The Comunicano Sunday Edition for March 2nd 2025

Home!!!

Good morning, folks. I’m back in Philly, where I started my career in sports marketing and you know, it’s always a privilege to be back here with my friends in the sports world—the people who lived and breathed the stories behind the stats, the passion behind the game.

Now, I was planning on talking hockey, maybe throw in a few old war stories about the Broad Street Bullies. But I saw something in the news that got me thinking—AI. Artificial intelligence. It’s been creeping into everything. Movies, journalism, finance, and even coaching strategies in sports.

They’re saying AI can write scripts for Oscar-nominated films. Can you imagine that? A computer, sitting there, stringing together dialogue, shaping emotions, deciding how a story should make you feel. Now, I’m no Hollywood guy, but I know this—hockey’s a game of guts, instincts, and heart. You can’t program that. And storytelling? That’s about the human experience. You can’t replace the grit of a writer hammering out a script the way you can’t replace the grit of a player battling in the corners.

Same thing with financial markets—machines are analyzing data, making trades faster than a slap shot. And yet, the market still rises and falls like a momentum shift in the third period. Because at the end of the day, emotion drives the game—whether it's the stock market or the Stanley Cup Finals.

But here’s the part that really gets me: AI is even changing the way kids learn to think. Now, I’m all for tools that help kids grow, but there’s a fine line between using technology to assist and letting it do the work for you. You take shortcuts in hockey, you get burned. You let a machine think for you, you stop thinking for yourself.

So, what’s the lesson here? We can embrace the tools, sure. But let’s not lose the essence of what makes us human. The passion, the effort, the gut feeling when the game’s on the line. That’s something no algorithm, no AI, no machine will ever truly understand.

And that’s why we’re all here, isn’t it? To tell those stories. To keep the human side of the news, sports, and of life, alive which is why we have "THE COMUNICANO!!!”

P.S. Thanks for having me, and as always—Let’s Go Flyers!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

AI's Role in Oscar-Nominated Films Raises Ethical Questions (Independent.ie)—The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking has sparked debate within the Academy. Films like The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez have utilized AI technologies, prompting discussions on the ethical implications and potential biases introduced by such methods. As AI becomes more prevalent in the creative process, the Academy faces the challenge of evaluating these innovations while maintaining artistic integrity. The outcomes of this year's awards could set precedents for future AI applications in cinema. Read more here

Conversational AI: Transforming Internet Interactions (The Verge)—The rise of advanced chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft's new Bing, and Google's Bard signifies a shift in how we access information online. These AI-driven tools offer more natural and intuitive interactions, moving beyond traditional search engines. As conversational AI continues to evolve, it reshapes user experiences and sets new expectations for digital communication platforms. Read more here

The Future of Financial Markets and AI (Financial Times)

AI is increasingly influencing financial markets, reshaping trading strategies and investment decisions. Financial institutions are leveraging machine learning and automation to analyze vast datasets, optimize trades, and predict market trends with greater accuracy. However, concerns remain over the ethical use of AI in finance, particularly regarding market manipulation and regulatory oversight. As the technology advances, policymakers are expected to introduce new frameworks to ensure transparency and prevent AI-driven volatility. Read more here

AI’s Growing Role in Kids’ Critical Thinking Development (Axios)—A new Common Sense Media study finds that 30% of parents with kids aged 0-8 say their children use AI for learning. Of these parents, one in four believes AI is helping their children develop critical thinking skills. Despite ongoing debates about AI's influence on young minds, many parents don't see its use as a concern. The findings highlight how digital tools are reshaping early education, with AI playing a growing role in fostering problem-solving skills. As AI integration increases, its impact on childhood development will remain a key area of focus. Read more here

DeepSeek Watch

DeepSeek's V3 and R1 Models Show Theoretical 545% Profit Margin (South China Morning Post)—Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has revealed that its V3 and R1 AI models could generate a staggering 545% daily profit margin in theory. This figure assumes continuous operation, though real-world factors like discounts and free access may lower actual revenue. Unlike its U.S. counterparts, DeepSeek relies on Nvidia's H800 chips, which are less advanced but still competitive. The company's financial model could impact AI stock markets, particularly after previous surges linked to its chatbot’s popularity. This move positions DeepSeek as a key player in the evolving AI race. Read more here

VoIP Watch

Microsoft's Decision to Retire Skype (Om.co)—Microsoft has announced plans to discontinue Skype in May 2025, redirecting users to Microsoft Teams. This decision marks the end of an era for the once-dominant VoIP service, which played a crucial role in online communication for nearly two decades. Skype’s decline has been attributed to its struggle to compete with modern messaging platforms and Microsoft's prioritization of Teams for business users. While some users lament its loss, others see it as an inevitable shift toward integrated communication tools. Read more here

Space Watch

Firefly Aerospace Successfully Lands on the Moon (Houston Chronicle)—Firefly Aerospace has achieved a significant milestone by landing its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the Moon, marking a breakthrough in private space exploration. The mission, funded by NASA, aims to deliver scientific payloads to the lunar surface and demonstrate new technologies for future space travel. This achievement highlights the growing role of commercial companies in lunar exploration and reinforces Texas' position as a hub for the space industry. Firefly's success paves the way for further advancements in the private sector’s involvement in deep-space missions. Read more here

Sports Watch

IFAB’s Eight-Second Rule Controversy for Goalkeepers (Independent.co.uk)—A new rule adjustment by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has sparked debate over its impact on goalkeepers. The rule, which states that goalkeepers must release the ball within eight seconds, has led to confusion and complaints from players and coaches. Critics argue that enforcement has been inconsistent and could unfairly penalize goalkeepers in crucial game situations. IFAB insists the rule is meant to speed up gameplay, but many believe it may need further clarification and adjustment before the next season. Read more here

WorkPlace Watch

Texas Becomes a Magnet for Tech Industry Expansion (WSJ)—Texas is rapidly emerging as a key hub for the technology industry, with major companies relocating or expanding their operations in the state. Favorable tax policies, a lower cost of living, and a business-friendly environment have made cities like Austin and Dallas attractive to tech giants. Startups are also thriving, fueled by increasing venture capital investments. However, the influx of tech talent is also driving up housing costs and infrastructure demands. Despite these challenges, Texas is positioning itself as a viable alternative to Silicon Valley for innovation and growth. Read more here

VoiceAI Watch

Amazon’s Alexa Gets Its Biggest Upgrade Yet—Best on Echo Show (ZDNet)—Amazon has rolled out Alexa Plus, its most significant update since launch, bringing major improvements to conversational abilities, contextual awareness, and proactive assistance. Alexa can now plan events, book services, and offer more personalized recommendations. While the upgrade benefits all Echo devices, Amazon suggests Echo Show users will get the most out of it, thanks to the visual interface. This update positions Alexa as a stronger competitor to AI-driven assistants like ChatGPT, marking a major shift in how users interact with voice technology. Read more here

Gadgets Watch

Rewind Cassette Player: A Modern Marvel for Tape Enthusiasts (WIRED)—In an era dominated by digital music, the Rewind Cassette Player stands out as a high-quality option for cassette aficionados. Priced at $159, this French-made device boasts a sturdy aluminum case and a USB-C rechargeable battery, offering impressive sound quality and reliability. Over a year of testing, it has consistently delivered excellent performance without damaging tapes. While it lacks an auto-stop feature during rewinding or fast-forwarding, leading to potential motor strain, its overall durability and Bluetooth compatibility make it a top choice for those embracing analog nostalgia. Read more here

Oscars Watch

Designers Select Top Oscar Movie Posters (Fast Company)—Fast Company invited graphic designers to choose their favorite movie posters from this year's Best Picture nominees. The selections highlight the creative synergy between film and design, showcasing how compelling visuals can encapsulate a movie's essence and draw audiences into its narrative world. The article explores how typography, color schemes, and composition contribute to the visual storytelling of Oscar-worthy films, emphasizing the role of great poster design in shaping cinematic marketing and audience perception. Read more here