An important discussion about aging as examined and explained through the lens of James Howlett. Links: David Ferrie - Wikipedia Merlin's Wisdom Project — "It's only advice for you because it had to be advice for me." Max Eisenhardt (Earth-616) | Marvel Database | Fandom Magneto | X-Men Wiki | Fandom…

Merlin thinks LLMs have raised the bar for voice assistants in general and Siri in particular. Dan and his kid watch the excellent HBO series, Chernobyl. Merlin’s weird, truncated contexts in Things. Links: Seven Little Pieces of My Heart — Merlin really likes music, and he has a delightfully economical way to share it with you. Dr.Feelgood 【She Do…

Your hosts discuss facial hair, notebooks, the metric system, flexing about local weather, and becoming the bathroom supplies you want to see in the world. Links: Amazon.com : kleid 8902 Notebook, 0.08 inch (2 mm) Grid Notebook, A5, 0.08 inch (2 mm) Grid, Olive : Office Products Kleid Stationery Kinokuniya USA Amazon.com: Maruman MNEMOSYNE Notebook…

Travel is not always about traveling, but it is definitely always about your life. Links: Wacky Races (1968 TV series) - Wikipedia Cincinnati Superhero Connection | Cincinnati Experience Muttley - Wikipedia Simple Scan | Agile Tortoise Amazon.com: Anker MagSafe Charger Compatible, Anker MagGo 3in1 Charging Station, Qi2 Certified 15W Wireless Charge…

A classic odds n' sods episode. Plus, Merlin has thoughts about memory and ecosystems, and Dan is considering jetting through an eclipse.By 5by5

Dan talks about what he's learned from traveling a bunch, and Merlin thinks a lot of weirdness comes from our twin fears of boredom and inconvenience. Links: Tailscale · Best VPN Service for Secure Networks — Tailscale makes creating software-defined networks easy: securely connecting users, services, and devices. Amazon.com: MagSafe Charger Compat…

A classic odds n' sods episode. Links: Paterson Official Trailer 1 (2016) - Adam Driver Movie - YouTube William Carlos Williams - Wikipedia "Paterson" by William Carlos Williams NTFS for Mac on Setapp | Read/write support for NTFS on Mac Rename files, folders, and disks on Mac - Apple Support Tailscale · Best VPN Service for Secure Networks Ruby on…

Merlin conducts a deep dive on being busy versus being time-constrained, and Dan has some updates on his task management odyssey. Links: wisdom/wisdom.md at master · merlinmann/wisdom · GitHub — "It's only advice for you because it HAD to be advice for me." Automation Academy: Introducing ThingsBox, an All-In-One Shortcuts Capture System for the Th…

Dan is navigating the landscape of task management apps, and, shockingly, Merlin has some thoughts. Links: Paperlike's iPad Screen Protector Là-bas (novel) - Wikipedia À rebours - Wikipedia Gary Gulman: Born on 3rd Base | Now Streaming | Max — Gary Gulman: Born on 3rd Base. The comedian offers up hilarious insights with a generous helping of his in…

Dan and Merlin kick off the new year with a wide-ranging look at how tools and motivations evolve with how we work. Links: The Cornell Note Taking System – Learning Strategies Center Understanding Paper Tooth - What to Look for in an Artist Charcoal Pap – Nitram Art Inc. Richard Artschwager: The artist who doesn't fit any category | Documentary "Sh…

A fairly epic episode covering health tracking and self-quantization. Remember: data doesn't have to hurt. Links: calibre - E-book management Bacon Ray - Indie Rock from Tallahassee, Florida — "Bacon Ray is a soon-to-be defunct indie band from Tallahassee, Florida." (August, 1999) Homepage - Quantified Self App and Tracker For Better Sleep and Dail…

Your hosts talk about how we perceive the world and the challenge of mindfully updating our perceptions. Links: TwinklyBy 5by5

Dan and Merlin are excited about technologies that have found a place in their lives. What a blessed season of thanks! Runner-Up Titles: A Lot of Their Unhappiness Came from Me The Smell of a 15-Year-Old My Trans Daddy is a Fox Las Vegas Poops Links: Apple’s China ties under Congressional scrutiny after Jon Stewart cancellation | Ars Technica I Rev…

Merlin has more on generative AI, and Dan has a sweet new watch. Links: Original Takes for Orson Welles Wine Commercial - YouTube Matt Berry - What's In My Bag? - YouTube IT'S KEVIN Amish Sex Pistols - YouTube The Butterfield Diet Plan 🍰 | The Peter Serafinowicz Show - BBC - YouTube OpenAI DevDay, Opening Keynote - YouTube New Products: A Deep Dive…

On AI and curiosity. Links: Monchhichi Blue Bib Boy · Kappa Toys Career Day - SNL - YouTube Monchhichi Dolls Commercial - YouTube Drama Actors Roundtable: Pedro Pascal, Evan Peters, Kieran Culkin, Damson Idris & More - YouTube Pedro Pascal & Oscar Isaac Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - YouTube Like Stories of Old | Nebula — I beli…

And and Merlin have a wide-ranging discussion. Links: Rams Palette. – Present & Correct Present & Correct Modern notes manager for macOS and iOS | FSNotes App — FSNotes is modern notes manager for macOS and iOS. App respects open formats like GitHub Flavored Markdown, so you can easily write documents on iPhone and MacBook. It's simple and blazing …

Talk of eyes, intentionalities, and HDMI. Links: Chipotle tests automation for burrito bowls and salads Orion — HDMI Monitor for iPad Amazon.com: Sakura 44181 Identi-Pen Blister Card Permanent Marker, Black : Office Products Ex-Dodger Steve Garvey launches a Senate campaign heavy on nostalgia, light on specifics — "So far, his campaign promises to …

Merlin claims he's not going to do any work for this one, and Dan has some advice for travelers. Links: Doom developer John Carmack thinks AGI could debut in 2030 • The Register The Unusual | Dan Benjamin | Substack The Better Boarding Method Airlines Won't Use - YouTube Boarding a Plane Shouldn’t Be This Hard - Key & Peele - YouTube Merlin's 3D Li…

Your hosts catch up on some great media, and Merlin expounds on the magic of Channels. Also, Merlin logrolls a recent podcast episode and re-extolls the power of dictation. Links: Mac Power Users #711: Getting Some Wisdom with Merlin Mann - Relay FM — Merlin Mann comes back to the Mac Power Users to talk about task management, iOS 17 improvements, …

Dan and Merlin have a wide-ranging discussion. Links: TextFX — AI-powered tools for rappers, writers and wordsmiths. TypingMind — A better UI for ChatGPT — A better UI for ChatGPT Omnivore (141) Paddle to the Sea - YouTubeBy 5by5

Dan and Merlin have a wide-ranging discussion about technology, and Merlin lays the groundwork for several spirited rants. Links: Mythic Computer is trying to change the PC world one wood computer at a time - The Verge Ideogram: Helping people become more creative. Amazon.com: Anker USB C Charger, 735 Charger (Nano II 65W), iPad Charger, PPS 3-Port…

Over the course of this classic Odds n' Sods episode, it becomes clear that all Merlin cares about is babies and 3D printing. Links: White Noise Podcasters Are Costing Spotify $38 Million a Year - Bloomberg Stanford Tree - Wikipedia Monoprice MP Voxel 3D Printer, Fully Enclosed, Easy Wi-Fi, Touchscreen, 8GB On-Board Memory - Monoprice.com Bre Petti…

Dan returns from a nice trip, and Merlin has been printing lizards. Links: Connect Patreon to Spotify and Stream Your Favorite Podcasts in One Place — Spotify Javier Bardem - Wikipedia Thingiverse - Digital Designs for Physical Objects How the West Was Won (Led Zeppelin album) - Wikipedia Home - 13 Coins Brian Brettschneider on Twitter: "The averag…

You’re either early or you’re late; leave time for a flat tire; have you tried melatonin?; a new search engine and some enthusiasm for blogs. Links: Searching for a Search Engine — I've long been on the lookout for a search engine that would let me filter out sites that I've found to be more noise than signal. After a little over a month of paid us…

With Merlin on the mend, your hosts discuss actors named Hurt, comic books, and old Macs. Links: The Computer Chronicles - Macintosh System 7.0 (1991) - YouTube iTextEditors - iPhone and iPad text/code editors and writing tools compared — This is a feature comparison of text editors on iOS. ex-men - YouTube ALTI Wireless Charging Desk Mat- Journey …

DISCUSSED: A self-hypnosis recommendation leads to another look at meditation (as well as not-meditation), plus Merlin has a few more beta finds that contribute to the Tiny Life Improvement Project. Links: Sleep Hypnosis for Calming An Overactive Mind - YouTube wisdom/wisdom.md at master · merlinmann/wisdom · GitHub Genesis - "Turn It On Again" - Y…

DISCUSSED: Dan sets up his little office, your hosts talk about the new Apple dingus, and Merlin highlights some strong OS updates. Links: Denny's Moons Over My Hammy Copycat Recipe by Todd WilburBy 5by5

Dan needs your help with a flooring dilemma, and your hosts share some thoughts on WWDC announcements. Links: Overlooked! A detail in The Shining that you’ve never seen - YouTube “A Little Dazzled” - A Gentle Introduction to XTC - playlist by merlinmann | Spotify “Your Head Keeps Shaking.” - playlist by merlinmann | Spotify New Wave That Still Stan…

Dan dives deep on his Sonos setup, and Merlin explores official state things. Links: Amazon.com: Pyle Home 4-Zone Channel Speaker Switch Selector-Premium New & Improved Switch Box Hub, Distribution Box for Multi-Channel High Powered Stereo Amp A/B/C/D Switches, 4 Pairs Of Speakers, Black - PSS4 : Electronics Arizona Facts | Office of the Arizona Go…

DISCUSSED: Merlin's family doesn't understand him; an extremely funny TV show is recommended; your hosts address some of the trade-offs that continue to hinder easy smart home adoption; Dan teases a big smart audio episode next week; and Merlin starts trying to tackle an unusual Thought Technology that's become very important to him: First, Make a …

Try to make sure fear is always preceded by curiosity. Links: (1) AI Generated Ad - Synthetic Summer. No real people featured - By Private Island - YouTube Amazon.com: Netatmo Weather Station Indoor Outdoor with Wireless Outdoor Sensor - Compatible with Amazon Alexa & Apple HomeKit : Patio, Lawn & Garden Söhne Mono fonts · Klim Type Foundry…

Merlin has a lot of thoughts about AI stuff. Links: The Nice Guys (2016) - IMDbBy 5by5

Dan's house continues to get smarter, and Merlin has some very good media picks. Links: boygenius - the film - YouTube Ancient Warfare Expert Rates 10 Battle Tactics In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? - YouTube Watch DAVE Streaming Online | Hulu (Free Trial) Amazon.com: Google Nest Doorbell - (Wired, 2nd Gen) - Video Security Camera - Ash : Tools &…

Dan has big updates about his smart home setup, and Merlin is getting intimate with a robot. Links: The Future is a Dead Mall - Decentraland and the Metaverse - YouTube Folding Ideas - YouTube Dreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia — The Dreyfus model of skill acquisition is a model of how learners acquire skills through formal instruction …

DISCUSSED: Steve Buscemi is celebrated, and The Big Lebowski is congratulated; the guys continue their dive into the state of smart home hardware with a focus on switches. Links: Michael Warburton on Twitter: "STEVE BUSCEMI served from 1980-1984 on Engine Co. 55 in Manhattan’s Little Italy. He donned the uniform once more when he voluntarily return…

Dan is curious about AI voice transcription, and Merlin has yet more smart home advice for a new homeowner. Links: How an 18th Century Sailing Battleship Works - YouTube GitHub - openai/whisper: Robust Speech Recognition via Large-Scale Weak SupervisionBy 5by5

DISCUSSED: Merlin has some been analyzing a very misleading song about beaches, and Dan has been visiting more with ChadGPT. Links: You're not going to believe what I'm about to tell you - The Oatmeal Kokomo, Indiana - Wikipedia — the ornriest town on earth gragland/chatgpt-chrome-extension: A ChatGPT Chrome extension. Integrates ChatGPT into every…

DISCUSSED: Dan has a new iPad keyboard, and Merlin is intrigued by ChatGPT. Also, Merlin almost tunes his guitar. Links: OpenAI I tried using AI. It scared me. - YouTube Fixing Gmail labels to attach to messages, not threads « Tom Scott What Is ChatGPT Doing … and Why Does It Work? ChatGPT writes Merlin some code ChatGPT shows Merlin some `sed` Cha…

DISCUSSED: Dan's takes some smart baby steps into home automation, and Merlin has a lot to say about everything. Links: Obsidian — Obsidian is a powerful and extensible knowledge base that works on top of your local folder of plain text files. Obsidian Canvas - Obsidian — An infinite space to visualize and make sense of your ideas.…

DISCUSSED: Dan begins a new journey into smart home living, and Merlin is excited about common misconceptions. Links: List of common misconceptions - Wikipedia — Each entry on this list of common misconceptions is worded as a correction; the misconceptions themselves are implied rather than stated. (via Sam Enright) The Cabinet of Wikipedian Curios…

DISCUSSED: After settling some confusion about Anna Borg, the boys settle into an amble about the state of voice assistants and the future of the theoretically smart home. As ever, Merlin is pretty excited about music, but he also needs your help figuring out where in the hell he got this new software keyboard. Links: Spotify – Mindhunter Season 1&…

DISCUSSED: Merlin is extremely happy with a suggestion that Dan made, and Dan has a bunch of apps he's excited about. Links: Yahtzee - Wikipedia AmazonSmile: Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Black/Grey: Home & Kitchen CopyLess 2 – Clipboard manager for Ma…

Typing on an iPad, rhyming compulsively, default media, and taking a young foodie out on the town. Links: 7UP Commercial- Make 7...UP yours! - YouTube Amazon.com: Instant Cold Brew Electric Coffee Maker, From the Makers of Instant Pot, Quickly Cold Brew Coffee, Customize Your Brew Strength, Easy-to-Use, Dishwasher Safe Glass Pitcher, Brew Up to 32 …

DISCUSSED: Merlin is excited about reading, and Dan sometimes puts his time in a box. Also: Breaking Bad. Links: Living In Expectation of the Unexpected Gift — This text discusses how modern society has become heavily reliant on technology to manage and optimize our lives, but in doing so has resulted in a lack of joy and satisfaction in life. It s…

DISCUSSED: Merlin recommends an exciting new beta; Dan gets a new e-reader; and Merlin has a lot to say about taking notes. Links: Readwise's Reader Beta — "Huge news: after 1.5 years of private beta, thousands of testers, and a looot of incredible work by the team... @ReadwiseReader is finally in public beta! Save everything to one place, highligh…

DISCUSSED: a classic odds n' sods episode encompassing a missing remote (and a failed system), some wallet FU, cool help with playlist management, unsubscribing in dribs and drabs, and a big-ass RV. Links: We Toured The Most FUTURISTIC Motorhome in the World! - YouTube Building a Camper I can Tow with my Bike... Detailed Build - YouTube ChatGPT No.…

Merlin is still on Island Time, so discussion is mostly limited to Columbo, Star Wars, Merlin's playlists, Ellsworth, and, of course, wallets. Links: "Columbo" The Most Crucial Game (TV Episode 1972) - IMDb A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again - Wikipedia — "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again" (Harper's, 1996, under the title "Shippin…

DISCUSSED: Dan has a new concern; some thoughts on resistance; Merlin shares a new insight on creativity and sleep; Dan has FU directly from the Nosferatu band; Merlin serves a turducken of suggestions related to text editing; and, finally, Dan needs your advice on wallets, while Merlin makes a case for currency. Links: Finding a native and fast te…

DISCUSSED: Merlin is playing with his new dingus; Dan almost talks about wallets; try Tailscale to make your stuff work better together; why you (yes, you) need a VPN; Dan is getting enthused about Obsidian; Merlin is freshly re-enthused about Daytum; and finally Dan is very excited about a Dracula he saw. Links: Tailscale · Best VPN Service for Se…

DISCUSSED: Halloween Follow-Up; exit interview for Season 4 of What We Do in the Shadows; how Apple could build users' confidence and stimulate their curiosity with better documentation; Merlin makes his case for spreadsheets as your potential place where stuff goes. Links: K-Strass the Yo-Yo Guy Super Compilation - YouTube PSA: You can stop/silenc…