Grumpy Old Geeks Episode 684: "Don't Be a Dick" Summary
Release Date: February 15, 2025
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo & Brian Schulmeister with Dave Bittner
In this episode of Grumpy Old Geeks, hosts Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister, along with guest Dave Bittner, dive into a whirlwind of tech mishaps, corporate blunders, and societal quirks, all delivered with their signature unfiltered commentary. Here's a detailed breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from Episode 684: "Don't Be a Dick."
1. Cryptocurrency Misadventures: James Howells’ Quest to Reclaim Lost Bitcoins
[02:04 - 05:17]
The episode opens with a discussion about James Howells, a British IT worker who mined 7,500 Bitcoins in 2009, which were worth about $7 million at the time. Unfortunately, Howells accidentally disposed of the hard drive containing the keys to his cryptocurrency fortune. Over the years, as Bitcoin's value skyrocketed, Howells has become increasingly desperate to recover his lost coins. He has proposed an $11 million business plan to the city of Newport, aiming to purchase the landfill where he believes the hard drive is buried. Despite his persistence, the city has repeatedly denied his requests, citing safety and logistical concerns.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [05:17]: "Dude, if I dwelled on the past like you, I would have another stroke every week. Come on, brother, let it go."
2. Declining Office Attendance Post-Pandemic
[05:21 - 07:03]
The hosts delve into the ongoing trends in office attendance, highlighting that despite aggressive return-to-office mandates by companies like Castle Systems, actual office occupancy remains low. According to Castle Systems' "Back to Work Barometer," office usage in major US markets is just 54% of pre-pandemic levels, with hybrid work models dominating the landscape. Peak attendance occurs on Tuesdays (63%), while Fridays see a dip to 37%.
Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister [06:07]: "So yeah, yeah, I can also tell that just from parking on my street. Tuesday is the only time that a parking spot opens up."
3. Trump Shitcoin and Massive Investor Losses
[07:03 - 08:50]
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the cryptocurrency dubbed "dronaldrump," launched just three days before Trump's inauguration. The token saw a meteoric rise from $0.18 to $75, allowing early traders to amass millions. However, the surge was short-lived, crashing soon after and leaving over 800,000 investors with more than $2 billion in losses. The hosts criticize the token as a clear example of market manipulation and warn of similar schemes emerging in the future.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [07:57]: "800,000 people that are stupid enough to spend money on the Trump shitcoin."
4. AI’s Impact on Critical Thinking and Corporate Response
[09:02 - 10:52]
The conversation shifts to the impact of AI on human cognition. A study by Microsoft and Carnegie Mellon University warns that excessive reliance on generative AI tools could erode critical thinking skills among knowledge workers. As confidence in AI grows, independent judgment diminishes, potentially leading to cognitive atrophy over time. The hosts agree, emphasizing that this is a longstanding concern that was evident from the inception of AI technologies.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [09:58]: "Look, we've said it from the beginning when AI first started to come out."
5. AI Copyright Legal Battles
[10:52 - 11:18]
The episode covers a landmark legal case where Thompson Reuters won against Ross Intelligence, a legal AI startup accused of infringing on Westlaw's copyrighted materials. Judge Stefanos Bibas dismissed Ross's fair use defense, emphasizing that Ross intended to compete directly with Westlaw by developing a market substitute.
Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister [11:12]: "What about Rachel?"
6. Meta’s Mass Layoffs and the Tech Job Market Bust
[11:18 - 14:16]
Meta's recent announcement of nearly 4,000 layoffs takes center stage. The company claimed it was targeting low performers, but several affected employees reported previously strong performance reviews, leading to widespread confusion and frustration. The hosts discuss how the tech industry's hiring boom has turned into a bust, exacerbated by startups collapsing and major players like Meta shifting their focus to AI developments. This has resulted in a harsh job market where securing a tech position has become increasingly difficult.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Schulmeister [13:28]: "Wow. And the fact that they actually just change the label without having another performance review or discussion about it. I mean, this is obvious."
7. Privacy Concerns & DeleteMe Promotion
[14:16 - 16:32]
In a brief promotional segment, the hosts introduce DeleteMe, a subscription service that removes personal information from data broker websites. They highlight the importance of privacy, especially for individuals who share their thoughts online, and explain how DeleteMe continuously monitors and removes personal data to protect users from phishing attempts, harassment, and identity theft.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [16:32]: "Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for Delete Me now..."
8. SEC’s Bitcoin ETF Hack and Market Manipulation
[16:32 - 21:05]
The hosts recount the incident from early January 2024, where the SEC's official Twitter account was hacked by Eric Council Jr., leading to a false announcement about the approval of Bitcoin ETFs. This misinformation caused Bitcoin prices to spike by $1,000 before crashing by $2,000 once the SEC issued a correction. The hack highlighted vulnerabilities in corporate social media security, as the SEC had disabled multi-factor authentication on the account.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Schulmeister [18:00]: "So, Brian, it's going to be a lot of this stuff. Yeah. Yeah. Hype has replaced policy and fortunes are being made in the shadows."
9. Kanye West’s Takedown on X
[19:00 - 21:05]
Kanye West's Twitter (X) account was deactivated following a series of anti-Semitic posts. The hosts speculate that the deactivation was primarily due to a controversial tweet targeting Jared Kushner, rather than solely because of Nazi-related content. They also touch on the broader issue of AI-generated fake videos, referencing a fabricated video involving Scarlett Johansson that fueled further AI concerns.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [19:20]: "That had nothing to do with the Nazi shit."
10. First AI Image Granted Copyright
[51:33 - 52:34]
A groundbreaking development is discussed where the U.S. Copyright Office granted copyright protection to "A Single Piece of American Cheese," an artwork entirely generated by the AI platform Invoke, created by Kent Kearson. Initially denied, Kearson provided a comprehensive video documenting his workflow, leading to the eventual approval. However, the protection was later revoked due to flaws in the image, such as unnatural features like six fingers.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Schulmeister [52:22]: "Upon closer inspection of the video, they noticed that Ken had six fingers, and therefore it's an AI video."
11. Apple and Google Privacy & Feature Updates
[22:38 - 52:34]
The hosts examine Apple's new feature allowing users to migrate purchases between Apple accounts, detailing the steps and restrictions involved. They also address Apple's challenges with the UK government, which has ordered the creation of a backdoor for accessing encrypted iCloud backups. This raises significant privacy and security concerns globally, as other governments may follow suit, potentially compromising user data worldwide.
Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister [47:37]: "And they advise users to tap the X to dismiss the ads. Oh well fucking thanks guys."
12. Jeep’s Infotainment Ad Overload and Privacy Worries
[54:09 - 56:10]
Discussing customer backlash, the hosts highlight Stellantis' introduction of intrusive full-screen advertisements on Jeep’s infotainment systems. These ads force drivers to manually dismiss them to continue using essential functions like navigation and music. Additionally, the data collection required to serve these ads raises privacy concerns regarding how drivers' habits and preferences are monitored, stored, and utilized.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [56:10]: "What do you think this is? A Tesla?"
13. Disney Updates: New Rides and 'It's a Small World' New Verse
[81:07 - 86:14]
The episode shifts focus to Disney World, where the hosts anticipate the release of a new verse for the classic ride "It's a Small World" scheduled for July 7th. They humorously predict massive crowds and express their excitement for new attractions like the Tron ride and updates to Splash Mountain and Tiana’s Adventure. Additionally, they lament the closure of beloved rides like Big Thunder Mountain for renovation.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [86:14]: "This knock on Wood. Oh, Jesus. You may have done it again."
14. Bookstore Resurgence and AI's Role in Publishing
[57:31 - 58:55]
The hosts express excitement over Barnes and Noble's plan to open 60 new stores in the year, marking a significant turnaround from previous years of closures. They attribute this resurgence to initiatives like Book Talk, which has revitalized interest in reading and community engagement within bookstores. Concurrently, they critique the rise of AI-generated books, noting that such content often lacks quality, prompting readers to swiftly return unsatisfactory AI-written chapters.
Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo [58:43]: "She just replies, well, he is a dick."
15. Personal Musings: TV Shows, Books, and Glasses
[58:42 - 87:59]
In a more relaxed segment, the hosts share personal anecdotes about their favorite TV shows like "Mythic Quest" and "Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary." They discuss their reading habits, including praise for the Bobiverse series, and touch upon their experiences with prescription glasses, debating the merits of bifocals versus progressive lenses. Additionally, they talk about upcoming trips to Disney World, sharing tips for solo visits and highlighting new attractions they look forward to experiencing.
Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister [78:10]: "It's like imax. Everything's in focus all over the place, which is nice."
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with shout-outs to their Patreon supporters and listeners, celebrating new subscribers and engaging with the community. They reflect on the ongoing chaos in the tech and political landscapes, emphasizing the need for resilience and maintaining a sense of humor amidst the turmoil.
Final Notable Quote:
Ryan Schulmeister [84:33]: "Swing by GOG show to join our discord and chat with us and other show fans."
Conclusion
Episode 684 of Grumpy Old Geeks serves as a comprehensive critique of current tech trends, corporate decisions, and societal issues, all while weaving in personal stories and humor. From cryptocurrency pitfalls and AI's influence on cognition to corporate layoffs and privacy concerns, the hosts provide insightful commentary paired with memorable quotes and engaging banter. This episode is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts and individuals keen on understanding the intricacies of today's digital landscape through a candid and grumpy lens.