Grumpy Old Geeks – Episode 703: None More Black
Released June 27, 2025
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo & Brian Schulmeister with Dave Bittner
ICE Deportations and Law Enforcement
Timestamp: [01:05]
The episode kicks off with Brian Schulmeister sharing a concerning personal story about his electrician assistant, Octavio, who faced deportation after seemingly innocuous actions. Jason explains, “My electrician's assistant, Octavio, who has been here for about 30 years. Yeah. Went to the local liquor store to pick up a 40 after a long day of work.” However, the situation took a drastic turn as Octavio was apprehended and deported under suspicions of terrorism based on his purchase, illustrating the aggressive measures of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Timestamp: [03:48]
Jason delves into the complexities of tracking law enforcement, highlighting the emergence of websites like fucklapd.com. He states, “I found fucklapd.com, which lets anyone use facial recognition to instantly identify a cop,” emphasizing the challenges and risks associated with such tools in an era where law enforcement tactics are increasingly covert and militarized.
Tech Companies and Business Shifts
Timestamp: [05:49]
The hosts transition to discussing changes in business models of tech companies, specifically Warby Parker. Jason laments, “The thing that made Warby Parker great is no longer making it great again,” pointing out the company's shift from affordable eyewear to significantly higher prices. Brian adds humorously, “Nothing's American,” criticizing the company's departure from its original value proposition.
Data Breaches and Government Oversight
Timestamp: [17:15]
A significant portion of the episode addresses a purported massive data breach involving 16 billion user credentials. However, Brian and Jason critically analyze the claim, suggesting it’s a "meta collection of all the breaches that have occurred over the past some odd years." Jason asserts, “This is not a breach. This is basically a bunch of cyber criminals just putting all of their lists into one spot and passing it around.”
Timestamp: [20:16]
The discussion shifts to Meta's Oversight Board, which the hosts criticize for its ineffectiveness. Brian remarks, “They just kind of can’t do anything. They are completely unenforceable,” highlighting the board’s inability to enforce or implement meaningful changes within the company.
AI Legal Cases
Timestamp: [21:05]
The episode delves into the legal battles surrounding AI companies. Brian discusses Anthropic's class action lawsuit, where a court ruled that Anthropic's use of copyrighted works for training AI models falls under fair use, provided the output is transformative. However, Jason points out complications, “Anthropic is actually in trouble because they didn't pay for the copies of the books to begin with. They used pirated copies.”
Timestamp: [22:12]
Both Anthropic and Meta face scrutiny for their AI training practices. The hosts express concern over the unregulated use of copyrighted materials, stating, “Anthropic is going to get dinged for that. They used pirated copies. Meta's going to get dinged for that,” emphasizing the potential financial and legal repercussions for these companies.
Elon Musk's Legal Declarations and Tech Ventures
Timestamp: [10:06]
Elon Musk becomes a focal point as Brian recounts a legal filing where Musk's team claimed he doesn’t own a computer. Brian counters this by referencing multiple sources and Musk's own social media posts demonstrating his use of laptops. Jason sarcastically suggests, “What's the easiest way to tell the judge that Elon can't give him any documents? Just tell him he doesn't have a computer, sir.”
Tesla's Robo Taxi Service
Timestamp: [13:49]
The conversation shifts to Tesla's introduction of its robo-taxi service in Austin, Texas. Brian explains, “The company launched its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Austin with a Tesla safety monitor accompanying the first riders.” However, the service faces criticism due to reported safety issues, such as a Tesla model briefly driving on the wrong side of the road.
Timestamp: [15:08]
Jason summarizes the challenges, noting, “At least one Robotoxi taxi attempted to drive on the wrong side of the road... the list is growing,” highlighting the early setbacks Tesla faces in the autonomous vehicle market, especially compared to competitors like Waymo.
AI and the Internet's Health
Timestamp: [19:17]
Jason introduces the concept of “digital asbestos,” likening AI’s pervasive and potentially damaging influence on the internet. He warns, “AI is going to do so much damage to the usable Internet that even after it inevitably crashes out, it's going to take years to disentangle from every space it's polluted like digital asbestos.”
Pop Culture and Side Topics
Timestamp: [43:16]
Transitioning to lighter topics, the hosts engage in a passionate discussion about the Star Wars franchise. They debate the merits of the "Andor" series versus classic films like "Empire Strikes Back," ultimately agreeing that without foundational elements like the original trilogy, newer series lack context and depth.
Timestamp: [46:01]
Brian reflects on 90s nostalgia, mentioning his fondness for bands like Lush and Sleeper. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern-day podcasting, particularly with equipment like Blue Yeti microphones, which they humorously critique for inefficiency and poor design.
Timestamp: [65:13]
The hosts share personal anecdotes about sound effects and home automation, emphasizing the humorous side of tech mishaps. Jason recounts, “I made a video one time of me playing Throwing the Ball for the Dogs... Somebody's like, your sound effects are so cute,” illustrating the unintended entertainment that arises from everyday tech use.
Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [Final Segment]
In the closing segments, the hosts promote their podcast, thanking new patrons, and briefly touching on upcoming topics related to technology and pop culture. They offer condolences for personal losses, maintaining the show’s blend of technical discussions and personal insights.
Notable Quotes:
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Jason DeFilippo [03:48]: “They wear brown camo and balaclavas... it's really bad.”
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Brian Schulmeister [10:06]: “The mountain of fucking public evidence, including from Elon himself, suggests otherwise.”
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Jason DeFilippo [19:26]: “AI is going to do so much damage to the usable Internet... like digital asbestos.”
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Brian Schulmeister [22:12]: “They reserve the right to modify prices based on new or additional tariffs becoming effective in the future.”
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Jason DeFilippo [55:38]: “The thing is, AI has sucked up all of those memes... AI is going to be so confused from that.”
Summary
In this episode of "Grumpy Old Geeks," hosts Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister delve into a range of pressing technology and socio-political issues. From the aggressive deportation tactics of ICE and the challenges of tracking law enforcement through dubious online tools, to scrutinizing the shifting business models of companies like Warby Parker, the hosts maintain their signature critical edge.
A significant focus is placed on the burgeoning legal battles surrounding AI companies, particularly Anthropic and Meta, highlighting the complex interplay between innovation and intellectual property rights. The discussion extends to Elon Musk's controversial legal statements and Tesla's troubled launch of its autonomous taxi service, underscoring the hurdles faced by tech giants in an increasingly regulated environment.
The hosts also express deep concerns about AI's impact on the internet, coining the term "digital asbestos" to describe the potential long-term damage. Amidst these heavy topics, they weave in their thoughts on pop culture, reminiscing about Star Wars and 90s music, while sharing humorous personal anecdotes about technology mishaps and home automation.
Throughout the episode, notable quotes punctuate their grumpy observations, providing listeners with sharp insights into the current tech landscape. Concluding with personal reflections and podcast promotions, Jason and Brian offer a blend of serious analysis and relatable humor, making "Grumpy Old Geeks" a must-listen for tech enthusiasts seeking unfiltered commentary.