RSS Sponsor: Checkmark


My thanks go to Checkmark for sponsoring the RSS Feed this week.

Checkmark is the fastest way to create location- or time-based reminders for iPhone.

In just a few seconds you can create new reminders — it only takes 3 taps! You can watch this little movie we made to see it in action.

In only 3 taps you can remind yourself to:

  • Do laundry when you get home
  • Pick up milk next time you’re at the grocery store
  • Call your wife when you leave work
  • Remember to pick up a cake at 3 pm tomorrow
  • Make a haircut appointment on Tuesday at 10 am

You can even add a timer to location-based reminders so the alert goes off when you’re ready to get it done — like 15 minutes after you arrive home.

Checkmark is available in the App Store for $2.99.

Sponsorship by The Syndicate

1Password Logins in OmniFocus

I always knew 1Password could export a login by dragging it to the desktop. However it took reader James W. to make the connection for me that I could put that link places other than the desktop, like in an OmniFocus note. To do so just click and drag.


This is really powerful. For instance, you could create a task with a list of sites you routinely change passwords on and set it out six months. When “the day” finally arrives, you can then get to all the logins from the OmniFocus note. It also works in OmniOutliner. Clever.


GeekDad on Paperless

In addition to providing a very kind review of Paperless, Jim Kelly at GeekDad interviewed me concerning Paperless and new workflows. The update is still on track. Everything is nearly ready to publish. I need to work out a few kinks and then it will be ready to roll. If you haven’t already, signing up for the Field Guide Newsletter is a really good idea.

Dropbox Two Factor Authentication

Two factor authentication requires a user to have two discreet pieces of secret data to access an account. For example a password and a secret code sent to your phone. Hacking a two-factor authentication requires the scoundrel to have both your password and your phone. It is increasingly important as we all embrace the cloud. Dropbox just announced its own support for two factor authentication and I’m already in. To get started, click the security setting for your account at the Dropbox web site. Strangely, I didn’t see an iOS application for two factor authentication. Instead, Dropbox sends me a text message with a six digit number.


Dropbox’s particular flavor of two-step verification kicks in whenever you log into the web site or attempt to add a new device. This really isn’t that intrusive and much more secure. If you use Dropbox, go do it now.

MPU 100: Awesome MPU Listeners

Want to hear the workflows of several smart MPU listeners (including physicians, academics, pilots, and more) AND some stories about my days as a Jungle Cruise skipper? Now is your chance.

Darth Vader and Son

My 10 year old daughter picked up this book and we couldn’t resist buying it. Author Jeffrey Brown records the frustration and joy that is parenthood as Darth attempts to raise young Luke. I’d like to say this is a book for kids but I’m pretty sure I got more pleasure out of it than any six-year-old could.

PDFpen for iPad Screencast

I’ve been working on a screencast about PDFpen for iPad for about a month. I started with the idea that it would be no more than 20 minutes. It ended up over 48 minutes. So much for that plan.

Either way, I’m really proud of it and if you’re looking for a way to deal with PDFs on your iPad, this is a good place to spend some time.

Apple Mail Send-From Trick

One of my favorite keyboard hacks was the ability to change the sending email address from OS X’s Mail.app without resorting to
the mouse or trackpad like some farm boy fresh off the turnip truck. This shortcut existed through Snow Leopard but disappeared with Lion. I’m happy to report it’s back in Mountain Lion.

Specifically, you create a keyboard shortcut for use in Mountain Lion’s Mail.app that fills in the sending email address of your choice. In order to create it, you need to use the exact syntax from the Mail.app and a handy keyboard shortcut. (I use Control + Command + Option + a corresponding key in the top row, Q-W-E-R.) Once you’ve set this up, you can quickly change the sending email address for any message you write in Mail.app with a keyboard combination. This screencast demonstrates.