LETTER FROM THE EDITOR:

ver think you've got it bad, and your life couldn't possibly get worse? You might want to bookmark this article for future reference. The individual profiled within made mistakes, and he's paying for them -- with interest -- daily. The article is much more than a cry for sympathy, though. It's a cautionary tale about what can and does happen to people whose background simply does not prepare them for life. This should be required reading for anybody who has ever repeated the mantra "It takes a village" without really thinking about what it means.

There's plenty more thought-provoking reading where that came from. A story titled "Salamander Setback" exemplifies a conflict being played out in many cities across the country: endangered-species environmentalism versus public land use. Strangely, this time big business has postured itself on the side of the environmentalists. Are there ulterior motives? Does Smoky the Bear wear a funny hat?

Other stories recount recent conflicts over Bilingual Education, Justice Clarence Thomas's right to be included in political discussion, and Microsoft's illegally integrated software.

Then there are the opinion pieces, and frankly, they're a weird bunch. All odes to Barry Goldwater aside, why are columnists writing about tupperware parties, nasty colds and President Clinton's use of Viagra? There must be something going around.

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Plastic, Oh No! [10]
Feminist sensibilities battle the desire for burpable plastic lids.
— Kayte VanScoy, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 
Out of Season [11]
John Bridges gets a summer head cold -- and nobody cares.
— John Bridges, NASHVILLE SCENE
 
Triple Trouble [12]
A buddy of Walter Jowers discovers that weirdness comes in threes.
— Walter Jowers, NASHVILLE SCENE
 
Mr. Smarty Pants [13]
Our resident know-it-all unearths the latest trivia.
— R.U. Steinberg, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 

Now What? [14]
Can't get enough news? You're in luck -- more news is created every day. Our Now What? page offers a plethora of recommended links to help keep you living in the present.
— WEEKLY WIRE
 

Father Figure [2]
Eugene Bassham has seen more than any 18-year-old ever should have, and he wants others to learn from his lessons.
— Beverly Keel, NASHVILLE SCENE
 
Standing Up to the PC Gendarmes [3]
Hats off to Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Bernette Johnson for standing up to the Thought Police in the National Bar Association by inviting U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to address the NBA's Judicial Council.
— Clancy DuBos, GAMBIT WEEKLY
 
Salamander Setback [4]
Is there room enough for both swimmers and salamanders in Barton Springs pool?
— Robert Bryce, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 
Grassy Knoll Syndrome? [5]
Choice excerpts from letters to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service foreshadowing the current battle over pool closure.
— AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 
Viva Bilingual Ed [6]
Texas won't likely be following in the footsteps of California's recent vote to curtail bilingual education.
— Lisa Tozzi, AUSTIN CHRONICLE
 
A Convergence of Techies [7]
The ITEC Expo was a geek's holiday -- but where was Apple?
— James Hanback Jr., NASHVILLE SCENE
 

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Barry's Legend [8]
Don't expect the boffo box-office the death of Arizona's favorite straight-tongued son-of-a-Jewish drygoods dealer did last week to spark some renaissance in political plain-speaking.
— Jeff Smith, TUCSON WEEKLY
 
Starr Should Subpoena Viagra [9]
And President Clinton shouldn't be so cocky.
— SALT LAKE CITY WEEKLY
 

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