Today’s links of interest: Units Off 3% at Nielsen BookScan OutletsOh, not good. Some photos from the IDPF ebook pavilion at CES – TOC PosterousLots of photos of the ebook explosion at this year’s CES in Vegas. The almost-great escape: Panda cub Wen Li makes a break for freedom from nursery pen – but is collared by her handlerPanda cuteness!

Today’s links of interest: CES: Microsoft Reveals HP Tablet PrototypeDamn, we hate it when Kirk is right, even if his operating system is off. The Old Value-Cost ConversationThere are, it seems, two conversations about the price of ebooks. This one should be read by every major publisher and independent minded author. Note what is not the issue for most of the commenters. Harlequin Digital InnovationsOkay, so you can tiptoe into the future or you can go all out? Of course, if you choose the former, you’re getting your butt kicked by Harlequin. If only they could bottle this stuff…

Today’s links of interest: The Value of a Publishing HouseIn which Laura Dawson says it better than we ever will: In between the opening question and the conclusion is a gap roughly the size and consistency of the La Brea tar pits. Books, periodicals among items banned from flights by Transport Canada (updated – books can now fly)Okay, then, Canada is now allowing books as carry-ons.

Today’s links of interest: Predictions 2010: Cloudy With A Chance of AlarmWhile it doesn’t seem like Michael Cairns goes out on any limbs in his 2010 publishing predictions, the final item on his list is bold indeed (ducking!). e-Books: Averting a Digital Horror StoryA look at how various publishers are trying to subvert Amazon and build market share in ebooks. Bookshops Are Dead: And I Killed ThemOur friend Eoin Purcell confesses to a crime…he didn’t work alone!

Today’s links of interest: States Close The Book On Libraries To Cut CostsThis is a big deal, people. Fight for your right to libraries. Amazon could pay for Kindle sales coynessAs much as we’d like to see real sales numbers, uh, we’re not fond of speculative pieces like this. Dreamy Sales of Jung’s ‘Red Book’ Surprises Book IndustryHmm, give the people something special and exciting and…they’ll pay big money for books!

Today’s links of interest: Some studios moving digital releases ahead of DVDWhile some studios remain stubbornly convinced there will be a rebirth of the DVD boom. Smashwords: Smashwords Year in Review, Plans for 2010Loved this post, the thoughts expressed, and the idea that making a product better and more responsive is the goal. The secret behind the Kindle’s best-selling e-books: They’re not for saleSo many things to say about this, so little time, so: this is not a surprise if you think about how books are bought, sold, and read in print form. Many are free. Most are free. The

Today’s links of interest: Liza Daly 2009 In Review – Moving From If to HowLiza Daly offers a look at her desk, technology, and the future. It’s a future we like. Kindle Total Cost of Ownership: Calculating the DRM TaxInteresting analysis, but not sure overall approach makes sense. Given ephemeral nature of type of books being purchased, seems a subscription service would be better choice. The key to literary success? Be a man — or write like one.Much to chew on here: the overwhelming choice of men for best of lists, the fact that male authors are taught in greater

Today’s links of interest: Technology Predictions Are Mostly BunkInventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for further developments, said Roman engineer Julius Sextus Frontinus in 10 A.D. Paperback Nostalgia: High Culture at Low CostMark Bertils looks at the current problems facing Canada’s McNally Robinson through the lens of other large (and defunct) independent booksellers. News flash: the book isn’t dead – yetWe’d change this headline to The book isn’t dead, it’s evolving.