Somewhat Frank Established

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:
 
This Smiling Robot Face Made Of Living Skin is an Absolute Nightmare Fuel - Researchers have been exploring the attachment of actual living skin to robots, moving beyond traditional artificial surfaces.
 
A Seaweed Crop Finds a Spot in Maine Waters - Atlantic Sea Farms CEO Briana Warner talks about the new moves to cultivate seaweed in the U.S., from ocean to plate.
 
Waymo Robotaxis Now Open To All In SF - Waymo has removed the waitlist for its San Francisco robotaxi service, allowing anyone to download the app and immediately hail a ride.
 
GPS Threats - Researchers report that more than 60,000 commercial flights have experienced bogus GPS signals this year, posing significant risks to navigation and safety.
 
Utah Governor Declares Phone-Free Fridays - The initiative aims to foster real-life connections by reducing screen time and increasing face-to-face interactions among Utahns.
 
Harvard Scientists Claim Aliens Are Living Among Us - Harvard scientists claim aliens could be 'walking among us' and it's freaking people out (Good)
 
The Conor Cawley Comedy Special - https://youtu.be/GdkXyEBfcE8?si=ewPg-ZvmyF__igSA 
 
The Rubik Cube turns 50 - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/01/science/rubiks-cube-puzzles.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
 
We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:
 
12th Annual Startup Ecosystem Report - The GSER, powered by the world’s most quality-controlled dataset on startup ecosystems, analyzes data from over 4.5 million companies across 300+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems. 
 
Swiss Startup Connects 16 Human Brains To Create Low Energy Biocomputer - FinalSpark's bio-computer, which integrates living brain cells (organoids) into its design, consumes significantly less energy than traditional digital processors, using about a million times less power.
 
Fisker Files for Bankruptcy - Fisker Group Inc., founded by designer Henrik Fisker, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware District Court, following numerous issues with its Ocean SUV, including recalls and lemon law lawsuits.
 
Rivian just got a $1B Convertible Note from Volkswagen in a deal related to developing their software - Volkswagen Group will invest $1 billion in Rivian as part of a broad software development deal, which could expand to $5 billion. This includes creating a joint venture with a 50-50 partnership to develop and grow technology.
 
Astronauts stranded in space due to multiple issues with Boeing's Starliner — and the window for a return flight is closing - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, originally scheduled to return on June 13, are now stranded on the ISS indefinitely due to issues with Boeing's Starliner, with the earliest return date pushed to June 26.
 
Introducing a new section called Pebbling - https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/star-psychologist-adam-grant-pebbling-secret-stronger-relationships.html 
 
ESports Coming To the Olympic Games - https://sports.yahoo.com/olympic-video-games-know-olympic-142926997.html 
 
4 Signs Your Body Is Telling You It’s Time to Take a Break - https://time.com/6977883/what-does-stress-feel-like/?linkId=466794915 
 
George Strait Concert Breaks US Attendance Record Held Since 1977 - https://www.fox44news.com/news/local-news/george-strait-concert-breaks-us-attendance-record-held-by-rock-band-since-1977/ 
 
Olympic Swimming Trials Pool Assembly Was Impressive - https://stories.purdue.edu/purdue-innovation-takes-the-lead-at-olympic-swimming-pool-projiect-in-lucas-oil-stadium/ 
 
A Comprehensive Guide To ALL 63 National Parks in the United States - Detailing unique features, historical significance, and activities available in each park. One other thing to watch out for is quicksand…
 
How to Survive Quicksand by How To Survive - Check out the video on YouTube!
 
We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) and joined special guest Jesse Middleton from FlyBridge, who is focused on investing in early-stage AI companies.
 
The group discussed all things AI and FlyBridge’s new AI Index: https://www.flybridge.com/ai-index which monitors the largest AI players in the space. Jesse also talked about what he looks for when investing in AI companies and mentioned some of the AI companies he has been working with, including Splice (https://splice.com/innovation), Talktastic (https://talktastic.com), MelodyArc (https://melodyarc.com), Arcee AI (https://www.arcee.ai), and more. 

 
The guys also talked about Apple’s huge jump into the AI game. Read the article here: It’s Official Apple Is Jumping AI at its WWDC event this week.
 
Lastly, Frank leaves listeners with a final thought related to Roger Feder’s “Tennis Lessons” at his commencement address at Dartmouth College. His lessons were as follows: 
Effortless is a myth;
It’s only a point, let me explain; and 
Life is bigger than the court. 
 
We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X and IG: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster,) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) discuss the following topics:
 
A Billionaire-Backed Texas Stock Exchange Is In The Works—Here’s What To Know - The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), founded in 2023 and owned by TXSE Group Inc., aims to be a fully electronic national securities exchange.
 
IKEA Is Hiring Roblox In-Game Workers - Ikea is launching "The Co-Worker Game," a virtual store on Roblox, on June 24 and hiring ten paid workers to operate it.
 
 Apple Is Fixing Parental Controls - According to a report in the WSJ, Apple is fixing one of the software’s worst bugs—an apparently obscure one that would let kids see the worst parts of the internet despite settings to prevent that.
 
Elon’s Supercomputing in Memphis - Elon Musk is opening a major facility for his AI company, xAI, in Memphis, representing the largest private sector investment in the city's history.
 
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft lifts off for first crewed flight - NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched on Boeing's Starliner capsule for its first crewed flight to the International Space Station (ISS), seven years past the original target date. 
 
For those of you interested, here is a video of everything that happened on the most recent SpaceX launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-L-WZrnpBA
 
Dengue Fever is in the USA - Historically, it occurred every three to four years, now seen annually.
 
Frank is testing Sensate, a device created to enhance one's ability to handle stress. It uses vibrations and sounds to reduce stress in just ten minutes, lowering depression. They are currently raising funding via crowdfunding here: https://wefunder.com/sensate 
 
Frank also adds a shout-out to his barber/recording artist, J Spin, who is based in Wells, Maine - https://www.youtube.com/@BenchParty 
 
Today marks the last episode of Wheel of Fortune with host Pat Sajak as he is retiring from the show - Sajak began his career as a DJ on Radio while serving in Vietnam before transitioning to broadcasting. You can view his first episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHeadCEOYDs
 
We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening, and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan), and Jamilah Corbitt (X: @JamilahCorbitt) chat about the following topics:
 
OpenAI & Apple - Apple is close to finalizing a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into iOS 18, aiming to introduce advanced AI capabilities to the iPhone.
 
OpenAI vs Her - Scarlett Johansson has accused OpenAI of using a voice resembling hers for its AI assistant, Sky, without her consent. Johansson's claim has led to legal threats and significant public backlash.
 
Elon Musk plans xAI Supercomputer - Elon Musk's AI startup xAI, plans to build a supercomputer to power the next version of its AI chatbot, Grok.
 
Elon Musk raised $6B in funding for xAI by Valor, a16z, and Sequoia - Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, raised $6 billion in a Series B funding round.
 
Big changes for college athletes - In a historic shift, the NCAA has agreed to a new revenue-sharing model, allocating over $15 billion to athletes over a 10-year period.
 
Singapore Airline Flight Experiences Terrible Turbulence - A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore hit severe turbulence, resulting in one death and 30 injuries.
 
Woman Married an AI Hologram - Unique Ceremony: Spanish-Dutch artist Alicia Framis plans to marry an AI hologram, AILex, this summer in a groundbreaking union, highlighting the evolving nature of human-robot relationships.
 
The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens by Anne Kuo (https://amzn.to/3KtJSDD) - From constructing coops to rearing chicks, you'll learn everything you need to know to make sure your chickens stay happy and healthy all year round.
 
Continuing our research on chicken coops, we are focusing on finding the best and most technologically advanced movable chicken coop and run for the 11 chickens that Frank is currently raising in his garage. He provided information about the Omlet Eglu Cube Coop & Run (https://www.omlet.us) and the Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm).
 
We also upload our episodes to YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/ 

On this episode of the Somewhat Frank Podcast, Frank Gruber (X: @FrankGruber), John Guidos (IG: @jgoodtimes83), Jen Consalvo (X: @noreaster) and Simon Kahan (IG: @simonkahan) chat about the following topics:
 
The 6th birthday of our company, Established! Read our post about it: https://www.startupofyear.com/blog/estturnssix 
 
What actually happens when you mow your lawn? - Mowing grass too short can cut the tops off of flowering plants, which can make it hard for pollinators to feed and rest and nest
 
OpenAI’s ChatGPT has launched 4o or “omni” - launched the first of its kind - OpenAI introduced a major upgrade to ChatGPT with the new GPT-4o model, also known as Omni.
 
Google’s Project Astra - Project Astra, showcased at Google I/O, is a real-time, multimodal AI assistant that identifies objects, locates items, reviews code, and more.
 
Apple is going to enter the generative AI market - Apple's top software executives decided to overhaul Siri after testing OpenAI's ChatGPT.
 
Google is going to start putting AI results first in Search thus causing a stir by those that rely on those search engine rankings to get found - Google announced the introduction of A.I.-generated answers, called "A.I. overviews," at its annual developer conference.
 
Ray Kurzweil's SXSW Speech: Can You Live 500 - At SXSW 2024, Ray Kurzweil, renowned futurist and Director of Engineering at Google AI, delivered a captivating speech titled "The Singularity is Nearer: Five Years to Radical Life Extension." He presented a compelling argument that significant advancements in medical technology within the next five years could potentially extend human lifespans to 2035 and beyond.
 
Daniel Ek’s Next Act: Full-Body Scans For The People - The company says its full-body scans can detect the onset of a host of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, as well as skin conditions. It calls its scans, which cost 2,500 Swedish krona (about $230), “a health check for your future self.” 
 
Scientists About to Test Medicine to Grow New Teeth - Japanese scientists are starting the world's first clinical trials of "tooth regrowth medicine." 
 
The first portrait of King Charles - I see lots of things in it. What do you see? 
 
Life update - Frank and Jen have bought six little chicks that are about three weeks old, and they are currently raising them on the Kennebunkport ranch. So now they need a coop and run. If you know or work at one of the following companies, Nestera (https://nestera.us), Omlet (www.omlet.us), or Smart Coop (https://smart.coop.farm), please do get in touch with us. 
 
On Sunday, May 12, Jerry Seinfeld accepted his honorary degree at Duke University but faced an unexpected turn of events. He said, “I totally admire the ambitions of your generation to create a more just and inclusive society. I think it is also wonderful that you care so much about not hurting other people’s feelings in the million and one ways we all do that every second of every day.”  The comedian continued, “It’s lovely to want to fix those things, but — all caps, but — what I need to tell you as a comedian, do not lose your sense of humor. You can have no idea at this point in your life how much you’re going to need it to get through.” See it here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/jerry-seinfeld-duke-university-speech-154355065.html 
 
We have also started dropping our episodes onto YouTube in video format so you can see us now. Go check it out on Established YouTube, where you can subscribe to get updates when we drop a new episode. https://soty.link/ESTYouTube 
 
As always, thank you for listening and feel free to reach out and let us know what you think at: somewhatfrank@est.us
 
Get updates like this in your inbox before they hit the web by subscribing to the newsletter here: https://frankgruber.me/newsletter/