War of the Roses

The war on drugs as failed to stem the drug flow from Colombia. But it has put American flower growers like Tim Haley on the brink of extinction. This is the story of Tim Haleys fight for survival.

• by Malcolm Howard

State public-art fund faces budget ax

Colorados premier taxpayer-supported program dedicated to creating public art is once again under scrutiny from conservative state lawmakers who are considering eliminating the art fund to pay for the upkeep of state buildings.

• by Malcolm Howard

New World Disorder

The World Trade Organization slunk away from Seattle after delegates from 135 nations abandoned their efforts to launch a new round of trade negotiations.

• by Monte Paulsen

Eliminating students rights does nothing to curb violence

My peers and I are sick of being victims of unconstitutional practices just so we are not victims of violence.

• by Whitney Hampson

'If the newspaper's weak, so is the community'

The "G"s new look and name seems pathetically unhip, like a 65-year-old man trying to hit on the 20-somethings at the Ritz.

• by John Hazlehurst

Crime and punishment

No one knows exactly what will happen when the big clock strikes midnight on Dec. 31, so the Colorado Springs cops aren't taking any chances.

• by Cara DeGette

IQ: Trade globally or locally?

Every week, the Independent takes to the streets, in search of your opinion on the latest, breaking news.

• by Scott Larrick

Clueless in Seattle

Somethings happening here. With any luck, the honeymoon is waning for U.S. technology companies that think they can lead the world around on a leash.

• by Donna Ladd

Carl Schueler, El Paso County assistant director of planning

Meet Carl Schueler, El Paso Countys assistant director of planning, a big-picture kind of guy.

• by Cara DeGette

60 Things a Woman Should Do Before She Dies

The November issue of "Esquire" had a list of "175 Things a Man Should Do Before He Dies." In honor of their creative pique, I have put together a similar list for the other half of humanity.

• by Rebekah Shardy

WWJD?

• by Kristen Sherwood

A Taste of Isla Bonita

The corner of Vickers and Academy is like our own Bermuda Triangle for restaurants. The latest endeavor is Isla Bonita.

• by MB Partlow

Playing Around: Leaving the Trees

This week, we highlight Leaving the Trees, who will be headlining the Silence the Violence benefit at The Gardens this Sunday.

• by Kristen Sherwood

Toys in the Attic

"Toy Story 2" is a kids dream and, in some ways, a parents nightmare.

• by Jim Ridley

End of Days

When it comes to the word "religious," Hollywood is most comfortable if its followed by the word "fanatic." Hence, "End of Days," a dreary, exploitative action film in which its devil time again.

• by Noel Murray

Hummable Humbug

Its virtually impossible to pull off a serious attempt at any version of "A Christmas Carol," but you cant blame the Fine Arts Center for trying.

• by Owen Perkins

Teatro Latino

Barrio Babies opens with the central character , Ray Reyes, accepting an award from the Off-Off-Broadway Alternative Theater Coalition for "Best Hispanic Play in a Non-Latino Theater." And the politically irreverent musical takes its cue from there.

• by Owen Perkins

Gratitude Unending

Updikes newest essay collection, "More Matter: Essays and Criticism," embraces the muse of happiness and the joy of the written word.

• by John Broening

"Best American Essays 1999"

Every year, the editors of this series cull essays from magazines and literary journals and choose the "best" for this collection. This years volume carries us past our comfortable selves, offering us glimpses into what we have not seen, but instinctively know.

• by Kathryn Eastburn

Book Sense

I generally dont give books at Christmas, unless something new comes along that Im just busting to share. This year Ive discovered three such books.

• by Kathryn Eastburn

Event Listings

If there's something going on, we've got it listed here.

• by Tess Powers

Seven Days

What's happenin' this week in the big city -- highlights from our listings.

• by Kristen Sherwood