It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? A year of challenges, of growth, and of unexpected twists and turns. As we approach the holiday season, it’s a perfect time to pause, reflect, and recharge.

I’ve spent the last few weeks in Thailand, a place where the pace of life is slower and the air is filled with the sweet scent of jasmine. It’s been a much-needed respite, a chance to disconnect and reconnect with myself. While I’ve enjoyed the sun, sea, and serene surroundings, I’ve also used this time to ponder, think, and think again.

The Power of Thought

I’ve learned that taking the time to think, truly think, is crucial. It’s not just about daydreaming or idle speculation. It’s about delving deep, challenging our assumptions, and exploring new possibilities.

A Hopeful New Year

As we step into a new year, let’s carry this spirit of reflection and hope with us. Let’s embrace the challenges, learn from our mistakes, and strive for growth. Let’s not lose sight of our goals, no matter how big or small.

And remember, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Hope for a brighter future, hope for healing, and hope for love.

This Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a special person who came to Earth to bring love, hope, and peace. He was born to show us the way to live a good life and to help us connect with God.

Jesus taught us to be kind, to forgive others, and to love one another. His message continues to inspire people around the world, bringing comfort and hope to all who believe.

So as we celebrate this special time, let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas. It’s not just about consumerism and material possessions. It’s about showing appreciation for our loved ones, spending quality time together, and spreading kindness and compassion.

May we carry this love in our hearts throughout the year, and may it guide us towards a brighter future.

A Heartfelt Thank You

I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support. Your encouragement and feedback mean the world to me.

I wish you all a joyous and peaceful Christmas, filled with love, laughter, and good cheer. May the New Year bring you happiness, health, and prosperity.

Until next year,
Nat

Hey there, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or building your empire as an entrepreneur, let’s talk about pain – not just as something to endure, but as a master teacher. It’s a bit like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where being crushed isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning of finding your next move, you just need to endure it long enough to think, then make a move, even if it frees you temporarily it could be the key to winning.

In the Corporate World or Your Startup:

Just like in Jiu-Jitsu, where pain signals you’re in a bad spot, corporate or entrepreneurial pain shows where you need to pivot. Maybe it’s a project that’s not going as planned or a business strategy that’s hitting walls. These aren’t just obstacles; they’re signs pointing towards growth.

When the pressure’s on, and it feels like you’re being crushed by deadlines or market demands, think of it like being on the mat. You’ve got to find that small break, that moment to breathe and think. It’s in these moments of discomfort that innovation is born. You start looking for that leverage, just like finding an escape in Jiu-Jitsu, to turn the situation to your advantage.

Embrace the Crush:

In Jiu-Jitsu, when you’re pinned down, the pain is a teacher showing you where to move next. Similarly, in business, pain isn’t just about suffering; it’s about learning where you need to develop new skills or adapt your approach. It’s about resilience, about not staying down but finding your way up.

Pain, whether from a challenging client or a cash flow crunch, teaches you to stay one step ahead. It’s about using that moment of being ‘under pressure’ to rethink, reassess, and re-strategize. Just like on the mat, where you might give a little to gain a lot, sometimes in business, you need to concede small losses for significant gains.

Why This Matters:

Like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where every session is an opportunity to learn from being defeated, every business challenge is a chance to grow. Pain isn’t about defeat; it’s about discovering new strengths, strategies, and sometimes, entirely new paths.

So, when you’re feeling the corporate or entrepreneurial squeeze, remember, it’s not about how hard you get hit but how you move away from the pain to think, adapt, and overcome. That’s the Schooler way – finding wisdom in the struggle, turning every challenge into a stepping stone for success. Remember, in both Jiu-Jitsu and business, pain is temporary, but the lessons and growth? They’re for life.

There were these 3 Monks in a canoe…seriously…

I was doing some work, ahem, ok I was relaxing a little by the beach after doing some work. I first saw one monk in a canoe, then he rowed around the corner and then all three of them appeared a few minutes later. It was magical, they all looked so at peace with the present moment it was joyous, you could see them smiling and their positivity was contagious.

One was rowing the other two enjoying the moment.

They looked happy and peaceful to say the least. This is mindfulness, enjoying the moment.

This week I have been reflecting on being in the present moment and as I write this, I ponder the monkeys that tourists feed, who then go on to terrorize the neighbourhood and the five maybe six that were sitting on the roof of the hut next to mine this morning before the property maintenance guys scared them away. And the 20 or so that were in a bar the other morning helping themselves to whatever they found whilst the bar owner across the street was using them as mindful target practice for his catapult.

I must confess I don’t like monkeys enough to feed them, unless I am deep in the forest, and they are eating mangoes. Before you hate on me, remember they are wild animals and if you are one of those stupid people who feeds them don’t complain when they bite your hand or worse! I repeat they are wild animals…!

Back to the present moment, I am present enough to write this newsletter and happy enough now to send you some positive holiday vibes from Thailand.

To be brutally honest, I really wanted to go and do some Thai Boxing today but one of my fingers is still kinda broken. Yes, I could go and soldier on but decided not to. I really want it to heal a little more before I get back to Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, but deep inside know it may not.

I keep questioning myself, is this a valid excuse to not go to Thai Boxing? Or am I a slacker!?

Questions I often ask myself when I am relaxing and trying to enjoy the moment.

How about you? Are there any questions you ask yourself? When you probably should be kind to yourself??

Do drop me a DM or comment on this post. And thanks for reading.

introducing this week’s interview

In an enlightening conversation, Kody Thompson shares his remarkable journey from a youth pastor to a successful business leader, revealing key insights into entrepreneurship, personal growth, and adaptability.

Kody Thompson is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader with a track record of success. He is
renowned for his achievements as the founder of Lightning Sites, a web development company that he
built from a $250 startup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise generating in excess of $5M profit across
eight years.

Early Beginnings: The Unexpected Path to Business

From Ministry to Entrepreneurship

Kody’s journey began unexpectedly in an unconventional setting:

• Started as a youth pastor working with high school programs
• Transitioned to freelance graphic design to support himself
• Transformed his freelance work into a subscription website company generating $3.5 million in annual revenue

Key Lessons in Business Leadership

Transferable Skills from Pastoral Work

Kody discovered that his experience as a youth pastor provided crucial skills for business:

• Public Speaking: Regularly speaking to large audiences built confidence
• Team Management: Leading volunteer teams taught motivation techniques
• Communication: Developing skills to engage and inspire people

The Importance of Adaptability

Adaptability emerged as a critical attribute for business success:

• Roles change rapidly as businesses grow
• Ability to pivot and adjust is crucial for survival
• Technological changes require quick decision-making

Overcoming Challenges

Personal Growth and Resilience

Kody emphasized the significance of:

• Learning from failures
• Developing “thicker skin”
• Not taking customer experiences personally
• Continuous self-improvement

Here is the video which is also on all major podcast channels.

Business Relationships and Mentorship

The Power of the Right Partnership

Kody highlighted the importance of:

• Sharing similar values in business relationships
• Finding mentors who provide valuable insights
• Creating win-win scenarios in business dealings

Future Vision: Workpod and Social Impact

Ambitious Goals

Kody’s current venture, Workpod, aims to:

• Create 10,000 jobs in the Philippines
• Currently placing 50 staff monthly
• Targeting 200 staff placements per month
• Potentially impacting 200,000 lives through employment

Personal Philosophy

Continuous Learning and Community

Kody’s approach involves:

• Constantly seeking personal and professional growth
• Building community on his family farm
• Creating a legacy that supports family and broader social goals

Key Takeaways

• Adaptability is crucial in business
• Skills are transferable across different domains
• Mentorship can dramatically accelerate growth
• Business success is about creating value for others

Conclusion

Kody Thompson’s journey illustrates that success is not about a predetermined path, but about:

• Embracing opportunities
• Continuous learning
• Maintaining a growth mindset
• Creating value for others

His story is a testament to the power of adaptability, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

Read more about Kody below.

Kody Thompson is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader with a track record of success. He is
renowned for his achievements as the founder of Lightning Sites, a web development company that he
built from a $250 startup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise generating in excess of $5M profit across
eight years. Over that time Lightning Sites was able to build over 1,500 websites, servicing over 800
clients monthly and generating in excess of 500,000 leads for his clients.

In 2023 Kody was able to transition out of the day-to-day operations of Lightning Sites, when it was
acquired by US technology company Sites At Scale.

After successfully building his own remote teams to grow and exit Lightning Sites, Kody developed a
reputation as an expert in building international teams and scaling businesses and launched the
Business WrkPod in 2021, with Co-Founder Dale Beaumont.

WrkPod specialises in helping companies build teams in the Philippines, offering comprehensive
services that include talent recruitment, state-of-the-art co-working spaces, and extensive training and
support for both clients and Filipino talent.
In the last 2 years, Kody has facilitated the placement of over 900 remote staff for WrkPod clients and
grown enabling them to achieve greater efficiency, reduce operational costs, and strengthen their
enterprises.

Beyond his business endeavors, Kody is a devoted husband and father of two daughters. He is also
deeply committed to philanthropy and has initiated the Love @ Scale project in the Philippines (see
video), which supports 250 students. Kody’s journey is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and
dedication to making a positive impact in both the business world and the community.

Get more info on WrkPod here: https://www.wrkpod.com/

As I sit in Starbucks, of all places, I contemplate the user experience of modern internet applications. It’s frustrating how often we’re forced to navigate convoluted user journeys, especially when using public Wi-Fi.

The process is often unnecessarily complex. You attempt to connect to a VPN, only to find it requires Wi-Fi to be enabled first. Then, you’re bombarded with intrusive sign-up forms, demanding personal information that feels excessive.

Why can’t we have a more streamlined experience, where we can simply input a password provided by a website and immediately access its content? The potential for a smarter, more intuitive internet is immense.

From Backpacker to Businessman: A 20-Year Odyssey

Reflecting on my travels, I realize it’s been 20 years since I first backpacked through Thailand. Back then, I carried a single backpack, often shouldering an extra one for my travel companion, Hannah. The streets were a whirlwind of activity, with vendors constantly vying for our attention.

Today, my travels are a different story. I prefer the convenience of suitcases and often stay with friends. While I still love the thrill of exploring new places, my work commitments have increased significantly. I’ve found immense satisfaction in my career and hope you’re on a similar path.

A Serendipitous Journey: Rediscovering Thailand’s Charms

Returning to Thailand after two decades, I’m struck by the country’s enduring charm. The warm hospitality of the Thai people and the beautiful weather are as captivating as ever.

I’m currently focused on a new project with Steven J. Manning. We’re working diligently to launch something truly innovative, and I’ll share more details in the coming weeks.

Bangkok: A City of Contrasts

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, blending ancient traditions with modern dynamism. After a long flight from Croatia via Doha, I’m adjusting to the time difference and the tropical climate.

I apologize for missing last week’s newsletter. I’ve been immersed in this new project with Steven, and I’m excited to share more about it soon.

Khaosan Road: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

Khaosan Road has retained its vibrant energy, though the music seems louder, and there are more upscale hotels. The proliferation of marijuana shops is a stark contrast to the past. While it may attract a new type of tourist, I personally prefer to avoid such substances.

A Night Out in Bangkok: A Tale of Tuk-Tuks and Crazy Encounters

A recent night out on Khaosan Road was a memorable experience. After a delicious dinner with friends, I ventured out alone for a few drinks. I encountered some truly eccentric characters, including one man who attempted to cross a busy street while heavily intoxicated. It was a surreal moment, watching as cars and taxis swerved to avoid him.

A Quick Update and a Look Ahead

I’m currently enjoying a relaxing stay on the island of Koh Chang. As I wind down, I’m eager to share more about the exciting new venture I’m working on with Steven J. Manning.

Stay tuned for more updates, and the podcast next week for the holiday, it is with an ex youth pastor turned businessman. He shares how he sold his company and started another one that is growing rapidly.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving next week!

As I sit here writing, there’s a storm of chaos unfolding across America, reminding me of the wise words of Theodore Roosevelt:

“This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”

We can’t forget that media narratives often stir up confusion and tension. It’s easy to get caught in the frenzy. Yet, it’s essential to remember that kindness matters more now than ever. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, one of my coaches always says, “If you win, be polite.” Gloating serves no one. Humility and respect are what keep us grounded—whether in the dojo or in life.

Speaking of distractions, I’ve been wondering lately about the constant push from Google to upgrade to their paid version of Gemini. Part of me wonders how it might change the way I think. Sure, it might streamline some tasks, but it could also dull the creative process I rely on. The process of writing, of truly thinking, is something that sharpens my mind. I’m not sure I want that to change.

And just to be clear, I won’t be outsourcing my political opinions to Gemini (it won’t comment on politics) or ChatGPT either. Some things need to come from the heart.

Sometimes, life forces us to put distractions aside and focus on what truly matters. Today, for example, was a close friend’s birthday. Despite everything going on in the world, I had to find time to pick up a gift. Because that’s what life is about—balancing priorities, even when we’re overwhelmed. It’s the small commitments that make life meaningful.

But distraction is a force to reckon with. I was caught up in reading about El Salvador’s crackdown on gang culture. The article’s headline grabbed me: “They once gripped their nation by fear. Now they will never eat meat again, never sleep with a pillow, never see their families.” The dark allure of such stories pulls us in, but it’s hard not to wonder—what does it really add to our day-to-day?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We all get caught up in the whirlwind of things we want to do, things we should do, and things we shouldn’t do. The trick, I believe, is to focus on what must be done. What are your non-negotiables for the day? The things that have to happen, no matter what.

Now, I know it’s impossible to ignore the larger landscape of world events. As many react with shock to President Trump’s victory, I find myself cautiously hopeful that his leadership might bring stability to the Middle East and an end to the war in Ukraine. But it’s easy to get caught up in these huge, global concerns.

My mentor, Steven J. Manning, once told me,

“There are people much smarter than us handling these things.” While it’s important to care, there are limits to what we can personally do. That’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s true.

Speaking of things we can’t control, this week I watched a documentary about the tragic situation in Nigeria, where Christians are being murdered. It’s heart-wrenching, and we’re often reminded of such atrocities through the lens of social media outrage or not, depending on the push and pull of the money…But the reality is, apart from spreading awareness and praying for change, what can we actually do—without flying into the warzone ourselves?

Maybe this blog is going to be ignored by some or fall on deaf ears. But I want to remind you (and myself) that we are all human. We are all facing distractions, big and small, pulling us in different directions. But we also all have a responsibility to prioritize the things that matter most.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing some valuable tips from people I trust—how they manage the constant distractions of life and stay on top of their goals. If you have any thoughts on balancing distractions or handling stress, I’d love to hear them.

Have a great weekend, and feel free to reach out if you’d like to contribute to my list of topics. I’m always open to fresh perspectives.

From Divine Beings to Digital Avatars

It is not often I wake up at 2.45AM after a heavy-duty class of Brazilian Jujitsu and must write something or run the risk of losing it in the ether.

We were once divine beings, now we’re digital avatars. Once we were celestial beings, divine sparks, living a life of pure spiritual existence. Now, we are mere digital avatars, trapped in the labyrinth of algorithms, our spiritual journey hindered by the cold, calculating grip of technology.

“We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.

The Digital Plague of Distraction

In this age of constant connectivity, distraction has become a digital plague. Young adults are falling victim to the siren song of their smartphones, spending in many cases up to an astonishing 8 hours or more each day. It is like reaching the end of a captivating novel to then have yet another amazing subject line and chapter shoved in front of your face. This relentless assault on our attention spans makes it nearly impossible to concentrate, leading to a decline in productivity, learning, and overall well-being.

The Toll of Excessive Smartphone Use

A significant portion of young people spend more time on their phones than sleeping. Studies have shown that many teenagers and young adults spend upwards of 8-10 hours per day on their devices, often surpassing the recommended amount of sleep.

The average person checks their phone approximately 150 times per day. This constant barrage of notifications and updates can lead to a state of constant distraction and information overload.

Some sources:

• Mental Health: Increased screen time linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. (APA, 2023)
• Physical Health: Can contribute to eye strain, neck pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome. (AOA, 2024)
• Social Isolation: Displaces face-to-face interactions, leading to loneliness and FOMO. (Pew Research Center, 2022)
• Productivity Decline: Distractions and procrastination can hinder focus and efficiency. It takes an average of 23 minutes to refocus after being interrupted by a notification (University of California, Irvine, 2023)

It’s time to break free from the chains of distraction and reclaim focus.

To be clear; I am not a doomsayer. I do believe that technology coupled with old-fashioned hobbies is the solution. They include Tai chi, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, swimming, gardening, dancing, yoga, writing, drawing, cooking, playing a musical instrument, reading, puzzles, learning a new language, board games, chess, meditation, journaling, stargazing, and birdwatching to name a few are part of the answer.

The Future of Technology

Technology does has the answer to fix many problems. For an example two of my friends have robot floor cleaners that recharge themselves and wash and hoover their floors, they recharge themselves and clean the floor so well you may never need plates again if you are that way inclined.

Last week, I wrote about Elon Musk’s robot. Since then, I’ve pondered this and our lives. And what they will be like in 5, 10, 20 years. I am excited as I believe we can manage our lives in harmony with our new digital assistants and create that utopia for the privileged few, unfortunately many won’t be able to afford them so a new underclass will be created.

But they are dark overlords

Some of my friends may think the opposite and think of them as dark overlords. But I think with the right training, and crucial security protocols, personal robots will create a whole new era of jobs, from programmers to repairmen, trainers, cleaners, etc. Then, of course, scrap yards and hopefully, we won’t have some rogue robots causing all sorts of mayhem in martial arts schools, on the battlefield and on shooting ranges.

Back in the 1980s, we had a lot of films like “Look Who’s Talking,” “A Fish Called Wanda”, you name it. And I just remember Johnny Five from “Short Circuit”, who reprogrammed his fellow robots, and they went rogue, smoking cigarettes and playing cards.

I always loved these futuristic films like “The Terminator” and its ideas. And now, I realized they are there to make sure we are on the edge of caution when developing and deploying new technologies.

Things were different back then we had stick control robotic arms, cassette recorders, and cameras. When developing the film took three to five days if you were lucky!

Ah, nostalgia. I digress.

Listen, as I said in a video over a year ago, I know you want one of these robots. I do too!

And another thing. Just think, our existence is like a grain of sand in the Sahara. In two or three generations, we will probably all be just a name on a family tree that hopefully continues. And our great Aunt Maud and Uncle Albert will be remembered on a database because of some fact-based argument they had with Greta Thunberg.

So, whatever you do, try to leave a positive impact everywhere you go and do what makes you happy as you only have one shot.

Oh, another thing, poor Greta, she missed a lot of her childhood. If you have kids, shelter them, take them outside to enjoy the little things as those become the big things.

A Call to Action

Let’s strive to create a future where technology enhances our lives, rather than controlling them. By unplugging and focusing on human connection and well-being, we can build a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Just one more thought want to share your wisdom, reach out to me and I might include it in next week’s Friday newsletter.

people’s suffering shouldn’t be a political matter.

To be 100% clear, before we dig into this week’s blog: People’s suffering should never be a political football. It’s a fundamental human right to be free from unnecessary pain. Politicians and policymakers should prioritize the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or beliefs.

We live in extremely worrying times, we are *triggered* at every angle, and the problem with this is that we cannot make rational decisions or converse with other people who have differing opinon to ours. If we are emotionally closed to listen and argue our deluded points we create more conflict. Clearly we need to gather the facts, we need to plan ahead for the future and to accept that there is a lot in this world that we do not know about or in fact benefit from knowing about.

Many wars exist in the world and we are only pushed the narratives of certain wars to support the huge information war that is going on and of course certain agendas which I will not cover here or at any time in the future.

Wait there is more…

A World in Conflict: The Future of War

The specter of war continues to loom large over humanity, casting a long shadow on our collective hopes for peace and prosperity. From the ancient battlefields of antiquity to the modern-day conflicts that shatter our world, the human cost of war remains incalculable.

Yet, as we grapple with the enduring challenges of conflict, it is imperative to recognize that the nature of warfare is evolving rapidly. The traditional battlefield, once defined by armies clashing in open combat, is giving way to a more complex and insidious landscape. Disinformation, cyberattacks, and the future insidious deployment of technology within the human body or close to it are all reshaping the way wars are fought and won.

The Rise of Disinformation

In the age of information, the truth has become a casualty. Disinformation campaigns, fueled by social media and online propaganda, can manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and undermine democratic institutions. These tactics can be used to justify military actions, demonise enemies, and erode public support for peace initiatives.

The Threat of Cyber Warfare

The digital age has also ushered in a new era of warfare, where the battlefield is no longer confined to physical space. Cyberattacks can cripple critical infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and even undermine the democratic process. Nations are investing heavily in cyber capabilities, raising concerns about the potential for a new arms race in the digital realm.

The Ethical Implications of Neural Implants

Perhaps the most disturbing development in the future of war is the potential for the deployment of neural implants in soldiers. These devices could enhance cognitive abilities, improve physical performance, and even provide direct communication with military command centers. However, the ethical implications of such technology are profound.

Hackers could potentially exploit vulnerabilities in neural implants, gaining access to sensitive information, manipulating soldiers’ behavior, or even causing physical harm. The use of such technology raises serious questions about the autonomy of individuals, the ethics of warfare, and the potential for unintended consequences.

Conclusion

As we confront the challenges of the 21st century, it is imperative to recognize that the future of war is fraught with uncertainty. Disinformation, cyber warfare, and the ethical implications of neural implants are just a few of the factors that will shape the conflicts of tomorrow.

It is essential that we work together to address these challenges, promote peace, and ensure that the human cost of war is minimized. By fostering dialogue, diplomacy, and international cooperation, we can build a world where conflict is a thing of the past.

Keep your eyes peeled for next week and do feel free to comment.

I recently shared a post on Facebook about a powerful lesson in critical thinking and emotional triggers that was taught in a high school class. The students were asked to play a game where they had to identify witches in their group, leading to a fascinating exploration of how fear, prejudice, and conformity can divide a community.

With all that is going on in the world, thinking and being in control of your emotions is crucial to survival of the way of life we are used to and that is why you should take the time to ponder this week’s newsletter.

This was the post: “I recently heard about a fascinating exercise a high school teacher used to teach her students about the dangers of prejudice and groupthink. She asked the class to play a game where they had to identify ‘witches’ among themselves. The students were divided into groups, and each was secretly assigned the role of either a witch or a regular person. The goal was to form the largest possible group that didn’t contain any witches.

The students quickly became suspicious of one another, grilling each other for any signs of guilt or unusual behavior. Despite their best efforts, no one was able to correctly identify the witches. When the teacher revealed that no one in Salem was actually a witch, the students were stunned. The teacher used this moment to emphasize how fear, prejudice, and the desire to belong can lead to the division and scapegoating of innocent individuals.”

The post sparked a lively discussion, with many participants sharing their thoughts on the importance of emotional control, critical thinking, and seeking out diverse perspectives. One commenter, Heather, raised an interesting point about the potential for misguided education to sow division. Others highlighted the significance of historical events like the Salem Witch Trials in understanding how conformity and authority can influence human behavior.

Key Points from the Discussion:

• Emotional Triggers: The Salem Witch Trials serve as a stark reminder of how fear and prejudice can lead to irrational behavior and the scapegoating of innocent individuals.
• Critical Thinking: Developing critical thinking skills is essential for evaluating information, identifying biases, and resisting the urge to conform to groupthink.
• Diverse Perspectives: Seeking out and engaging with people who hold different opinions can help us become more tolerant, empathetic, and informed citizens.
• The Dangers of Misguided Education: While education is crucial for personal and societal growth, it’s important to be aware of the potential for curricula to be influenced by political or ideological agendas.

Let’s continue the conversation:

What are your thoughts on the Salem Witch Trials and their relevance to today’s world? How can we foster critical thinking and emotional intelligence in our communities? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below.

Lots of interesting developments are occurring in tech at the moment. I truly believe we have arrived at a groundbreaking time in history. 

In this week’s news we summarise two of the top newsworthy tech articles below. Don’t worry it’s just a quick one this week since it is holiday season. If I don’t get my daughter to the beach soon she may go crazy…

A Window into the Mind: New Tech Reveals How We Think

We are experiencing a golden age of medical and technological advancement, with breakthroughs in brain-computer interfaces promising to revolutionise healthcare and human potential.

Why it’s amazing: These advancements hold the potential to cure previously incurable diseases, enhance human capabilities far beyond what we currently imagine, and improve the quality of life for millions of people.

Breaking the Brain Code: Scientists Capture Thoughts on Camera

We stand at a pivotal moment in history where rapid advancements are poised to revolutionise the diagnosis and treatment of numerous critical illnesses. Simultaneously, we are on the cusp of unlocking the human brain’s full potential. A prime example of this progress is the development of brain-computer interfaces, a technology designed to assist paralyzed individuals in controlling computers.

One company at the forefront of this innovation is Precision Neuroscience. They have engineered remarkably thin and flexible electrodes capable of being placed directly on the brain’s surface. These electrodes have the potential to capture intricate details of brain activity, even predicting a person’s intended speech.

“This is basically the brain thinking,” says Rapoport. “You’re seeing the physical manifestation of thought.”

In this video, which I’ve converted to a GIF, you can see the pattern of electrical activity in the man’s brain as he recites numbers. Each dot represents the voltage sensed by an electrode on the array on the man’s brain, over a region involved in speech. The reds and oranges represent higher voltages, while the blues and purples represent lower ones. The video has been slowed down 20-fold, because “thoughts happen faster than the eye can see,” says Rapoport.

The company is awaiting FDA approval. 

Data Privacy Nightmare: Meta to Use Your Posts for AI Training

AI models are increasingly trained on vast amounts of user-generated data, raising concerns about privacy and copyright infringement as companies like Meta harvest information from social media platforms to fuel their AI development.

Information on how to opt out of this below.

How can I stop Meta using my photos for its AI?

If you post or interact with chatbots on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, or WhatsApp, Meta can use your data to train its generative AI models beginning June 26, according to its recently updated privacy policy. Even if you don’t use any of Meta’s platforms, it can still scrape data such as photos of you if someone else posts them.

Right now it looks like it’s only possible to opt out of this in Europe. European users — including myself — can go to the Settings page on the Instagram or Facebook app, then go to About > Privacy Policy where there’ll be a new box with information regarding Meta AI including a link to an opt-out form called Right to object.

Meta’s Data Grab: Your Posts, Their Profit?

Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and more, is making a bold move. Starting June 26th, they’re planning to use your data – everything from your posts to your photos – to train their AI models. This means your personal information and intellectual property could become fuel for their AI empire.

Data is the New Gold

The internet is a goldmine of data for tech companies, and they’re in a race to hoard as much as possible. Meta is no exception. By scraping data from public posts, they can build bigger, better AI models without lifting a finger (or spending a dime). But is this fair? Critics argue that tech companies are overstepping their boundaries, and lawsuits are piling up.

Can You Opt Out?

If you’re uncomfortable with Meta using your data to train their AI, you might be able to opt out. However, the process isn’t straightforward. Users in Europe and the UK have stronger data protection rights and can follow specific steps to object. For those in the US and other countries without comprehensive data privacy laws, the options are limited.

To opt out if you’re in the EU or UK, follow these steps:

• Facebook + Instagram :https://web.facebook.com/help/contact/712876720715583

It’s important to note that even if you manage to opt out, there’s no guarantee Meta will honour your request. And remember, this only applies to future data. Data they’ve already collected might still be used.

As AI continues to evolve, so too will the battle for data privacy. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

Whether it is a white paper, a deep dive industry report or an explainer video or podcast, Manning and Schooler create custom generated, hard-core information and guidance for business clients, publishers., broadcasters.

✓ Content Production:

• podcasts

• white papers

• deep dive industry reports

• explainer videos

• client and industry specific guidance

✓ If you have an audience, Manning & Schooler will provide you with:

• all you need to tell your story

– captivate and entice them to engage fully with you,

– chart a direct path to revenues

✓ Engage with Manning and Schooler on focused, no frills, readily usable applications of AI and all attendant to that, expressly for you or your industry:

• understand and monetize how you can make profitable use of AI

• how AI will impact your job and industry going forward and how to maximize your potential

Reach out to: contact@legacymediahub.com or sjmanning@fymc.com