S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

Friends of Sword and Laser are doing VERY well.  We're not saying that being a guest on Sword and Laser will guarantee you riches... but it seems like it might.  Just saying. Also we have verification on the humanity of the Bibliomat. Also WARNING: there's cursing. But it's worth it. All that and Moria, on this episode.
 
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
 
 
QUICK BURNS

 
 
BARE YOUR SWORD

 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

 
BOOK CHECK-IN
 
EMAIL
 
I went to the Monkey's Paw this weekend when I was in Toronto. I took a video (albeit crappy) of it. I was thinking I could send you guys the book for your set, as the random book I received ended up being...."The Dictionary of Mysticism". 
What do you think?
Thanks,
Caitlin from Canada

Tom Merritt 
Awesome!
So..... person inside??

Caitlin O'Brien
to Tom, Veronica 
....sort of. I put my money in, and it made some noises, but nothing came out. A guy at the front of the store yelled ""just a minute!"" and came back to load it for me. Once he was done, he gave me back my toonie and told me keeping it stocked is a full time second job. So, there was human involvment - just no human inside. Plus, when I was googling the address, I came across this video: http://jezebel.com/5965769/magical-used-book-store-dispenses-random-literary-treasures and it shows how it works.
I was pretty excited that something so relevant to the Sword and Laser came out.
  
---
  
Hey Tom & Veronica, just wanted to leave some feedback on the audio podcasts. I really like the new overall show balance you guys have got going these days with the news in the audio podcast, and also the more relaxed feel that you seem to have. The audio show is the perfect thing to listen to late at night with a glass of wine when you need to unwind. (I'm drinking a nice locally-made Ontario riesling, for the record.)
I love the idea of the audience being on the audio show, the ""plead your case"" scenario, especially in cases like Nick's. Have you heard back from him yet? Is he going to be on the show?
As always, I love all the show formats, audio and video. Have a great day!
 
Gordon S. McLeod
  
---
  
"Tom and Veronica,
I just wanted to say that I think you do a wonderful job with The Sword and Laser podcast and YouTube show.
I started listening to the podcast in 2009. Since then, you have introduced me to so many great books. I don't often read along with your picks, but I usually add them to my ""to-read"" list and have read many of them later on.
I've also really enjoyed the author interviews over the years. The author spotlights on the YouTube show are especially nice.
Oh, and I have to send a big thanks for convincing me to sign up for Audible. My commutes to work are sooooo much better now.
Thanks for everything and keep up the great work!
Happy holidays,
Mike"
---
  
ADDENDUMS
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

 

S&L Podcast - #116 - Secret of success

S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

On this episode we breakdown the Tolkien estate case against Warner Brothers, debate the origins of the Ghallu, and even figure out the January book pick! Also Tom has a Snow Day.  But it's not what you think. It's BETTER!

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
 
QUICK BURNS
 
Happy Birthday to Michael Stackpole!
 
 
BARE YOUR SWORD
 
 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
 
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
 
Dirty Streets wrap-up this Friday - The Hobbit Kick-Off Dec. 7
 
ADDENDUMS
 
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

 

 

S&L Podcast - #115 - Ghallu everyone!

S&L Podcast - #114 - World-builder porn

It's a fun show this time.  No, seriously, you should try to listen. We talk with Dave GrossLead Writer at Overhaul Games, and James L. Sutter a co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Fiction Editor for Paizo Publishing. They share some great insights on the relationship of role-playing games to fantasy novels as well as just about the craft of writing itself. Also Veronica peer pressures Tom into drinking.



WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Racer 5 IPA 
Veronica: 2009 Pirie South Tasmania Pinot Noir
 
QUICK BURNS
How to Get Signed and Personalized Scalzi Books for the Holidays, 2012

Who would win in a fight between Tolkien characters and Game of Thrones characters? George R.R. Martin weighs in

Fake William Gibson novels, tweeted

Philip Pullman's Grimm's Fairytales 

BARE YOUR SWORD
Is this indicative of Tad Williams' work?
 
CALENDAR
 
INTERVIEW
Dave GrossLead Writer at Overhaul Games, developers of Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition. and James L. Sutter a co-creator of the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game and the Fiction Editor for Paizo Publishing.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.  

ADDENDUMS

 

S&L Podcast - #114 - World-builder porn

S&L Podcast - #113 - Almost amazing

This week we get a review of the Cloud Atlas movie, a sneak peek at the Dirty Streets of Heaven and a debate about Denny's.


 
WHAT WE'RE DRINKING
Tom: 2010 Peachy Canyon Zinfandel Incredible Red 
Veronica: Unicorn tears
 
QUICK BURNS
JRR Tolkien letter reveals poor sales of The Hobbit
 
The Hobbit’s Second Breakfast being served at Denny’s is something that is happening
 
Neal Stephenson talks REAMDE with lawyers, security experts
 
CALENDAR
 
BARE YOUR SWORD
Cloud Atlas movie
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
Tom also finishing Isles of the Forsaken by Carolyn Ives Gilman 
Veronica finished Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, Book 1) by Jim Butcher.
 
EMAIL

Hey guys,
I love your show.  Can't wait for the Robin Hobb interview.  Will that be on the youtube webcast and the audio podcast?  I read Liveship, Tawny Man, Farseer, and the new Rain Wilds series.  I had to Lem the Soldier Son....it was way too slow and a little boring....I didn't like the protagonist at all.  

Anyway, I am really writing today about the email below.  You guys are going to be in the money for all of the books you have bought from Amazon.  I have had a Kindle for around 3 years and I am always disappointed about the pricing.  The electronic version of a book should ALWAYS be less then the hardback/paperback but that is not always so.  

It looks like some publishers are finally trying to put an end of the extreme pricing.
What do you think?

Is the Youtube podcast ever going to go to Itunes as a videocast?  I am not always in front of my computer / smart TV so it would be great if my IPod could play the video cast.  You guys look great on a 55"" HD TV by the way.

My author interview wishlist:  Scott Lynch, Gentlemen Bastards...Brent Weeks, Lightbringer.....Peter V. Brett, Demon War....
Thanks,
Craig from PA

Dear Kindle Customer,
We have good news. You are entitled to a credit for some of your past e-book purchases as a result of legal settlements between several major e-book publishers and the Attorneys General of most U.S. states and territories, including yours. You do not need to do anything to receive this credit. We will contact you when the credit is applied to your Amazon.com account if the Court approves the settlements in February 2013.
Hachette, Harper Collins, and Simon & Schuster have settled an antitrust lawsuit about e-book prices. Under the proposed settlements, the publishers will provide funds for a credit that will be applied directly to your Amazon.com account. If the Court approves the settlements, the account credit will appear automatically and can be used to purchase Kindle books or print books. While we will not know the amount of your credit until the Court approves the settlements, the Attorneys General estimate that it will range from $0.30 to $1.32 for every eligible Kindle book that you purchased between April 2010 and May 2012. Alternatively, you may request a check in the amount of your credit by following the instructions included in the formal notice of the settlements, set forth below. You can learn more about the settlements here:
www.amazon.com/help/agencyebooksettlements
In addition to the account credit, the settlements impose limitations on the publishers’ ability to set e-book prices. We think these settlements are a big win for customers and look forward to lowering prices on more Kindle books in the future.
Thank you for being a Kindle customer.
The Amazon Kindle Team
 
ADDENDUMS
 
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

 

S&L Podcast - #113 - Almost amazing

S&L Podcast - #112 - Interview with G. Willow Wilson!

Today we show you just why the audio podcast is different and more REAL than anything else you listen to. Then we calm down, sober up, time travel, and have a fascinating interview with G. Willow Wilson. Turns out, she is awesome.  Find out why!
 
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

 
QUICK BURNS



 
 
 
 
INTERVIEW

 
 
ADDENDUMS
 
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

S&L Podcast - #112 - Interview with G. Willow Wilson!

S&L Podcast - #111 - Shhh! Science fiction is tired

Is science fiction exhauasted?  It has a had a hard century's work.  We'll examine that, invite you to read some banned books, and smell Veronica's feet. Don't let that last one put you off. We also kick off Cloud Atlas.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Racer 5 
Veronica: Fridge was empty
 
QUICK BURNS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BARE YOUR SWORD

 
 
BOOK CHECK-IN

Cloud Atlas Kick-off video coming at the end of this week
 
Great resource for Cloud Atlas 

EMAIL

I have always been an avid reader but not a fantasy/sci-fi reader until I started to listen to your audio podcast, I came by the way of Buzz Out Loud.  Listening to ya'll talk about the Game of Thrones so much made me decide I had to give a shot, well I started reading them in July and am over half way through the 5th book now we are also watching the HBO series.  I wanted to thank you for introducing me to such a great series that I otherwise would have missed and to send you some pictures that I think of every time the talk about the old gods in the weirwood trees.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/82006512@N00/8037943720/in/photostream/ These pictures are from Orr Park in Montevallo, Alabama were a local artist by the name of Tingle has been carving in the deadwood trees since at least 1993.  Just had to share these pics with ya'll.
Love the show,
Laura Boggs
Montevallo, Alabama
100_1893

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

 

S&L Podcast - #111 - Shhh! Science fiction is tired

S&L Podcast - #110 - Interview with Anton Strout!

It's a virtual bachelorette party of SciFi and Fantasy discussion today, with a chat about how SciFi can be interesting if it follows the laws of physics, and an interview with author Anton Strout.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Kona Big Wave Golden Ale
Veronica: Fruity vodka drink with Passion Fruit and stuff

QUICK BURNS
The full story of the Targaryen Conquest in A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE
Sneak peek at graphic novel of Wrinkle in Time
William Gibson on Twitter, Antique Watches and Internet Obsessions
William Gibson on Why Sci-Fi Writers Are (Thankfully) Almost Always Wrong
William Gibson on Punk Rock, Internet Memes, and ‘Gangnam Style’
William Gibson on the io9 show
Neal Stephenson on the Hieroglyph Project
Neal Stephenson on Predictions and Surprises 
How to Write a Killer Space Adventure Without Breaking the Speed of Light 

CALENDAR

Interview with Anton Strout

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

 

S&L Podcast - #110 - Interview with Anton Strout

S&L Podcast - #109 - Live at DragonCon with R.A. Salvatore!

It's that time of year again... DragonCon! If you weren't able to join us for our live show, never fear! We recorded it for you. Joining us on this episode is the wonderful R.A. Salvatore, who answered your questions and gave us some great advice for new writers. 

Also, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter! We'll keep you up-to-date on all the upcoming live shows and appearances, and make sure you don't miss a video show or audio podcast!

S&L Podcast - #109 - Live at DragonCon with R.A. Salvatore!

S&L Podcast - #108 - Ye olde dragon phylogeny

We have essential info for Wheel of Time fans, dragon fans, and we debate the best SciFi weapons. Also, Veronica claims to be able to hear Tom's face. 

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Boont Amber Ale 
Veronica: Carolans Irish Liqueur 

QUICK BURNS
Forbes reveals list of 2011's top-earning authors
Adam Whitehead gets back to his summary of the Wheel of Time series
The evolutionary history of dragons, illustrated by a scientist
All 29 editions of  Year’s Best Science Fiction anthologies coming as e-books
Great writing advice from this year's Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy writing workshop
Digital Book World aims for a more accurate ebook bestseller list

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD
Coolest Sci-Fi Weapons 
We're Number 2! 

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES
Ciarán Hinds is Mance Rayder in GAME OF THRONES 

BOOK CHECK-IN
A Question About Shrewd's command -spoilers!
Ending Questions (Very Spoilery) 
What else are we reading? 

VOICEMAIL

We're going to DragonCon!
Sword and Laser Podcast – LIVE
We’ll do a live version of our audio podcast with a special guest author and take your questions. So get to reading!
Time: Sat 02:30 pm Location: Crystal Ballroom – Hilton (Length: 1 Hour)
Parsec Awards
The Parsec Awards are the yearly awards for speculative fiction podcasts. I’ll be presenting, and Veronica Belmont will be hosting!
Time: Sun 04:30 pm Location: International North Room – Hyatt

ADDENDUMS
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

S&L Podcast - #108 - Ye olde dragon phylogeny

S&L Podcast - #107 - Victory bringer!

In this episode, we learn how to control Veronica using the power of her "true name": Nathan! Like the hot dogs! We also talk about the fine art of seducing writers.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Veronica: Red Wine 

QUICK BURNS

BARE YOUR SWORD

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

BOOK CHECK-IN

EMAIL

Dear Tom and Veronica,
First of all, I love the show and I'm excited to be a part of your book club.  I'd just like to thank you for this month's pick.  I must admit I had my reservations about the novel (I'm not a huge fan of first person narration.)  But I was quite surprised by how quickly the pages were turning.  I was at the Half-Price bookstore and on page 13 when my brother showed me what he'd intended to buy.  The Playstation version of Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain.  Then it occurred to me I should try to read the book using Simon Templeman's voice as an older Fitz relating his childhood.  The book went from pretty interesting to nothing short of awesome.  The voice of Kain going through your head and narrating a tale of a boy's travails as he learns the trade of killing people?  What's not to love?  Anyway, I thought you'd get a kick out of that.  Once again, thank you so much for the pick.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.  Take care guys.  
Yours truly,
Dwayne.

ADDENDUMS
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

 

 

S&L Podcast - #107 - Victory bringer!

S&L Podcast - #106 - Interview with Michael A. Stackpole

Veronica's on a beach in Hawaii but found a TARDIS or something, so we have an incredibly confusing discussion about ethics, and then an incredibly awesome discussion with author Michael Stackpole.  Join us, won't you?

QUICK BURNS
 
 
 
BOOK CHECK-IN
 
 
EMAIL

You are Spot On - It's impossible to carry enough fuel (in the fusion reactor, this fuel is in the form of fuseable pellets) to power a generation ship for hundreds of years at full thrust.
The Nauvoo's mid section is actually an enormous drum that creates spin gravity after the initial acceleration. This becomes an important plot point in book 3.
- Ty Franck
 
INTERVIEW
 
Best known for his Star Wars and Battletech books. 
 

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

 

 

S&L Podcast - #106 - Interview with Michael A. Stackpole

S&L Podcast - #105 - To Lem or not to Lem?

We kick off Leviathan Wakes by James S. A. Corey, debate Terry Goodkind's response to book pirates, and discuss what makes for good and kind book discussion.  See what I did there?  Goodkind.  Good... Kind... just listen.


WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Tom: Water
Veronica: Absinthe

QUICK BURNS

BARE YOUR SWORD

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

BOOK CHECK-IN
Veronica: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
Tom: Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons and The Dragon's Path by Daniel Abraham

ADDENDUMS
This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

S&L Podcast - #105 - To Lem or not to Lem?

S&L Podcast - #104 - Live at Nerdtacular 2012

We do the show in front of a live audience at Nerdtacular 2012 in Salt Lake City! Live singing of the Reading Rainbow theme, a house motto contest and questions from the audience ensue.

 

 

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Wasatch 1st Ammendment Lager
 
QUICK BURNS

 

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD
To Unlem
Regarding Book Discussion

BOOK STUFF
July book poll is done! Leviathan Wakes is our July pick.


EMAIL
Hey Veronica and Tom!
I just posted this in the ""What Else Are You Reading?"" forum and wanted to make sure you saw it since I know you like supporting cool Kickstarter projects. This one is a ""techno epic/spiritual fiction"" graphic novel created by Wired magazine co-founder Kevin Kelly with several talented writers and artists and they've already completed the free-to-read book one and are looking for funding for book two.
Here's the post in GoodReads: The Silver Cord - free graphic novel
Here's the Kickstarter page: The Silver Cord -- A Techno-Epic Graphic Novel
I love the show and would love hearing about this in a future episode!
Thanks,
Dan

 

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

S&L Podcast - #104 - Live at Nerdtacular 2012

S&L Podcast - #103 - Interview with Seanan McGuire

Ha! Didn't think you were getting an audio podcast this week did you? Well, we had a chance to interview Seanan McGuire, who also writes as Mira Grant, and we jumped at the opportunity to talk about zombies, SFSqueecast and Low Men in Yellow Coats. We think you'll like hearing about it too.
Interview!
Thanks everyone for your questions!
Addendums

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

 

S&L Podcast - #103 - Interview with Seanan McGuire

S&L Podcast - #102 - I, Dictator

It's a roller-coaster ride of emotions this week, as we say goodbye to one of science fiction's greatest writers, revel in swordfighting, and declare Veronica all-powerful.  But there's also voting for the July book pick.  Don't let all that democracy go to your head though.
WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?
Veronica: Charles Shaw Shiraz 

QUICK BURNS

BARE YOUR SWORD
Thanks to Sean for setting up Listopias! Vote for your favorite books. 
TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

BOOK CHECK-IN

EMAIL
Hello Tom and Veronica,
In your last episode you mentioned that you noticed that fantasy seems to be more popular in later years than scifi, after which veronica immediately dissmissed the notion and attributed it to the popularity of game of thrones. It is not true, although game of thrones is extremely popular it's popularity is a simptom and not a cause.
It is a well known fact that scifi had been slowing down as a ganre for 30 years, and in the same time the fantasy ganre had been on the rise, and it seems that during the last decade these trends had became more prominent.
Love your show,
Shaul from Israel.
Keeping a candle in the window for scifi.
---
ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.

 

S&L Podcast - #102 - I, Dictator

S&L Podcast - #101 - Interview with Todd McCaffrey at BayCon 2012

We set out to interview author Todd McCaffrey at BayCon 2012, but it ended up turning into a wonderful conversation about dragons, bacteria, space travel, and big ideas. Veronica also gets very flustered when asked to describe an "Anne McCaffrey dragon."

S&L Podcast - #101 - Interview with Todd McCaffrey at BayCon 2012

S&L Podcast - #100 - We're Old!

It's our 100th episode and we're having a party.  But some of you are not having a party with our book pick. Well, you can just Farcast out of here! Kidding! It's OK if you Lem it. Borges tells you why.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: Maker's Mark

Veronica: Cupcake Vineyards Red Velvet 

100 Episodes! Here's what we used to sound like.

QUICK BURNS

Finally, Harry Potter Is Touching Down on Amazon’s Kindle 

Brush up on your Game of Thrones history with these animated shorts 

Fantasy Novels That Will Restore Your Faith in Humanity 

Jack Williamson on what the future meant in the era of scientifiction 

A New Translation of The One Russian Science Fiction Novel You Absolutely Must Read

Parsec Awards 

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD

Penny Arcade on China Mieville 

How do you take your audiobooks? 

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

Fox, Ridley Scott nab film rights to self-published sci-fi series 

BOOK CHECK-IN

Hyperion by Dan Simmons 

Where do we stand on the June book?

Hyperion... LEMMED! 

Other Dan Simmons work 

2013 Hyperion Movie 

EMAIL

Hey Tom & Veronica!

I just found out about you guys, and Geek & Sundry, in general. I'm super stoked: to hear Gaimen and Dick being thrown out there brings warm fuzzies to my book-lovin' heart. I enjoy what (be it your personality and literary smarts) and who (the authors!) your bring to the table. Can't wait for the next installment.

As for a dragon name, how about "Gelf"? 

A gelf can be a elven creature (sword); a genetically enhanced life form (laser); or can be anything you want it to be (in our line of business, imagination is everything). See Urban Dictionary for more details. A-a-a-nd, for bonus points, it was a Gelfling that merged the Skexis and urRu into one awesome whole- just like you guys have have brought the sword and laser communities together and the yet-to-be-named dragon seems to be half traditional dragon and half... MechaGodzilla. =) 

Anyway, you rock.

Sincerely,

Aaron

ADDENDUMS

NAME! THAT! DRAGON! 

Secret Identity 

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers. For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword

S&L Podcast - #100 - We're Old!

S&L Podcast - #99 - The Game of Sword Picks

It's an epic struggle... With The Magicians finally given our last words, and Hyperion by Dan Simmons kicked off, attention turns to the June "sword" pick. But while Veronica struggles with her penchant for democracy and her desire for supreme power, she comes up against one sobering fact: In the game of sword picks, you win or you read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

Tom: 2009 Château Haut-Sorillon

Veronica: St. george Absinthe Verte

QUICK BURNS

Neal Stephenson on Science Fiction, Building Towers 20 Kilometers High ... and Insurance

Sci-fi author sues Ubisoft over Assassin's Creed copyright infringement

Macmillan’s Tor/Forge goes DRM-free

IO9 listing the top 100 albums sff fans should listen to 

10 Untranslatable Words (And When You’ll Want to Use Them) 

CALENDAR 

BARE YOUR SWORD

Other Polarizing Books 

Author Promo (Share Your Stuff!) > Help, please, oh gods of science

What Else Are You Reading? > Any fans of tie-in fiction? 

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

Warner Bros. releases 'Casablanca,' 'Ben-Hur,' and other scripts as enhanced ebooks

BOOK WRAP-UP 

The Magicians by Lev Grossman 

Last thoughts! We will have Mr. Grossman on the next video episode of Sword and Laser so submit your questions on GoodReads.

Next book will be Hyperion by Dan Simmons 

Won the Hugo in 1989 - First book of the Hyperion Cantos (which some people may get bugged by because it definitely leads into a series)

From Wikipedia:

It's what is called a Frame Story - A frame story (also frame tale, frame narrative, etc.) is a literary technique that sometimes serves as a companion piece to a story within a story, whereby an introductory or main narrative is presented, at least in part, for the purpose of setting the stage either for a more emphasized second narrative or for a set of shorter stories. The frame story leads readers from a first story into another, smaller one (or several ones) within it. Mimics the canterbury Tales in many ways.  Stories are told on a pilgrimage.

Hyperion is in development for a 2013 release (definitely subject to change since it hasn't started production yet). According to a 2008 io9 report the writer Trevor Sands will simplify Hyperion and mash it up with the sequel Fall of Hyperion http://io9.com/375998/dan-simmons-hyperion-books-will-be-smooshed-together-into-one-movie

And we're working on the June Pick.

EMAIL / VOICEMAILS

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First, I love the show. I'm a fellow podcaster over at Guys Can Read. We do book reviews and interviews with authors like R. A. Salvatore and Daniel H. Wilson. 

Also, I thought your listeners would be interested in my book launch into space! Here is the video. If you need any other media information just let me know. 

Hope you guys enjoy!

Kevin

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ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers.For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service. For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.


S&L Podcast - #99 - The Game of Sword Picks

S&L Podcast - #98 - Stop Saying Lady Cave!

If you thought the audio podcast would get shorter because of our video show, you were not right. We have almost a full hour of discussion about why we like dark fantasy, what makes C.S. Lewis so cool, and the ups, downs, ins, and outs of Quentin Coldwater and The Magicians. Also Veronica keeps saying "lady cave" because she thinks it's funny.  It's funny.

WHAT ARE WE DRINKING?

What We're Drinking" segment needs an S&L name 

Tom: Racer 5 IPA 

Veronica: 2009 Mandolin Cabernet Sauvignon 

QUICK BURNS

New cover art: Abercrombie, Sanderson, Banks, Sapkowski 

Publisher hails CS Lewis 'space trilogy' e-book debut

Writing advice from C.S. Lewis was both adorable and concise 

The Year’s Best Science Fiction and Fantasy Books for Libertarians 

Over 2/3 of U.S. libraries offer e-books; 28% lend e-readers 

Cover art and blurb for Peter F. Hamilton's GREAT NORTH ROAD

CALENDAR

BARE YOUR SWORD

FAQ - A Sword and Laser Primer for New Members 

Lev Grossman says what fantasy is about 

Send us videos! 

TV, MOVIES AND VIDEO GAMES

Full episode list for Season 2 of GAME OF THRONES 

GAME OF THRONES renewed for a third season 

BOOK CHECK-IN

The Magicians by Lev Grossman 

Meta-mockery of the fantasy genre? 

Courage of your convictions when referencing other books? 

A Case of Loose Ends? 

EMAIL

Hello Tom & Veronica,

i've just watched the first video version of Sword & Laser on Youtube, and i totally loved it!

I have a small question you guys can hopefully help me out with.

I've recently sold my tablet (the poor thing was collection dust on the shelf), but now i'm finding myself getting back into e-books.

I could read them on my smartphone, but the small screen makes me want to turn it off after a few minutes.

Reading them on the computer works sometimes, but my concentration levels aren't as high as i hoped, i usually find myself surfing the web withint 10-15 minutes.

Audiobooks may be a solution, and i am currently listening to one, narrated by your first guest Scott Sigler. However, i was hoping to somehow combine this with reading e-books.

Any tips on how to make it easier to read e)books for an hour at a time without reinvesting in a tablet or any other devices would be appreciated!

Love the show, your dragon definitely needs some patting :)

Sincerely,

JP

ADDENDUMS

This podcast is brought to you by Audible.com the internet’s leading provider of audiobooks with more than 100,000 downloadable titles across all types of literature and featuring audio versions of many New York Times Best Sellers.

For listeners of this podcast, Audible is offering a free audiobook, to give you a chance to try out their service.

For a free audiobook of your choice go to audiblepodcast.com/sword.  

S&L Podcast - #98 - Stop Saying Lady Cave!