From Dorm Rooms to Drone Wars 🍺📺

“I know not with what weapons WWIII will be fought, but WWIV will be fought with sticks and stones.” -Albert Einstein (1949)

This was part of a larger address focusing on how the U.S. and its allies must adapt to changing military realities of the 21st century. The future of large-scale wars will not be fought with tanks, but with missiles, drones, and a host of other advanced technology. Luckey was making the case that the time to start building that capacity is now, and that his company, Anduril is well-placed to be a leader in developing these modern weapons systems.

Luckey sold Oculus VR to Facebook in 2014 for $2 billion at age 21. He left in 2017 under a cloud of political controversy, but his pockets were full of cash, and he was ready to start his next venture. He pivoted to the defense industry, where he channeled his engineering acumen and his concerns about America falling behind China in military production capacity. In 2024, Anduril raised $1.5 billion to build AI-powered drones and jets, with a new Ohio factory in the works.

Like all segments of society, the defense industry is evolving. A new generation-Gen Z, to be precise is stepping up. To illustrate my point, another precocious young man has emerged as the next fresh-faced defense contractor, recently raising a significant amount of money to build out modern weapon systems for the federal government.

It’s tough to accept that war is still so pervasive in today’s world. But it’s equally hard to wrap my brain around the fact that the safety of the United States-at least in part-will depend on the engineering prowess of a dude who wears Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops every day (not this dude), and a youngster who, until five minutes ago, couldn’t legally order a drink in the country his missiles are being built to protect. Cheers! -LC

Learning About Anime in a Roundabout Way

Since then, anime and manga have exploded worldwide in popularity, but I never felt a strong urge to dive in. I did watch Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, and I’m aware that memes about current events created in the style of Ghibli animation by AI are all the rage now. While I admire the artistry, it’s not really my thing.

Roundabout was inspired by lead singer Jon Anderson’s and bassist Chris Squire’s drive through Scotland’s countryside in their van.

They literally drove through many roundabouts, soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the way-possibly with some chemical enhancement. Regardless of their creative process, they crafted a song that has entertained millions for over fifty years and inspired other artists in ways they never anticipated. -LC

Sci-Fi Movie Favorites 🍿

Relax, The Robots Are Still Kinda Dumb 🤖

At the recent Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston Daniela Rus, a leading AI-robotics expert, debunked the hype around humanoids—they’re not as smart as we think, like when one tried to "water" a person! Despite big predictions and investments, she says, “…their intelligence is still lacking.”

Skelley’s Snippets ✂️

👶 Biotech startup NewLimit announced last week that they raised $130 million to develop treatments that turn back the clock on aging by reprogramming your cells with AI. Imagine your body acting younger—processing fat and alcohol like it used to! It’s a glimpse into the future of living longer, healthier lives (and not an excuse to down all the margaritas!)

🍻 Shuffleboard gets a tech upgrade. Electric Shuffle just opened in Chicago (May 2), turning the classic bar game into a high-tech experience. Using camera vision and real-time scoring—plus auto replays you can share—it’s like shuffleboard meets instant replay. Built by a team with serious engineering cred, it brings highlight-reel energy to your hangout. Add neon lights, retro vibes, and craft drinks, and you’ve got the hottest new social spot.

💿 Write a hit song with help from AI. A new tool from ILoveSong.AI lets you turn your own lyrics into full songs—any genre you can dream up. Just type out your words, pick a style, and the AI handles the rest. Think: your inner Gorillaz, but with a machine collaborator. When you're done, you can even publish it with a service like CD Baby and make it official. Here’s an example. (Who do you think it sounds like?)

Laugh Lines 🤣

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DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice or any other kind of advice for that matter. This is strictly for entertainment and fodder for occasional thoughtful reflection. The owners of The Skelley may benefit financially when readers click on links in the publication.