Topic: John Markoff

Elon Musk reports a massive cyber attack on X (formerly Twitter) with IP addresses originating near Ukraine, though a pro-Palestinian group also claimed responsibility. The incident prompts a historical look back at the 1988 Morris Worm, the first large-scale internet worm. The hosts discuss how the New York Times handled the original story and the technical differences between worms and viruses.

A personal anecdote from 1981 describes an early encounter with "politically correct" language at InfoWorld magazine regarding the word "deviant." The discussion posits that the modern "woke" movement and deplatforming tactics were significantly accelerated by the Gamergate controversy in 2015.

The history of "AI Winters" is reviewed, detailing periods of reduced funding following overhyped expectations in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Notable failures include the Japanese Fifth Generation Computer project and the collapse of the Lisp machine market. These cycles suggest that current AI enthusiasm may eventually face a similar period of disillusionment if technical limitations like "hallucinations" persist.

The concept of "quantum supremacy" is dismissed as a theoretical goal that has not been practically achieved, despite claims from Google and IBM. Science writer John Markoff is cited as a skeptic who remains unconvinced by recent industry announcements. The segment also mocks the idea of a "quantum financial system" involving cryptocurrencies like XRP.

Tech experts express skepticism regarding the current state of quantum computing, suggesting the technology may be overhyped or a "well-meaning hoax." Additionally, a legal defense fund has been established for Gavin McInnes as he sues the Southern Poverty Law Center for defamation.

John Dvorak recounts attending a retirement event for New York Times journalist John Markoff. He describes the atmosphere of the event, which featured robots, and his experience introducing himself as a "podcaster" to a crowd of traditional media elites. Dvorak also mentions a brief discussion with attendees about the popular vote in California.

The hosts discuss the fallout from a dinner with high-profile journalists John Markoff and Greg Zachary. After being labeled "Obots" on a previous show, the journalists sent real-time feedback and "nasty notes" to the hosts. The segment explores the "isolated liberal progressive milieu" of mainstream media figures and mentions a potential future sports podcast focused on the NBA.

John C. Dvorak recounts a dinner with "Obots" including New York Times reporter John Markoff and a professor from ASU. The progressive media professionals expressed absolute certainty that the Republican Party would block Donald Trump at the convention. Dvorak placed a $50 bet with them, confident that Trump will secure the nomination despite their high-fiving optimism.

John C. Dvorak recounts a meeting with New York Times writer John Markoff, who is taking a leave of absence to write a book about robots. The hosts discuss their successful "stock tip" regarding the Noodles & Company IPO, which doubled in value on its first day. They categorize noodles and mac and cheese as "depression food" that thrives in a poor economy.

The hosts recount a recent party held in a seven-million-dollar penthouse in San Francisco hosted by John Markoff and Greg Zachary. They describe the gathering of veteran media professionals and journalists, including an anecdote about Dvorak's behavior while intoxicated.

A $100 bet with John Markoff of the New York Times results in a win for one of the hosts after Markoff reversed his usual betting logic. Additionally, a specific financial prediction is made that the Dow Jones will hit a bottom of 7,286 by February 14th.