It's a sad day for Boston independent radio and the local music scene in general as news came down this morning that venerable station WFNX has been sold to media conglomerate Clear Channel, a sale sure to instill a significant void on the radio landscape.

Since its inception in 1983, WFNX was always a cherished source for alternative playlists, and a haven for discovering local acts. That appreciation flowed from disappointed fans on Twitter all day, all tossing their support to the staff who lost their jobs today, as well as disappointment that another independent Boston radio station will soon be no longer. Stephen M. Mindich, founder of station owner Phoenix Media, announced the sale in a letter to the Boston Phoenix this morning.

Clear Channel also released a statement this morning, saying in part, "WFNX will remain on the air during time it takes to complete the FCC approval process, and events and concerts -- such as the Best Music Poll (June 13th) and the Seaport Six (June 14th) -- will take place as scheduled."

As for 'FNX itself, there is speculation that the station could live on in some sort of online capacity, but its days as a beloved destination on the dial are soon to be over.

Get reading, Boston.

Using sales data from all book, magazine and Kindle sales since June 1, 2011, online retailer Amazon.com determined that Alexandria, Va. is the most well-read city in America, followed by Cambridge, which came in at No. 2.

Boston? Not in the Top 20.

Odd.

According to Amazon, Cambridge readers "topped the list for ordering the most books in the Business & Investing category," which makes sense considering its home to Harvard and MIT. But still, it's some surprise that Boston doesn't make the list, even if you simply consider the amount of time commuters spend on the MBTA, whether the trains are on time or not.

Orlando, St. Louis, and Atlanta are apparently better-read cities than Boston. Or, maybe Bostonians simply prefer Barnes and Noble and independent bookstores. Couldn't be that, right?

Whether it's brunch or the annual Make Way for Ducklings Parade, if you're looking for last-minute Mother's Day plans, there is plenty to do in Boston on Sunday.

Following what is supposed to be a stellar Saturday (75 degrees and sunny) in Massachusetts, Sunday looks to be a little more unsettled, with warmer temperatures and an afternoon shower predicted, but such a threat should in no way prevent you from heading out and celebrating the special woman in your life.

So, take a hike, hit the beach, or just relax at home with Mom on Sunday.

I had the chance to meet and work alongside Carl Beane a decade ago, and always knew that the man's deep baritone was destined for greatness. Less than a year later, the man auditioned for the open position of Red Sox public address announcer and made it his own. Anybody who had heard his voice prior to that wasn't the least bit surprised.

Beane died yesterday after suffering a heart attack while driving. He was 59. The outpouring of memories and reflections on what the man meant to Red Sox fans today has been truly special, and the team will pay tribute to Beane during tonight's game against the Cleveland Indians by having no PA announcer in the booth.

It's a fitting gesture, and one that certainly won't go unnoticed. Beane followed in the footsteps of his idol Sherm Feller, who would have been more than supportive of the way Beane upheld his legacy at Fenway Park.

For a truly beautiful personal account of Beane the man, be sure and read Mike Petraglia's essay over on WEEI.com. It's a wonderful love letter to a man who was quite obviously a deep, personal friend.

Fenway won't be the same without Beane, who has left some enormous shoes to fill.