680: Failed Up

This week on Grumpy Old Geeks, Jason and Brian dissect the latest tech and cultural news, starting with a TikTok tempest. The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold a law potentially banning the app in the U.S. leaves the ball in Trump’s court, while TikTok’s CEO plans to attend his inauguration. As users flock to alternative Chinese apps and RedNote scrambles to hire English-speaking moderators, it seems the tech world is in chaos. Meanwhile, Mark Zuckerberg faces lawsuits over using pirated materials to train AI and continues to delete links to competitors like Pixelfed. Over in Europe, Elon Musk’s X is under scrutiny for its algorithm transparency, while celebs like Mark Ruffalo advocate for a fully open social media ecosystem. Add in news of Bluesky’s new photo-sharing app, Mastodon’s founder stepping back, and yet another study revealing rampant fakery in online job postings, and it’s a wild ride.In Media Candy, the geeks dive into the gritty charm of Silo, the Broadway movie hit Wicked, and the nostalgia of Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action. They also discuss Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Season 3 and reminisce about Blue Thunder and its TV adaptation. On the music front, dream pop enthusiasts will love their take on The 30 Best Dream Pop Albums, while Marvel fans get the scoop on the Daredevil: Born Again trailer. Plus, a nod to Real Coffee with Scott Adams and the real tea on Neil Gaiman.Finally, in Apps & Doodads, they break down the fallout from Sonos’ disastrous app launch and the FTC’s decision to ban General Motors from selling driving data. Musk’s antics make an appearance again with a bizarre spat involving leaked DMs and a revoked checkmark, and a curious gadget called the Gaming Pillow. Closing shout-outs honor legendary Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker and visionary filmmaker David Lynch, both gone but never forgotten.Sponsors:DeleteMe - Head over to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use the code "GOG" for 20% off.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/680IN THE NEWSSupreme Court upholds law that could ban TikTok in the U.S., leaving the matter to TrumpTikTok C.E.O. Plans to Attend Trump InaugurationTikTok Users Are Flocking to Another Chinese Social Media App as U.S. Ban LoomsRedNote Scrambles to Hire English-Speaking Content ModeratorsDonald Trump Has Mark Zuckerberg By the BallsLawsuit says Mark Zuckerberg approved Meta's use of pirated materials to train Llama AIMeta admits it deleted links to decentralized Instagram competitor PixelfedEurope orders Elon Musk’s X to submit documents on its recommendation algorithmsCelebs and tech luminaries including Mark Ruffalo want to create a fully open social media ecosystemBluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, FlashesMastodon’s founder cedes control, refuses to become next Musk or Zuckerberg1 in 5 Online Job Postings Are Either Fake or Never Filled, Study FindsZuckerberg Announces Plans to Automate Facebook Coding Jobs With AIMeta to Cut Roughly 5% of Staff, Targeting Lowest PerformersAI Will Spew Gas Fumes for Years Before the Nuclear Revolution Takes OffStudy Links Frequent AI Use With Lower Critical Thinking AbilitiesWalgreens Regrets Replacing Fridge Doors With Smart Screens, Creating Techno-Dystopia VibesLongevity-Obsessed Tech Millionaire Discontinues De-Aging Drug Out of Concerns That It Aged HimJudge Ends One Man’s 11-Year Quest to Recover $765 Million in Bitcoin by Digging Up a LandfillPolicy Proposal for Trump’s Bitcoin Stockpile LeaksMEDIA CANDYSiloWickedJerry Springer: Fights, Camera, ActionSpecial Forces: World's Toughest Test Season 3Blue ThunderBlue Thunder: The SeriesThe 30 Best Dream Pop AlbumsReal Coffee with Scott AdamsThere Is No Safe WordMarvel Television's Daredevil: Born Again | Official Trailer | Disney+APPS & DOODADSSonos CEO Patrick Spence falls on his sword after horrible app launchFTC bans General Motors from selling driving data without permissionElon Musk Throws Tantrum After Being Exposed by Gamers, Leaks YouTuber's DMs and Seemingly Takes Away His CheckmarkGaming Pillow - Caffeine for your armsMob Control for iOSCLOSING SHOUT-OUTSBeloved Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker dies at age 90David Lynch, 'Blue Velvet' Director, Dead at 78See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.