On Powell's, and holiday gifts

A little bird tells me that Powell's City of Books is among the many booksellers who have suffered from the 20 percent drop in book sales this autumn. While the big-box booksellers like B&N and Borders may have gotten what's coming to them for their meat-market business practices, the independents like Powell's serve their communities by keeping the profits local.

When you're buying holiday gifts this year, think of supporting your local bookseller--in fact, Portlanders, go to Powell's TODAY--and buy some books. Aunt Frieda got a lame tin of popcorn from you last year, and your expensive friend Michael can pick out his own tea towels. And you can tell your sweetie that books are better than sex, anyway.

Not sure what to buy? Look no further than Editorial Ass's recommendations.