brentano's is part of Waldenbooks

Ah, well. If there's no independentish bookstores nearby to patronise, what's to be done? I'm sure I'm missing something in Santa Monica, but between Westwood Blvd, Westside Pavilion and Century City, I'd have to pass a lot of chain places to get there.

It's actually worse than I thought-- it's part of Borders now: [link] and it just joined with Amazon.

eta: Burrell gave me a gift certificate to a bookstore on the west side that is still independent. Wish I could remember the name. It was B something.

I think I know the one you mean, now that you mention it. In Santa Monica, I think, maybe north of Wilshire. Near 3rd.

Waldenbooks has been part of Borders for at least 15 years -- maybe closer to 20. For whatever little that's worth.

(edit to correct dates: Brentano's and Walden's were both bought by K-mart in 1984, Borders in 1992.)

Aha! It's D for Dutton's, not B [link]

I didn't realize that Amych (obviously).

I can remember in the 70s (high school for me) when the Waldenbooks that opened in the mall was like the greatest store I'd ever seen. That was just about the same time that fantasy fiction took off in a big big way and suddenly there was something really cool each and every time I went there. t /nostalgic

I didn't realize that

And all of it's part of K-mart.

I think I was thinking of a different store. Maybe I'll drive by them both tomorrow.

I strongly suspect, if there is a heaven, that my mother extended heartfelt sympathies to the dearly departed members of Red Sox Nation. Then she went and joined a loud and exuberant party for the White Sox fans. First time the White Sox won a post-season series in 88 years – since the 1917 World Series.

Last night when it was over, I could hear my Dad say, "Red Sox lost, Cindy." My father totally joined the exuberant party for the White Sox fans, because hey! Party.

This is an important step in their development. Loving something that will break their hearts. And continuing to love it anyway.

It really is. They'll be well prepared for parenthood, and fandom. Benjamin broke my heart with his heartbreak last night. White-fonted because he'd kill me...

He cried a couple of different times after the game. My poor little guy. Little boys appear much bigger on the outside than they are on the inside.

I've got to run. We're off to the Circus.

It is rainy and disgusting here. Started raining last night and teh morning radio told me I should expect it for 36 more hours. UGH. It is muggy and gross.

I was up and out before 9, gave platelets, picked up a gift. Then hurried back to be here before 12 since the cable appointment is sometime btw 12-4. I go into a mad rush of cleaning and straightening and my place looks pretty damn good.

At 1, maintenance from the building comes to remove one of my window a/c's. That went smoothly.

I hope the cable guy has an extra DVR box with him, because I am 99% sure that cat vomit is why mine isn't working and I will just need a new one.