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A Spy Linked to Black Cube Was Caught

Andrew Orr ·

DJ Pangburn tells the story of how a spy linked to Black Cube was caught by Associated Press reporters and Citizen Lab.

Black Cube, which is based in Tel Aviv and London, has used undercover agents to approach women who had accused movie producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual misconduct, and dispatched operatives to probe Obama national security aide Ben Rhodes and another White House staffer involved with the Iran nuclear deal.

It’s a long read but a fascinating story.

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The Ultimate Synergy: AI Might Finally Crack Nuclear Fusion

John Martellaro ·

There is continuing, serious dread about the prospects of advanced artificial/augmented intelligence and the grave threat of climate change both threatening human life. But what if an unexpected synergy intervenes? What if AI techniques can be used to solve the very difficult problem of controlled nuclear fusion and provide abundant power? What if that meant we could abandon fossil fuels just in time to save the planet? The Verge investigates.

Podcast

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

John F. Braun & Dave Hamilton · · Add Comment

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!

TMO Deals

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

Bryan Chaffin ·

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.

Podcast

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

John Martellaro · · Add Comment

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.