Grumpy Old Geeks

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683: There IS a Spoon!

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Feb 8, 2025

Guest

Dave Bittner

Dave Bittner, a cybersecurity expert and podcast host, shares insights on ransomware payment refusals and pressing security concerns in today’s tech landscape. The conversation delves into Elon Musk's chaotic influence on government tech and the rapid rise of AI, including the EU’s ban on high-risk systems. They also discuss the implications of cryptocurrency investments and pop culture highlights, like The Devil May Cry anime and the anticipated return of Mythic Quest. Bittner’s expertise brings a sharp focus on the intersection of tech, security, and entertainment.

01:20:38

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Episode notes

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ANECDOTE

Doxing Doge

Elon Musk called journalists "criminals" for doxing Doge employees.
These "kids" (19-25 years old) are running the government, throwing tantrums, and resigning over exposed tweets.

insights

INSIGHT

USAID Investigation

Elon Musk targeted USAID because they were investigating Starlink contracts in Ukraine.
This reveals his motivations: revenge, lunacy, and greed.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Spoon Emoji

The GSA removed the spoon emoji due to employee protests.
This highlights the childish nature of current political discourse.

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Instant Expertise and Social Media Conundrums

01:46 • 14min

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Resignations, Crypto, and Privacy

16:01 • 8min

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AI, Tech Trends, and Pop Culture Reflections

24:24 • 23min

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Disappointment in Sandman and Power Bank Recommendations

47:02 • 2min

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Nostalgia and Modernity in Tech and Entertainment

48:53 • 20min

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Tracking, Eyewear, and Humor

01:09:18 • 10min

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Listener Contributions and Merchandise Highlights

The Silo series, comprising Wool, Shift, and Dust, is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity lives in underground silos. The series follows characters such as Holston and Juliette as they uncover the secrets and mysteries of their underground world. The books delve into the struggle between information and control, human curiosity, and the power dynamics within the silo society. The series reveals the origins of the silos, the true nature of the outside world, and the ultimate fate of the survivors as they strive to rebuild their world.

Foundation

Isaac Asimov

Foundation is the first book in Isaac Asimov's renowned Foundation series. It introduces Hari Seldon, a psychohistorian who predicts the imminent collapse of the Galactic Empire and the ensuing dark age. To mitigate this, Seldon establishes the Foundation, a group of scientists and scholars on the planet Terminus, aimed at preserving human knowledge and laying the groundwork for a new civilization. The book is a collection of interrelated short stories that follow the early history of the Foundation as it navigates various crises and challenges predicted by Seldon's psychohistory.

This first volume of 'The Sandman' collects issues #1-20 and follows the story of Dream, also known as Morpheus, who is trapped by an occultist for 70 years. After his escape, Dream embarks on a quest to reclaim his lost objects of power, encountering characters like Lucifer, John Constantine, and an all-powerful madman. The series is a rich blend of modern and ancient mythology, seamlessly interweaving contemporary fiction, historical drama, and legend.

Dune Messiah

Frank Herbert

Dune Messiah takes place twelve years after the events of Dune and follows Paul 'Muad'Dib' Atreides as he rules as Emperor. Despite his immense power, Paul is trapped by the consequences of his prescient visions and the religious fervor he has unleashed. The novel explores themes of destiny, power, and the moral dilemmas faced by Paul as he tries to steer humanity towards a less catastrophic future. It involves a complex web of conspiracies, including a plot by a Bene Gesserit priestess, a rogue Navigator, and a Face Dancer, which threatens Paul's rule and his personal life. The book delves into the tragic aspects of Paul's life, his relationship with his sister Alia, and the eventual downfall that he foresaw and could not prevent.

God Emperor of Dune

Frank Herbert

In 'God Emperor of Dune,' Frank Herbert continues the Dune series with the story of Leto II Atreides, who has become a hybrid of human and giant sandworm. Leto has ruled the universe for 3,500 years, maintaining control through his monopoly on the spice melange and his transformation into a nearly immortal, worm-like creature. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, destiny versus free will, and the nature of transformation, both physical and spiritual. Leto's rule is marked by despotic fear and religious awe, and he envisions a 'Golden Path' for humanity's survival and evolution. The story involves a rebellion led by Siona, a member of the Atreides family, and explores the philosophical and political intricacies of Leto's vision for humanity's future.

Children of Dune

Frank Herbert

Set nine years after the events of 'Dune Messiah,' 'Children of Dune' follows the story of Leto II and Ghanima, the pre-born twin children of Paul Atreides. The novel explores the delicate balance on Arrakis as the planet undergoes ecological transformation, threatening the sandworms and the spice production. Alia, Paul's sister and regent, struggles with her own prescience and the influence of her ancestors, while Leto and Ghanima must navigate their unique genetic memories and the political intrigues of the empire. Leto's vision of 'The Golden Path' drives the plot, leading to a transformative and sacrifices-filled conclusion that shapes the future of humanity.

This week, Jason and Brian dive into the chaos surrounding Elon Musk’s growing influence in government tech, with young engineers playing key roles in his takeover. DOGE employees are being ordered off Slack, USAID is crumbling, and Musk’s war with U.S. officials rages on. Meanwhile, AI takes center stage with the EU banning high-risk systems, DeepSeek’s security concerns, and Amazon throwing down $100 billion on AI advancements. Big Tech moves are equally absurd—Google is now open to AI-powered weapons, Meta might scrap risky AI models, and Tesla is struggling in Europe thanks to Elon’s latest blunders. Meanwhile, states are rushing to pour taxpayer money into so-called “strategic cryptocurrency reserves.”

In entertainment, The Devil May Cry anime’s ridiculous theme song is a standout, Mythic Quest returns, and Beast Games looks promising. AI controversially helped The Beatles score a Grammy, and Denis Villeneuve is making Dune 3 because, well, fans demanded it. Over in reboot land, Sarah Michelle Gellar may return for a Buffy revival on Hulu with Chloé Zhao at the helm, while Neil Gaiman finds himself in serious legal trouble. Gadget fans get a look at the Anker Zolo charger, a Google search trick to dodge AI summaries, and Apple’s latest social feature. Also, say goodbye to Apple’s AR glasses before they even had a chance to shine.

Dave Bittner joins The Dark Side segment with updates on cybersecurity, including a wave of ransomware payment refusals and the Andersons’ infamous eviction from Disneyland’s most exclusive club. Pirates in China, Disney park music, and tracking yourself via in-app ads round out the discussion. Closing out the show, a shout-out to Snap’s CEO for supporting LA wildfire recovery and a nod to SoberOutfitters for keeping things clean. Buckle up—it’s another wild ride with the Grumpy Old Geeks!

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Show notes at https://gog.show/683

IN THE NEWS

The Young, Inexperienced Engineers Aiding Elon Musk's Government Takeover

Musk, Trump Prosecutor Targeting People Who Divulge Identities of DOGE Staff

One of Elon Musk's DOGE Kids Just Had an Explosive Screaming Tantrum

DOGE Engineer Resigns After Being Linked to Extremely Racist Tweets

Government Tech Workers Forced to Defend Projects to Random Elon Musk Bros

U.S. government officials privately warn Musk’s blitz appears illegal

DOGE Employees Ordered to Stop Using Slack While Agency Transitions to Records System That Is Not Subject to FOIA

Elon Musk’s Enemy, USAID, Was Investigating Starlink’s Contracts in Ukraine