Listeners,

We are back with A. the show in general AND B. specifically our “Publishing Players” show this week.  Everyone knows, being an author myself, that I’m a big fan of having authors on the show, and the two guests this week certainly don’t disappoint.  This week I’m coming to you from Santa Monica not Manhattan, which is a nice change for me…trading buildings for beaches.

Also, in “Spencer Speaks” this week, my self-proclaimed witty, insightful commentary, you’ll hear about Gene Hackman’s latest LITERARY project, a book that has now moved into my all-time Top 5, the best bowling story I’ve come across, and the need for the world to aid Myanmar swiftly.

This week’s lineup of guests includes:

Marisa Silver: Here to discuss her latest novel, The God of War.  Marisa is so talented, but also has a great take on what goes into the writing process and the power of the written word.  Beyond The God of War, her collection of stories, Babes in Paradise, was a New York Times Notable Book and a Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year.

Robert St. John: Author, Restaurateur, Syndicated Columnist, Chef, and a true Entrepreneur, here to discuss his outstanding cookbook, New South Grilling: Fresh and Exciting Recipes from the Third Coast.  His perspective on how he became a “publishing player,” really with very little knowledge of the industry is an incredible story.  He had a great concept and a business model that was working.  Writing books was just the next step.

I hope you enjoy this week’s show!

Best,

Eric

Listeners,

Okay, so maybe it’s not as compelling as “All Hail Caesar,” but I would like to point out that Apple has probably done a lot more for the world than most of the rulers of Rome (no disrespect intended).

You may wonder why this career Dell computer user, firmly attached to Windows Vista with my latest laptop, would be raving about Apple.  Is he excited about the iPhone, despite its ridiculous over-promotion, or is it the new paper thin Mac laptop?  The answer my friends is neither.

Those are both incredible advancements, as is the iPod.  I mean, think about it.  A broadcast of audio over the Internet is called a “Podcast.”  That’s how pervasive Apple has become in our culture. 

Everyone who knows me is aware of the fact that I always have my iPod with me…walking in NY, waiting at the Dr.’s office, running (with my special headphones and arm band), in the shower…okay maybe not to that degree yet.

But getting back to the reason for this post, my iTunes (which stores all of my precious songs) got corrupted when my computer crashed randomly.  Anyway, not knowing how to fix the computer portion and afraid to connect my iPod (which correctly had all of my songs), I turned to the magic of the Apple Store.  If you have one of these where you live, go to it immediately.  I went on the Internet and found one in Santa Monica just two blocks away (normally I would go to the one close to me in Manhattan, but I’m out in my “2nd home” this week). 

Anyway, I show up on Saturday morning (after having made an electronic appointment through their website).  In no time, a very tech savvy person had fixed my problems, gotten me back all of my songs, and had me ready to be on my way.  Total cost: 0.  Zip. Zilch. Nil. 

I was going to head out, but then I looked around.  An Apple guy was giving a video presentation of the history of Apple, its current products, and where it’s going from here to a surprisingly full house (considering the time of the morning).  All around the store were clerks with scanners and credit card processors (no more waiting in line to check out, you can simply purchase your item while you are standing next to its display).  They all wear nametags that are in the shape of iPods.  It’s brilliant marketing and branding.

In short, the place was buzzing.  I’ve always thought of computer or audio stores as being rather boring.  Not at the Apple Store.  They give you the EXPERIENCE, in addition to access to their knowledge if you need help and also the ability to purchase one of their roughly 8 million products.  While writing this post, the number probably went up another 100,000.

Steve Jobs, you know I’m a big fan.  Well, maybe you don’t.  But now you do.  My hat is off once again!  You have helped build an amazing company.  I’d be lost without it!

Best,

Eric