have to ignore so as not to get led down blind alleys. Framing the issue also means deciding how to approach each of the crucial factors so that instead of maintaining or exacerbating the problem, they aid with its solution. What this boils down to is, when faced with a problem, knowing which questions are helpful to ask about it, and which questions aren't.
Amazon.com: Woolite Darks Laundry Detergent, 50 Ounce: Health & Personal Care
5by5 | Back to Work #153: Anxiety's a Goat
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about anxiety, compulsive thoughts, and how to at least crack an air hole in a big problem.Way of the future.
Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia, Revised and Expanded: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings: Rob Brezsny: 9781556438189: Amazon.com: Books
Brezsny persuasively advises readers to go along with the universe's good intentions, but his rejection of cynicism and a bleak view of human nature isn't rooted in denial. On the contrary, he makes a case for a cagey optimism that requires a vigorous engagement with the dark forces.
Cat's Cradle: A Novel: Kurt Vonnegut: 9780385333481: Amazon.com: Books
Cat’s Cradle is Kurt Vonnegut’s satirical commentary on modern man and his madness. An apocalyptic tale of this planet’s ultimate fate, it features a midget as the protagonist, a complete, original theology created by a calypso singer, and a vision of the future that is at once blackly fatalistic and hilariously funny. A book that left an indelible mark on an entire generation of readers, Cat’s Cradle is one of the twentieth century’s most important works—and Vonnegut at his very best.
Tetris - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The game has been noted to cause the brain to involuntarily picture tetris combinations even when the player is not playing (the Tetris effect), although this can occur with any computer game or situation showcasing repeated images or scenarios, such as a jigsaw puzzle.
Put This On, Episode 1: Denim on Vimeo
The Living Wiccan, Curse Removal & Reversal
So, here it is. Where I will discuss different methods to remove, reverse, and break curses that you’ve cast or that have been cast on you.
Removing Curses, Hexes, Bindings
Collect the hair, nail clippings or anything of the person upon whom the spell was cast. Consecrate the ground and cover it with a layer of salt to prevent evil from interfering. Pile the Oak wood and light it. Place what ever was collected from the person into water in the cauldron and boil. Add mistletoe and perform an incantation. The spell is reversed.
Brain Games & Brain Training - Lumosity
Designing Web Graphics Edition: Linda Weinman: 9781562055325: Amazon.com: Books
5by5 | Myke Hurley
Young Girl-Old Woman Illusion -- from Wolfram MathWorld
A famous perceptual illusion in which the brain switches between seeing a young girl and an old woman
Mojo
Mojo, in the African-American folk belief called hoodoo, is an amulet consisting of a flannel bag containing one or more magical items. It is a "prayer in a bag," or a spell that can be carried with or on the host's body. Alternative American names for the mojo bag include hand, mojo hand, conjure hand, lucky hand, conjure bag, trick bag, root bag, toby, jomo, and gris-gris bag.

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

FreshBooks (They’re giving away birthday cakes!)
lynda.com/backtowork (Start learning now with a 7-day free trial)
Squarespace (10% off with offer code, “FEAR”)
Warby Parker (free 3-day shipping for Back to Work listeners)

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