View from the Top
On the Cover: My Sister, a painting by Bonnie Smith.
Meditation Moment: An excerpt from Be Generous by David Marell.

Esteemed Reader: Jason Stern urges us to step into the discomfort of real honesty.
Letters: A reader wonders about Lorna Tychostup’s “career” as a human shield.

Feature
Bad Air Day: Todd Paul explains why Hudson Valley air receives a failing grade.


Backbone
Lucid Dreaming: Is Resistance Futile? Beth Wilson on the work of Giovanna Feola
Life in the Balance: The Gift of Uplift. Susan Piperato on a new form of philanthropy.

Frankly Speaking: The Panama Kid Rides Again. Frank Crocitto and a famous hat.
Ear Whacks: Dave "Capt. X" Roufberg profile, CD Reviews, Nightlife Notes.



Quarter to Three: Peace Hair Hat. Musings by Sparrow.
Planet Waves: One Percent. By Eric Francis. Plus Horoscopes.
Poetica: Poems by Samuel Claiborne, Jeff Garrett, Lyn Lifshin, and Will Nixon.

News & Politics
Bomb Before You Buy: Naomi Klein examines the economic impetus for war.



American Hero: Lorna Tychostup interviews former ambassador Joseph Wilson.

Community Notebook
Breakfast at Shanahan’s: Nina Shengold talks with the New Yorker cartoonist.

Catskill Renovations: Tree McElhinney looks into the new Catskill Master Plan.

The Art of Business
Film Buff: Mala Hoffman on the business of owning an independent movie house.

Tastings
At the Table: Pauline Uchmanowicz talks with Lori Selden of Hudson’s Mexican Radio.

Whole Living Guide
The Happy (Ex) Couple: Sharon Nichols on the benefits of divorce mediation.

Parting Shot
El Moro, Puerto Rico: A silver gelatin print by James Ferrara.