View from the Top
On the Cover: The Gold Bug. By Amanda Wachob.
Meditation Moment: An excerpt from Be Generous by David Marell.
Esteemed Reader: Jason Stern on what's really valuable in business.
Letters: Feedback from the skeptics, fans, and critics.

Feature
TheTuamotus: Kayaking 3,000 miles across Paradise. By Jon Bowermaster.

Backbone
Lucid Dreaming: "No Place" to Go. Beth Elaine Wilson on the Venice Biennale.

Life in the Balance: Evergreen Energy Fest. Susan Piperato on an eco-party.
Frankly Speaking: The Great Experiment. Frank Crocitto smells a rat.

Ear Whacks : Suzanne Vega profile, CD Reviews, Nightlife Notes, Summer Music Festivals.
Quarter to Three: Nanny Tumult. Musings by Sparrow.
Planet Waves: Greetings from Earth Island. By Eric Francis. Plus Horoscopes.

News & Politics
A Force That Moves Us: Lorna Tychostup talks with journalist Chris Hedges.
What's Happening (Really): The view from Iraq with Lorna Tychostup.

Community Notebook
Our Community, Our News: Woodstock Poetry Festival 2003; A Mad Sensibility.

The Art of Business
Well-Oiled: Ana Marie Cordeiro's organic olive oil. By Mala Hoffman.
The Brazen Careerist: Credit for ideas is overrated. By Penelope Trunk.

Tastings
Chef's Spotlight: Phil Milano of Spumoni Gardens in Pine Plains shares his recipe for Tuscan Shrimp and Cannelini Beans.

Whole Living Guide
Malignant Self-Actualization Syndrome: By Dr. Trevor Turner.

Parting Shot
Cup: A sepia-toned print by Christine Rodin.