View from the Top
On the Cover: A Japanese woodcut.
Esteemed Reader: Jason Stern opts out of the blame game.
Letters: Feedback from the skeptics, fans, and critics.

Feature
Desperately Seeking Housing: In the first of a two-part series, Todd Paul investigates the local housing shortage.

Backbone
Lucid Dreaming: A River Runs Through It Part 2. Beth E. Wilson on big box culture.
Life in the Balance: How to Build a Sustainable Future. By Susan Piperato.



Frankly Speaking: Celebrate the Sage. Frank Crocitto on Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Ear Whacks: Protest music profile. CD Reviews, Nightlife Notes.
Quarter to Three: Longest Letter. Musings by Sparrow.



Planet Waves: A Visit to the Dawn of Sex. By Eric Francis. Plus Horoscopes.

News & Politics
Iraq is a Trial Run: V.K. Ramachandran interviews Noam Chomsky on changes in US foreign policy.
The Briefing Room: Deadly Depleted Uranium, Private Cops in Iraq.

Community Notebook
Our Community, Our News: Time to Make the Cheese; Of Muckrakers & Professors, A Good Place to Rest.

The Art of Business
The Stories Behind Local Commerce: A Mad Scientist Goes Underground.

Tastings
Chef's Spotlight: Todd Mullins of Machu Picchu shares his recipe for Ceviche Mixto.

Whole Living Guide
Portion Distortion: Shannon M. Brownlee on the fattening of America.

Parting Shot
Big Baby Jesus saves at Hell Bank, maggotbrain! by Noah Lyon.