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    • Affordable wireless plans and new Coca-Cola flavorMint Mobile offers $15/month unlimited plans, and Coca-Cola introduces a spiced drink variation

      There are affordable wireless phone plans available from Mint Mobile, with unlimited talk, text, and data for just $15 a month. Meanwhile, Coca-Cola introduced a new spiced version of their drink, offering an unexpected and extraordinary taste experience. During this episode of Distractable, the hosts discussed various topics, including nature, body snatching bugs, and online activities, with Wade emerging as the winner of their hosting competition. For new listeners, the format involves the hosts earning points based on their contributions to the conversation, with the winner hosting the next episode.

    • AI's limitations in generating legal documentsVerify AI-generated information for accuracy before relying on it in legal cases. AI is not infallible and can still generate incorrect or misleading information.

      While AI is becoming increasingly advanced and convincing, it's important to remember that it still has limitations. The discussion touched on the use of AI in generating legal documents, and the potential consequences of lawyers not verifying the accuracy of the cases their AI cited before submitting them to court. The conversation also highlighted the widespread integration of AI in various industries, with companies trying to incorporate it into every aspect of their business. However, the speakers emphasized that AI is not infallible and can still generate incorrect or misleading information. Therefore, it's crucial to approach AI with a critical mindset and verify the accuracy of the information it generates before relying on it too heavily. Additionally, the discussion showcased the importance of staying informed about the latest technological advancements and their potential implications.

    • Relying too heavily on AI can be misleading and frustratingApproach AI with a critical mind, fact-check and verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and understanding.

      Relying too heavily on AI for information can be misleading and even frustrating. The speakers in this discussion drew parallels between AI and a know-it-all student who may not always be correct, and even the Bing bot was called out for providing inaccurate information and being dismissive when challenged. The speakers also shared personal experiences of feeling uncomfortable with overly curious or knowledgeable peers, and how this relates to the potential for AI to provide information that may not be appropriate or necessary. While AI can be a useful tool, it's important to approach it with a critical mind and not to blindly trust the information it provides. Instead, it's essential to fact-check and verify information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and understanding.

    • Exploring the strange and intriguing world around usFrom peculiar fish species to ineffective sheaths, embrace the unusual and expand your knowledge and perspective

      The conversation between the podcast hosts revolved around various unusual topics, including a discussion about a peculiar fish species called Macropinna microstoma, and a humorous exchange about a spear and its ineffective sheath. The hosts also shared their thoughts on the importance of being open-minded and embracing the strange and intriguing aspects of the world around us. Additionally, there were some jokes and references to pop culture, such as the Five Nights at Freddy's series. Overall, the conversation showcased the hosts' unique sense of humor and their willingness to explore and discuss the unusual and fascinating aspects of life.

    • The Importance of Human Creativity in YouTube ThumbnailsSpeaker values their unique thumbnail designs, fears AI impact, and acknowledges past mistakes

      The speaker is passionate about creating high-quality thumbnails for their YouTube videos, taking pride in their ability to meme, analyze human psychology, and create simple yet impactful designs. They believe their thumbnails set them apart and are a reflection of their creativity and skill. However, they express concern over the increasing use of AI in creating thumbnails and the potential for it to diminish the value of human effort and creativity. The speaker also acknowledges their past use of stock photos and unsavory thumbnail tactics but refuses to be judged based on these aspects. Despite the speaker's assertions, the conversation veers off into discussing the apparent transparency of a specific fish species and the speaker's lack of reaction to its perceived weirdness.

    • Discovering the Weird and Wonderful in Nature's CreaturesFrom deep-sea fish with backward-moving eyes to tiny tardigrades surviving extreme conditions, nature's creatures showcase unique adaptations. Our perception of what's weird is subjective and can be influenced by experiences and perspectives.

      The natural world is full of fascinating and seemingly weird creatures, each with unique adaptations that help them survive in their specific environments. For instance, some deep-sea fish have evolved to have their eyes move further back to see through their domes in low light. Tardigrades, also known as water bears, are tiny creatures that can endure extreme conditions, including dehydration and exposure to outer space. These creatures are considered weird due to their unique features and survival abilities. Wade, in the conversation, expresses his fascination and awe towards these creatures, while also acknowledging that some people might not find them weird. The conversation also touches upon the evolution of certain foods, such as cannolis, and the fact that what we find weird is often subjective and can be influenced by our experiences and perspectives.

    • Zombie praying mantis and cost-saving appsDiscover the unusual behavior of a zombie praying mantis controlled by a hairworm and learn how to save money with apps like Rocket Money and Mint Mobile.

      We discussed the phenomenon of a "zombie praying mantis," which is not the cordyceps fungus but rather a type of hairworm that infests and manipulates the behavior of the mantis, making it mate with other mantises and become more aggressive. The mantis appears to be dead, but the worm makes its body function. This worm can be evacuated by holding the mantis underwater. While this is reminiscent of the cordyceps fungus, it is actually a different type of parasite. The discussion also touched upon the potential savings that can be achieved by using apps like Rocket Money, which helps cancel unwanted subscriptions and monitor spending, and Mint Mobile, which offers affordable wireless plans. The episode was sponsored by these two brands.

    • Exploring the strange and the unknownFrom flying reindeer to competitive pizza tossing, we discovered the joy of exploring unusual topics and the potential scientific insights they offer.

      We had a conversation about various strange and intriguing topics, including flying reindeer, strange worms, and competitive pizza tossing. The idea of a flying reindeer was met with disbelief and amusement due to its lack of scientific basis. The conversation then moved on to the discovery of cordyceps worms, which were unfamiliar to some, and the existence of competitive pizza tossing, which was seen as peculiar due to the questionable relation to the final product, pizza. The discussion also touched upon the fascination with strange and fascinating creatures, such as tardigrades, and the potential scientific insights they could provide. The conversation ended with a tribute to Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating champion, and a defense against any criticism of competitive pizza tossing. Overall, the conversation showcased the joy of exploring the strange and the unknown, and the appreciation for the seemingly mundane and extraordinary.

    • From Hot Dogs to Barreleye FishThe speaker shares his knowledge about Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating champion, but is challenged on it, leading him to explore and share information about the unusual barreleye fish, highlighting his passion for sharing interesting facts and his adaptability.

      The speaker in this conversation is a content creator who frequently talks about Joey Chestnut, the hot dog eating champion, but was mistakenly challenged on his knowledge about the topic. The conversation then shifts to the speaker researching and sharing information about unusual animals, with a focus on the barreleye fish, which he finds particularly strange due to its transparent dome and human-like face. The speaker's tone is playful and exaggerated, using humor to engage the audience. The conversation also reveals that the speaker sometimes watches another content creator's videos and that they may have similar interests. Overall, the conversation showcases the speaker's passion for sharing interesting information and his ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.

    • Exploring the Fascinating World of Unusual AnimalsFrom the iridescent bobbit worm to the elusive colossal squid, the natural world is full of intriguing and unusual creatures that challenge our understanding and defy our expectations. Continued exploration and discovery is essential to learning more about these fascinating beings and respecting the rules when sharing information is crucial.

      The world is home to a vast array of fascinating and unusual creatures, some of which defy our expectations and challenge our understanding of what animals can be. During a lively discussion, the speakers covered various intriguing species, from the iridescent and spiked bobbit worm to the large and gentle capybara, and the elusive and enormous colossal squid. They also touched upon the unique behaviors of animals like the red and blue-tongued skinks, the zombie-making dementor wasp, and the tenacious yeti crab. The conversation highlighted the importance of continued exploration and discovery, as well as the importance of respecting the rules when sharing information. Overall, the conversation served as a reminder that the natural world is full of surprises and wonders, and that there is always more to learn and appreciate.

    • Aye Aye, Bathrooms, and AnimatronicsDiscussed the uniqueness of the Aye Aye, used a power washer for bathroom cleaning, debated animatronic rankings in Five Nights at Freddy's, and joked about distinguishing reindeer from photoshopped images.

      The title of a webpage can be misleading, as seen in a discussion about the world's weirdest nocturnal primate, the Aye Aye. Although it's listed as scary, the focus was on its uniqueness. The conversation then shifted to a dirty bathroom and the use of a power washer for cleaning. The discussion also touched on motion sickness and the challenge of distinguishing a reindeer from a non-reindeer in a photoshopped image. Another topic covered was the ranking of animatronics in Five Nights at Freddy's, with disagreements about the placement of certain characters. Overall, the conversation showcased a mix of weird, humorous, and intriguing topics.

    • Discovering and Sharing the Weird and UnusualExploring the unusual and sharing strange findings can lead to entertaining conversations and a sense of discovery.

      The discussion between the two individuals revolved around finding and sharing unusual and weird things. The first example given was a man wearing a watermelon helmet and goggles, which they found amusing and strange. The second example was a mysterious phone call and security camera footage from a children's pizzeria, which had ominous warnings and created an unsettling atmosphere. Throughout the conversation, they joked about the weirdness of the situations and competed to find the most unusual things. Despite the playful competition, they acknowledged that the overall theme of the episode was quite weird. Ultimately, they both contributed to the exploration of the unusual and kept the conversation engaging and entertaining.

    • A debate over a podcast episode's winnerEven when disagreements arise, open-mindedness and flexibility can lead to mutual understanding and progress

      Even when it seems like the opportunity to make a decision or take action has passed, there's still value in reflecting on the situation and considering the perspectives of others. In the discussion, Mark and Bob debated who should be declared the winner of a podcast episode. Mark argued that he was the heart and soul of the episode, while Bob felt that Mark had stolen his reasons for making him the winner. Despite some back-and-forth banter, they ultimately came to a resolution where Mark would share his winning speech about the importance of patience and the value of going with the flow. The conversation showcased the dynamic between the two hosts and their willingness to engage with each other's ideas, even when they disagreed. Ultimately, they found a way to come to a mutual understanding and move forward. The episode highlights the importance of open-mindedness and flexibility, even when faced with unexpected twists and turns.

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    Related Episodes

    Operations of Organizations and Our Communities With Special Guest and Systems Thinker, Christian Lemp Part 2

    Operations of Organizations and Our Communities With Special Guest and Systems Thinker, Christian Lemp Part 2

    If the first part of their discussion explored the parallels between social systems and AI technology, this second half provides insight on how Christian’s work draws inspiration from an unlikely source: the natural world and the animal kingdom. 

    From there, he touches briefly upon the responsibility of modern tech professionals to be aware of the social implications of their work, providing words of encouragement to listeners of the podcast within the industry.

     

    Drawing Inspiration From the Natural World:

    Ants leave trail pheromones to food that they find and then return to the colony. This leaves a road for other ants to find, which leads to the collective outcome of being able to feed everyone in the community. Similarly, honey bees coordinate with other bees to maintain their hive and protect the queen.

    These are examples of biological systems that are naturally capable of self-regulating— so where’s our capacity to solve that on a larger scale, in business and societies?

    Here, Christian discussed the possibility of our efforts being limited because we approach problem solving with a two-dimensional mindset—when in reality, we should be looking at the scenario in three dimensions. For example, one may be able to see, hear, and touch a forest, but they won’t be able to see what happens underneath the soil.

    There is a call for us to “move away from the two dimensional, polarizing world that sticks us in buckets and says, this thing is this or that, but there can't be a flexibility or the nuances of an entity in between that can actually move throughout dimensions.”

    But is it possible to run multinational corporations and governments as efficiently as beehives without taking away an individual’s creative capacity, while ensuring that the system remains flexible enough to meet challenges brought about by outside forces?

     

    Former Approaches to Systems of Organizations:

    Modern organizations find themselves adapting to a strange new status quo: one where management must deal with remote employees and asynchronous work. It’s a symptom of decentralization in a structure, where control and command has become less concentrated on hierarchy. 

    Therefore, the ability to make collective decisions while operating asynchronously is an indication that the business has a strong internal culture that naturally reinforces good decision-making despite the time differences and differences in flows of information.

    Prior to this, most organizations preferred to take an authoritarian approach to systems management. This is where the leader is responsible for planning out the entire route from start to finish and people are expected to follow. It works in instances where the leader has a clear vision and knows what needs to be done to achieve it across multiple levels. However, not a lot of people enjoy working in an environment where they are only ever expected to be followers of someone else’s vision. There is little to no room to foster genuine creativity on a micro level/on the ground.

    Organizations also try to implement the consensus approach, where everyone communes to find a solution that pleases everyone. While it’s a more democratic method, the process is slow and the end goal remains restrictive for the people on the ground. 

     

    Is it Time to Relax Our Approach?:

    Could a more relaxed approach to implementing a system be in order? Christian muses over a world where companies focused on establishing a strong organizational culture. This would encourage everyone who was hired, who understood and was aligned with the company’s vision and mission, to naturally work towards a solution in both a collective and individual sense. 

    This alternative gives more flexibility to individuals and small teams when a new challenge arises. While people still need to attend meetings and management will continue to make room for mistakes, this approach gives people the opportunity to proactively think of how they can use their talents towards their goals instead of wedging them into a box—or turning them into drones. 

    Diffusing a small element of the decision-making process could help your organization by injecting a diverse array of perspectives and skillsets. Upper management shouldn’t take the entire burden of thinking outside the box.

     

    Remaining Ethical in Positions of Leadership and in Tech:

    Christian briefly discussed the responsibility of leaders to build diverse teams, especially when they are in the tech industry or developing artificial intelligence. He drew from his personal experience working with an insurance domain to prove his point.

    In this case, the domain was working on using AI to scan aerial images and assess the value of a home, seeing if it would fit within their risk profile. However, they found out that the AI system automatically excluded homes with a chain link fence. If this algorithm made it to the market, it would not have underwritten any homes with a chain link fence—which is a common fixture in poor neighborhoods.

    This would have created a bias against people who needed insurance the most, and it would have been an unintended outcome of trying to solve a simple problem using AI without the added layer of human intervention. As much as possible, the teams behind AI development need to come from a wide array of backgrounds so that the creation of new technologies incorporate as many perspectives as possible.

     

    Closing Remarks: to the Tech Professionals of the Future:

    Christian encourages professionals employed in data science, analytics, and technology to internalize the weight of their responsibility: their capacity to change the market and directly affect people through products and services. 

    “People in positions of decision power, who are practitioners and implementing, have a responsibility to optimize for the right thing, and really be humble and understanding. And that's just something that leaders have to do,” he explained.

    He also revealed that what stood out for him the most from TARTLE was the ability to “have a bottomless approach to data collection and ownership.”

    TARTLE is our step forward towards a reality where people have better control over their own data. Currently, our personal information is working for the benefit of the wealthiest people and the most powerful organizations in the world. The concept of getting paid for your Facebook account, Instagram posts, and Twitter feed may be a little far-fetched—but this is exactly what makes money for these platforms. The TARTLE marketplace is our work towards inverting this model and bringing back the power to where it truly belongs: the people. www.tartle.co

     

    Tcast is brought to you by TARTLE. A global personal data marketplace that allows users to sell their personal information anonymously when they want to, while allowing buyers to access clean ready to analyze data sets on digital identities from all across the globe.

     

    The show is hosted by Co-Founder and Source Data Pioneer Alexander McCaig and Head of Conscious Marketing Jason Rigby.

     

    What's your data worth?

     

    Find out at: https://tartle.co/

     

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TARTLE

     

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TARTLEofficial/

     

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tartle_official/

     

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/TARTLEofficial

     

    Spread the word!

    How sound can save a rare bird with an AI assist

    How sound can save a rare bird with an AI assist

    On this episode we speak with Oliver Metcalf, lead author of a new study using bioacoustics and machine learning (artificial intelligence or "AI") to study a very rare bird in New Zealand. We play some recordings of the beautiful hihi bird that illustrate the success of a last ditch reintroduction effort for this species (and in a place) that are otherwise very difficult to monitor. The findings suggest that bioacoustics can play a key role in assessing the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

    If you enjoy this show, please visit www.patreon.com/mongabay to pledge any amount to keep it growing. Mongabay is a nonproft media outlet, so all support helps.

    We love reviews, so please find the reviews section of the app that delivers your podcasts and tell the world about the Mongabay Newscast, so that we can find new listeners. Thank you!

    Also, please invite your friends to subscribe via AndroidApple Podcasts, Google PodcastsStitcherTuneIn, Spotify or wherever they get podcasts.

    Thank you! And please send thoughts, questions, or feedback about this show to submissions@mongabay.com