The Ali and Macara Show

Books We Have Been Reading, Sunday, Jan 4, 2026

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PC vs Mac accessibility experience

Ali shared his experience using a PC with JAWS screen reader compared to Mac’s VoiceOver

  • Details
    • Ali: Explained that text management and navigation is much smoother on PC with JAWS
    • Ali: On Mac, selecting text on web pages is limited, with options like “copy last phrase” or copying the whole page
    • Ali: Text navigation and editing in documents is inconsistent on Mac, making it difficult to know which commands to use
    • Conclusion
      • PC with JAWS provides a better experience for text management and navigation
      • The JAWS “virtual PC cursor” feature makes working with form fields and web content more efficient
        • Zoom vs Google Workspace comparison

        Detailed discussion comparing the features, pricing, and usability of Zoom and Google Workspace

        • Details
          • Ali: Explained that Zoom’s base pro plan starts at $20/month while Google Workspace starts at $6/month
          • Ali: Google Workspace Business Plus ($34/month) offers 5 terabytes of storage and 500 participant capacity for meetings
          • Ali: Zoom’s business plan only allows 300 participants and costs more
          • Macara: Noted that Zoom constantly markets add-ons and upgrades
          • Ali: Discussed storage limitations with Zoom (10GB per user) versus Google’s more generous storage options
          • Ali: Mentioned that Zoom recordings disappear when deleted from cloud storage, breaking shared links
          • Conclusion
            • Google Workspace is more cost-effective and offers more features than Zoom
            • Google Workspace provides better integration across its suite of products
            • Companies are switching from Zoom to alternatives due to cost considerations
              • AI technology and its impact on jobs

              Discussion about AI technology and its proper role in society and the workplace

              • Details
                • Ali: Referenced Mark Carney’s book “Values” which discusses using technology to help humans, not replace them
                • Ali: Believes AI should be used to automate repetitive tasks rather than replace humans
                • Macara: Agreed but expressed concern that people tend to overuse new technologies and apply them everywhere
                • Ali: Discussed how certain jobs like office work, IT support, and call centers are already being affected by automation
                • Macara: Pointed out that even with automation, human oversight is still necessary for IT systems
                • Conclusion
                  • AI should be used responsibly to automate repetitive tasks
                  • Trades and factory jobs are likely to remain more stable in the face of automation
                  • Companies are investing heavily in AI, sometimes without considering all implications
                    • Book discussion: “Iron Mike”

                    Ali shared his progress and thoughts on the book “Iron Mike”

                    • Details
                      • Ali: Mentioned being halfway through the book
                      • Ali: Described Mike’s coaching style as disciplinary and sometimes going too far
                      • Macara: Noted Mike’s tendency toward aggressive and intimidating behavior
                      • Ali: Shared an anecdote about Mike physically fighting with a player who threw ice water on him while he was sleeping
                      • Conclusion
                        • Both agreed that Mike’s aggressive coaching methods were problematic
                        • Acknowledged that the player’s disrespectful behavior toward a coach was also inappropriate
                          • Book discussion: “Good Omens” and other books

                          Macara shared her reading experience with “Good Omens” and other books

                          • Details
                            • Macara: Mentioned finishing “Canada” by Mike Myers and recommending it
                            • Macara: Described “Good Omens” as a humorous, apocalyptic fiction with angels and demons
                            • Macara: Noted that her experience rereading it differed from her first reading
                            • Both: Agreed to read “The Book of Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel for next week’s discussion
                            • Conclusion
                              • “Good Omens” is recommended for those who enjoy British humor and satire
                              • “The Book of Lost Names” will be their next book discussion topic
                                • Upcoming schedule

                                Discussion of upcoming shows and events

                                • Details
                                  • Ali: No show this week on the Ali Moosa show
                                  • Ali: Announced upcoming shows with Becky Coles (January 19) and Jim Tatti (February 2)
                                  • Macara: Mentioned that Techstravaganza starts again on January 7th
                                  • Ali: Mentioned they are working on providing bonus shows
                                  • Conclusion
                                    • The next regular Sunday show will be on January 11, 2026, at 3:30 PM Eastern
                                    • Listeners should subscribe to the newsletter for updates
                                      • Action items
                                      • Listeners
                                        •  Share thoughts on Zoom as a conferencing platform
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                                        •  Check themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca for links to various sites

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                                          The Ali and Macara ShowBy Ali Moosa and Macara