How we test AI, protect yourself from the Canvas breach, and agentic coding myths
Plus, how Matchbox cars are made, when woodworking became a hobby, building an agentic AI strategy, and an over-the-top power strip.
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
Advanced Geekery is published weekly on Substack and LinkedIn. Same content. Choose your favorite delivery method. Back Issues.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
How we test AI at ZDNET: AI is the hottest topic in tech with new models and products launching daily. Here’s how we test the latest AI developments at ZDNET.
The 5 myths of the agentic coding apocalypse: Agentic AI promises faster coding, but hidden risks in testing, security, and maintenance could derail projects unless developers rethink how they manage, validate, and supervise machine-generated software at scale.
Building an agentic AI strategy that pays off - without risking business failure: Companies are chasing tenfold AI gains, but many projects are failing fast. We break down the real risks and show you how to turn agentic AI into reliable, profitable outcomes.
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
When I was a kid, I loved Matchbox cars. Here’s how they were made. So, Hot Wheels or Matchbox? Let us know in the comments below.
Here’s another great Rex Krueger video. How woodworking became a hobby.
If you love Stargate SG-1, you know it has an iconic theme song. Here, it’s reimagined as a metal cover. Needless to say, it rocks.
Gadget of the week
I just picked up this completely over-the-top power strip for my server rack. To be clear, nobody should plug 22 devices into this thing. But my server rack is filled, not only with traditional servers, but all the smart home hubs and dongley things that come with pucks on their power adapters.
The very nice spacing of the outer sockets should make those dongles actually fit, without the usual cord extenders that I’ve used on traditional power strips. Also, the maker of this thing is SuperDanny. For some reason, that deeply amuses me. Super…Danny! Best brand name of the week.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth checking out.
WKRP in Cincinnati is now a real-life radio station, in Cincinnati. Life imitates art, especially when there’s some brand equity involved.
There’s a massive hidden void in the Great Pyramid of Giza. There’s also a massive hidden void in the brains of most congresscritters, but y’all know that already.
ZDNET’s Charlie Osborne has an important article about the steps you should take if you’re worried about the giant Canvas learning management system breach. 275 million records. Ouch.
Send in your projects
I’d like to regularly spotlight a reader project or two here. Your project doesn’t have to be a big Kickstarter launch. If you’ve built something cool, it has some pretty pictures, and you’re proud of it, I might be able to share it here.
If you have a photogenic reader project, send an email to me at david@zatz.com with the subject “READER PROJECT,” a few pictures, and a short one-paragraph description. If you have a social media link or a link to the project, include that, too.
Both my EPs are now streaming
Available on all your favorite streaming services.
More clicky
I’ve got a lot happening all over the web. Here are links to my various stuff:
House of the Head: home for my published music
ZATZ Labs: where I host my published software projects
Feel free to dig around, visit, and say hey!
Leave some comments
Substack supports comments, so feel free to leave some. I promise to read them. Just, please, let’s keep our personal politics out of any discussion.
That should do it for this week. This newsletter is really starting to pick up subscribers. Please help it out by sharing links on all your socials.
Have a great week!