James Andrew Smith
@drsmith.bsky.social
Engineering professor at York University
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Again: bsky.app/profile/hype...
Every new tech product is a wiretap that may also tell you to self harm. The only distinction is form factor.
Anker's Soundcore Work AI voice recorder offers transcription in an ultra-compact form factor
Anker's Soundcore just revealed the Work voice recorder. It's tiny and uses AI to transcribe conversations.
www.engadget.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Again: bsky.app/profile/hype...
To all the university execs allocating money to AI systems in to our learning management systems:
What we actually need is
1. Electrical outlets for student laptops
2. Extra batteries for the classroom mic
3. An on/off switch for the lights above the whiteboard.
4. Cleared sidewalks.
What we actually need is
1. Electrical outlets for student laptops
2. Extra batteries for the classroom mic
3. An on/off switch for the lights above the whiteboard.
4. Cleared sidewalks.
January 21, 2026 at 10:06 PM
To all the university execs allocating money to AI systems in to our learning management systems:
What we actually need is
1. Electrical outlets for student laptops
2. Extra batteries for the classroom mic
3. An on/off switch for the lights above the whiteboard.
4. Cleared sidewalks.
What we actually need is
1. Electrical outlets for student laptops
2. Extra batteries for the classroom mic
3. An on/off switch for the lights above the whiteboard.
4. Cleared sidewalks.
Serious question:
What are we supposed to do to maintain the integrity of exams in universities with the proliferation of these devices?
What are we supposed to do to maintain the integrity of exams in universities with the proliferation of these devices?
Apple is reportedly working on an AirTag-sized AI wearable
Apple is reportedly working on an AirTag-sized AI wearable
Apple’s AI Pin.
buff.ly
January 21, 2026 at 10:01 PM
Serious question:
What are we supposed to do to maintain the integrity of exams in universities with the proliferation of these devices?
What are we supposed to do to maintain the integrity of exams in universities with the proliferation of these devices?
It also won’t deliver on its promises to change higher Ed education.
The hype machine is faltering.
The hype machine is faltering.
AI hasn't delivered the profits it was hyped for, says Deloitte
AI hasn't delivered the profits it was hyped for, says Deloitte
Business transformation, but not much remuneration
Making money isn't everything ... at least not when it comes to AI. Research from professional services firm Deloitte shows that, for most companies, adopting AI tools hasn't helped the bottom line at all. But researchers still sing the technology's praises.…
dlvr.it
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM
It also won’t deliver on its promises to change higher Ed education.
The hype machine is faltering.
The hype machine is faltering.
TACO.
Europe took on Trump — and won. Total surrender by Trump after he humiliated himself and the nation on the world stage.
The is not a new deal - this is Trump surrendering. For now. They have always said that the US & NATO is free to do what it wants in Greenland from a military perspective. Trump said that wasn’t good enough because he needs the US to “own” it. So this is simply Trump backing down
January 21, 2026 at 9:46 PM
TACO.
Punched in the nose.
That’s what the EU did. It’s what you do to bullies … and Nazis.
That’s what the EU did. It’s what you do to bullies … and Nazis.
The EU pushed back on Trump’s latest tariff threats. Hours later, he backed down
Trump Davos speech: EU pushed back on U.S. trade deal
A key group of European Parliament members blocked a vote to ratify a U.S.-European trade deal Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to take over Greenland and charge as much as an additional 35 per cent tariff on countries opposed to his ambitions.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 21, 2026 at 9:44 PM
Punched in the nose.
That’s what the EU did. It’s what you do to bullies … and Nazis.
That’s what the EU did. It’s what you do to bullies … and Nazis.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Rob Hirst, Midnight's Oil's ferocious drummer, dead at 70
Rob Hirst, Midnight's Oil's ferocious drummer, dead at 70
The band confirmed its co-founder's death from pancreatic cancer in statements posted to social media: "For now there are no words but there will always be songs."
www.latimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 9:23 PM
Rob Hirst, Midnight's Oil's ferocious drummer, dead at 70
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
"One guy I saw get up and leave, he was visibly shaking with anger."
US President Donald Trump was the main draw at the Davos forum. In one overflow room, attendees mockingly laughed and gasped throughout his speech.
u.afp.com/SBQU
US President Donald Trump was the main draw at the Davos forum. In one overflow room, attendees mockingly laughed and gasped throughout his speech.
u.afp.com/SBQU
u.afp.com
January 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM
"One guy I saw get up and leave, he was visibly shaking with anger."
US President Donald Trump was the main draw at the Davos forum. In one overflow room, attendees mockingly laughed and gasped throughout his speech.
u.afp.com/SBQU
US President Donald Trump was the main draw at the Davos forum. In one overflow room, attendees mockingly laughed and gasped throughout his speech.
u.afp.com/SBQU
Crocodile tears.
Doug Ford has never met an electric vehicle that he didn't hate.
Source: www.sootoday.com/local-news/d...
Source: electriccarwiki.com/electric-car...
Doug Ford has never met an electric vehicle that he didn't hate.
Source: www.sootoday.com/local-news/d...
Source: electriccarwiki.com/electric-car...
January 21, 2026 at 7:06 PM
Crocodile tears.
Doug Ford has never met an electric vehicle that he didn't hate.
Source: www.sootoday.com/local-news/d...
Source: electriccarwiki.com/electric-car...
Doug Ford has never met an electric vehicle that he didn't hate.
Source: www.sootoday.com/local-news/d...
Source: electriccarwiki.com/electric-car...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
This song is very relevant today. RIP Rob Hirst.
US forces give the nod,
It's a setback for your country
bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
youtu.be/w29r322jqlY?...
US forces give the nod,
It's a setback for your country
bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
youtu.be/w29r322jqlY?...
Midnight Oil - US Forces (Live)
YouTube video by MidnightOilVEVO
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 10:55 AM
This song is very relevant today. RIP Rob Hirst.
US forces give the nod,
It's a setback for your country
bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
youtu.be/w29r322jqlY?...
US forces give the nod,
It's a setback for your country
bombs and trenches all in rows, bombs and threats still ask for more
youtu.be/w29r322jqlY?...
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Midnight Oil - Kosciusko (triple j Live At The Wireless - Goat Island 1985)
YouTube video by ABC Music
youtu.be
January 20, 2026 at 9:24 AM
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil drummer and founding member, dies aged 70
Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil drummer and founding member, dies aged 70
Musician who drove much of the band’s ferocious sound and co-wrote many of its biggest hits was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2023
Rob Hirst, the drummer and founding member of Australian rock band Midnight Oil, has died aged 70.
Hirst was diagnosed with stage three pancreatic cancer in 2023. In 2025 he spoke about his support for voluntary assisted dying, which he was eligible for in New South Wales. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:34 AM
Rob Hirst, Midnight Oil drummer and founding member, dies aged 70
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Rest In Peace Rob Hirst💔. Ian
January 20, 2026 at 8:21 AM
Rest In Peace Rob Hirst💔. Ian
Sad news messages to me by another Powderworker this morning.
Listening to Kosciusko and want to say thanks for the awesome music and kick-ass shows, Rob!
#MidnightOil #RobHirst
Listening to Kosciusko and want to say thanks for the awesome music and kick-ass shows, Rob!
#MidnightOil #RobHirst
January 21, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Sad news messages to me by another Powderworker this morning.
Listening to Kosciusko and want to say thanks for the awesome music and kick-ass shows, Rob!
#MidnightOil #RobHirst
Listening to Kosciusko and want to say thanks for the awesome music and kick-ass shows, Rob!
#MidnightOil #RobHirst
I keep hearing about a “yellow snow warning” on the radio.
a man says " you keep using that word i do not think it means what you think it means " to another bald man
Alt: a man says " you keep using that word i do not think it means what you think it means " to another bald man
media.tenor.com
January 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM
I keep hearing about a “yellow snow warning” on the radio.
Denmark renames Greenland “Epstein Island”.😜
Dänemark benennt Grönland in Epstein Island um, damit Trump nie wieder darüber spricht www.der-postillon.com/2026/01/groe...
Dänemark benennt Grönland in Epstein Island um, damit Trump nie wieder darüber spricht
Kopenhagen (dpo) - Ist jetzt Schluss mit den ständigen Drohungen Donald Trumps gegen Grönland? Dänemarks Ministerpräsidentin Mette Frederiksen hat heu
www.der-postillon.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:47 AM
Denmark renames Greenland “Epstein Island”.😜
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Reminder to Canadians: Don’t book connecting flights through US airports
New— An American citizen boarding flight from Boston to Lisbon just now told me after showing boarding pass, every passenger stopped on jetway by two ICE agents demanding to take their photo. When passenger asked why, ICE threatened to detain them. If they said no photo, couldn't board/TBD detained.
January 21, 2026 at 4:40 AM
Reminder to Canadians: Don’t book connecting flights through US airports
Well, if Richard Branson says so…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech today is one of the most insightful, albeit sobering, political speeches in a long time. Carney tells it as it is: "If you're not at the table you'll be on the menu."
Well worth finding the time to watch: www.youtube.com/live/dE981Z_...
Well worth finding the time to watch: www.youtube.com/live/dE981Z_...
Davos LIVE: Canadian PM Mark Carney speaks at World Economic Forum
YouTube video by Associated Press
www.youtube.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:40 AM
Well, if Richard Branson says so…
Joe Rogan enabled the Mad King and his brownshirts.
ICE has gone so far that even the bro-casters are saying out loud what’s happening in Minneapolis is brutal and wrong. Too many in Congress need to catch up to where we are.
There is no both sides on state violence.
There is no both sides on state violence.
January 21, 2026 at 12:39 AM
Joe Rogan enabled the Mad King and his brownshirts.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
The Havel parable was an incredibly effective anchor for PM Carney’s entire speech.
🇨🇦Canada is leading the way by taking the sign down from our window.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
🇨🇦Canada is leading the way by taking the sign down from our window.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
The whole speech for those interested.
www.cpac.ca/headline-pol...
www.cpac.ca/headline-pol...
January 20, 2026 at 11:57 PM
The Havel parable was an incredibly effective anchor for PM Carney’s entire speech.
🇨🇦Canada is leading the way by taking the sign down from our window.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
🇨🇦Canada is leading the way by taking the sign down from our window.
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
Worried about non-reputable lithium batteries? Yeah, me too.
Check out this video and show your friends what happens when you do a medical scan of the battery internals.
Summary: don’t buy cheap lithium batteries!
youtu.be/-Y23nfAOiXQ?...
Check out this video and show your friends what happens when you do a medical scan of the battery internals.
Summary: don’t buy cheap lithium batteries!
youtu.be/-Y23nfAOiXQ?...
The Surprising Flaws in 18650 Lithium-Ion Batteries
YouTube video by Adam Savage’s Tested
youtu.be
January 21, 2026 at 12:33 AM
Worried about non-reputable lithium batteries? Yeah, me too.
Check out this video and show your friends what happens when you do a medical scan of the battery internals.
Summary: don’t buy cheap lithium batteries!
youtu.be/-Y23nfAOiXQ?...
Check out this video and show your friends what happens when you do a medical scan of the battery internals.
Summary: don’t buy cheap lithium batteries!
youtu.be/-Y23nfAOiXQ?...
New— An American citizen boarding flight from Boston to Lisbon just now told me after showing boarding pass, every passenger stopped on jetway by two ICE agents demanding to take their photo. When passenger asked why, ICE threatened to detain them. If they said no photo, couldn't board/TBD detained.
January 20, 2026 at 11:41 PM
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Mark Carney gave a remarkable speech in Davos today about the need for international law led by middle powers that applies to everyone.
The test will be whether he accepts Trump's invite to the "Gaza Peace Council," the most lawless disaster capitalism ever attempted and an attack on the UN.
The test will be whether he accepts Trump's invite to the "Gaza Peace Council," the most lawless disaster capitalism ever attempted and an attack on the UN.
January 20, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Mark Carney gave a remarkable speech in Davos today about the need for international law led by middle powers that applies to everyone.
The test will be whether he accepts Trump's invite to the "Gaza Peace Council," the most lawless disaster capitalism ever attempted and an attack on the UN.
The test will be whether he accepts Trump's invite to the "Gaza Peace Council," the most lawless disaster capitalism ever attempted and an attack on the UN.
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Worth a listen 👇🇨🇦
"Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored..."
"Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored..."
My latest: Mark Carney just delivered the most important speech in recent Canadian history. Now, we wait for the fallout. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
Mark Carney just shook up the world
His speech in Davos might be the most important one ever delivered by a Canadian prime minister. Its consequences will determine his place in history — and ours.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 20, 2026 at 7:21 PM
Worth a listen 👇🇨🇦
"Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored..."
"Rather than waiting for the old order to be restored..."
Reposted by James Andrew Smith
Article 5 has been invoked exactly once in NATO's history. Canada, for one, then spent 13 years, $18 billion, and 158 lives in Afghanistan.
Trump: "The big fear I have with NATO is we spend tremendous amounts of money with NATO and I know we'll come to their rescue, but I just really do question whether or not they'll come to ours. Just saying."
January 20, 2026 at 7:54 PM
Article 5 has been invoked exactly once in NATO's history. Canada, for one, then spent 13 years, $18 billion, and 158 lives in Afghanistan.