DeepSeek, a rising CCP AI company, was under siege. The company’s official statement, issued in careful, bureaucratic phrasing, spoke of an orchestrated “distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack” aimed at crippling its systems. A grave and urgent matter, to be sure. Yet, for those who had followed the firm’s meteoric rise, there was reason for skepticism

DeepSeek had, until this moment, presented itself as a leader in artificial intelligence, one of the few entities capable of standing alongside Western firms in the increasingly cutthroat race for dominance in machine learning. It was a firm backed, either openly or in whispered speculation, by the unseen hand of the Chinese state. The company’s servers, housed in mainland China, were reportedly fueled by NVIDIA H800 GPUs, their interconnections optimized through NVLink and InfiniBand. A formidable setup, at least on paper

But then came the curious measures. Whole swaths of IP addresses, particularly from the United States, were unceremoniously blocked. The platform’s registration doors were slammed shut. And in the vague, elliptical style of official Chinese pronouncements, the public was assured that these were emergency steps to preserve service stability. What the company did not say—what they could not say—was that these actions bore all the hallmarks of a hasty retreat, rather than a tactical defense

For a true DDoS attack—one launched by sophisticated adversaries—there were measures to mitigate it. Content delivery networks. Traffic filtering. Rate-limiting techniques refined over decades by those who had fought in the trenches of cybersecurity. Yet DeepSeek’s response was not one of resilience, but of restriction. They were not filtering the bad actors; they were sealing themselves off from the world

A theory began to take shape among industry watchers. If DeepSeek had overestimated its own technological prowess, if its infrastructure was ill-prepared for rapid growth, the sudden influx of new users might have looked, to their own internal systems, like an attack. And if the company was not merely a commercial enterprise but an entity with deeper ties—perhaps to sectors of the Chinese government—it would not do to admit such failings publicly. To confess that their AI could not scale, that their systems could not bear the weight of global interest, would be an unpardonable humiliation.

The consequences of such a revelation would be severe. The markets had already felt the tremors of cyberattacks; the global economy had bled $1.5 trillion due to disruptions of this nature. If DeepSeek, a firm hailed as the vanguard of China’s AI ambitions, was faltering under its own weight, the financial and political repercussions would extend far beyond the walls of its server farms. The illusion of invulnerability had to be maintained

Thus, the narrative of a “DDoS attack” was not merely convenient—it was necessary. It allowed DeepSeek to take drastic action while obscuring the truth. Blocking foreign IPs? A countermeasure against cyber threats. Suspending new users? A precaution against infiltration. A firm whose technological backbone was more fragile than its reputation suggested had suddenly found an excuse to withdraw from scrutiny under the guise of self-defense

It is in such moments that history leaves its telltale fingerprints. The annals of technological development are filled with entities that stumbled not due to sabotage, but due to their own shortcomings, concealed under layers of propaganda and misdirection. One wonders if, years from now, when the documents are unsealed and the real story emerges, historians will look back at DeepSeek’s so-called DDoS crisis not as an act of foreign aggression—but as a moment of revelation, when the cracks in the edifice became too great to hide

Also, the DeepSeek app has been removed from both Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in Italy. This action occurred after Italy’s data protection authority, known as the Garante, requested information from DeepSeek regarding its handling of personal data. Users attempting to access the app in Italy received messages indicating that it was “currently not available in the country or area you are in” on Apple’s App Store and that the download “was not supported” on Google’s platform. As reported by REUTERS.CO

Regarding Ireland, the Irish Data Protection Commission has also reached out to DeepSeek, seeking details about how it processes data related to Irish users. However, as of now, there is no confirmation that the app has been removed from app stores in Ireland. As reported by THEGUARDIAN.COM

Currently there is no publicly available information indicating that DeepSeek has specifically blocked access from Apple, Google, or individual reporters’ servers. It’s possible that access issues could be related to the broader measures DeepSeek has implemented in response to recent events, but without specific details, it’s difficult to determine the exact cause.

For now, the truth remains elusive, hidden behind digital firewalls and the careful hand of censorship. But as in all such cases, history is patient. It waits for those who will dig deeper, who will look beyond the official statements and ask: Was it an attack? Or was it something else entirely?

Story By Skeeter Wesinger

February 30, 2025

 

The recent emergence of an animated representation of John McAfee as a Web3 AI agent is a notable example of how artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies are converging to create digital personas. This development involves creating a digital entity that emulates McAfee’s persona, utilizing AI to interact within decentralized platforms.
In the context of Web3, AI agents are autonomous programs designed to perform specific tasks within blockchain ecosystems. They can facilitate transactions, manage data, and even engage with users in a human-like manner. The integration of AI agents into Web3 platforms has been gaining momentum, with projections estimating over 1 million AI agents operating within blockchain networks by 2025.

John McAfee
Creating an AI agent modeled after John McAfee could serve various purposes, such as promoting cybersecurity awareness, providing insights based on McAfee’s philosophies, or even as a form of digital memorialization. However, the involvement of hackers in this process raises concerns about authenticity, consent, and potential misuse.
The animation aspect refers to using AI to generate dynamic, lifelike representations of individuals. Advancements in AI have made it possible to create highly realistic animations that can mimic a person’s voice, facial expressions, and mannerisms. While this technology has legitimate applications, it also poses risks, such as creating deepfakes—fabricated media that can be used to deceive or manipulate.
In summary, the animated portrayal of John McAfee as a Web3 AI agent exemplifies the intersection of AI and blockchain technologies in creating digital personas. While this showcases technological innovation, it also underscores the importance of ethical considerations and the need for safeguards against potential misuse.
As John McAfee was reported deceased on June 23, 2021, while being held in a Spanish prison. Authorities stated that his death was by suicide, occurring shortly after a court approved his extradition to the United States on tax evasion charges. Despite this, his death has been surrounded by considerable speculation and controversy, fueled by McAfee’s outspoken nature and previous statements suggesting he would not take his own life under such circumstances.
The emergence of a “Web3 AI agent” bearing his likeness is likely an effort by developers or individuals to capitalize on McAfee’s notoriety and reputation as a cybersecurity pioneer. By leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies, this project has recreated a digital persona that reflects his character, albeit in a purely synthetic and algorithm-driven form. While this may serve as a form of homage or a conceptual experiment in Web3 development, ethical concerns regarding consent and authenticity are significant, mainly since McAfee is no longer alive to authorize or refute the use of his likeness.
While John McAfee is indeed deceased, his name and persona resonate within the tech and cybersecurity communities, making them a focal point for projects and narratives that intersect with his legacy. This raises broader questions about digital rights, posthumous representations, and the ethical boundaries of technology. Stay tuned.

Skeeter Wesinger
January 24, 2025

The Endless Summer was a transformative film that left an indelible mark on surf culture and beyond. It helped popularize surfing as a global sport and encapsulated the beach lifestyle associated with it. On a broader cultural scale, the film inspired countless young people to travel, explore the world, and chase their passions. Its distinct style and cinematography have become iconic, influencing filmmakers to this day.

Mike Hynson, one of the film’s stars, often reflected on the magical day at Cape St. Francis, South Africa, immortalized in the movie. “That Cape St. Francis was always flat when I went back,” he said, reminiscing about that perfect surf captured on film. “It was a gift from God that day.”

After filming in South Africa, Hynson smuggled five rolls of the 16mm film shot at Cape St. Francis under a loose Hawaiian shirt, slipping through customs unnoticed before boarding their flight to Australia. “And that was it, baby,” he later said. “We all knew what had happened and that we’d just made the movie.”

Bruce Brown, the visionary behind the project, recruited Hynson in 1963 as the concept took shape: two surfers chasing an endless summer as the season moved across the globe. At the time, 21-year-old Hynson was grappling with fears of being drafted to fight in Vietnam. “I was like, ‘I’m outta here, man,’” he recalled in an interview with The Guardian. “We were all little rascals in Pacific Beach, San Diego, always trying to cut corners.”

The Endless Summer was more than just a film about surfing. It was a manifesto for breaking free from the chains that bind us, a celebration of the possibilities waiting just beyond the blue horizon.

Hynson’s later years were marked by his involvement in the countercultural movements of the 1960s, spending time in Maui during its peak as a hub of alternative lifestyles. While some say he fell into the drug culture of the era, what remains clear is the enduring impact he had. For me, he opened my eyes to life’s possibilities.

Mike Hynson’s passing was confirmed by Donna Klaasen Jost, the sister of his longtime partner Carol Hannigan and co-author of his autobiography. While no cause was disclosed, his legacy lives on, captured in the waves and spirit of adventure immortalized in The Endless Summer.

Hynson is survived by Carol Hannigan of Encinitas; stepchildren Haley Ogden of Encinitas, Toby Ogden and Krys Ogden of Vista, and Damien Ogden of San Juan Capistrano; his son, Michael Hynson Jr. of Laguna Beach; and multiple grandchildren.

Skeeter Wesinger
January 17, 2025

 

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/endless-summer-passing-mike-hynson-skeeter-wesinger-gqybe

Television was a centerpiece of our lives for decades, a glowing beacon in the living room that brought families and friends together. The medium was simple, with a small number of networks, like CBS, NBC, and ABC. These offered scheduled programming, and viewers tuned in at specific times to watch their favorite shows. Cable TV expanded the range of content but kept the core structure intact—it was TV for everyone. Today, that world is fading into history as subscription-based TV, with its recurring monthly fees and personalized options, takes center stage.

As the Golden Age of Traditional TV, which was built on shared experiences when we only had three networks, fades into the past. Landmark moments, from the moon landing to the series finale of MASH*, were collective events. Advertisers funded the programming, and networks catered to mass audiences. The schedules dictated our viewing habits when you’d rush home to catch a show or risk missing it altogether. In the late 1970s, cable TV, with its expanded offerings, enhanced our experience without fundamentally altering its community-oriented nature.

Nowadays, subscription-based streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu marked the beginning of a seismic shift. Today, content is no longer tied to a rigid broadcast schedule and most people didn’t even notice the change. Instead, it’s available on demand at the touch of a button, creating a completely new viewing paradigm.

The days of waiting for a rerun or appointment viewing are over. Platforms offer entire libraries of shows and movies accessible 24/7. This has been replaced by a binge-watching culture, where entire seasons are often released at once, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in stories without interruption. These subscription services rely on steady monthly fees, providing predictable income and enabling investment in blockbuster original content, but they are sometimes locked into your TV.

Consumers are abandoning expensive cable packages in favor of more affordable, flexible streaming options, and streamers are fighting back with cheap TVs that direct you to their service. High-speed internet and smart TVs have eliminated the need for traditional broadcasting infrastructure.

Streaming platforms use data to recommend content tailored to individual tastes, enhancing the viewing experience. Viewers can now explore international programming, from Korean dramas to British mysteries, broadening cultural exposure.

Original shows like Netflix’s Stranger Things or Disney+’s Marvel series lure viewers to specific platforms. These companies are watching what you are watching and listening to your banter in real-time.

While subscription TV offers unparalleled convenience and choice, it comes at the cost of a shared cultural experience. Gone are the days when millions tuned in simultaneously to watch the latest episode of a hit show, sparking nationwide conversations. Today’s fragmented media landscape means fewer collective moments—instead, viewers are siloed into niches dictated by personal preferences and algorithms. Moreover, the simplicity of turning on the TV and flipping through channels has been replaced by decision fatigue. Subscribing to multiple platforms to access different shows can become costly and cumbersome. For some, the nostalgia for the days of free-to-air TV lingers.

As streaming continues to evolve, hybrid models are emerging. Services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV bundle traditional channels with on-demand options, while free, ad-supported platforms like Pluto TV aim to replicate the simplicity of broadcast television. Yet, the sense of universality that defined traditional TV is unlikely to return. Television’s evolution signifies more than just technological advancement—it reflects a shift in how we consume media and connect with each other. While the convenience and variety of subscription TV are undeniable, the loss of the shared, communal experience remains a poignant reminder of what we’ve left behind.

“Whoever controls the media controls the mind.” Jim Morrison

As we settle into this new era, one thing is abundantly clear. The TV we once knew and loved has become a cherished memory, a relic of a simpler time.

By Skeeter Wesinger

January 5, 2025