This Halloween episode is packed with chilling tales and thought-provoking discussions. We’re thrilled to have Nick Espinosa, join us to shed light on some spooky tech topics. From the ghostly existence of  UNIVAC’s early computers to Elon Musk’s ambitious plans to oust cash, we’ve got plenty of intriguing corners of the tech world to explore.

We also put the spotlight on some sobering realities in our digital age. The misuse of facial recognition technology, data breaches posing threats to national security, and the potential fallout of digital identities. With important entities like the UK Ministry of Defense and the US Department of Defense falling victim to breaches, we try to underscore the gravity of these issues and why they should concern us.

Our whiskey of the week is a treat waiting to be discovered – will it get two thumbs up? We also dive into the quirky history of National Doorbell Day, the haunted Buffalo Trace Distillery, and more.  Plus, we take a trip down memory lane, revisiting tech failures – the HD DVD, 3D TV, Blackberry, Amazon Fire Phone, and 8 Tracks.

Episode 177: Starts at 1:28

Welcome to TechTime Radio’s 2023 Halloween Edition! With our special guest Nick Espinosa, who will help us explore the spooky side of technology. Our theme for today is much like “Five Nights at Freddie’s,” with scary mechanical robots taking over not just a pizzeria but the world.

We will discuss some of the most spine-chilling topics in the tech world. First up, we will explore whether AI is Frankenstein’s monster or just the introduction to Skynet. We will also discuss whether UNIVAC’s ghost still haunts old computer labs, as one of the earliest computers ever built was considered the scariest predictor of future events. Additionally, we will be talking about the Zombie Internet, Elon Musk’s attempt to get rid of cash, and vampire hackers who are sucking money from businesses and governments.

TechTime Radio with Nathan Mumm, the show that makes you go “Hmmm” Technology news of the week for October 29th  – November 4th, 2023

— [Now on Today’s Show]: Starts at 4:10

— [Top Stories in Technology]: Starts at 5:32

• Sam Bankman-Fried Denies Knowing FTX Money Was Missing, as he concludes his testimony – https://tinyurl.com/3syefn8f
• Universal Orlando Resort Tests Facial Recognition Technology for Guest Entry – https://tinyurl.com/mrxbwrmm
• Elon Musk gives X employees one year to replace their bank accounts – https://tinyurl.com/2p4bzrrx

— [Pick of the Day – Whiskey Tasting Reveal]: Starts at 21:43
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel | 100 Proof| $70 MSRP

— [Ask the Expert – Nick Espinosa]:  Starts at 25:01
Nick talks about his three most scary technology breaches of the year in our Halloween Special.

— [This Week in Technology]: Starts at 40:17
November 4, 1952 – UNIVAC Computer Predicts Presidential Election

— [Marc’s Whiskey Mumble]: Starts at 43:14
Marc Gregoire’s review of this week’s whiskey

— [Technology Fail of the Week]: Starts at 47:32
This week’s “Technology Fail” comes to us from The Technology Graveyard: With 5 Hunting Failures whose ghosts still haunt us today.

— [Mike’s Mesmerizing Moment brought to us by StoriCoffee®]: Starts at 51:10
Question: What was the scariest story of the year?

— [Nathan Nugget]: Starts at 53:34
ZOMBIE Internet – The best two Wi-Fi Routers for 2023.

— [Pick of the Day Whiskey Review]: Starts at 54:41
Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel | 100 Proof| $70 MSRP

Mike: Thumbs Down
Nathan: Thumbs Down