Adam Bell and Peter Nikolaidis The Blurring The Lines Podcast
The Blurring the Lines podcast hosts, Peter Nikolaidis and Adam Bell, engage in a casual discussion about their personal lives, including travel, home renovations, phone models, and wireless and internet plans. They emphasize the importance of periodically reviewing and negotiating plans for better deals. They also discuss the potential of using satellite internet for off-grid functionality and the drawbacks of a 4K monitor. The conversation reflects a shared interest in exploring psychological themes within the context of superhero literature and a critical approach to selecting reading material. The hosts delve into the cyber attack on the Deuvel Moortgaat brewery in Belgium, shedding light on the ransom group Stormus claiming responsibility for the attack. They express concern about the impact on beer production and the potential ransom demands, while also highlighting the resilience of the brewery in the face of the attack. Adam Bell educates the group about the intricate workings of septic tanks, delving into the process of anaerobic respiration and the vital role of bacteria in breaking down waste. He also highlights the importance of regular maintenance and the potential consequences of infrequent use.
Blurring the Lines Podcast Episode 208 0:00 Remote work and travel Discussion on Internet Connectivity Options 6:45 Discussion on Phone Upgrades and Financing 9:58 Consolidating Phone Lines and Wireless Plans 12:08 Technology and gadgets Using iPad as a Second Monitor 17:59 Discussion on Apple Products and Monitors 22:44 Mail Forwarding Woes and Solutions 27:19 Discussion on Books about Superheroes and Psychology 32:13 Cyber Attack on Brewery 35:00 Cybersecurity and ransomware attacks Septic Tank Education 38:23 Septic tank and septic system Job Changes and Professional Services 44:44 Organizational changes and career development
Adam Bell and Peter Nikolaidis The Blurring The Lines Podcast
AI Summary: Peter and Adam discussed various topics ranging from their recent travels for work to their favorite Christmas movies and music. They also talked about their experiences with open enrollment and health insurance, with Peter opting for flexibility and Adam expressing frustration with the high cost of his family’s health insurance plan. Additionally, they discussed their love for running and staying active, as well as their favorite comedians and upcoming comedy shows they plan to attend.
The two also discussed communication tactics and the importance of being considerate of others’ time, particularly in the case of last-minute cancellations. They also talked about the use of SMS for MFA and the security concerns surrounding it, emphasizing the need for users to take necessary precautions to protect their accounts. Finally, they discussed the future of remote work and predicted that hybrid work will become the norm, with occasional in-person connectivity being beneficial.
Overall, the meeting covered a wide range of topics, from personal interests to professional concerns. Despite the lighthearted nature of some of the discussions, there were also important takeaways related to communication, security, and the future of work.
Chapters:
Catching up on Travel and Work 0:02
Open enrollment for health insurance Open Enrollment and Health Insurance Discussion 3:08
Running and Racing Plans 8:00
Running and fitness Christmas Movies and Music 11:44
Christmas movies and music Comedy Show Discussion 16:02
Complaints and Business Partnerships 19:09
Scheduling Woes 21:53
SMS for MFA and Security Concerns 27:35
SMS for MFA (multi-factor authentication) Meeting Expectations for Small vs. Medium Businesses 35:06
The Future of Remote Work 41:25 Remote workforce and hybrid work models
Learn More About the Hosts:
Peter Nikolaidis https://YogaWithPeter.com https://friendswithbrews.com Mastodon @nikolaidis@infosec.exchange
Adam Bell Sublime Computer Services https://www.sublimecomp.com https://rrlavenderfarm.com @sublimecomp
Adam Bell and Peter Nikolaidis The Blurring The Lines Podcast
Chapters & Topics:
Podcast Introduction and Small Talk Adam and Peter introduce the Blurring the Lions podcast and discuss the popularity of their previous episode on AI. They engage in small talk about the weather and their Apple Watches, with Adam sharing his frustrations with the Audible app on his watch and Peter discussing the limitations of Watch OS.
Discussion on Third-Party Developers and Apple APIs Peter and Adam talk about the accusations against Apple for not providing third-party developers with the same access to iCloud storage and other Apple APIs as they provide to in-house developers. They also discuss the challenges faced by Audible and Hydrate apps while operating on Apple’s platform.
Hydration and Kidney Function Peter shares his recent discovery about drinking water within ten hours of waking up to improve kidney function and reduce nighttime bathroom trips. Adam shares his hydration routine and how he drinks water before bed without waking up to pee. They also discuss their family history of kidney stones and the importance of hydration.
Music and Technology Peter and Adam discuss their reliance on technology, with Peter sharing his recent experience of leaving his phone and watch at home and surviving without them, and Adam reflecting on the difficulty of living without a phone and computer due to his job.
Music preferences and live performances
Personal Finance and Account Management Peter explains how he used to have multiple bank accounts for different purposes, but has now consolidated most of his finances into one account that earns interest. He also talks about switching credit cards to one that offers better rewards, and how he is working to ensure all his recurring payments are on the new card. Additionally, he mentions changing insurance carriers to save money.
Payment Methods and Fees Peter and Adam discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using a home equity line of credit versus a traditional mortgage, and the flexibility it provides. They also discuss the difficulties of paying closing costs out of pocket and the various payment methods available, including wire transfers and cashier’s checks.
Home equity line of credit and refinancing
Cashless Transactions and Traveling Abroad Peter and Adam have a conversation about the use of cashless transactions in different countries, with Peter mentioning Estonia as a country that is known for its electronic payment systems. Adam argues that cash is still necessary when traveling abroad, as credit card transactions can come with varying exchange rates and fees. He suggests that it’s always a good idea to have cash on hand when traveling, just in case.
Health Insurance and HSA Peter and Adam discuss their health insurance plans and HSA accounts. Peter is considering trying the value plan and staying in network for his healthcare needs. He likes the tax-free savings of his HSA but is aware of the expensive out-of-network costs. Adam always uses his HSA for healthcare expenses and prefers to keep the money there for medical purposes rather than investing it.
Using HSA for healthcare expenses
Music and Live Performances Adam expresses his preference for intimate live performances and shares his regret of not being able to see Prince live. Peter suggests watching Prince’s Super Bowl performance and shares his experience of not appreciating live music earlier. They also discuss how some songs sound better live than in the studio and share their favorite live performances by various artists.
Lavender Farm Fungus Dilemma Adam discusses the challenges they are facing with the root rot fungus affecting their lavender farm. They explain the causes of the fungus and the impact it has had on their plants. They also discuss their plans to confirm the presence of the fungus and explore options for treatment or finding fungus-resistant plants.
Dealing with root rot in lavender plants
Learn More About the Hosts:
Peter Nikolaidis https://YogaWithPeter.com https://friendswithbrews.com Mastodon @nikolaidis@infosec.exchange
Adam Bell Sublime Computer Services https://www.sublimecomp.com https://rrlavenderfarm.com @sublimecomp
Adam Bell and Peter Nikolaidis The Blurring The Lines Podcast
Summary:
Peter and Adam discussed a variety of topics, including insurance, tipping in restaurants, AI and its potential risks, the role of AI in various fields, and the limitations of technology. They emphasized the importance of staying informed about insurance options and periodically reviewing coverage, as well as the need for transparency in restaurant service charges. They also discussed the potential risks of generative AI accessing confidential information and the importance of maintaining data confidentiality and security.
Peter and Adam also explored the potential benefits and limitations of AI in various fields, including manufacturing, photography, architecture, and landscape design. They acknowledged the potential for AI to save time and improve the quality of work, but also emphasized the need for human expertise and the limitations of technology. They also discussed the impact of AI on communication and content creation, noting the negative effects of generative text on human communication and the creation of meaningless content.
Finally, Peter and Adam discussed the benefits of Comma AI and additional safety features for cars, emphasizing the potential for these technologies to make driving safer and more efficient. They invited feedback and discussed future topics for the meeting. Overall, the meeting highlighted the importance of staying informed about the potential risks and benefits of AI and technology, as well as the need for transparency and responsible use of these technologies.
Chapters & Topics:
Insurance and Podcasting
Peter shares his experience researching and switching auto insurance providers, highlighting the importance of periodically reconsidering one’s insurance coverage. Adam and Peter also discuss their podcast’s success and listenership, with Adam noting that all episodes have been listened to and Peter expressing his surprise at the show’s longevity.
Tipping and Service Charges
Adam and Peter debate the pros and cons of adding a gratuity charge to all checks in restaurants. Adam argues that it would be easier to account for as an owner, while Peter suggests that it would be better for customers to know the exact price they are paying. They also discuss the issue of service charges and whether they go to the waiter or the owner.
AI and Data Silos
Adam shares his takeaways from a recent conference on AI, including the importance of data silos to prevent generative AI from accessing confidential information. Peter notes that this is a basic security principle and compares it to the least privileged principle in access control. They also discuss the importance of limiting access to sensitive information for lower-level employees, such as help desk technicians.
* Data silos and AI
AI as a Commodity
Adam and Peter discuss the possibility of AI becoming a commodity in the next two years, with every machine and server having it. They also talk about the potential impact of this development on businesses and individuals, and the advantages and disadvantages of having AI everywhere.
Discussion on AI tools and their potential applications
Peter shares his experience with the AI tool that aggregates GPT and Claude models and does real-time web searches. Adam talks about the potential of AI in photography, architecture, and landscape design, and how professionals in these fields need to embrace AI to stay competitive. They both agree that AI tools can save time and improve the quality of work.
AI in Manufacturing Quality Control
Peter and Adam discuss the difference between consciously embracing technology versus having it done for you, using the example of automatic brake assisting in cars versus Tesla’s autopilot feature. They then shift to discussing the use of AI in manufacturing quality control, noting that while the technology has been around for a while, the real-time detection capabilities are new and can save companies money.
* AI in quality assurance for manufacturing
AI and Technology Discussion
Peter and Adam discuss the practical applications of AI, including image recognition and its use in security cameras. They also discuss the potential benefits of AI for small business owners, such as analyzing data to determine popular products and preparing for high demand. However, they also acknowledge the limitations of technology, including issues with charging and battery life.
* Image recognition and AI
The Impact of AI on Communication and Content Creation
Peter and Adam explore the negative impact of AI on communication and content creation. They discuss how generative text is causing humans to rely on computers to communicate with each other, and how the need for unique content is leading to the creation of meaningless content that no one reads.
Discussion on Comma AI and additional safety features for cars
Peter shares his experience with Comma AI and its founder, George Hotz, and explains how the technology can bring self-driving capabilities to cars that don’t have it. Adam expresses his desire for additional safety features in cars, such as haptic feedback, to prevent accidents and mistakes.
* AI making us “stupid”
Learn More About the Hosts:
Peter Nikolaidis https://YogaWithPeter.com https://friendswithbrews.com Mastodon @nikolaidis@infosec.exchange
Adam Bell Sublime Computer Services https://www.sublimecomp.com https://rrlavenderfarm.com @sublimecomp
Adam Bell and Peter Nikolaidis The Blurring The Lines Podcast
Episode 200 Celebration and Dental Woes 0:03 Episode 200 of the Blurring the Lines podcast Root canal and dental health Car Troubles and Customer Service 5:47 FedEx Delivery Woes and New Mexican Restaurant 11:03 Persistent Cookies and Cybersecurity 14:52 Persistent cookies and cybersecurity Server-side Scripting and Frameworks 19:23 Halloween, Spam, and Goosebumps 24:17 Discussion on Streaming Services 28:57 Streaming services and the frustrations of multiple subscriptions Casual Conversation and Gaming Plans 34:47 Online gaming and the Baldur’s Gate game
AI Summary
Adam and Peter discussed a variety of topics, including their experiences with healthcare, customer service, cybersecurity, server-side scripting, Halloween plans, and streaming services. They shared personal anecdotes about root canals, car repair mishaps, and missed FedEx deliveries, as well as their frustrations with persistent cookies and the complexities of streaming services. They also discussed the benefits and challenges of server-side scripting and the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and frameworks. Despite these challenges, they remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunity to continue their podcast and engage in online gaming together.
Adam and Peter also discussed their preferences and experiences with various beers and upcoming online gaming plans, including an upcoming Savage Worlds game convention. They shared their recent experiences playing Baldur’s Gate and the benefits of playing online versus locally, as well as the challenges of being an evil character in the game. Despite some technical difficulties, they continue to enjoy their gaming experiences and look forward to future opportunities to play together.
Overall, the meeting was a casual and lighthearted conversation between two friends, covering a wide range of topics. Despite the challenges and frustrations they discussed, they remained optimistic and grateful for the opportunities they have and the ability to continue their podcast and engage in online gaming together.
