In Dallas, Border's puts "men's" magazines, most sealed in plastic wrappers, next to the gun and general outdoor magazines. Also nearby are the scientific titles (astronomy, archaeology,etc.) and the history stuff. Muscle and fitness mags go right under the, "Playboy", "FHM", etc. material.
Just around the corner in one store (across the aisle in the other) are the aircraft mags.
I don't think they intend to disrespect shooters; the idea seems to be to clump titles with primarily male interest together.
They don't carry any "porn" mags, although I personally think that, "Penthouse" is borderline, and don't read it. I wouldn't ban it (I don't believe in censorship other than for minors or if the material involves bestiality or the (mostly mythical) snuff films. But there is good taste and bad taste, and I avoid titles that I regard as being in poor taste. Border's does carry some gay matter, and I personally have a sense that the chain may be owned by or cater to gays/lesbians. They certainly employ clerks who look to be hippies or others at the fringes of respectable society. So does Half-Price Books. I'm embarrassed to have to deal with these people, and the book stores seem to draw them like a magnet (as employees). Many are also rude and/or clueless.
Barnes & Noble across from North Park Mall has a generally classier staff and the store is overall exemplary, except that it serves Starbuck's coffee or something very like it. (To a coffee enthusiast, this is mud!) They need to at least stock Twining's or Bigelow's teas in the restaurant area, and get some better pastries. Border's dining is a little better, in the main. Girlwatching is pretty good in both, most nights. B&N tends to get more sleek women, maybe because it's across from an upscale mall where they also shop.
By the way (this seems to be somewhat germane to the topic
), I've talked to two Playmates in one Border's and to one of them also at a nearby grocery store. (Angela Little, a few months before her centerfold appearance, and Amanda Hope.) They were just in the store shopping; both read quite a lot, and were fun to talk to. I told Angela that I'm a freelance writer (true) and asked her about some ideas for articles at women's magazines. She was very helpful; we talked for about 40 minutes. I had no idea then that she'd be a Playmate a couple of months later, or go on to appear on TV. I recognized Hope (at least knew she looked familiar) and after we'd talked awhile, she mentioned having played clarinet in the Army band, and it clicked. She was witty and cordial, if a bit cynical at times.
By the way, B&N has, "Tactical Knives", one of the two places where I can find it in Dallas. Both B&N and Border's carry the other knife mags and most gun titles.
Sorry this went on a bit, but it may be of interest to those members who live in or visit Dallas, the center of the civilized world.
(Hey: Texans are proud people!)
Lone Star
