A rumor that the National Endowment for the Arts has delayed a Berkeley Repertory Theatre grant request, possibly for political reasons, has sent a chill through the Bay Area arts community. -more-
The St. Mary’s Panthers were facing a five-point deficit at halftime of Tuesday’s game against Berkeley High, but there was no panic in the locker room, no doubting of whether they could come back to win the game. -more-
MUSIC
OAKLAND – About 20 activists, many from Berkeley, gathered outside the Federal Building Tuesday afternoon to protest an Oct. 9 ruling by the federal government’s Drug Enforcement Agency that declared all foods made with hemp illegal. -more-
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More and more Alameda County children are going hungry and more working people are unable to make ends meet, according to a report released Tuesday by the Alameda County Community Food Bank. -more-
Students at Berkeley High during World War II busied themselves setting up Morse code clubs and selling enough war bonds to purchase two P-39 fighter planes. Across the Bay, Palo Alto High School students raised funds for a bomber with their school’s “Li’l Viking” mascot painted on the fuselage. -more-
As a public service, the Berkeley Daily Planet will list BERKELEY-BASED nonprofit agencies soliciting donations and/or volunteers. Please use the following format and e-mail by Dec. 7 to news@berkeleydailyplanet.net. -more-
WASHINGTON – The U.S. government will decide in good time what to do with an American believed to have been fighting alongside the Taliban, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Tuesday. -more-
PHOENIX – Arizona avoided millions of dollars in prison costs through a voter-approved 1996 law that requires that some drug offenders be placed on probation and provided treatment rather than locked up, a new study concludes. -more-
CARSON CITY, Nev. – A new Nevada law has enabled 57 people with serious illnesses to get licenses to use medical marijuana. Nine others have been licensed as caregivers. -more-
FAIRFAX – Word that a handful of Americans had fought alongside the Taliban came as a particular shock in Fairfax: One of them apparently spent his teen-age years in this wooded, hilly town north of San Francisco. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A new $2.6 billion eastern span for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge received its last piece of financing Tuesday when the federal government provided $450 million, Gov. Gray Davis said. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – Despite calls from some of its member doctors, the American Medical Association on Tuesday declined to endorse smallpox vaccinations for all Americans. -more-
LOS ANGELES – California will climb out of the recession with the rest of the country next spring but the pain caused by the current downturn will linger well into the year, according to a new economic forecast. -more-
SACRAMENTO – California power officials refused last week to help Enron Corp. line up power for their customers, citing credit concerns. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Critics of Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s plan for emerging from bankruptcy have filed about 70 complaints at federal bankruptcy court. -more-
Construction on the Harrison Skate Park is underway again more than a year after the project was abruptly halted when the carcinogen Chromium 6 was discovered in groundwater on the site. -more-
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Music
It’s the underwear, stupid! -more-
Gerta Farber of Oakland (11/29) muses how easily Osama bin Laden could sneak anywhere under a burka. Maybe that's why everyone's keeping an eye out for a 6-foot 5-inch Pashtun woman...... -more-
The holidays are rapidly approaching and Harry Potter toys are disappearing like magic. But all hope is not lost. Stevanne Auerbach, PhD., better known as “Dr. Toy,” can recommend 100 safe, creative and educational alternatives. -more-
The Daily Planet received a copy of the following letter written to the mayor and council: -more-
You’ve read up on how solar panels work, and now you’re considering installing them on your building to reduce your monthly electrical bill, or perhaps to have power during an emergency. But what do you do first? -more-
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Police in Berkeley say that a domestic disturbance led to the arrest of two people on suspicion of assault in what is being considered a minor standoff situation. -more-
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MENLO PARK — Ten years ago, a Stanford University physicist created the first U.S. Web site — three lines of text, with one link to e-mail and another link to a huge scientific database. -more-
SAN JOSE — Bankrupt Excite@Home reached a tentative deal to keep its fast Internet service up and running for many of its subscribers but not those with AT&T Broadband, which scrambled Monday to restore access for 520,000 accounts. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — MedImmune Inc. said Monday it will pay more than $1 billion in stock to acquire Aviron, the maker of a promising nasal-spray flu vaccine now awaiting government approval. -more-
OAKLAND — Oakland police have arrested the estranged husband of a San Jose Mercury News photographer found dead on Nov. 25. -more-
Fifty-seven of Berkeley’s public school teachers, or 9.5 percent of the 599 on staff, are not fully credentialed, according to preliminary school district figures obtained by the Daily Planet. -more-
When a team commits 32 turnovers and shoots 17 fewer free throws than its opponent, one wouldn’t expect a victory. But that’s just what the Georgia Bulldogs got on Sunday against Cal in the championship game of the Oakland Tribune Classic at Haas Pavilion. -more-
By Hank Sims -more-
South Florida’s two stars - forward B.B. Waldon and guard Altron Jackson - combined for 41 points and 25 rebounds, leading the Bulls to a 79-59 rout of Cal Saturday night. -more-
The City’s energy officer presented the City Council with an overview of a developing plan that will initiate dramatic changes in the city’s energy sources, building materials and energy education programs. -more-
Coughlin sets NCAA mark in 100 backstroke -more-
The city of Berkeley and AC Transit officials have announced that Berkeley will become the first East Bay city to launch a bus pass program for its employees. -more-
The California Highway Patrol reported a collision between two trucks that left loaves of bread strewn across the freeway in Berkeley early Saturday morning. -more-
Study: Hispanics segregated from rest of the city -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – Long before Sept. 11 brought terrorism to the top of every federal prosecutor’s agenda, U.S. attorneys and FBI agents in California were going after terrorists at one of the highest rates in the country. -more-
LOS ANGELES – Last year, hundreds of immigrant janitors marched through the streets with raised fists chanting “si se puede!” – yes, it can be done – after winning raises from employers. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – At least 16 percent of customers on ExciteAtHome’s high-speed Internet service were without access Sunday, after the bankrupt company cut off service to AT&T Broadband subscribers. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – When San Francisco Examiner Publisher Ted Fang was fired by his own mother just before Halloween, it punctuated a year of humbling setbacks in a local newspaper industry that once mirrored the Silicon Valley’s exuberance. -more-
About 100 activists gathered in West Berkeley Friday to condemn the economic policies of the pharmaceutical industry and to demand a new system for the manufacturing and distribution of essential medicines. -more-
Nestled above the south bank of Strawberry Creek, and somewhat hidden behind Barrows Hall on the UC Berkeley campus, is a small, one-story residentially scaled building with a bronze sculpture of a Pelican standing in front. Two readers have recently inquired about this quiet, but intriguing building. -more-
Though he was part of pop music’s most storied group, George Harrison formed significant and memorable partnerships with other musicians, including Ravi Shankar, Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton. -more-
Three games into the season, the Berkeley High girls’ soccer team scored its first goal of the year on Friday against Livermore, then proceeded to score three more on its way to a 4-1 victory. -more-
Leaders of the Berkeley Small Schools movement looked to middle school parents and teachers to help strengthen their base of support during a meeting at Longfellow Middle School Thursday where they geared up for a possible political battle with the Board of Education. -more-
• Feb. 25, 1943 – Harrison is born in Liverpool, England, to Harold and Louise Harrison. -more-
At its last meeting the City Council postponed a decision on whether to approve the Draft General Plan before or after its Christmas break. -more-
NEW YORK — It’s a touching tale of hope and goodwill, of believing in something overwhelmingly good. It takes place in New York 54 years ago, but it’s as meaningful today as it was then. -more-
MIAMI — John Knowles leaves behind a legacy that included nearly a half-century of writings and nine novels, but none matched the success of “A Separate Peace” — considered an enduring study of an adolescent’s inner conflict. -more-
Q. Cindy asks: Could you please tell me what is the best way to get cat urine stains out of a wooden floor? -more-
“Texas Rangers” isn’t exactly storming into theaters with guns blazing. -more-
Got a door that was trimmed off and rehung without getting repainted? Wood doors must be painted on all six sides (front, back, top, bottom and on both edges) because unpainted tops and bottoms – especially on exterior doors – allow moisture to be absorbed, which causes cracking, warping and paint failure. Bottom edges commonly are left exposed when new carpeting is installed or when a new threshold is put in place, and the door is trimmed for greater clearance. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Californians these days are seeing dreamy, romantic TV commercials inviting them to visit ... California. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A judge cleared the way for bankrupt ExciteAtHome to turn off its high-speed Internet cable network as early as Friday night, which could affect more than 4 million subscribers around the country. -more-
Mcki Weinberg, of the Israel Action Committee, was quoted out of context in Friday’s Daily Planet. His chant, “We don’t want you anyway,” was not in response to the Students for Justice in Palestine’s chant asking Ariel Sharon “how many kids have you killed today.” The full text of the IAC chant is: “Suicide bomber go away/We don’t want you anyway.” -more-
The Berkeley Daily Planet received this letter addressed to City of Berkeley Project Manager Carmella Rejan, as well as Berkeley taxpayers. -more-
Berkeley Video and Film Festival showcases two Berkeley artists during its 37-film run -more-
Jason Han glided across the floor with a series of fast round-house kicks delivered so powerfully that the UC Berkeley martial arts studio echoed with each blow. -more-
In early October George Lakoff began to receive hate mail. The correspondences followed a Wall Street Journal op-ed piece, which quoted the UC Berkeley linguistics professor as an illustration of the “imbecility” with which university professors responded to the Sept. 11 attacks and the aftermath. -more-
Cal soph holds marks in both 100- and 200- meter backstroke -more-
While the number of new AIDS cases are down in Alameda County, two Berkeley clinics are among those still fighting a pitched battle to suppress the deadly disease, which continues to increase in the county’s most vulnerable communities. -more-
The United States Soccer Federation announced this week that Cal freshman Troy Roberts has been selected to participate in the Under-20 National Team Training Camp to be held January 2-12 in Chula Vista. -more-
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If all goes according to plan, the next Tom Brokaw may emerge from Washington Communications and Technology Magnet School. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A state appeals court on Thursday limited the defenses available to California employers whose managers are accused of sexual harassment in the workplace. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Contra Costa County government was cleared Thursday in a federal suit accusing it of discriminating against women- and minority-owned businesses in awarding contracts. -more-
A rally against the pharmaceutical industry will be held today at noon. -more-
Along with free and anonymous HIV testing on Saturday, the Berkeley Free Clinic will also offer free testing for the rising scourge of Hepatitis A, B and C. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Elections officials spent Thursday counting 240 ballots found more than three weeks after Election Day, another in a string of embarrassments that has infuriated some city leaders. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Police have arrested two San Francisco men in the slaying of state Sen. Bruce McPherson’s son. -more-
PASADENA — Recent photographs from NASA’s Galileo spacecraft provide supporting evidence to the theory that Callisto, Jupiter’s outermost moon, may hold an underground ocean, scientists said Thursday. -more-
SAN RAFAEL — A serial rapist who was the first man to successfully complete the state’s sexually violent predator treatment program will be released Saturday unless state officials can come up with new evidence to keep him locked up. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis said Thursday that he supports placing a $10 billion to $12 billion school bond measure before voters next year. -more-
ONTARIO — A man who says he uses marijuana for medicinal purposes received $5,525 from his insurance company after arguing that the backyard crop police ripped up was covered by his homeowner’s policy. -more-
Putting up holiday decorations is fun. Taking them down is not. -more-
It’s special to bring out treasured holiday decorations each year, but it’s also fun to have family members cooperate on some new ones to add to the mix. Besides lending a holiday look to a home, it adds to the festive spirit of those living there. Pine cone parade -more-
What do an oak door, walnut mantle and a cherry rocker have in common? -more-
Muck has some bad connotations, but it’s really wonderful stuff. Plant roots revel in this fluffy material, and the result is dazzling flowers, luscious fruits and cushiony, green lawns. Other words for muck are “humus” and “organic matter.” Compost is a kind of muck. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Just months ago, Enron Corp.’s dominance of the nation’s energy markets prompted California Gov. Gray Davis to accuse the company of profiteering and holding his state hostage with high prices. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Last year, hundreds of immigrant janitors marched through the streets with raised fists chanting “si se puede!” – yes, it can be done – after winning raises from employers. -more-
NEW YORK — A new survey suggests that the Internet is not cutting into the time people spend with their friends and families. Rather, it’s cutting into their time for television. -more-
PORTLAND, Ore. — After swelling the ranks of Oregon high-tech manufacturing and helping shift the state economy from its dependence on timber to a new base in computer chips, Fujitsu announced Thursday it will close its only U.S. semiconductor plant and lay off 670 workers. -more-
Storm plods across Mississippi Valley after leaving snow on Plains -more-
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The FBI severely underestimates the number of crimes of bigotry and racism, from petty vandalism to murder, a report released Thursday says. -more-
NEW YORK (AP) — More than 50 AT&T Corp. employees or former employees in nine states have filed complaints against the company alleging discrimination based on race, gender, disability or national origin. -more-
The rhythms of Afro-Cuban dance, the history of the Brazilian slave trade and the finer points of big sisterhood – these are just some of the lessons Elisabeth Newton, 13, a freshman at Berkeley High School, is learning through her World Arts and Movement Class at Common Ground, a school-within-a-school at BHS, which focuses on social justice and multi-culturalism. -more-
Cal has depended on freshman Jamal Sampson to score points so far this young season, but on Wednesday night the Bears got the points they needed from some old heads. -more-
21 Grand Nov. 29: 9 p.m., Lemon Lime Lights, Hillside, Moe! Staiano, $6; Nov. 30: 9 p.m., Fred Frith, Damon Smith, Marco Eneidi, Sabu Toyozumi Ensemble, Phillip Greenlief, $10; Dec. 1: 9 p.m., Toychestra, Rosin Coven, Darling Freakhead, $6; All ages. 21 Grand Ave., Oakland. 444-7263 -more-
Three people were among those attending the orientation workshop at the Berkeley WorkSource One Stop Career Center Wednesday morning: one holds a doctorate in history, another is homeless and a third has worked as a computer assistant. This is the face of unemployment in Berkeley and it’s not going to change soon. -more-
The Cal women’s basketball team squandered a big lead but recovered to defeat Fresno State, 62-55, Wednesday night at Haas Pavilion. -more-
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Before a vocal audience Tuesday, the City Council scrapped a controversial, seven-week-old redistricting ordinance and decided to start the contentious process from scratch. -more-
St. Mary’s senior Danielle Stokes committed to run track for Cal State Northridge this week, according to her high school coach. -more-
Officials at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory announced Wednesday that lab researchers are working on three projects that could strengthen homeland security and help combat terrorist activities. -more-
EAST MEADOW, NY - Cal’s Natalie Coughlin, the 2001 Pac-10 and NCAA Swimmer of the Year, added another accolade to her outstanding career Tuesday at the FINA World Cup in East Meadow, NY. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — They were walking corpses, the once-beautiful men who dragged themselves to pray at the Metropolitan Community Church each Sunday. Too sick to sit, many would drape their gaunt, lesion-covered bodies across the pews. -more-
Spencer Dornin was among five Golden Bears receiving All-MPSF honors this week. The senior two-meter man from Laguna Beach was named to the All-Conference First Team. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Police arrested two AIDS activists Wednesday for allegedly stalking and threatening newspaper reporters and Public Health Department workers. -more-
SACRAMENTO — A coalition attacking suburban sprawl and urban disinvestment rallied Wednesday around a bill aiming to curb both by making cities share sales taxes. -more-
ROSEVILLE — The nation’s preoccupation with security after this fall’s terrorist attacks could help revive the hard-hit high technology industry, experts from top tech firms said Wednesday. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A bitter battle between the creditors and business partners of bankrupt ExciteAtHome threatens to unplug the cable network’s high-speed Internet service for 4.2 million subscribers as early as Friday, depending on the outcome of a pivotal court hearing. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — One of the two men accused of killing a state senator’s son in November demanded a speedy trial, while the other did not appear for the scheduled hearing in San Francisco Superior Court Tuesday. -more-
LOS ANGELES — A judge refused Monday to allow Sara Jane Olson to withdraw her guilty plea in a Symbionese Liberation Army bomb plot. -more-
SACRAMENTO – Check state tax board member Dean Andal’s campaign finance reports and you’ll find a $50,000 contribution from the Taxpayers Political Action Committee. -more-
Shopping for children’s furniture can be an atypical adventure -more-
Michael Rogin, a political science teacher at the University of California, Berkeley for more than three decades, has died after contracting hepatitis in Paris. He was 64. -more-
UC Berkeley mechanical engineer Werner Goldsmith is on a mission to reform the way doctors and prosecutors view the thousands of suspected cases of shaken baby syndrome each year, according to a university press statement. -more-
HOUSTON — Sitting at his desk at Enron Corp.’s 50-story world headquarters, Nathan Will knows his days are numbered, but he isn’t worried about losing his job. He is worried about finding another. -more-
SACRAMENTO — For years, FBI agents probing possible terrorist activity have worked under restrictions meant to protect the free-expression rights of political and religious groups that might come under investigation. -more-
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA called off Thursday’s launch of space shuttle Endeavour to the international space station because of danger from a Russian supply ship hanging from the orbiting outpost. -more-
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The Babymoon Cafe has witnessed an unhappy miracle of sorts: The recession has turned wine into water. -more-
NEW YORK — The holiday shopping rush has just begun and there is already a shortage of hot toys, particularly those inspired by “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone.” -more-
