Grumpy Old Geeks Episode 679: "Set Sanity to Zero" – Summary

Release Date: January 11, 2025
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo & Brian Schulmeister
Guest: Dave Bittner

1. Personal Updates and Recent Challenges

The episode kicks off with Brian Schulmeister sharing his recent struggles after contracting the flu during Christmas. He recounts his miserable flight home, dubbed the "plague plane," where he endured persistent coughing alongside other passengers. Despite his efforts to stay healthy, Brian fell ill again, mentioning, "And I will affectionately call it the plague plane. It was the worst plane I've ever been on in my entire life." [01:13]

Jason DeFilippo empathizes with Brian's predicament, expressing his own exhaustion from lack of sleep: "I have the technology. There will be a show next week." [02:09]

2. Wildfires in Los Angeles and the Watch Duty App

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Southern California. Jason introduces the Watch Duty app, praising its comprehensive features for tracking wildfires and wind patterns: "It is a Swiss army knife of trying to stay alive." [02:50]

Brian adds that he's monitoring the app closely, especially concerned for friends in affected areas. They discuss the rapid spread of the Kenneth Fire, its proximity to Jason's Malibu Canyon residence, and the controversial use of private firefighting resources: "If anybody says the rich don't get preferential treatment, I would say Fuck you, man." [04:34]

The hosts express frustration over the arson-related fires, highlighting the recent arrest of a suspect near Jason's home: "This last guy ... he was trying to set one a half mile from my house, which is basically the nightmare." [05:57]

3. MoviePass Scandal and CEO Guilty Plea

Transitioning to corporate misconduct, Brian outlines the downfall of MoviePass's leadership. Ex-CEO Ted Farnsworth and former CEO Mitch Lowe have pled guilty to defrauding investors by misleading claims about the sustainability of MoviePass's business model: "They knew that was not true and it was a temporary marketing gimmick." [09:58]

Jason adds skepticism about the company's dubious strategies, pointing out the misuse of geolocation data for selling targeted coupons: "We called bullshit that within 10 seconds when we saw it." [10:17]

4. UK’s Legislative Move Against Sexually Explicit Deep Fakes

Brian reports on the UK government's efforts to criminalize the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deep fakes, expanding beyond mere sharing to include creation: "Platforms hosting this content will face tougher scrutiny and significant penalties." [10:50]

Jason criticizes the limitations of such measures, arguing that deep fakes are primarily produced by individuals using open-source tools rather than tech companies: "Who's to say I don't talk to aliens every day already?" [11:24]

5. Meta’s Board Expansion and Alignment with Political Figures

The conversation shifts to Meta (Facebook) appointing UFC CEO Dana White to its board, signaling a strategic pivot to align more closely with former President Trump's base. Jason mocks the inclusion, highlighting White's lack of tech expertise and Meta’s apparent prioritization of political appeasement over industry insight: "You can rape somebody and get the highest seat in the country, so why not?" [12:02]

Brian humorously notes the addition by referring to AI-generated imagery of tech CEOs "kissing ass," further criticizing Meta's direction: "Nick Clegg is gone. Not really." [12:54]

6. AI’s Impact on the Job Market and Security Concerns

Jason and Brian delve into the ramifications of AI on employment, citing an article that predicts the loss of 450,000 jobs in the next year due to AI advancements. They discuss automated job applications and AI's role in hiring processes: "He applied for 1,000 jobs while he was asleep and he got 50 interviews." [17:59]

Brian suggests selling automated job-application algorithms to platforms like Indeed or Monster, emphasizing the cyclical nature of AI utilization in the job market.

7. Corporate Mergers and AI Integration

The hosts highlight the Getty Images and Shutterstock merger, emphasizing its $3.7 billion valuation aimed at capitalizing on AI's growth. They critique the merger as an antitrust violation and question its actual benefits: "Look, we've got five fingers." [29:49]

Jason opines that stock photography is becoming obsolete due to generative AI's capabilities, deeming the merger as an attempt to salvage a declining industry: "What's going to go through. It's a dead industry anyway." [30:06]

8. Salesforce on AI-Driven E-commerce Growth

Discussing e-commerce trends, Jason cites Salesforce's report on AI's role in driving online sales during the 2024 holiday season. AI-influenced sales surged to $229 billion, with a notable increase in chatbot usage: "Shoppers used AI based chatbot services, 42% more than last year." [31:52]

However, high return rates pose challenges to profit margins, prompting Salesforce to advocate for AI tools to mitigate losses: "It's like, hey boss, we lose a dollar on every unit we sell." [31:58]

9. Apple’s Privacy Settlement Over Siri Recordings

A critical segment discusses Apple’s recent agreement to pay $95 million over accusations that Siri unintentionally recorded private conversations. Jason mocks the settlement's effectiveness, suggesting Apple’s contribution is negligible compared to the fines: "$95 million is going to make it go away? It seems so." [68:26]

Brian highlights public skepticism, noting users fear their phones are always listening despite lack of concrete evidence: "There's none. No legitimate research." [69:41]

10. Reviews and Recommendations of TV Shows

The hosts briefly touch upon various TV shows, sharing their opinions and experiences:

• "Skeleton Crew": Brian expresses enjoyment after rekindling his interest through a Disneyland visit, appreciating its evolving plot and action sequences: "I'm thoroughly enjoying it." [60:42]

• "Beast Games": Jason fervently recommends the show, praising its entertainment value: "It really is good. Highly recommended." [61:27]

• "Wallace and Gromit": Dave Bittner introduces the latest movie, with Brian and Jason discussing its adherence to the original short-form charm versus the challenges of extending it to feature length.

11. Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

In the episode's conclusion, the hosts express gratitude towards their Patreon supporters and donors, encouraging listeners to contribute to sustain the show. They also share personal anecdotes about their reading habits and upcoming projects, maintaining the podcast's signature blend of tech commentary and casual banter.

Jason humorously remarks on missing out on purchasing a Kindle from Brian, while Brian shares his rekindled interest in gaming through the Nintendo Switch: "Congratulations on becoming a gamer, Brian." [50:36]

Notable Quotes:

• "I think the best way to do that? Get rid of it." — Jason DeFilippo on Apple's notification summaries. [45:24]

• "Fuck it. Go. Go for it, Elon. Just call it the flying car." — Brian Schulmeister mocking Tesla’s Smart Summon feature. [26:53]

• "If we're back to that point, remember when the Internet first just started and your parents got on and they started sending you emails about every stupid thing that you've ever seen on the planet? Yes, we're back to that." — Jason DeFilippo lamenting social media backslides. [24:53]

• "We're giving any fact checking whatsoever. We're going back to their roots and focusing on reducing." — Brian Schulmeister on Meta's shift away from fact-checking. [20:48]

Key Takeaways:

• Environmental Concerns: Ongoing wildfires in LA and their societal impact, exacerbated by arson and unequal resource distribution.

• Corporate Accountability: The fall of MoviePass executives highlights the consequences of misleading business practices.

• Legislative Actions: The UK is tightening laws against sexually explicit deep fakes, aiming to curb malicious AI-generated content.

• Tech Industry Shifts: Meta's board changes suggest a strategic realignment towards political appeasement, raising concerns about its implications for platform governance.

• AI’s Dual-Edged Sword: While AI drives significant growth in e-commerce, it also threatens job markets and introduces new security challenges.

• Privacy Issues: Apple's substantial settlement over Siri's unintended recordings underscores ongoing debates about smartphone privacy.

• Media Consumption: Hosts share their perspectives on current TV shows, reflecting on the balance between nostalgia and modern storytelling.

This episode of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a comprehensive critique of recent tech industry developments, blending personal anecdotes with sharp commentary on corporate and societal issues. The hosts maintain their characteristic candor, providing listeners with both insightful analysis and relatable experiences.