NEWS & FEATURES

In their haste to sterilize the Combat Zone for the super-rich, city officials have turned their back on zoning laws, working-class interests, the arts community, and a coherent vision for the Theater District. Kristen Lombardi reports that it looks like curtains for the historic Gaiety Theatre, a vital link to Boston's cultural past.

Notoriously uncomfortable with having the microphones turned, Fresh Air host Terry Gross nevertheless agrees to sit down with Tamara Wieder and talk about her new book, her radio program, and her lifelong struggle to overcome shyness.

David Brudnoy says mainstream America won't take gay marriage seriously until popular culture begins showing us seriously thoughtful and grown-up gay characters.

Camille Dodero profiles free-spirited novelist Stephen Elliott, who spent a year on the campaign trail with the presidential candidates. He calls his new book, Looking Forward to It, "one voter's story."

In "Savage Love," Dan just says "No".

In "Out There," Alan Olifson wants to get out of touch.

In "Urban Buy," Nina Schwartz looks into the fake fur fad.

In the Phoenix editorial, Save the Gaiety - Why does Mayor Menino want to destroy this cultural landmark? Plus, the Bush administration's war against freedom of the press.

Letters to the editor

Moon Signs

Plus, this just in:

MUSIC

On Real Gone, Ted Drozdowski hears the many sides of Tom Waits - nighthawk, bluesman, sentimental balladeer, and protest-song writer.

Brett Milano reviews Brian Wilson's Smile, the rebirth that was 30 years in the making.

Ted Drozdowski checks out new music from Skating Club and Myanna, as well as an underutilized music venue in Brookline.

Sean Richardson on how Lamb of God and Atreyu are tweaking the definition of metalcore.

Ed Hazell thinks this document of a "transitional" period in the musician's career is one Miles Davis box that's worth the money.

Live reviews of: PJ Harvey, Brad Mehldau and Presidents of the USA.

Also, short reviews of:

THEATER

Liza Weisstuch finds all's fair in Boston Theatre Works' production of Another American.

John Kuntz's Jasper Lake is not as tranquil as it seems. Carolyn Clay reports.

DANCE

Jeffrey Gantz flies through the first act of the Bolshoi Ballet's Don Quixote but finds the second act more earthbound.

Marcia B. Siegel says the Bolshoi's rearranged Raymonda is a bit monotonous.

ART

Jeffrey Gantz visits two deceptively simple exhibits at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the Pucker Gallery.

BOOKS

Amy Finch on how Susan Orlean's curiosity enlivens just about every subject she touches in her new book.

TELEVISION

Joyce Millman revels in PBS's latest skeleton-in-a-royal-closet drama, The Lost Prince, which opens Masterpiece Theatre's 34th season.

FOOD

SPECIALS