679: Set Sanity to Zero

In Episode 679 of Grumpy Old Geeks, titled "Set Sanity to Zero," Brian and Jason discuss the latest developments in tech, culture, and innovation. The episode opens with a look at Watch Duty, a wildfire-tracking app that has surpassed ChatGPT to take the top spot on the App Store amid California’s wildfire crisis. They also cover local news, including the arrest of an arson suspect in Woodland Hills, CA, and tech entrepreneur Kevin Rose’s home in the Palisades that is making headlines.The hosts delve into major tech stories that are dominating the news cycle. Former MoviePass CEO Ted Farnsworth pleads guilty to defrauding investors, marking the latest chapter in the infamous saga of the subscription service. Meanwhile, the UK takes bold action with new legislation criminalizing the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. Meta finds itself at the center of multiple controversies, from appointing UFC CEO Dana White to its board to removing fact-checkers in favor of community-driven moderation, a decision that sparks backlash and leads to significant user departures from Facebook and Instagram. The darker side of tech is also examined, with reports of Meta Smart Glasses being used in a terror attack and generative AI contributing to a Tesla Cybertruck explosion.The podcast also explores groundbreaking applications of AI and its potential. An innovative method from a Reddit user for automating 1,000 job applications while asleep catches attention, along with discussions about the Getty Images and Shutterstock merger aimed at addressing AI’s disruption in the stock photography industry. E-commerce trends take center stage, with Salesforce data indicating AI-driven sales growth during the holiday season, despite increasing return rates. The episode also discusses Tesla’s “Actual Smart Summon” crashes currently under federal investigation and OpenAI’s rapid response to a developer creating AI-powered gun turrets.In conclusion, Brian and Jason provide entertainment and tech recommendations. Their streaming choices include "Silo," "The Traitors UK" Season 3, and "Shrinking," while gaming highlights showcase the Nintendo Switch and "Super Mario Bros. Wonder." They also feature apps like ChowNow and TiVo’s comeback as an OS on Sharp TVs. For book enthusiasts, the "At the Library" segment presents a variety of daily meditations and sci-fi titles. With its rich mix of tech insights, current events, and cultural commentary, Episode 679 is essential listening for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.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. 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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/679FOLLOW UPWatch DutyWatch Duty surpasses ChatGPT as top free app on App Store as California fires spreadKevin Rose Palisades HouseArson suspect arrested in Woodland Hills near Kenneth FireIN THE NEWSMoviePass Ex-CEO Pleads Guilty to Defrauding InvestorsNew UK law would criminalize creating sexually explicit deepfakesMeta adds UFC CEO and Trump booster Dana White to its boardMeta Cracks Down on Internal Dissent Against Appointment of UFC’s Dana White to BoardMeta Smart Glasses First Big Cultural Moment Is a Terror AttackMan who exploded Tesla Cybertruck outside Trump hotel in Las Vegas used generative AI, police sayMan Applies To 1,000 Jobs Using AI While Asleep, Wakes To Surprising OutcomesFacebook Caught Hosting AI-Powered HitlerMark Zuckerberg tells Fox News that Meta will "get rid of fact checkers" in latest appeal to TrumpGoogle searches for deleting Facebook, Instagram explode after Meta ends fact-checkingMeta’s Fact-Checking Partners Say They Were ‘Blindsided’ by Decision to Axe ThemFeds investigate Tesla’s ‘Actual Smart Summon’ after several crashesOpenAI Shuts Down Developer Who Made AI-Powered Gun TurretGetty Images, Shutterstock gear up for AI challenge with $3.7 billion mergerAI-influenced shopping boosts online holiday sales, Salesforce data showsMEDIA CANDYSiloThe Traitors UK S3Dexter Original SinShrinkingSex EducationThe Mayfair WitchesCunk on LifeTetrisPlease Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy MountainAPPS & DOODADSChowNowApple promises software update to address Apple Intelligence notification summary complaintsTiVo OS is coming to the US on Sharp TVsNintendo SwitchSuper Mario Bros WonderAT THE LIBRARY3zekiel by Peter CawdronThe Daily Pressfield: A Teaching a Day from the Author of the War of Art by Steven PressfieldA Calendar of Wisdom: Daily Thoughts to Nourish the Soul by Leo TolstoyThe Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature by Robert GreeneThe Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday365 Tao: Daily MeditationsThe Daily Drucker: 366 Days of Insight and Motivation for Getting the Right Things Done by Peter F. DruckerAround the Year with Emmet Fox: A Book of Daily Readings by Emmet FoxThe Maxwell Daily Reader: 365 Days of Insight to Develop the Leader Within You and Influence Those Around You by John C. MaxwellThe Elements of Humor: The Tools of Comedy that Make You Funnier, Happier, and Better Looking by Scott DikkersA Conventional Boy: A Laundry Files Novel (Laundry Files, 13)The Laundry Files: an updated chronologyTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingSkeleton CrewGame of Thrones Star Reportedly Set to Replace Ray Stevenson in Star Wars: Ahsoka Season 2Siri “unintentionally” recorded private convos; Apple agrees to pay $95MFlexible Flyer Metal Runner Sled. Steel & Wood Steering Snow SliderDave Bittner shares his President Carter storySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.