‘funny,’ not funny

This episode features cybersecurity expert Jonathan Cooper discussing the latest scams, phishing tactics, and how to protect yourself in a digital world. Learn about real-world examples, AI threats, and practical tips to stay safe online.Rise of AI-generated scamsPhishing and email scams targeting all agesBusiness email compromise (BEC) cases and impactThe psychology behind scams and social engineeringHow to recognize and prevent common scams like fake checks and fake book clubsThis description was written by AI

This is the first episode I'm releasing only for paid members on our Patreon channel. In this episode Jim responds to news and opinion from AI skeptic pundits, notably Ed Zitron and Corey Doctorow, that the great tech revolution is a gaslighting bubble full of reverse centaurs. Lionel remains skeptical and we discuss the possibility that locally run small AI may be a path forward. Full episode at https://patreon.com/jiminfantino/

Ben Burnes (Abstraction on Bandcamp) joins the pod again as a guest host and we talk about the movie Project Hail Mary based on the book by Andy Weir. We talk about the elements of the plot but Lionel focuses us on the music, in comparison with other movies like The Martian (also based on an Andy Weir novel) and Guardians of the Galaxy. At the end of the pod, we ask Ben about his reactions to the events happening in and around Minneapolis this past winter.

We begin by discussing arts and crafts as evidenced in our parents, our children and ourselves. Then we move on to the main topic, a discussion of East of Eden by John Steinbeck. We give away a lot of plot points here, so be careful if you want to be surprised in your own reading. Beyond that we begin to discuss Elmore Leonard and his short story made to 2 films "310 To Yuma" to be discussed later. The other main point of discussion for this episode is the movie "Ford vs. Ferrari" with Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Jim was suffering from a bad cold during the recording of this episode, and his voice is pitched lower than usual, but it is still him.

Adam Schartoff of Filmwax Radio joins us once again to discuss the cinematic world of Wong Kar Wai. We focus on two of his films 'In the Mood for Love' and '2046'. We talk about the emotional depth, visual storytelling, and cultural context of Wong's work, sharing personal insights and experiences from interviews with filmmakers. The discussion highlights the significance of music and cinematic techniques in enhancing the narrative, as well as the importance of rewatching films to uncover new meanings. Overall, the conversation celebrates Wong Kar Wai's contributions to cinema and the art of storytelling.

We start out by thinking we don't have anything to talk about, and Lionel begins spoiling the following week's episode by talking about In The Mood For Love directed by Wang Kar Wai. Jim digs into the Netflix series The Hunters and the Laurie Anderson film Heart of a Dog. We look forward to our second discussion with Adam Shartoff, and our conversation about East of Eden, and break our one and only rule by talking about 2nd Amendment issues in light of recent statements from Jeanine Pirro.

In this episode, Jim and Lionel discuss various topics ranging from technical difficulties in live streaming to the complexities of PCI compliance. They delve into literary discussions about Steinbeck's ‘East of Eden’ and cinematic explorations of Wong Kar-Wai's films, particularly ‘In the Mood for Love.’ Lionel brings up Werner Herzog's movie ‘My Best Fiend.’ The conversation also touches on historical narratives presented in 'The Last Kingdom' and the significant impacts of Vikings and Mongols on history. The hosts share recommendations for films and discuss future topics for their podcast.

Jim, Lionel and Adam Shartoff of Filmwax Radio delve into the works of Lynne Ramsay, focusing on her films Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar. They explore the themes of childhood trauma, guilt, and the complexity of emotionally disconnected characters, while also discussing Ramsay's unique cinematic style and the emotional depth of her storytelling. The discussion highlights the ambiguity present in Ratcatcher's ending and contrasts the narratives of both films, providing insights into the societal issues they reflect. Overall, the conversation offers a thoughtful analysis of Ramsay's contributions to indie cinema.

Jim Infantino, Lionel, and Rick Beyer delve into Rick’s podcast History Happy Hour and the fascinating history of the Ghost Army, a unique World War II unit that used deception to mislead the enemy. They discuss Rick's journey into documentary filmmaking, the impact of his work on public understanding of this historical narrative, and the importance of personal stories in history. The conversation also touches on the role of creativity and artistry among soldiers, the significance of deception in warfare, and the future of historical storytelling.

The conversation delves into the philosophical ideas of Schopenhauer and Kastrup, exploring themes of consciousness, the nature of reality, and the historical context of their thoughts. It highlights the eccentricities of historical figures, the evolution of philosophical thought, and the implications of analytic idealism versus physicalism. The discussion also touches on the relevance of these ideas in contemporary debates about consciousness and reality.