Grumpy Old Geeks – Episode 681: Trough of Disillusionment Release Date: January 25, 2025
In Episode 681 of Grumpy Old Geeks, hosts Jason DeFilippo, Brian Schulmeister, and guest Dave Bittner delve into a myriad of topics spanning from extreme weather phenomena to the evolving landscape of technology and media. This episode, aptly titled "Trough of Disillusionment," captures the hosts' unfiltered perspectives on recent events and trends shaping the tech and entertainment industries.
I. Weather Extremes and Local Experiences
The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their personal battles against an unprecedented polar vortex. Brian recounts the severe cold that led to frozen pipes and dysfunctional bathrooms, while Jason humorously attributes the extreme weather to a rift caused by his trip to Canada.
Brian Schulmeister [00:49]: "We had a polar vortex. Now it's cold enough here in regular winter. The polar vortex was insane."
Jason DeFilippo [01:18]: "You have to come back."
The discussion highlights the absurdity of enduring prolonged harsh weather, setting a tone of exasperation that permeates the episode.
II. Gaming Industry's Job Losses and AI Impact
Transitioning to industry news, Brian presents alarming statistics from the GDC 2025 State of the Game Industry Report. The gaming sector faces significant job losses, with potential layoffs estimated at around 14,000 for 2024, attributed largely to industry consolidation and the relentless advancement of AI technologies.
Brian Schulmeister [01:46]: "11% of developers said they were let go from their positions in 2024 and 29% observed direct colleagues being laid off."
Jason DeFilippo [02:29]: "AI. Yeah. Yes."
The hosts discuss the precarious balance between the gaming industry's high revenues and its unsustainable labor practices, exacerbated by automation and AI integration.
III. Elon Musk's Gaming Character Outsourcing Controversy
Elon Musk's recent admission to outsourcing his gaming character activities becomes a focal point of contention. The hosts criticize Musk for hiring others to play his characters, undermining his image as an elite gamer.
Brian Schulmeister [03:05]: "He has hired other people to man his characters and level them up for him so he can step in and do a little video where it seems like he's an awesome dude."
Jason adds a historical perspective, comparing Musk's tactics to long-standing practices in the gaming community.
Jason DeFilippo [04:12]: "Grinding a character to sell has, you know, that's what kept World of Warcraft, you know, financially viable for Chinese gold farmers for decades."
IV. Political Moves: Trump's Executive Orders and Pardon of Ross Ulbricht
The episode shifts to political developments, focusing on President Trump's executive orders aimed at combating perceived anti-conservative biases on social media platforms. The hosts express skepticism about the efficacy and intentions behind these directives.
Brian Schulmeister [05:53]: "He's just saying there's an anti-conservative bias on social media platforms. Multiple studies have actually found that conservative leaning posts tend to outperform liberal leaning posts on social media."
Additionally, the controversial pardon of Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, is scrutinized. The hosts debate the implications of releasing a figure convicted of facilitating illegal activities.
Jason DeFilippo [07:21]: "But you know, he's going to level up somebody, have somebody else level up a face to melt off."
V. Social Media Censorship Issues on Instagram
The conversation returns to social media, highlighting a technical glitch on Instagram that temporarily blocked political hashtags. The hosts mock Meta's vague explanations and criticize the company's inconsistent policies.
Brian Schulmeister [11:19]: "If you followed President Biden and Vice President Harris on Instagram, you may now be following P. Donny and the Couch Fucker."
They emphasize the ongoing tension between user expectations and platform governance, underscoring the challenges of enforcing content moderation.
VI. AI and Academic Misinformation
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing a report from the Harvard Kennedy School's Misinformation Review, which reveals that two-thirds of sampled academic papers on Google Scholar show signs of AI-generated text. The hosts express concern over the infiltration of fabricated information into scholarly research, potentially undermining academic integrity.
Brian Schulmeister [13:24]: "They found that two thirds of the papers they studied were at least in part produced through undisclosed use of GPTs."
Jason DeFilippo [14:00]: "GPTs continue to pull information out of nowhere, which is usually false, and then they also manufacture their own research papers to bolster the fake information that they produced."
VII. Amazon and Meta's Recent Developments
The discussion moves to corporate issues, focusing on Amazon's decision to close its Quebec facilities, resulting in over 1,700 job cuts. The hosts speculate on the reasons behind this move, humorously suggesting that even giant companies aren't immune to operational challenges.
Brian Schulmeister [29:27]: "Amazon, the company that is one of the largest companies in the world, primarily based on their logistics that they built in house, is going to outsource deliveries to smaller contractors."
Similarly, Meta faces internal turmoil as renowned Stanford professor and copyright lawyer Mark Lemle departs due to disagreements over company policies and leadership.
Brian Schulmeister [27:59]: "Laemmle cited concerns over Meta's shift towards toxic masculinity and neo Nazi madness."
VIII. Necco Health Startup and Healthcare Innovations
Necco Health, a Stockholm-based startup reviving the iconic Necco Wafers name, emerges as a notable company raising $260 million in Series B funding. The hosts dissect the company's mission to provide high-tech health scans aimed at early detection of diseases like skin cancer and heart disease. However, they express skepticism about the accessibility and practicality of such services.
Brian Schulmeister [32:15]: "There's never going to be trickled down to people who can can't afford it. This is going to be a tool for the rich to help keep them healthier."
IX. Television and Movie Discussions
The hosts review and critique various documentaries and TV series, including Yacht Rock, The Wrecking Crew, and Echo in the Canyon. They appreciate the historical insights these documentaries offer but remain critical of certain narrative choices and execution.
Brian Schulmeister [37:15]: "It is one of the worst things I've ever read in my life."
In discussing Star Trek: Section 31, they express disappointment over missed opportunities for musical integration, lamenting the absence of iconic John Williams motifs that could have enhanced the viewing experience.
Dave Bittner [59:38]: "I wanted like the theme from the Death Star Trench run. Just something suggestive of every time."
X. Amateur Ham Radio Adventures
Guest Dave Bittner shares his recent venture into amateur ham radio, detailing his journey from obtaining a general license to setting up his own radio equipment. The discussion highlights the nostalgic and practical aspects of ham radio as a hobby, contrasting it with modern communication methods.
Dave Bittner [63:07]: "I had decided... I was going to go host end and get me a ham radio, because I'm in a disaster zone perpetually now."
The hosts explore the technical challenges and community aspects of ham radio, underscoring its relevance in emergency situations despite technological advancements.
XI. Conclusion
As the episode winds down, the hosts touch upon various lighter topics, including streaming services, upcoming TV shows, and personal hobbies. They maintain their signature grumpy yet humorous tone, wrapping up the episode with gratitude towards their patrons and listeners.
Notable Quotes:
- Jason DeFilippo [00:25]: "This is the longest January ever."
- Brian Schulmeister [03:35]: "He wasn't born when we started this show. God damn it."
- Dave Bittner [63:07]: "I'm making my own antennas."
- Brian Schulmeister [82:29]: "We had all the different stations across the dial."
Timestamp Highlights:
- Polar Vortex Discussion: [00:18] – [01:18]
- Gaming Industry Layoffs: [01:18] – [02:44]
- Elon Musk Gaming Controversy: [03:05] – [04:32]
- Political Executive Orders & Pardon: [04:32] – [08:50]
- Instagram Censorship Glitch: [11:19] – [13:44]
- AI in Academia Report: [13:44] – [15:03]
- Amazon & Meta Corporate News: [27:29] – [29:29]
- Necco Health Startup: [30:10] – [33:19]
- TV & Movie Reviews: [34:26] – [60:57]
- Ham Radio Journey: [61:03] – [70:21]
Conclusion:
Episode 681 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a comprehensive and candid exploration of the week's tumultuous events in technology, politics, and media. Through sharp wit and critical analysis, Jason, Brian, and Dave provide listeners with insightful commentary on the disillusionments faced by various industries, the impact of AI advancements, and the ever-evolving dynamics of social media and corporate governance. Whether dissecting the fallout from extreme weather events or navigating the complexities of ham radio, the hosts maintain a consistent narrative of skepticism and humor, making the episode both informative and entertaining for those who seek an unvarnished take on current affairs.