Connection Speeds, Slow Macs, DNS, and More – Mac Geek Gab Podcast 747

How fast is your connection? How much of that speed matters? How fast is your Mac? Why isn’t it faster? What devices can you see on your network? Why can’t you connect to all of them? This is what Mac Geek Gab is about. Posing questions, getting answers, and learning at least 5 new things. Learn your 5 now by pressing play!

Digital Security Monthly Bundle Featuring NordVPN, Dashlane, Degoo, Panda: $9.99 per Month

We have a deal on a bundle called Vault that includes NordVPN, Dashlane, Degoo, and Panda. NordVPN is a privacy-minded VPN; Dashlane is a password keeper; Degoo is an online backup service; and Panda is a multi-service security product. Our deal is for all four services for $9.99 per month, and promo code VAULT1 at checkout allows you to get the deal’s first month for only $1. Check out the details on the deal listing.

TMO Background Mode Interview with Science Writer & Skeptic Dr. Michael Shermer

Michael is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic Magazine, a former monthly columnist for Scientific American, and a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University where he teaches Skepticism 101.

He is also a noted science writer and the author of New York Times bestsellers Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain, Why Darwin Matters, and The Science of Good and Evil. His newest book is: Heavens on Earth: The Scientific Search for the Afterlife, Immortality & Utopia.

We chatted about Michael’s early religious views, interest in psychology, his doctoral work, and his path to becoming a professional skeptic. He explained the logical traps people fall into (motivated reasoning) as we turned to climate change, human fantasies about ghosts and psychics, the founding of Skeptic Magazine and the influence of Dr. Carl Sagan. Really good stuff here.

This Website Exposes Apple Censorship in China

A new website called AppleCensorship.com exposes how the company censors apps in China at the behest of the government.

A new website exposes the extent to which Apple cooperates with Chinese government internet censorship, blocking access to Western news sources, information about human rights and religious freedoms, and privacy-enhancing apps that would circumvent the country’s pervasive online surveillance regime.

I’m a fan of Apple, privacy, and Apple’s stance on privacy. That being said I think whenever Apple mentions privacy on its website there should be an asterisk with fine print saying: “We believe privacy is a fundamental human right except in these cases.”