Episode 0030: Love Will Tear Us Apart

Love is in the air here at the Secret Lair, and all personnel are advised that rebreathers must be worn on levels A14 through B31, and access to level B32 and lower requires (a) special security clearance and (b) use of an approved Hazmat suit. Once pheromone levels have returned to normal and a cleaning crew has dealt with the mess on B32, special access restrictions will be lifted. In the meantime, if you feel more-than-usually amorous toward your Overlords, co-minions or (in many cases) yourself, please contact Dr. Cmar for a dose of the anti-toxin.

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss the lover’s spat between Amazon.com, the largest bookseller in the universe, and Macmillan, one of the six largest publishers in that very same universe. We also discuss some myths surrounding Valentine’s Day, which looms like a shadow over—I mean, is the second or third most wonderful time of the year.

Amazon vs Macmillan

Apple introduced the iPad which—among other things—is going to be an eBook reader. Why does this cause a fight between Amazon and Macmillan? It’s all about the pricing model.

• John Scalzi breaks it down for us.
• Charles Stross shares an outsider’s perspective.
• Tobias Buckell offers his take on the whole mess.
• John Scalzi presents a deeply slanted play on why publishing won’t die.
• Cat Valente doesn’t want the publishing industry to go away, either.

Promo: Harvey by Phil Rossi

Staff Reports

Chief Medical Officer Cmar files his latest progress report, in which he once again questions our judgment. This seems to be a common theme in The Bad Doctor’s reports. Meanwhile, Minister of Crackpot Schemes and Unfortunate Synergies Jay Lynn seems to be…surrounded.

In our new segment, Ask the Overlords, Don asks about the possibility of purchasing a gently-used space shuttle for a mere $28.8 million.

Promo: I Should Be Writing, now featuring All Write!, a webcomic drawn by Natalie Metzger, our very own Secretary of Artistic Propaganda.

Valentine’s Day

Saints and cards and massacres, oh my!

• The name of that Family Ties spin-off was The Art of Being Nick. Only the pilot was ever aired, and only once.
• That St. Valentine was an amorous fellow. And there were three of him. Does that make him polyamorous?
• What’s a little Lupercalia between friends?
• Lupa: wolf.
• Loofah: not a wolf.
• How do Chicagoans celebrate St. Valentine’s Day? Keep your chocolates and your greetings cards. Don’t bother sending flowers. Instead, say it with bullets.

Lairkeeping

• Visit the blog. Oh, wait, you’re already here.
• Try StatusNet for those short updates.
• Got something to say that 140 characters just won’t cover? Say it on our new community site.
• Coming up on The Secret Library, The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:09 — 45.0MB)

1. 

   JJ says:

   February 17, 2010 at 7:57 pm

   Great episode. I haven’t really been following the hoopla about the iPad, but you both gave me some perspective to get a better handle on things.

   And Valentine’s Day…LMFAO!! You two should take that routine on the road. No, really, I mean it! Hope & Crosby, Abbot & Costello, they got nofin’ on you two.

   Keep up the great work, it was really good to hear you both podcasting after a long break.