Topic: E Readers

A proposed bill in Minnesota seeks to limit the driving of classic cars to weekends and special events, sparking concerns among enthusiasts. While the bill may be tied to cheaper registration fees, the hosts speculate it is a move to phase out older vehicles that lack modern tracking technology. They suggest this fits into a broader narrative of increasing surveillance through data centers and license plate readers.

The hosts discuss the proliferation of automatic license plate readers (ALPRs) in retail environments like Home Depot and Walmart. These systems are used to track repeat shoplifters and aggregate small thefts into felony-level cases, serving as a "harm reduction" tool for corporate bottom lines.

The hosts address recent DNS issues that prevented listeners from accessing the stream and troll room. They also highlight the importance of modern podcast apps and the Podcast Index for providing accessibility features for visually impaired listeners.

The discontinuation of Google Reader is cited as an example of tech giants forcing users into controlled social media environments rather than open protocols. Modern browsers like Safari and DuckDuckGo are criticized for obfuscating the URL bar to prioritize search products over direct web navigation. This shift is viewed as a defensive move to keep users within proprietary app ecosystems.

The hosts discuss the advancement of audio searchability through tools like Bingit.io, which allows users to search transcripts of podcast episodes. They contrast this with the NGO's claim that discovering audio content is a "challenge." The conversation touches on the history of RSS and how it survived Google's attempt to kill the technology by shuttering Google Reader.

The hosts debate the implications of repealing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which provides liability protection for internet platforms. While some argue its removal would destroy the internet, the hosts suggest a return to decentralized blogs and RSS feeds would be a viable alternative to censored social media networks. They recount how Google killed the independent feed ecosystem by shutting down Google Reader in favor of centralized "feeds."

The term "Digital Dementia" is introduced to describe the impact of AI on the populace. Stanford University recently released and then removed the "Alpaca" AI model due to "hallucinations" and incorrect outputs. The hosts predict that AI will eventually replace news readers and headline writers, noting that sites like CNBC already use automation for market updates.

The hosts discuss the history of Google Reader and Google's attempt to kill RSS in favor of centralized control. They explore decentralized alternatives like Mastodon and the new Nostr protocol (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays), which is being supported by Jack Dorsey. Curry notes that Nostr is still in early development but has potential for a "value-for-value" financial model.

The Illinois State Police completed the first phase of a project installing 99 license plate reader cameras on Chicago expressways. While officials claim the cameras are intended to solve shootings and carjackings, critics view them as a tool for mass surveillance. An additional 200 cameras are planned for the coming year, funded by a $12.5 million grant.

Google has a long history of failed social media attempts, including Orkut, Buzz, and Google Plus. Orkut was notably successful in Brazil before being shut down, while Google Plus failed to gain traction against Facebook. The hosts suggest that Google could regain public favor and damage its competitors by bringing back Google Reader and fully supporting RSS, which would empower independent bloggers and podcasters.

The relationship between advertising and free speech is examined, with the assertion that advertising acts as a default form of censorship. The discussion contrasts open protocols like RSS with centralized platforms, noting that Google Reader was discontinued because the company could not control the underlying protocol. Listeners are encouraged to move away from centralized services to maintain digital freedom.

An anonymous police officer provided information on the use of License Plate Readers (LPR) and the databases accessible to law enforcement. The discussion shifts to the rise of private LPR vendors who sell data to repossession companies and credit agencies. One host shares an anecdote about receiving a ticket at the Oakland Airport after his car was scanned by an automated system.

California's extensive use of license plate cameras and geolocation data from companies like Uber Media is discussed as a tool for tax enforcement. The Franchise Tax Board reportedly tracks former residents to ensure they do not spend enough time in the state to trigger income tax liability. Personal anecdotes describe state officials calling associates to verify an individual's whereabouts.

The hosts complain about the removal of RSS feeds from the redesigned White House website, making it difficult to track official updates. They discover that Donald Trump appears to have stopped recording the traditional weekly presidential address in early 2017. They speculate that he prefers Twitter because the media used his recorded addresses against him.

Despite the rise of Amazon and e-readers, the number of independent bookstores in the U.S. has grown every year since 2009. A Harvard Business School professor attributes this "boom" to stores focusing on curated selections and community events like comedy shows. Readers are reportedly returning to physical books to escape the constant notifications and emails associated with digital devices.

AJ Reistat and Dan Reader contribute to the show, with Reader requesting the title Sir Elf of the FreeNode IRC Network. Reader asks for "IVF human resource karma" for his wife after a previous unsuccessful attempt. The hosts also discuss a potential "Make Australia Great Again" tour and the EU's vote on daylight savings time.

A federal judge ruled that the Winn-Dixie grocery chain must make its website accessible to the blind. The hosts discuss the potential costs for small businesses and non-profits to comply with these regulations, specifically regarding video captions and JavaScript compatibility with screen readers.

The Scholastic News Magazine mock election results are released, showing Hillary Clinton winning in a landslide among schoolchildren. The hosts note that the poll has been historically accurate in predicting the winner of every presidential election since 1964. They discuss the cultural significance of the "Weekly Reader" tradition in American schools.

The NYPD's "Ring of Steel" coordination center is highlighted for reading three million license plates daily. The hosts contrast the massive spending on surveillance and foreign wars with the deteriorating state of American highways like Interstate 80.

The "Viper" system used during presidential visits to San Francisco is discussed as a method of intercepting mobile phone traffic. This is linked to New York's "Domain Awareness" program, which interconnects 7,000 cameras and license plate readers across Manhattan. Commissioner Bratton defends these measures as constitutionally protected and necessary for policing a densely populated city.