View from the Top

On the Cover: An untitled polaroid collage by Marcy B. Freedman.
Esteemed Reader: Jason Stern anticipates the possibility of a new year.
Letters: The subtleties of political systems, and other praises.



Backbone

Lucid Dreaming: The Spirit of Giving. Beth E. Wilson reviews the local art scene.
Life in the Balance: 'Tis the Season... to Get Junk Mail. By Susan Piperato.

Frankly Speaking: When the World Stood Still. Frank Crocitto on stillness.
Ear Whacks: Harvey Kaiser profile, CD Reviews, Nightlife Notes.

Quarter to Three: Trenton Makes; The World Takes. Musings by Sparrow.
Planet Waves : The State of the Universe. By Eric Francis. Plus Horoscopes.
Poetica: Poems by Anne Byrer, R. Ferrusi,Chimaobi Philips, Ryan Thornsberry.

Community Notebook

Our Community, Our News: Adopted Cambobian Children, Dyson Foundation Profile, Woodstock Glassworks.

Whole Living Guide

Off Target, Part II: Calling the Shots: Dylana Accolla examines the side-effects and efficacy rates of vaccines.

Feature
Searching for My Bumper Sticker: Will Nixon embarks on a humorous quest for a defining car slogan.

Room for a View
Commentary: Why Bush Wants to Destroy Saddam: Bill Christison compares two fake reaons and three real ones for war on Iraq.
Report: Common Denominators of the Aftereffects of War: Lorna Tychostup reports on effects of combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder.
Women in Black: Portrait of a Peace Movement: Cassady Casey profiles a grass roots group of women who stand silent for peace.

News and Views: Up in Smoke, White House Welcomes Iran-Contra Criminals, Shop Before You Drop, Brits Fear Bush.

Tastings

Chef's Spotlight: Bob Bruno of El Coqui shares his recipe for Mofongo.

The Art of Business


The Stories Behind Local Commerce: Susan Piperato visits Behrooz Ghorbanian at Silken Wool Fine and Collectible Rugs in Warwick.

Parting Shot

Taylor and Dorothy, a B&W print by Chris Lopez.