New Video: I tried to prove I'm not AI

Here with some updates and a fresh link to our new feature video: I tried to prove I'm not AI, in which I attempt, with mixed success, to take an authenticated selfie.

This video kicks the tires of "C2PA," a new open-source system designed to let people share information about a digital file's origins. Long story short: it's not there yet. But a coalition of companies and organizations are slowly pushing it forward, and eventually, it may feel commonplace to see a nutrition label on the images we see online. What we do with that information is another question entirely.

This video was partially inspired by commenters saying that we sound like the AI-generated podcasts from Google's Notebook LM tool. If you haven't tried it, it's one of the more uncanny AI experiences I've had so far. We posted a sample on our Patreon feed:

In case you missed it, Adam also shared a behind-the-scenes video about his episode on the health risks of moderate drinking. It includes a little tour of his office, featuring not one but two really good cats. We also have a poll up about how Howtown should or shouldn't cover the new administration in the US. Thank you to everyone who weighed in already.

Our next session of Science Paper Book Club is on Monday, March 3 at noon ET. To commemorate the changing of the clocks in North America and Europe, we'll be reading: "What Time Will It Be? A Comprehensive Literature Review on Daylight Saving Time," which reviews the consequences of DST on "electricity usage, health, crime rates, road safety, and economic aspects." I'll send out a separate post with a link to the call for the Heroes, Councilors, and Mayors. Citizens will get the recording shortly after the meeting, and all can join the discussion for free on our discord server. 

Meanwhile on shorts:

• Cancer labels on beer?

• How they measure homelessness in the US

• The shadiest town on Earth

• Insurance non-renewals, mapped

• New ice core just dropped

Lastly, I wanted to express my gratitude for your continued interest and support. We've been able to book Charlie Yuncken full-time for the next few months! You've already seen his work on our shorts and now he's helping us improve the quality and speed of our features as well. Thank you thank you.

Love,

Joss (& Adam)