View from the Top

On the Cover:Ahead of the Storm, Christie Scheele.
Esteemed Reader: Jason Stern wonders what's behind the twaddle.
Letters: Praise and condemnation for our efforts.


Backbone

Lucid Dreaming: Material Vision. Beth E. Wilson reviews the local art scene.
Life in the Balance: Is Organic Growing Becoming Onerous? By Susan Piperato.
Frankly Speaking: Answering the Call. Frank Crocitto spins a yarn.



Ear Whacks: The Big Empty, CD Reviews, Nightlife Notes.



Quarter to Three: The Wise Man and the Troll. Musings by Sparrow.
Planet Waves : Cosmic Child . By Eric Francis. Plus Horoscopes.
Poetica: Poems by Wayne Civita, Mikhail Horowitz, Jim Kenny, and Elaine Mills.

Community Notebook

Our Community, Our News: Interview with Dr. Lee Miringoff, Lila's Breast, Portfolio Day at Mill St. Loft.

Whole Living Guide

Off Target: Problems with Vaccinations: Dylana Accolla investigates the largely unquestioned role of vaccines in public health.

Feature
Mindy Lewis: Inside A Life Inside: Amanda Bader profiles author Mindy Lewis about her memoir on mental illness.

Room for a View
Special Report: Green Power Comes Home to New York: Todd Paul explains recent changes that make clean energy easier for buy for the home.
Commentary: Hidden Casualties of Gulf War I: David H. Hackworth examines the secret killer of US soldiers: Gulf War Illness.
Editorial: Congress Watch: The Resolution to Invade Iraq: Jack Smith reports on how local representatives voted.

News and Views: Accuracy in Reporting, State of the First Amendment, ACLU to the Rescue, Fraud in Florida Recap, National Energy Policy Group Revelation.

Tastings

Chef's Spotlight: Emilio Maya of Milagros shares his recipe for Empanadas.

The Art of Business


The Stories Behind Local Commerce: Mala Hoffman visits the new River Rock health spas; Jane Smith reports on the revitalization of Main Street in Poughkeepsie.

Parting Shot

Untitled (Two White/Two Black), an etching by Glenn Ligon.