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4.21.2001 3:43 AM Mucho congrads to Bill and Karla for 10 years of wedded bliss. Now, which would they prefer as anniverary gifts: tin or diamond jewelry? Sean Hackbarth | 2:46 AM The American Booksellers Association which represents a few thousand independent bookstores settled their lawsuit with Barnes & Noble and Borders. The independents claimed that the two chains illegally got discounts and subsidies from publishers. The chains argued that they had economies of scale that justified the discounts. The also argued that many independents negotiated favorable deals. Before I go on, I must be forthcoming: I work at a Barnes & Noble in Milwaukee. In fact, I probably work for the biggest (both in variety and in volume) and best bookstore in the area. Back to the lawsuit. Last month, the judge ruled against the independents and that forced this week's settlement. What I found astounding is that some independents were relying on the suit to give them a competitive edge. Incorporating a lawsuit into a business model doesn't seem to be the smartest idea. Some independents even think the suit wasted resources that could have been spend on developing a cooperative online bookstore. One independent bookseller said, "I think that they [ABA] went in the wrong direction." Another interesting note is that the ABA bankrolled the suit from a settlement with Penguin Putnam. One more thing: three cheers for free trade! There will always be a place for independent booksellers. I have a dream one day of visiting Powells in Portland. Independents can fill those quirky niches that the chains won't touch. Hopefully, they will learn that vigorous experimentation and creativity, and not wasteful lawsuits, will best help them survive. "Small Bookshops End Fight, Dropping Suit Against Chains" Sean Hackbarth | 4.19.2001 4:42 PM Alex Abramovich writes a nice ode to Joey Ramone. "Bop Till You Drop" Sean Hackbarth | 4:37 PM The Cincinnati Enquirer has brief summaries of the 15 blacks killed by police officers in the past few years in Cincinnati. Based on this information, I have little sympathy for the rioters who shut down the city last week. At most, three of the deaths are suspect and two policemen are under indictment. Stories of 15 Black Men Killed by Police Since 1995 Sean Hackbarth | 4.18.2001 3:44 AM Rich Lowry, National Review editor and non-mayoral candidate, on what President Bush should do with his tax-cut plan:
"Growth Gap" Sean Hackbarth | 4.16.2001 2:18 AM One of the best things about Easter is all the egg salad you can eat for days after. YUM! Egg Salad III Sean Hackbarth | 2:05 AM Working for a free trade zone covering the Western Hemisphere is a great idea, but instead of waiting for all the nations to agree to a huge document (including thousands of exceptions and loopholes) the U.S. should just begin unilaterally lowering its own tariffs and trade barriers with these countries. Come on President Bush. Set up the U.S. as a shining example of free trade. "Americas Ministers Set 2005 FTAA Deadline" Sean Hackbarth | 1:00 AM Godspeed, Joey. "Punk Pioneer Joey Ramone Dead at 49" Sean Hackbarth | 4.15.2001 2:11 AM For the really lonely, introverted guy, there's Jail Babes. The funny part is reading the personal ads and realizing that these women are in jail. There's lovely Darbie who is "a pretty easy going girl but I am always ready to try new things or go new places." Darbie won't be released until 2015! No going to "new places" for her for a while. Nevertheless, she wants "a single white male who is financially stable, emotionally secure and ready for a serious relationship." You just have to wait 14 years to kiss her. Then there's Jessica who's looking for any man between the ages of 18 and 99 (not very picky). Jessica is "outgoing" (while in jail) and "aggressive" (probably why she won't be released until 2002). She enjoys "relaxing" (can do plenty sitting in a cell) and "wild sex" (does she have her own girlfriend yet?). There's Carol who thinks she's a better person for being in jail. Good for you, Carol. Finally, there's Jennifer. She's "sweeter than candy and very sensitive." But how sweet and sensitive was she to be stuck in a California lock up until 2003? Sean Hackbarth | 1:38 AM The answer is obviously soda, but I'm heavily biased due to my geographical upbringing. The Pop vs. Soda Page [via memepool] Sean Hackbarth | |
ABOUT When I'm not pondering the fate of the universe, I'm reading, writing, or selling books. Here you'll find comments on politics, culture, books, and music. Not necessarily in that order. MAILBOX sean--at--theamericanmind.com  Support democracy and human rights in Iraq! 
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