“The Leap Year Gene”, Sunday, Sept 27, 2026

Hello The Moosa Slobodian Network friends,

We had a fabulous chat about the Mac, as well as Shelley Wood’s “The Leap Year Gene” on this afternoon’s show. Give it a listen at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0nJB2RpAMG5lVW4zeHqZZE

Show Notes

Mac Technical Shortcomings and Operating System Upgrade Hesitations: Aliasgar Moosa expressed growing frustration with the clunkiness of the Mac interface and VoiceOver screen reader, comparing it unfavorably to Jaws on Windows, which they consider more robust and feature-rich (00:13:01) (00:21:42). Aliasgar Moosa noted that VoiceOver’s text-copying design has not been enhanced since the beginning, lowering their optimism. Due to Apple’s track record with unresolved bugs in updates like macOS 26 and concerns over macOS 27 and iOS 27, Aliasgar Moosa stated they plan to delay upgrading until January (00:24:16).

Potential Switch from Mac to Windows Alternatives: Aliasgar Moosa raised concerns about replacing their nearly five-year-old Mac, questioning whether the expense is justified given they make little use of the device outside of messaging and Rogue Amoeba products (00:26:20). Macara Slobodian agreed that messaging capabilities do not mitigate the Mac’s pitfalls (00:30:21). Aliasgar Moosa concluded that they will likely seek alternatives on Windows rather than purchasing a new Mac, expressing disappointment that the decision came down to this after previously loving the platform for specific software (00:28:42). Furthermore, Aliasgar Moosa pointed out that Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence is far ahead of Apple’s equivalent features under new chief executive officer John Turners (00:32:03).
Review of The Leap Year Gene: During the live broadcast on Sunday, September 27, 2026, featuring an introduction by Becky Coles, Aliasgar Moosa and Macara Slobodian discussed the novel *The Leap Year Gene* by Shelley Wood (00:17:42) (00:48:56). Aliasgar Moosa felt the book jumped around too much and decided to place it on their did-not-finish shelf, rating it a one or two. In contrast, Macara Slobodian stated they liked the book more than anticipated, rating it between a three and a four, and highlighted its exploration of historical themes connecting the women’s movement, women’s rights, and eugenics during the First World War (00:48:56) (00:52:20).
Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Season Preview: Aliasgar Moosa and Macara Slobodian discussed the upcoming Toronto Maple Leafs hockey season starting on Tuesday or Wednesday, noting that the preseason was shortened from six games to four (00:53:29). Aliasgar Moosa mentioned that Todd Crocker is taking over play-by-play duties from Joe Bowen, while Ben Schulman will handle some play-by-play for split-squad Marlies broadcasts (00:54:34). Aliasgar Moosa also noted plans to bring back guest Gil Martin in a couple of months (00:55:55).
Upcoming Network Schedule and Workshops: Macara Slobodian and Aliasgar Moosa outlined upcoming programming, including Ted Woloshyn returning on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. to share memories of interviewing Lloyd Robertson, and Becky appearing in November (00:57:13). A books panel is scheduled for October 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. to discuss *Beautiful Scars: Steeltown Secrets, Mohawk Skywalkers, and The Road Home* by Tom Wilson (00:58:40). Additionally, Aliasgar Moosa will lead a Techstravaganza afternoon workshop on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern covering a retake of the iCatcher podcast player tutorial, followed by a Techstravaganza extra on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern, leading into a Saturday morning pancake breakfast (01:00:08).
Future Show Book Selection and Closing: For the next Ali and Macara Show on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, Macara Slobodian selected the book *The Tea Rose* by Jennifer Donnelly) (01:00:08). Listeners were reminded to subscribe to the YouTube channels and newsletters via themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca or by emailing feedback@themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca (01:01:28).

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