Cover: Ballot Boxing
Our recommendations on how to mark those ballots on Nov. 5.

Compromising Propositions: Metro's guide to those politically fangled state ballot measures.

The Local Measures: Yes on roads, no on city hall and let Bob Binkley do what he wants.

Faking the Initiative: Reading the fine print, getting a haircut and not running around with a stick in your mouth.

News: Metro's Endorsements

Hot Seats: Who are these people, anyway? From Bill Clinton to Primo, a who's who of the candidates vying for power spots on the public payroll.

Vision Enhanced: Of Neanderthals, therapists and hedgehogs 4 Prez.

Polis Report: The election will be wired.

DeCinzo Cartoon: Racism bites.

Youth Movement: Filipino-American pride animates the R&B bump of San Jose's young stars in waiting, Premiere.

Anything But Silent: Jazz keyboardist Andy Milne takes his rhythm cue from Steve Coleman.

Bring Back Da Funk: Nicklebag keeps the black-rock guitar alive.

Audiofile: The latest CDs by the Golding Institute, the Blue Nile, De La Soul and Stormdrain.

Beat Street: New clubs and dance nights downtown.

A Bard Simpson: New version of 'Romeo & Juliet' turns a tin ear to Shakespeare.

Sweet Sixteen Films: Geoff Alexander champions the art of 16mm moviemakers.

Keeping Art Alive: For Tim Rollins' kids, creation is survival.

Should Sidekicks Kiss?: Why television's 'Tick' is gayer than even 'Ellen.'

Mexico as Metaphor: Victor Perera finds a parade of paradoxes in a new book on Mexican politics.

Paolo's Palate: Carolyn Allen carries on a Paolo's family tradition of robust Italian flavors and ingredients, culled from the local, Mediterranean harvest.

Bargain Bites: Quang Da offers inexpensive food for those looking for an exotic culinary jaunt.