What happened on December 24, 1995

BOOKS

NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT

BUSINESS

CALIFORNIA | LOCAL

OPINION

Whatever Happened to 'Good Will Toward Men'? : An Increasing Rising Civil Incivility By Martin E. Marty, Martin E. Marty, who teaches the history of religion at the University of Chicago, is senior editor of the Christian Century and author of "The Noise of Conflict" (University of Chicago Press)
LABOR : Deja Vu Again as Workers Arise By Walter Russell Mead, Walter Russell Mead, a contributing editor to Opinion, is a presidential fellow at the World Policy Institute. He is the author of "Mortal Splendor: The American Empire in Transition" (Houghton Mifflin) and is working on a book about U.S. foreign policy
PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE : The Years With Ross: Failure, Success & Christmas (Not in That Order) By Shelby Coffey Iii, Shelby Coffey III is the editor of The Times
Whatever Happened to 'Good Will Toward Men'? : A Mean-Spiritedness in Politics By Susan Estrich, Susan Estrich, a contributing editor to Opinion, is a law professor at USC. She served as campaign manager for Michael S. Dukakis in 1988
MTA : Leadership by Blaming Others By Xandra Kayden, Xandra Kayden, a political scientist at UCLA's School of Public Policy and Social Research, is writing a book on the political structure of Los Angeles. She is the author of "Surviving Power" (Free Press.)
THE NATION : EDUCATION : A System That Advocates Equality Everywhere but in the Classroom By Ruben Navarrette Jr., Ruben Navarrette Jr. is the author of "A Darker Shade of Crimson: Odyssey of a Harvard Chicano" (Bantam) and editor of the forthcoming newsletter, Reconciliation
THE WORLD : Haiti Elected a New President, But Can He Replace Aristide? By J.P. Slavin, J.P. Slavin has covered Haiti for the Washington Post and is the editor of "Haiti Insight," the newsletter of the National Coalition for Haitian Rights
Year of Special Challenges in Prospect for California : 1996 will demand new approaches and a new seriousness in Sacramento
It's (Classical) Music to L.A.'s Ears
A Queenly Foot Comes Down : Elizabeth, fed up with being fed up, acts to rescue the monarchy's image
Playing Politics While 3 Women Die Each Day : NOW: The response to the Simpson verdict has split the feminist organization. By Tammy Bruce, Tammy Bruce is president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women and a radio talk show host
PERSPECTIVE ON BROADCASTING : The Golden Age of TV News That Never Was : Even the revered Edward R. Murrow hosted a 'lighter than air' celebrity interview show. By Stanley Cloud and Lynne Olson, Stanley Cloud is a former Washington bureau chief for Time magazine. Lynne Olson is an assistant professor of journalism at American University. They are coauthors of "The Murrow Boys," to be published by Houghton-Mifflin next spring
Change the System, Not Just the Problem : Cal State: The trustees are working toward elimination of the need for remedial programs, not just the programs. By Barry Munitz, Barry Munitz is chancellor of the California State University system
Waiting for a Christmas Visitor Along Skid Row : The poor: St. Nicholas helped all in need, 'deserving' or not. By Alice Callaghan, Alice Callaghan, an Episcopal priest, is director of Las Familias del Pueblo, a nonprofit community center in Los Angeles' garment district
THE STATE : Why Utility Deregulation Won't Benefit L.A. Rate Payers By Steven P. Erie and Robert V. Phillips, Robert V. Phillips, former general manager and chief engineer of the Department of Water and Power, is president emeritus of Water and Power Associates, an education and service organization. Steven P. Erie, who teaches political science at UC San Diego, serves on its board of directors
LOS ANGELES TIMES INTERVIEW : Julian Wolpert : Charity in Los Angeles-- or the Lack Thereof By Clifford Rothman, Clifford Rothman has written on politics and culture for The Times, the New York Times and the Washington Post

REAL ESTATE

SPORTS

MAGAZINE

TRAVEL

What happened on December 24, 1995

BOOKS

Home for the Holidays : HOME: American Writers Remember Rooms of Their Own, Edited by Sharon Sloan Fiffer and Steve Fiffer \o7 (Pantheon: $22; 235 pp.)\f7 By Bernard Cooper, \o7 Bernard Cooper's collection on memoirs, "Truth Serum," will appear from Houghton Mifflin in the spring\f7

Down and Out Near the Happiest Place on Earth : CHEZ CHANCE, \o7 By Jay Gummerman (Pantheon Books: $21; 224 pp.)\f7 By Dave Shulman, \o7 Dave Shulman is a regular contributor to the LA Weekly\f7

Traveler in the Word-Clouds : He's given birth to two-fifths of a mile of opinions. And the journey continues . . . By Richard Eder

Riffing on Relationships : HIGH FIDELITY, \o7 By Nick Hornby (Riverhead: $21.95; 304 pp.)\f7 By Michelle Huneven, \o7 Michelle Huneven is a regular contributor to The Times\f7

Inside the Emotional Foundry : The families we were are the families we become : INTIMATE WORLDS: Life Inside the Family, \o7 By Maggie Scarf (Random House: $25; 464 pp.)\f7 By Michael Sledge, \o7 Michael Sledge is the author of "Mother and Son," a memoir\f7

Talking Pictures By Tobi Tobias, \o7 Tobi Tobias grew up in a Jewish family and writes children's books and dance criticism\f7

Nonfiction By Susan Salter Reynolds

Nonfiction By Susan Salter Reynolds

Nonfiction By Michael Webb

Nonfiction By Susan Salter Reynolds

Nonfiction By Susan Salter Reynolds

Nonfiction By Susan Salter Reynolds

Thinking About The Longstanding Problems Of Virtue And... By Charles Solomon

EAST TIMOR: Genocide in Paradise \o7 by Matthew Jardine... By Charles Solomon

SIX MEN \o7 by Alistair Cooke (Arcade: $11.95; 207 pp... By Charles Solomon

"Easy as ABC" is easy for us--masters of the alphabetical... By Kathleen Krull

Dreamer of Books By Allan M. Jalon

HALF ASLEEP IN FROG PAJAMAS \o7 by Tom Robbins (Bantam... By Charles Solomon

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF YUKIO MISHIMA \o7 by Henry Scott... By Charles Solomon

NEWS

Behind the Beard : You see him all around Orange County at this time of year--the jolly old elf in a bright red suit. To keep Santa's image out there, these men help spread the Christmas cheer. By Karen Newell Young, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

THE SUNDAY PROFILE : Tower of Hope : Crippled and Decaying, the Cathedral of St. Vibiana Clings to Life With a Faithful Flock By Mary Rourke, TIMES STAFF WRITER

RSVP / THE SOCIAL CITY : Looking Past the Holidays By Mary Lou Loper, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Children Get Mom Back for Christmas : Families: She spent three months in a coma, then revived only to discover she had breast cancer. Husband credits children's voices with her recovery. By Sharon Cohen, ASSOCIATED PRESS

British 1st on Scene, Find Serbs 'Ready for Peace' By Richard C. Paddock, TIMES STAFF WRITER

COLUMN ONE : The NYPD: Bigger, Bolder--Is It Better? : New York police claim their new militarism has led to the city's startling drop in crime. The hard-line strategy has raised cheers--and fears. By Jim Newton, TIMES STAFF WRITER

A Science Teacher's Dream in Studio City : Education: New $13-million center gives students at Harvard-Westlake School top-notch, hands-on lessons. By Beth Shuster, TIMES STAFF WRITER

GOP Clouds the Future of Environmental Protections : Regulation: Conservatives see a chance to ease tough antipollution rules. But they risk a popular backlash. By James Gerstenzang, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Songbird Truce Rattled by a Bump in the Road : Environment: Concerns over plans for O.C.'s Foothill tollway strain alliance of conservationists, developers. By Deborah Schoch, TIMES STAFF WRITER

TEFLON COUNSEL: Grand jury civil misconduct... By April Jackson and Zan Dubin and Davan Maharaj

NEWS ANALYSIS : Can Gingrich Hold His Tongue for Good of Party? : Politics: Speaker has resolved to exercise self-discipline. But if he fails, he may derail GOP cause. By Edwin Chen, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Storm Delivers Snowy Surprise for Christmas By Bob Pool and Sharon Bernstein, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Arafat Arrives in Bethlehem for Christmas By Marjorie Miller, TIMES STAFF WRITER

In Bethlehem, Arafat Looks to Jerusalem By Marjorie Miller, TIMES STAFF WRITER

16 Bodies Found in French Alps; Cult Ritual Suspected By Scott Kraft, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Often It Is a Wonderful Life in Santa's Department-Store World : His tiny clients range from beard-tuggers to doubters accompanied by Mom and Dad wielding 'Santa blackmail.' Still, Old St. Nick believes, and his magic endures. By Hugh A. Mulligan, ASSOCIATED PRESS

It'll Be Shining --and Gleaming : Layers of Paint, Rust Will Come Off So Beauty of Anacapa Island Lighthouse Can Show Through By Mary F. Pols, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Coach Finds Strength in Basketball to Battle Rare Cancer : Sports: Disease has left Jason Ferguson penniless and near death, but his determination rallies his players. By Paul Mcleod, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Both Parties Plan School Bond Ballot Proposals : Legislature: GOP wants to include provision for prison construction funds, which may thwart bipartisan support needed for either measure's passage. By Richard Lee Colvin, TIMES EDUCATION WRITER

Iguanas Climb the Popularity Scale as This Year's Trendy Christmas Pet : Animals: Experts say interest in reptiles, rodents means Americans want less-demanding companions. By Sandy Shore, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Syria's Leader Says It Wants Faster Negotiating With Israel From Reuters

Malawi's Ex-Dictator, Aides Acquitted of Ordering 4 Politicians' Murders From Times Wire Services

Grinch Threatening Christmas of Catalog Firms, Even L.L. Bean : Retailing: Business picks up as holiday nears, but it's still 10% below projections. Rising paper and postage costs have caused a double whammy. By David Sharp, ASSOCIATED PRESS

U.S.-China Pact OKs Nonstop Flights by American Carrier From Associated Press

Quagmires of Terrain and Logistics Hamper Arrival of U.S. Troops, Departure of U.N. By Tyler Marshall and Nora Zamichow, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

A Beautiful Sight, He's Happy Tonight, Hosting a Winter Wonderland : Mr. Christmas: Mervin Whipple got started 28 years ago with a few lights on the porch. That was then; this is now. Last December, his electric bill exceeded $4,000. By Strat Douthat, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Conflicting Objectives Blur Russians' Role in Bosnia : Europe: As Kremlin worries about ties to NATO, troops face grim prospect of being ordered by erstwhile Western enemies to kill longtime Serb friends. By Carol J. Williams, TIMES STAFF WRITER

1 Killed as Chairlift Falls at Ski Resort Reuters

Virgin Islands Still Recovering From Hurricane Marilyn : Disasters: Tourism is returning, but thousands of residents remain homeless or unemployed or both. By James Anderson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Israeli Foes of Peace Process Now Face an Uphill Battle : Mideast: After Rabin's assassination, Jewish settlers acknowledge that they are on the defensive. By Marjorie Miller, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Mom Won't Be Home for Christmas : Aging: This strong, proud woman is no longer 'younger than springtime.' Alzheimer's claimed her spirit and strength; she entered a nursing home on her 86th birthday. Son bids farewell by decorating house for holidays. By John Kekis, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Armies Pull Back from Bosia Front Lines : Balkans: But as peace slowly takes hold, fearful Serbs begin digging up their dead relatives and preparing to flee. By Aida Cerkez, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Can the LAPD Learn From New York? : Policing: Officials say better community relations are curbing crime here and that recent crises make a more military style a poor approach. By Jim Newton, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Nuclear Power Plant in Tennessee Is Fueling a Debate Over Safety : Electricity: Operator seeks to fire up facility, but critics say it has major problems. TVA customers fear rate hikes. By Gary Lee, WASHINGTON POST

Gravity's Effects on Plants to Be Studied : Science: NASA-funded project is about to begin at North Carolina State University. Findings may help develop plants that can travel in space. By Elizabeth Tennyson, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Family Reunited With Man They Thought Had Died Associated Press

Man Admits Stealing $8 Million Worth of Tickets From Airports Associated Press

Driver Cleans Off His Car After Fatal Hit-and-Run Associated Press

Farmhand Says His Employer Beat Him : Pennsylvania: Owner, another worker plead not guilty. But another ex-employee made similar complaints six years ago. By Jeffrey Bair, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Illinois Train Crash Kills 2; Evacuees Return to Homes From Associated Press

Clinton Predicts Accord on Budget : Legislation: But 'our most fundamental values' must be reflected in any spending plan, president says in radio talk. He urges end to federal shutdown. By Marlene Cimons, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Man Accused of Possessing Lethal Toxin Hangs Himself : Arrest: Suspect was charged with having ricin, which has no antidote. From Associated Press

Parents Abandon Boy, 12, at Bus Station From Associated Press

Declining Sales Cause Condom Shop to Fold : Protection: Long Beach health officials say the store, which fostered education on safer sex, will be sorely missed. By Jeff Leeds, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Storm Delivers Snowy Surprise for Christmas By Sharon Bernstein and Bob Pool, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Coach Finds Strength in Basketball to Battle Rare Cancer : Sports: Disease has left Jason Ferguson penniless and near death, but his determination rallies his players. By Paul Mcleod, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Landmark Pier's Timber 'Character' May Need Support : Preservation: Some want Ventura span rebuilt to original length, remaining state's longest wood wharf. Others say steel or cement strengthening is needed to prevent future storm damage. By Tracy Wilson, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Have a Jolly, Folly Christmas By Rick Du Brow, Rick Du Brow is a contributor to TV Times

Bingle Bells : AMC OFFERS A CROSBY FILM MARATHON; DISNEY RECALLS HIS FAMILY SPECIALS By Susan King, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Christmas on Division Street (CBS Sunday at 9 p.m.), a... By Kevin Thomas

Gettysburg (TNT Wednesday at 5 p.m., concluding Friday at... By Kevin Thomas

On the Set : Beastie Ploys : FAMILY CHANNEL'S GAME SHOW LETS KIDS ACT LIKE ANIMALS By Beth Kleid, Beth Kleid is a frequent contributor to TV Times and Calendar

Profile : Kevin Kilner : A 'Perfect' Part By Susan King, TIMES STAFF WRITER