Grumpy Old Geeks Episode 691: Cry Me A River (to Cool Off My AI)

In Episode 691 of Grumpy Old Geeks, hosts Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister, along with guest Dave Bittner, delve into a whirlwind of tech controversies, socio-political upheavals, environmental concerns, and personal reflections. This episode is a rich tapestry of biting critiques, humor, and insightful discussions that capture the essence of what’s currently unraveling in the tech world and beyond.

1. Elon Musk and the Tesla Protests

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about the escalating protests against Tesla dealerships across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, collectively referred to as the "Tesla Takedown."

• Jason DeFilippo ([00:20]): "Hundreds of hundreds, I say maybe, maybe even thousands of pissed off protesters swarmed Tesla Dealerships across the U.S., Canada, and Europe last weekend..."

• Brian Schulmeister ([00:54]): "There are thousands altogether, for sure."

The hosts criticize Elon Musk for his divisive actions and attention-seeking behavior, highlighting how his antics have fueled significant backlash.

• Jason DeFilippo ([01:08]): "And he's stepping on his own dick, I think, is in that."

They express frustration over the extreme measures some protesters take, including far-right actors cosplaying as Hitler, showcasing the deep political divides exacerbated by Musk's leadership.

• Jamie DeFilippo ([02:15]): "There are literally fine people on both sides wearing literally Hitler shirts."

2. FAA's Privacy Changes for Private Jets

The discussion shifts to recent changes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which now allow private jet owners to hide their registration information, making it harder to track their movements.

• Brian Schulmeister ([05:03]): "There are reports that private jet usage has spiked thanks to the widening divide..."

The hosts lament the environmental impact, citing The Guardian's report that private jets contribute disproportionately to carbon emissions.

• Jason DeFilippo ([05:35]): "Everything that we do matters ever so much."

3. Asteroid Impact Reassurances

A lighter topic covers updates from NASA regarding an asteroid previously thought to pose a threat to Earth, which has now been ruled out for the next seven years.

• Brian Schulmeister ([06:12]): "We still have seven Eves to look forward to."

Despite the reassurances, the hosts humorously ponder the improbability of an apocalypse and humanity's persistent self-destructive tendencies.

4. Senators Investigate Signal Usage in National Security

Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Jack Reed are scrutinizing the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal by top national security officials, prompting calls for accountability within government communications.

• Jason DeFilippo ([08:07]): "The Pentagon's Inspector General is also investigating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for using Signal."

The hosts discuss the implications of such investigations, emphasizing the tension between privacy and security in government operations.

5. OpenAI’s Financial Turmoil and Leadership Challenges

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to OpenAI's financial struggles, including a $40 billion funding round tied to SoftBank, and the looming transition to a for-profit model by October.

• Brian Schulmeister ([17:04]): "OpenAI needs to become a for-profit company by October."

Jason DeFilippo ([19:32]): "They are just going to let it die because it's on a straight trajectory to the grave right now."

The hosts express skepticism about OpenAI's sustainability and Microsoft's role in potentially abandoning the organization due to financial strains.

6. Environmental Crisis: Oxygen-Depleted Lakes

Addressing environmental issues, the hosts discuss a study from the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealing a dramatic decline in oxygen levels in lakes since 1980, caused by climate change, fertilizer runoff, and heat waves.

• Brian Schulmeister ([22:30]): "Yes, it's the circle of death."

They draw parallels between technological advancements and environmental degradation, illustrating the interconnectedness of human activities and natural ecosystems.

7. AI Therapy Bots: Therabot Clinical Success

The episode highlights a breakthrough in mental health technology with Therabot, a generative AI therapy chatbot that has shown promising results in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and eating disorders in clinical trials.

• Brian Schulmeister ([25:34]): "It significantly reduced symptoms in patients with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders."

The hosts debate the efficacy and ethical considerations of AI in therapeutic settings, pondering the future of mental health treatment.

8. Meta’s Investigation into Zuckerberg’s China Engagements

Meta faces scrutiny as a Senate subcommittee investigates whether Mark Zuckerberg's team attempted to gain favor with the Chinese Communist Party to facilitate Facebook's entry into China, based on revelations from Sarah Wynn Williams' book.

• Brian Schulmeister ([26:26]): "They say they're trying to bring back the magic of friends after burying it under sponsored crap..."

The hosts critique Meta's transparency and the ongoing tension between business ambitions and ethical governance.

9. Breakthrough in Brain-Computer Interfaces

A groundbreaking development by UC Berkeley and UCSF involves a neuroprosthesis capable of streaming natural-sounding speech directly from the brain in real-time, significantly reducing the lag time compared to existing technologies.

• Jason DeFilippo ([27:27]): "It's kind of cool."

The hosts explore the potential applications and societal implications, including usage in law enforcement and ethical concerns about privacy and consent.

10. Personal Grief: Reflection by Dave Bittner

Guest Dave Bittner shares his poignant journey of grieving the recent passing of his father at 90 years old, providing an emotional counterbalance to the intense tech discussions.

• Dave Bittner ([64:34]): "My father was a remarkable man... he's going to miss him, of course, but at the same time very happy for all the time that we had with him."

The hosts offer heartfelt condolences, highlighting the personal side of their lives amidst professional critiques.

11. Apple’s Upcoming Devices and Health App Expansion

The hosts discuss Apple's imminent release of devices equipped with the upcoming M5 chip, alongside an expanded health app, Health Plus, integrating AI to function as a personal health coach.

• Brian Schulmeister ([48:35]): "A $40 billion funding round at a $300 billion post money valuation which just boggles the mind."

They express cautious optimism about Apple's integration of AI in health while warning against over-reliance on technology for medical advice.

12. Facebook’s New "Friends" Tab Launch

Meta introduces a revamped "Friends" tab in the U.S. and Canada, aiming to streamline the user experience by filtering out algorithm-driven content in favor of a Friends-only feed.

• Brian Schulmeister ([56:06]): "It's dead. It is."

The hosts criticize the late implementation and question the effectiveness of the new feature in revitalizing Facebook's user engagement.

13. Notable Passings: Betty Webb and Val Kilmer

The episode pays tribute to Betty Webb, a pioneering codebreaker for Bletchley Park, and actor Val Kilmer, known for iconic roles like Iceman in Top Gun and Jim Morrison in The Doors.

• Jason DeFilippo ([58:26]): "He was one of the last of the badass women who cracked Nazi and Japanese codes in World War II."

• Brian Schulmeister ([76:54]): "Damn, that's a good run."

The hosts reflect on their contributions and legacy, underscoring the loss felt in both the tech and entertainment worlds.

14. Miscellaneous Tech and Pop Culture News

• Kermit the Frog announced as the 2025 commencement speaker for the University of Maryland.

• Amazon Alexa's delayed AI upgrades, failing to meet promised features and causing frustration among users.

• Melinda Gates releases a new book detailing her experiences and challenges, including personal struggles and insights into her departure from Bill Gates.

• Stephen Collins controversy resurfacing with his admission of inappropriate conduct, leading to discussions about accountability and legacy.

15. Notable Quotes

• Jason DeFilippo ([32:32]): "Large language models can get you to mediocre faster."

• Brian Schulmeister ([05:04]): "The main reason they did this is by Freedom of Information act requests."

• Jason DeFilippo ([19:32]): "They are just going to let it die because it's on a straight trajectory to the grave right now."

• Brian Schulmeister ([56:06]): "It's dead. It is."

• Dave Bittner ([64:34]): "My father was a remarkable man... he's going to miss him, of course, but at the same time very happy for all the time that we had with him."

Conclusion

Episode 691 of Grumpy Old Geeks offers a comprehensive and incisive look into the tumultuous intersections of technology, politics, and personal lives. Through sharp analysis, humor, and heartfelt moments, Jason, Brian, and Dave navigate the complexities of the modern world, providing listeners with both critical perspectives and relatable narratives.