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Podcasting

Podcasting

In the pre-dawn of the internet age, a new kind of voice crackled through the wires. It wasn’t the smooth tones of radio DJs or the formal pronouncements of news anchors. This was something different, a rebellion against the one-way flow of information. In the 1980s, audio blogging emerged, a whisper of a concept – sharing snippets of your life, your thoughts, your voice, recorded and sent out into the digital unknown.

A decade later, the seeds of change were sown. Carl Malamud, a pioneer of open information, launched “Internet Talk Radio,” a harbinger of things to come. As MP3 players like the Rio PMP 100 sashayed onto the scene, the ability to store and share digital audio became easier than ever. The stage was set.

The year 2000 arrived, a blank canvas waiting to be splashed with audio creativity. Audible, with its downloadable audiobooks, offered a glimpse into the future of portable listening. Apple’s iTunes, meanwhile, was laying the groundwork for a digital music revolution, quietly putting the power of organization in the hands of music lovers.

Then, in 2003, a spark ignited the flame. Chris Lydon, with his “audio blog post: back then,” arguably launched the first true podcast. The term itself, though, remained stubbornly uncoined. But 2004 was a different story. Ben Hammersley, a writer for the Guardian, took a bite of the apple (quite literally) and birthed the now-ubiquitous term “podcasting,” a clever fusion of “iPod” and “broadcasting.” Software like Adam Curry’s iPodder sprang up, allowing users to subscribe to these new audio shows and download them automatically. The audience was there, the technology was primed, and all that was missing was a way to connect them.

Apple, ever the trendsetter, filled that gap in 2004. By including a podcast directory in iTunes, they made podcasts discoverable for the masses. Suddenly, millions had access to a world of voices, stories, and information, all at their fingertips (or, more accurately, earbuds).

I put my toe in the water with my first self-published podcast on May 5, 2005. The title of the podcast was “Podcasting for The School Bus”. It was just a minute and a half long and you can listen to it here. I was a bit ahead of my time, and I lost interest in podcasting and so did my readers.

Then later in 2005, the dam broke. Subscription rates skyrocketed, with iTunes becoming the go-to platform for podcast exploration. Even President George W. Bush got in on the act, becoming the first US president to deliver his weekly address via podcast. To solidify its place in pop culture history, “podcast” was declared the New Oxford American Dictionary’s Word of the Year.

The story doesn’t end there. Podcasting has exploded into a universe of its own. From true-crime sagas that keep you up at night to educational deep dives that spark curiosity, there’s a podcast for everyone. Monetization models have sprung up, with podcasters finding innovative ways to support their craft. Technology has kept pace, offering crystal-clear audio, user-friendly apps, and streaming services to make listening a seamless experience.

The exact number of podcasts globally is difficult to pinpoint due to the ever-changing nature of the medium. The estimated number of podcasts is 3 to 4.3 million. This range captures the most cited figures.

     I got back in the game in March of this year. A doctor friend of mine in Florida called me one day and told me, through his widespread knowledge of sports and sport celebrities, he had connected with Ron Cey. Ron was a star 3rd baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers back in the 80’s. His current business is podcasting. Ron opines on the latest sports and entertainment news, and features a wide selection of guests, including me. The Ron Cey Show, “We’ll See About That” is a good place for podcast excellence. You can subscribe to his podcasts and listen to them on your preferred platform including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or Google Podcasts.

You can listen to my podcast with Ron Cey here.

Today, podcasting is a powerful force, a testament to the human desire to connect, to share, and to listen. With millions of podcasts and a global audience ever on the rise, this is just the first chapter in the ever-unfolding narrative of audio storytelling.

Note: I use Gemini AI and other AI chatbots as my research assistants. AI can boost productivity for anyone who creates content. Sometimes I get incorrect data from AI, and when something looks suspicious, I dig deeper. Sometimes the data varies by sources where AI finds it. I take responsibility for my posts and if anyone spots an error, I will appreciate knowing it, and will correct it.

 

 

Current Events by John R. Patrick - 03/22/2024

New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.

 
St. Patrick’s Day dinner at Hammock Dunes Club.
Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll at EMMA Concert Association at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College in St. Augustine. It was a highly entertaining look at the history of iconic music featuring the best musicians and authentic Broadway/Rock & Roll artists in the world. The evening told the story of America since the 1930s, and all the incredible influences and cultures that make up our “melting pot,” which is poured into the fabric of our music, which influenced generations around the world.
This was unexpected treat. The Ron Cey podcasting shows sends a gift from Melissa’s Exotic Tropical Fruits for each guest of his podcast show. Delightful fruits some of which I never heard of.
 

I invested in Atom Limbs in early 2021. Their technology is quite impressive. Watch a very short video here. I put this one in the high risk category. As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Here’s a summary of some interesting things happening in crypto this week (as of March 22, 2024):

  • Bitcoin price rollercoaster: Bitcoin’s price has been volatile, dropping below $63,000 on March 19th, leading to some liquidations (forced selling) by traders. However, it since climbed back up near $68,000 but as of this writing is below $64,000. I think things will stabilize as the BTC ETFs build up. But, who knows?
  • Dogecoin soars on futures hopes: Dogecoin (DOGE) saw an 18% price increase this week on speculation of the launch of DOGE futures contracts. This seems doubtful to me. My average cost for my DOGE is 5 cents.
  • Grayscale outflows slow down: There were major outflows from Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) earlier this week, but analysts believe this might be tapering off [Cointelegraph].
  • Blackrock joins the tokenization party: Investment giant Blackrock entered the crypto space with a new fund on the Ethereum network that focuses on tokenized assets. I do not see an Ethereum ETF anytime soon. 
  • Bitcoin Virtual Machine (BVM) for AI? The BVM might soon allow users to create artificial intelligence models directly on the Bitcoin network [CoinDesk].

It’s important to note that crypto news can change rapidly, so these are just some of the highlights from this week.

Let’s delve into some of the recent advancements in AI this week (as of March 22, 2024):

        • Nvidia’s powerhouse chip: Nvidia unveiled their latest AI chip, the Blackwell architecture, boasting 30 times faster performance for specific tasks compared to its predecessor [AI Weekly]. This could significantly accelerate AI development.
        • Humanoid robotics get a boost: Nvidia partnered with leading robotics companies for their new AI platform, GR00T, aiming to develop foundational models for general-purpose humanoid robots [AI Weekly]. This has the potential to revolutionize various fields like manufacturing and healthcare.
        • AI ethics in question: There’s ongoing debate about “empathic” AI, with some experts arguing it leans more towards psychopathy rather than true emotional intelligence. This highlights the importance of ethical considerations in AI development [Tech Xplore].
        • AI tool aids cancer detection: Researchers developed an AI tool that can identify signs of cancer missed by doctors, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes [Artificial Intelligence News].
        • Introspective AI thrives on diversity: A new study suggests that AI models that consider diverse perspectives during training outperform those with limited viewpoints [ScienceDaily]. This emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in building robust AI systems.

        These are just a few exciting developments, and you can find more details by searching for “AI Weekly” or “Last Week in AI”.

I have appeared in two new articles this month:

Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”

A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups. 

On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.

On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better

On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.

On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.

On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.

On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.

There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.

How Vision Pro Could Change Healthcare

How Vision Pro Could Change Healthcare

VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) headsets like Apple’s Vision Pro hold immense potential to revolutionize various aspects of healthcare. I have mentioned these technologies could improve patient care, medical training, and more in prior posts. The purpose of this post is to add some specifics.

I will focus on some of the areas where I see potential. These include patient care, enhanced diagnosis and treatment, improved patient education and engagement, remote monitoring and telemedicine, medical training and education, improved collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

In the area of patient care, enhanced diagnosis and treatment can potentially take advantage of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Vision Pro’s AR capabilities could overlay medical scans and patient data directly onto a doctor’s field of view during examinations. This could allow for a more precise understanding of a patient’s anatomy, potentially leading to improved diagnosis and treatment planning. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) could create immersive environments to help patients manage phobias and anxieties. For example, a patient with a fear of heights could undergo gradual exposure therapy in a virtual world.

When it comes to improving patient education and engagement, interactive learning with VR could have an impact. VR experiences could provide patients with a more interactive and engaging way to learn about their conditions and treatment options. Another area with potential is pain management and distraction. VR could be used to distract patients from pain during procedures or chronic pain management. AR-powered remote diagnostics also has potential. Doctors could utilize AR features to remotely examine patients and guide healthcare professionals at the patient’s location. VR/AR could facilitate more interactive and engaging telemedicine and communications and consultations between patient and doctor.

One of the big areas I see is medical training and education through immersive learning experiences. VR could create realistic simulations of medical procedures, allowing medical students and professionals to practice in a safe and controlled environment. For surgical training, surgeons could practice complex procedures in VR before performing them on real patients. Facebook has been advertising this area. They feature Dr. Anushree Baid, a resident at Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital. Dr. Baid used FundamentalVR and the Orbis International’s VR platform (a competitor to Vision Pro) for additional training in a hands-on environment. She said, “VR let me practice hundreds of times before I operated on a patient”. In the past year, Dr. Baid has performed 300 life-changing surgeries (real) to preserve her patients’ vision.

     Another medical training area will no doubt be anatomy exploration. VR can allow students to explore the human body in 3D, providing a more comprehensive understanding of anatomy. This is not a new area. I wrote about the Visible Human more than 25 years ago. What makes this more practical today is the advanced technology such as the Vision Pro. Let me share an example of real this is.

An app available only on the Apple Vision Pro allows you to meet NASA’s Perseverance Rover on a mission to explore the surface of Mars. Perseverance launched from Florida in 2020 and landed on Mars on February 18, 2021. The rover is collecting samples and analyzing the geology, atmosphere, and chemistry of Mars to search for signs of past life in and around Jezero Crater.

Version 1 of the Vision Pro app brings Perseverance into the room with you. Just by looking at key parts of the rover, you can view photographs and specifications plus learn how they contribute to the groundbreaking science of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. You can resize the rover from a small model you can rest on your lap to actual size and move it anywhere in your space. It literally fills the room. In Version 2, coming soon, you’ll be able to stand on Mars, fully immersed in the sights and sounds of our nearest planetary neighbor. Seeing this will make you a believer in the medical training possibilities. I am bullish on this.

 Another area is improved collaboration and knowledge sharing. VR/AR could enable medical professionals from different locations to collaborate remotely on complex cases or training sessions. VR simulations could ensure consistent and standardized training experiences for medical professionals.

VR/AR technology is still evolving, and the cost of high-quality headsets might be a barrier for some healthcare institutions. As VR/AR integrates with patient data, robust measures are crucial to ensure privacy and security. Developing user-friendly and comfortable headsets is essential for widespread adoption in healthcare settings. The Apple Vision Pro weighs 1.5 pounds. I don’t mind the weight for an hour or so, but much more than that makes me very aware of the weight.

Overall, VR and AR technologies like Vision Pro offer exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare. By enhancing diagnosis and treatment, improving patient education, and revolutionizing medical training, VR/AR has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and the overall healthcare experience.

Read about advanced technology in healthcare in Health Attitude: Unraveling and Solving the Complexities of Healthcare.

Note: I use Gemini AI and other AI chatbots as my research assistants. AI could boost productivity for anyone who creates content. Sometimes I get incorrect data from AI, and when something looks suspicious, I dig deeper. Sometimes the data varies by sources where AI finds it. I take responsibility for my posts and if anyone spots an error, I will appreciate knowing it, and will correct it.

Current Events by John R. Patrick - 03/15/2024

New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.

I have been following World Central Kitchen’s ship, Open Arms with the Marine Traffic app since it departed Cyprus. The ship arrived at Gaza today..
Our 2017 VW Habanero Orange VW Beetle Convertible is like new. We keep it in Florida. It has just 13,500 miles after 7 years. Just got it washed and waxed. Looking great outside of Hammock Dunes Club.
All of a sudden a brand new electric Vanderhall showed up in our parking garage. I don’t know who owns it yet. Hoping to get a ride.
Not sure what it is but maybe he/she is on gator watch. All of our lakes in Hammock Dunes have gators. Florida has 1.3 million gators.
This was open house at Habitat’s ReStore in Palm Coast. The person speaking is Lindsay Elliott, Executive Director. To her right is Paul Hunt, General Manager for the two ReStore locations in Flagler County. They do a great job.

I invested in Atom Limbs in early 2021. Their technology is quite impressive. Watch a very short video here. I put this one in the high risk category. As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Here’s a summary of some interesting news in the crypto world as of March 15, 2024:

Market Fluctuations:

  • Bitcoin Price Movements: Bitcoin’s price has seen some volatility this week. After reaching a record high of $73,000 earlier in the week, it dipped to around $67,000. Some analysts predict a potential cool-off period, while others remain optimistic.d I remain in the bullish camp.

  • Spot Bitcoin ETF Update: The record-breaking inflows of Bitcoin into Spot ETFs (funds tracking the price of Bitcoin) seen earlier this week have slowed down. However, the overall sentiment suggests a growing interest in regulated Bitcoin investment options. Exactly what I have been predicting.

Regulatory Landscape:

  • UK Government’s Crypto Framework: The UK government announced a “world-first” crypto asset regulatory framework aiming to establish clear rules for the industry. This could potentially boost investor confidence and institutional adoption in the UK. The U.S. Congress remains asleep.

Other Interesting Developments:

  • JPMorgan CEO Backtracks on Bitcoin Price Prediction: JPMorgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, who previously predicted a million-dollar Bitcoin price, reportedly stated that gold remains a better store of value. This reversal highlights the ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition.

Resources to Stay Updated:

Remember, the crypto space is constantly evolving. These are just some of the top news items from this week, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest developments as you explore the crypto landscape.

      • Here’s a glimpse into some of the recent developments in AI from this week, as of March 15, 2024:

        Policy and Ethics:

        • EU Approves Controversial AI Act: The European Union passed a landmark AI Act aimed at regulating the development and use of artificial intelligence within the bloc. The act outlines restrictions on high-risk AI applications, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability. This has received mixed reactions, with some praising its focus on ethics and others concerned about potential stifling of innovation.

        • OpenAI Lawsuit Against Elon Musk: OpenAI, a prominent AI research lab co-founded by Elon Musk, filed a lawsuit against him. The lawsuit reportedly centers around Musk’s alleged attempt to influence OpenAI’s research direction and development of its large language models in favor of a competitor he’s involved with. This highlights ongoing debates about the control and ownership of powerful AI technologies.

        Advancements and Research:

        • AI Detects Heart Defects in Newborns: Researchers from Switzerland developed an AI algorithm that can automatically analyze medical scans to identify a specific heart defect in newborns. This could potentially lead to earlier diagnoses and improved medical outcomes.

        • New AI Model Streamlines Warehouse Operations: A new AI model was introduced that can optimize operations in robotic warehouses. This technology might improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance logistics management.

        Industry and Applications:

        • Workplace AI Scrutinized for Negative Impacts: A study raised concerns about the negative impact of workplace AI technologies like monitoring software and instant messaging tools on employee well-being. It suggests a need for a more balanced approach that prioritizes both productivity and employee satisfaction.

        • Generative AI for Art and Design: There’s continued progress in generative AI models capable of creating realistic and creative text formats, images, and even music. This has implications for various industries like art, design, and entertainment.

        Resources to Stay Updated:

        • AI Weekly: https://aiweekly.co/ provides news and analysis on artificial intelligence research, applications, and industry trends.
        • MIT Technology Review: https://www.technologyreview.com/ covers developments in AI alongside other emerging technologies, offering insightful articles and analysis.
        • The Next Web: https://thenextweb.com/ features news and reports on AI advancements and their impact on various industries and aspects of society.

        These are just a few of the exciting developments in the field of AI this week. As AI continues to evolve rapidly, staying informed about these advancements and their implications is crucial.

I have appeared in two new articles this month:

Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”

A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups. 

On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.

On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better

On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.

On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.

On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.

On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.

There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.

The Vibrating Pill

The Vibrating Pill

One of my favorite weekly reads is Medical Automation. It is an independent champion of effective, efficient, and equitable healthcare. It promotes the intersection of parallel revolutions in biomedicine, informatics, and nanotechnologies. Every week, the electronic newsletter summarizes at least a half-dozen breakthrough research projects applicable to medicine and healthcare.

One of the stories this week was about a vibrating pill for weight loss. The project is taking place at MIT Research, and it explores a novel approach to weight management using a vibrating ingestible capsule designed to reduce appetite. The technology is based on a capsule, about the size of a multivitamin, which has a tiny motor and battery inside. Once the capsule reaches the stomach, a plug made of gel dissolves and activates the tiny motor causing the capsule to vibrate gently.

The researchers say the vibrations stimulate stretch receptors in the stomach wall. The effect is like the sensation experienced after eating a meal. The receptors send signals to the brain causing a feeling of fullness thereby potentially curbing appetite.

If the research is successful, it could offer several potential benefits including reduced calorie intake and weight loss. Since the technology is non-invasive, it can potentially be less risky than surgical interventions for obesity. The vibrating pill may also offer a more convenient option than traditional appetite suppressant medications.

The research is in its pre-clinical stages. Initial testing was conducted on pigs using a feeding tube to deliver the capsule directly to their stomachs. Results showed a significant decrease in food intake in the pigs which received the vibrating capsule compared to the control group. More research is needed to confirm safety and efficacy in humans.

There are many factors to consider about this project. The long-term effects of prolonged vibration on the digestive system are unknown and require further research. Individual responses to the vibrations may vary, and it’s unclear how effective this approach will be for everyone. The technology is intended as a supplementary weight management tool, not a standalone solution. It’s likely to be most effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise practices.

Overall, the vibrating pill concept could potentially offer a promising new avenue for obesity, and this is an important problem for Americans. In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 42% of adults (more than 2 in 5) are classified as obese. This translates into a significant portion of the population. Here’s why obesity is a problem:

Health Risks: Obesity is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, sleep apnea, and joint problems. Obesity also presents an economic burden. Obesity-related medical costs are substantial, placing a strain on our healthcare systems. Healthcare expenses directly linked to treating obesity-related conditions falls somewhere between $147 billion and $210 billion annually. In addition, obesity can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life, limiting mobility and causing physical discomfort.

If you want to read the original research paper, you can find it here. You can also read about the obesity surgical option in Health Attitude: Unraveling and Solving the Complexities of Healthcare.

Note: I use Gemini AI and other AI chatbots as my research assistants. AI can boost productivity for anyone who creates content. Sometimes I get incorrect data from AI, and when something looks suspicious, I dig deeper. Sometimes the data varies by sources where AI finds it. I take responsibility for my posts and if anyone spots an error, I will appreciate knowing it, and will correct it.

Current Events by John R. Patrick - 03/08/2024

New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.

 
 
The famous restaurant in Flagler Beach. Great food and you sit on view of the beach, pier, and ocean.
In the distance you can see the hotel under construction in Flagler Beach. It will be called the Margaritaville Hotel. It will be a 100-room, three-story building expected to open in the fall of 2024.
Bike Week this year is March 1 to 10. Some beautiful three wheelers here.
This is a three-wheeler like I have not seen before. I had a Harley three-wheeler but now I have a CanAm Spyder RT Limited.
Bikes everywhere. Thousands of them. The place across the street is Finn’s. People enjoying eats and drinks upstairs and outside.
Bikes everywhere from Daytona Beach to St. Augustine.
This is a tragedy. A hurricane whacked off the end of the Flagler Beach pier, a favorite fisherman hangout and a source of revenue for the town. They charge a small fee to fish. A new concrete pier is planned for just south of this one.
The Margarita Hotel to be.
Bikers having lunch just south of downtown Flagler Beach.
Joanne displaying her beautiful color pencil drawings at the Hammock Dunes Club annual Art Show.

I invested in Atom Limbs in early 2021. Their technology is quite impressive. Watch a very short video here. I put this one in the high risk category. As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Here’s a summary of some key happenings in the crypto world this week (as of March 8th, 2024):

Bitcoin on the Rise:

Ethereum Update:

  • Price bump: Ethereum’s price also hit a multi-year high, reaching $4,000 for the first time since 2021, likely riding the wave of Bitcoin’s rise (Cointelegraph: https://cointelegraph.com/tags/cryptocurrencies).
  • Dencun Upgrade: This potential upgrade for Ethereum could lead to near-zero transaction fees for Layer-2 blockchains, making them even more attractive (Coindesk: https://coindesk.com/).

Other Interesting Developments:

  • Crypto crime: Law enforcement continues to crack down on crypto crime, with a significant network being shut down this week (Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/cryptocurrency).
  • Bitcoin Ordinals: A new trend of inscribing data onto the Bitcoin blockchain, similar to NFTs, has emerged with the Oyl wallet raising funds from prominent investors (Coindesk: https://coindesk.com/).

Keep in mind: The crypto market is volatile, and these are just some of the recent events. It’s important to do your own research before making any investment decisions.

Here’s a glimpse into some of the interesting developments in the world of AI this week (as of March 8th, 2024):

Ethical Considerations:

  • Pace of Innovation: The speed of advancements in AI is raising concerns about keeping up with proper ethical considerations (AI Weekly: https://aiweekly.co/).
  • UN and Bias: A UN study highlights potential bias against women in popular AI tools (AI Weekly: https://aiweekly.co/).

Research Advancements:

Applications in Focus:

Industry News:

These are just a few examples, and you can find more details by following these resources:

 

 

 

      •  

I have appeared in two new articles this month:

Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”

A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups. 

On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.

On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better

On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.

On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.

On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.

On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.

There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.

What is Going on with Bitcoin?

What is Going on with Bitcoin?

It is hard not to notice the dramatic rise in the price of Bitcoin. What is going on? It is a simple question with complex answers. In this blog post I will do my best to shed some light on the subject. I will start by sharing my history with Bitcoin. Although not a forecast, I will describe where I think things are going.

In 2013 I attended Inside Bitcoins, a conference in New York City. I expected the attendees to be mostly young. I was 65 at the time. To my surprise, the audience was quite diverse, old and young, male and female, white and people of color. The common attitude was one of enthusiasm for crypto. I talked with a lot of people and exhibitors. I got hooked. The idea of a digital future for currency and banking made complete sense to me.

I left the conference with a twofold Bitcoin strategy. First, I would purchase Bitcoin every Monday morning at then little known coinbase.com. Every week the funds would be withdrawn from my bank account and deposited at Coinbase. I started at $100 per week but later upped it to $250 per week. The dollar-cost-averaging approach worked. I purchased some at more than $800 and some at less than $400 with an average cost of about $600. As of this writing Bitcoin was trading at $61,000.

The second part of my strategy was to be a Bitcoin miner. The miners are what makes the blockchain and Bitcoin operate. Rather than purchase the required specialized crypto-optimized hardware, I used cloudhashing.com. The details of how this worked were complex and I will not bore you with them. The competitor to cloudhashing.com was the price of Bitcoin – if Bitcoin fell, cloudhashing was not desirable. If the value of Bitcoin rose, the mined Bitcoin became more valuable. I did not put my retirement savings into Bitcoin, but I was making an investment to put some money where my mouth was. At the time, I saw Bitcoin as analogous to investing in Cisco, Amazon, eBay, Google, and others in the early days of the web.

The $250 per week strategy from 2013 to 2017 turned out to be quite successful. In 2018, I sold half of what I had accumulated. I made the sales weekly. The price at first was $4,000. Then the price rose to $8,000 and I sold more. The last batch I sold at $20,000. I paid the capital gains tax even though everyone knew at the time the IRS was clueless. I continue to hold the other half. My net investment on the remainder was zero.  I made a philanthropic gift to a healthcare organization at the end of 2021 using Bitcoin. The cloudhashing strategy turned out to be a loser. The company, cloudhashing.com, folded. Fortunately, I did not put much money into it.

In 2017 I made an investment in FundersClub, a specialist at investing in startup companies. Investing in startups is risky, but I knew FundersClub could pick them better than I could. Later in 2017, FundersClub made a significant investment in startup Coinbase. My average cost per share of the shares after they were transferred to from FundersClub was $8.25. Coinbase shares traded at above $200 this week and the market cap of the company is nearly 50 billion dollars. Coinbase is playing a major role in cryptocurrency, and I see that as being the case long term. In 2013, the SEC sued Coinbase. Also in 2013, Coinbase sued the SEC. Both cases are complex, but I am betting on Coinbase. They have a strong management team and a solid governance structure. They are nothing like FTX was.

 The most important part of the Bitcoin story is the Bitcoin Spot ETF. In 2013, the first Bitcoin spot ETF application was filed by the Winklevoss twins, the founders of Gemini. I have my Ethereum holdings with them. They sought to launch the “COIN” ETF. From 2017 to 2021. several other companies, including the Blackrock powerhouse, submitted Bitcoin spot ETF applications. The SEC consistently rejected them, citing concerns about market manipulation, fraud, custody, and investor protection.

 In October 2021, the SEC approved the first Bitcoin futures ETF, allowing investors indirect exposure to Bitcoin price movements through futures contracts. In January 2024, after years of rejections, the SEC finally greenlit 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs in a historic move. This decision came after significant lobbying efforts from the industry and increased regulatory confidence in the maturing market.

As of February 27, 2024, there are 11 approved spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US, with several more potentially waiting for approval. The 11 include ARK 21Shares (NYSE: ARKB), Bitwise (NYSE: BITB), Blackrock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ: IBIT), Franklin Bitcoin (NYSE: EZBC), Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (NYSE: FBTC), Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (NYSE: GBTC), Hashdex (NYSEARCA: DEFI), Invesco Galaxy (NYSE: BTCO), VanEck Bitcoin Trust (NYSE: HODL), Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund (NASDAQ: BRRR), and WisdomTree Bitcoin Fund (NYSE: BTCW).

 These ETFs offer investors a regulated and transparent way to gain exposure to Bitcoin through traditional financial institutions like brokerage firms. The term “spot” in Bitcoin spot ETF carries significant meaning within the world of cryptocurrency investing. A spot Bitcoin ETF holds actual bitcoin as its underlying asset. This means when you buy shares in a spot Bitcoin ETF, you are indirectly gaining exposure to the ownership of real Bitcoin.

 In contrast, futures-based Bitcoin ETFs do not own Bitcoin directly. Instead, they invest in futures contracts, which are financial agreements to buy or sell Bitcoin at a future date and price. The “spot” price of Bitcoin refers to the current, real-time market price at which you can immediately buy or sell Bitcoin.

 A spot Bitcoin ETF aims to track this spot price as closely as possible. This means its value will fluctuate in line with the actual price of Bitcoin in the market. The advantages of “Spot” include:

  1. Transparency and Simplicity: Investors can understand the value of a spot Bitcoin ETF simply by looking at the current spot price of Bitcoin. It’s more straightforward and intuitive than futures-based ETFs.
  2. Reduced Risk: Some futures-based ETFs were prone to additional risks associated with the futures market, such as the potential for price discrepancies between the futures contracts and the underlying spot price. Spot ETFs mitigate this risk.

In summary, the “spot” in spot Bitcoin ETF highlights a direct connection to the real-time price of Bitcoin with actual Bitcoin backing the investment. This offers investors a simpler, more transparent, and potentially less risky way to gain exposure to Bitcoin through a regulated investment vehicle. It’s difficult to determine the precise combined Bitcoin holdings of all 11 ETFs due to the dynamic nature of the market and the fact not all ETFs disclose their holdings in real-time. However, estimates suggest the total holdings of these ETFs could be in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 Bitcoin as of February 27, 2024. At $60,000, the size of the ETFs is $62 billion to more than a trillion dollars.

When a client buys a Bitcoin ETF, the firm they buy it from purchases the corresponding Bitcoin and places it for holding with a custodian. Most of 11 have chosen Coinbase as their custodian. This in part explains why Coinbase has risen above $200 per share.

The subtlety of all this is the Bitcoin purchased to back up the ETF has taken that Bitcoin out of the total fixed supply of Bitcoin. Purchasers of Bitcoin ETFs can sell it anytime they want but many believe, myself included, the purchases were not made to trade. They were made to add to the asset mix of their portfolio. Investment advisors have been slow to start recommending Bitcoin ETFs, but I believe interest from clients is growing. A typical asset mix of an investor’s portfolio might be 1, 2, or 3 percent in Bitcoin. There are many variables to be precise, but the Investment Company Institute (ICI) estimates the total assets under management (AUM) in the US mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry at over $46 trillion as of January 31, 2024. I believe the possibility a small percentage of the huge investment portfolios may become Bitcoin is what is behind the rise in the price of Bitcoin.

While this story explores the world of Bitcoin, it is not in any way intended to provide investment guidance. Please conduct your own research and seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Read more about Bitcoin in Reflection Attitude – Current, Past, and Future.

Note: I use Gemini AI and other AI chatbots as my research assistants. AI can boost productivity for anyone who creates content. Sometimes I get incorrect data from AI, and when something looks suspicious, I dig deeper. Sometimes the data varies by sources where AI finds it. I take responsibility for my posts and if anyone spots an error, I will appreciate knowing it, and will correct it.

Current Events by John R. Patrick - 03/01/2024

New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.

Great Motown entertainment at AdventHealth annual Moonlit Gala. It raised $122,000 for their new cancer center.
My wife and I at the Moonlit Gala.

I invested in Atom Limbs in early 2021. Their technology is quite impressive. Watch a very short video here. I put this one in the high risk category. As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Coinbase Bytes reported, The total amount of funding crypto and blockchain companies have received since 2017, according to The Block Research, is $90 billion. Bank of America and Wells Fargo have said they are offering Bitcoin ETFs to selected high net worth investors. As the supply of BTC falls, I believe the price will rise.

Total market cap of all crypto is now $2.3 trillion. BTC is more than 52% of the total.

The world of AI is buzzing with activity. Here are some of the hottest recent headlines in AI Research and Development:

I have appeared in two new articles this month:

Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”

A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups. 

On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.

On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better

On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.

On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.

On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.

On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.

There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.

Satellites

Satellites

I am often asked where I learn about new things and subjects to write about. My answer is to write a lot, you have to read a lot. One of my regular sources is CircleID, a leading platform for Internet developments with more than 5,200 professional participants worldwide. They have published a few of my blog posts.

An interesting article this week was “A Brief Primer on Anti-Satellite Warfare Tactics”. The article was timely as the national security people rang a warning bell about what the Russians may be doing which could jeopardize satellites of other countries. The author of the article was Rob Frieden. Frieden is Professor of Telecommunications and Law at Penn State University. He holds a B.A., with distinction, from the University of Pennsylvania (1977) and a J.D. from the University of Virginia (1980). He has held senior policy making positions at the FCC and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. He has written several books and dozens of journal articles. As part of his work, Frieden knows a lot about satellites.

 Before highlighting a few key points from Frieden’s primer on warfare tactics, I’ll provide an overview about satellites. As of January 3rd, 8,377 active satellites were orbiting Earth, according to the satellite tracking website “Orbiting Now“. Satellites serve a wide range of purposes, including:

  • Communication: Providing internet access, phone connectivity, and television signals.
  • Earth observation: Monitoring weather patterns, environmental changes, and natural disasters.
  • Navigation: Supporting GPS systems for navigation and location services.
  • Scientific research: Studying the Earth, space, and celestial objects.
  • Military applications: Intelligence gathering, communication, and navigation for military operations.

Satellites orbit Earth at different altitudes and inclinations, categorized into various types:

  • Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Up to 2,000 km above Earth, ideal for communication satellites due to lower latency. This is what the SpaceX Starlink program uses. They have 5,400 satellites in orbit. Yes, more than half of the total satellites in orbit are LEOs launched by SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets.
  • Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): 2,000 km to 35,000 km above Earth, often used for navigation satellites.
  • Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO): 35,786 km above Earth, appearing stationary from the ground, suitable for use in communications and weather.
  • Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO): Elliptical orbits with varying altitudes are used for various applications like remote sensing and military purposes.

Frieden expanded on the usage,

Satellites make it possible for governments to provide essential services, such as national defense, navigation, and weather forecasting. Private ventures use satellites to offer highly desired services that include video program distribution, telecommunications, and Internet access. The Russian launch of a satellite, with nuclear power and the likely ability to disable satellites, underscores how satellites are quite vulnerable to both natural and manmade ruin.

The Russian launch is a tremendous threat. Disabling of satellites can evaporate billions of dollars in value. If the satellites were broken into pieces, the result would add to space debris, which is already presents a significant risk of collisions with satellites. If the Russians use a nuclear power source, Frieden says that would extend the available time in space and probably the maneuverability of the satellite. Frieden also says the Russian threat likely violates a U.N. treaty-level Russian commitment to keep space nuclear-free. Unfortunately, the U.N. document lacks any enforcement option and based on history, Russia would characterize its technology as a source of operational power and propulsion, not weaponry.

The list of how ground-based weapons or orbiting satellites can destroy satellites is long. Frieden has written about this extensively. It is not a pretty picture. Frieden said, “Despite global consensus to promote peaceful uses of outer space for the benefit of everyone, the stakes have increased that space will become “weaponized” as a new theater of warfare.” Hence, the national security alert.

There is more about space in Reflection Attitude – Current, Past, and Future.

Note: I use Gemini AI and other AI chatbots as my research assistants. AI can boost productivity for anyone who creates content. Sometimes I get incorrect data from AI, and when something looks suspicious, I dig deeper. Sometimes the data varies by sources where AI finds it. I take responsibility for my posts and if anyone spots an error, I will appreciate knowing it, and will correct it.

Current Events by John R. Patrick - 02/23/2024

New sections may appear every week or just when I have something new to share.

Finished. This turned out to be a very complicated Lego with the leaves, roots wrapped around the trunk, base of the tree, etc. 878 parts all came together.
Kids and grandkids are starting to arrive for Spring break. The pool will start to get busy for March and April.
The view to the East.
View to the West.

I invested in Atom Limbs in early 2021. Their technology is quite impressive. Watch a very short video here. I put this one in the high risk category. As always, remember most startups fail. Never invest in a startup unless you are prepared to lose every penny you invest.

Coinbase Bytes reported, “For the first time since April 2022, Ethereum crossed the $3,000 mark on Tuesday. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap is up roughly 12% in the last week and 30% in the past month as traders have become increasingly bullish about two major catalysts that are on the horizon: the potential arrival of spot ETH exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and an upcoming network upgrade.”

Coinbase also noted ETF buzz is growing in Australia and South Korea, while Japan and U.K. seek regulatory clarity. This is good news for BTC, as I see it. As I previously suggested, as more money flows into BTC ETFs. As the supply of BTC falls, I believe the price will rise.

Total market cap of all crypto is now $2.0 trillion. BTC is more than 51% of the total.

The world of AI is buzzing with activity. Here are some of the hottest recent headlines:

  • As of today, February 23rd, 2024, here are some of the exciting developments in the field of AI this week:

    Research and Development:

    • Meta unveils “CAIRAO”: This project aims to develop AI models that are fair, responsible, accountable,interpretable, and optimized for the real world. It focuses on addressing potential biases, ensuring transparency,and fostering responsible AI development.
    • AI-powered robot writes code: Researchers at MIT CSAIL have developed an AI system called “Coder” that can generate Python code based on natural language descriptions. This advancement holds potential for automating parts of the software development process.
    • AI system predicts protein structures rapidly: Researchers at the University of Washington introduced AlphaFold-Fast, a new AI model that can predict protein structures with high accuracy within minutes. This significantly reduces the time required compared to previous methods.

    Applications and Deployments:

    • AI-powered tool detects skin cancer: A new AI model shows promising results in accurately detecting skin cancer from images, potentially aiding in early diagnosis and treatment.
    • AI assists in wildlife conservation: Researchers are exploring AI-powered drones and cameras to monitor wildlife populations, track illegal activities, and protect endangered species.
    • AI helps personalize learning experiences: Educational institutions are experimenting with AI-based platforms that adapt learning materials and activities to individual student needs and learning styles.

    Concerns and Discussions:

    • Explainability and bias in AI algorithms: As AI models become more complex, there’s growing concern about understanding how they arrive at decisions and ensuring they are free from biases.
    • Ethical considerations in AI-powered weapons: The potential development and use of autonomous weapons systems raises ethical concerns and discussions about the role of AI in warfare.
    • Regulation and governance of AI: Ongoing discussions explore the need for appropriate regulations and governance frameworks to guide the development and deployment of AI in a responsible and ethical manner.

I have appeared in two new articles this month:

Sun and Surf Magazine of Palm Coast, FL published, “AI: Should We Fear it or Embrace it?”

A new magazine in Ridgefield, CT called Ridgefield City Lifestyle has published, “AI and Healthcare: A conversation with Dr. John patrick about how AI is transforming the healthcare space

Following are videos of talks I gave this year. I have been fortunate to be able to share my thoughts on technology with a number of groups. 

On September 14, I gave a talk on AI at the Ridgefield Library in Ridgefield, CT.

On July 21, I gave a lecture on AI @FoundersHallCT. I wan’t sure how many would turn out. It was a lot. Great interest in the topic. In addition to current events and outlooks, I told the audience about Robot Attitude: How Robots and Artificial Intelligence Will Make Our Lives Better

On March 8th I was the guest speaker at the first meeting of Probus in Palm Coast, Florida on March 8. Probus is a worldwide organization of retired and semi-retired men and women who come together to make new friends, learn new things, and have fun. There are over 4,000 Probus clubs in more than 100 countries, with over 400,000 members. Probus clubs are non-political, non-sectarian, and non-profit. They are self-governing and autonomous, and each club sets its own policies and activities.

On March 30, I gave my 12th annual lecture called Tech Talk at Hammock Dunes Club in Palm Coast, Florida where I live in the winter.

On March 23, gave a town hall-like speech and Q&A with the IT special interest group (SIG) of the New York Executive Forum. The event was via Zoom.

On April 19, I gave a talk and Q&A with a group of Union Carbide retirees. Some years ago, Union Carbide had its headquarters about a mile from where I live in Connecticut. The event was via Zoom.

There are many more videos of my lectures, interviews, etc. on my YouTube channel which you can find here.