Topic: Google Glass

The hosts reflect on past tech failures like IBM's Watson and Google Glass, comparing current AI hype to these "flops." They criticize tech evangelist Robert Scoble for his over-enthusiastic support of AI, noting that human ears can still distinguish between organic and synthetic music.

The hosts discuss the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes, who overdosed on heroin on his yacht in the presence of sex worker Alex Tichelman. They critique the media's focus on the yacht being for sale and the "secretive" nature of Google's internal culture. The segment highlights the bizarre details of the case, including Tichelman's past and the executive's involvement with Google Glass.

Adam Curry recounts spotting a "glasshole" wearing Google Glass on Takashita Street in Tokyo. He expresses suspicion that the individuals, who later appeared at the Robot Bar, might be American journalists or documentary filmmakers. The hosts joke about the social awkwardness and potential surveillance implications of the wearable technology.

A host recounts an encounter with a "glasshole"—a person wearing Google Glass—at a diner in Austin. The device is described as looking like a physical disability, and the wearer's presence sparked a discussion about the social awkwardness and "douchey" nature of the wearable technology.

Secretary of State John Kerry's comments on the US becoming competitive in manufacturing are analyzed as a sign that the US is positioning itself as a "cheap labor" alternative to China. The hosts express concern that this shift will lead to increased pollution and a "blue-collar" future for American workers. They also note that even "innovative" American products like Google Glass are currently manufactured in China.

The hosts recommend reading the Unabomber Manifesto as a critique of the technological trends seen in the "Quantified Self" movement and Google Glass. Natalie Del Conte is mentioned as an enthusiast of monitoring personal biological data through wearable sensors. This discussion links modern tech obsession with the broader transhumanist agenda.

Marty Kaplan argues that Americans are addicted to "infotainment" and fail to take to the streets like citizens in Brazil despite crumbling infrastructure and political corruption. The hosts mock the distraction of modern technology, imagining a future where Google Glass facilitates drug delivery while users watch reality television.

Dame Francine Hardaway is noted for her use of Google Glass and the rising trend of "selfies." The "No Agenda CD" project by Ramsey is promoted as a tool for introducing new listeners to the show. A donation from Francis Lambert in Croatia highlights the show's global reach and the "change consultant" profession.

The utility of Google Glass is questioned following a hands-on experience at a tech event. The device is described as an expensive "nerd toy" that offers little practical value beyond telling the time, despite the industry's heavy promotion of "wearables" as the future of computing.

The rise of transhumanism and wearable technology is examined, with mentions of Natalie Del Conte's use of biometric monitoring devices. The hosts express skepticism toward the "quantified self" movement and the social status associated with wearing devices like Google Glass. They predict that wearable computing will become a mandatory future trend despite current resistance.

The hosts debate the "if you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear" argument regarding surveillance. They predict that within a decade, courts may mandate cameras inside private homes for monitoring. They suggest Google Glass is the ultimate tool for turning the citizenry into a voluntary surveillance network for the government.

The show concludes with a critique of the "muskets" meme used by gun control advocates to argue the Second Amendment is outdated. John Dvorak mentions his upcoming appearance on *TWiT* to discuss his theory that Google Glass is a "hoax." The final segment features a "miracle baby" story from a China earthquake, used by ABC's Diane Sawyer to end the news on an uplifting note.

The show concludes with a look at Google Glass "Explorer" applications and the controversy surrounding "No Hesitation" shooting targets sold to law enforcement. These targets feature images of pregnant women and children holding guns to train officers to shoot without hesitation. Adam Curry promises a beet soup recipe in the next newsletter and signs off from the Travis Heights Hideout.