For me I think the August team did well today. I would have liked to have heard more from Jacob. But if this is the Gabfest "summer lineup", it won't be disappointing, just different. Like the differences between the US Office and the British one, each has its charms and stands out as a quality podcast in its own right. Assuming Jonathan Alter doesn't stay the entire month, might I suggest Timothy Noah?

I'd like to see Timothy Noah too. Then there will be 2/3 of the B Team. One thing is Tim may also be "otherwise engaged" like the gabbers.

Also, June forgot to tell us where they were recording from. June's audio closet, the NY window-less conference room, the NY window-equipped conference room, or Jacob's lavish office. It's not important, just got used to the reference. Then again, June's host, so its her show.

Auger

I had thought that June was Russian. Her accent is so thick that I wouldn't have thought that she was British.

Forgive me. Unless otherwise stated, the August Gabfests are emanating from the New York "radio room." (A grand name, but really just a closet with a few microphones and sundry audio equipment in it.) For the last few months (since Andy got called to video), I've been recording the DC-based Gabfests from New York, via an ISDN line. The wonders of technology.

June, the Gabfest podcasts always sound clear and professional. Since Slate and the Washington Post are partners (or whatever) could you pass on some technical expertise to them? Their podcasts sound like their taped on a cassette tape from inside of a trash can.

I know! I love the Washington Post podcasts, but they often have some sound issues, and it drives me nuts when the volume varies wildly from segment to segment. One of the best things about the sound quality of the gabfest is that you can turn it up loud enough to hear it on an iPod or in a car (through an iPod) and there is no hiss or static.