What happened on November 12, 1995

OPINION

THE CULTURE : How Urban Myths Reveal Society's Fears Neal Gabler, Neal Gabler is the author of "An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood." His new book is "Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Cult of Celebrity" (Knopf)
LOS ANGELES TIMES INTERVIEW : Walter Mondale : Overseeing U.S.-Japan Relations at a Time of Stress and Change Nancy Yoshihara, Nancy Yoshihara is an editorial writer for The Times
Cal State Educations: Still a Good Deal
POLITICS / THE NATION : Powell: Did We Need Another Anti-Politician? David M. Kennedy, David M. Kennedy is the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History at Stanford University. He is currently the visiting Harmsworth Professor of American History at Oxford University
GOP Congress
Real Peril Lurks at Radical Fringes Robin Wright and Ehud Sprinzak, Robin Wright, author of "Sacred Rage: The Wrath of Militant Islam" (Touchstone Books/Simon & Schuster), covers global issues for The Times. Ehud Sprinzak, author of "The Ascendance of the Israel's Radical Right," (Oxford Univeristy Press) teaches political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem
THE STATE : The Unintended Political Earthquake Set Off by Prop. 187 David E. Hayes-Bautista and Gregory Rodriguez, David E. Hayes-Bautista and Gregory Rodriguez, associate editors at Pacific News Service, are, respectively, executive director and senior fellow at the Alta California Research Center
RABIN'S LEGACY : Surest Way to a Lasting Peace James A. Baker III, James A. Baker III served as secretary of state from 1989-1992 and is the author of "The Politics of Diplomacy" (Putnam)
Budget Debate
Hunger Strike
NAFTA Is Getting a Bad Rap : Trade: U.S. politicians are scapegoating the pact with phony claims. Mexico's efforts merit optimism. JOHN SWEENEY, John Sweeney is a Latin American affairs analyst at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based public policy research institute
L.A. Ethics Panel
THE WORLD / RUSSIA : An Electoral System Turns Politics Into a Circus, Imperiling Democracy Gregory Freidin, Gregory Freidin, chairman of the Slavic department at Stanford University, is co-author of "Russia at the Barricades: Eyewitness Accounts of the August, 1991, Coup" (M.E. Sharp Publishers)
Apples and Oranges in Immigration Debate : Congress must not lump legal and illegal entries
Importance of Early Grades
RABIN'S LEGACY : The Soldier Behind the Peace Henry A. Kissinger, Former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger writes frequently for The Times
Anthony Beilenson
A Step Toward Rejuvenating L.A. Zoo : City Council approves administrative reforms for the ailing facility
THE WORLD / MIDDLE EAST : Rabin's Death Amplifies Jordan's, Arafat's Risks Shibley Telhami, Shibley Telhami, visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, is on leave from Cornell University, where he is director of the Near Eastern Studies program
Oil Exploration in Arctic Refuge
PERSPECTIVE ON EDUCATION : Break the Grip of Pessimism : We need a different kind of public critique, less self-defeating, more open to the good being done in our public schools. MIKE ROSE, Mike Rose, who has taught at the elementary through adult education levels, is a professor of education at UCLA. This article is adapted from the forward to his just published book, "Possible Lives: The Promise of Public Education in America" (Houghton Mifflin)

ENTERTAINMENT

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BUSINESS

TRAVEL

CALIFORNIA | LOCAL

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MAGAZINE

What happened on November 12, 1995

OPINION

THE CULTURE : How Urban Myths Reveal Society's Fears Neal Gabler, Neal Gabler is the author of "An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood." His new book is "Winchell: Gossip, Power and the Cult of Celebrity" (Knopf)

LOS ANGELES TIMES INTERVIEW : Walter Mondale : Overseeing U.S.-Japan Relations at a Time of Stress and Change Nancy Yoshihara, Nancy Yoshihara is an editorial writer for The Times

POLITICS / THE NATION : Powell: Did We Need Another Anti-Politician? David M. Kennedy, David M. Kennedy is the Donald J. McLachlan Professor of History at Stanford University. He is currently the visiting Harmsworth Professor of American History at Oxford University

RABIN'S LEGACY : Surest Way to a Lasting Peace James A. Baker III, James A. Baker III served as secretary of state from 1989-1992 and is the author of "The Politics of Diplomacy" (Putnam)

NAFTA Is Getting a Bad Rap : Trade: U.S. politicians are scapegoating the pact with phony claims. Mexico's efforts merit optimism. JOHN SWEENEY, John Sweeney is a Latin American affairs analyst at the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based public policy research institute

THE WORLD / RUSSIA : An Electoral System Turns Politics Into a Circus, Imperiling Democracy Gregory Freidin, Gregory Freidin, chairman of the Slavic department at Stanford University, is co-author of "Russia at the Barricades: Eyewitness Accounts of the August, 1991, Coup" (M.E. Sharp Publishers)

RABIN'S LEGACY : The Soldier Behind the Peace Henry A. Kissinger, Former Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger writes frequently for The Times

THE WORLD / MIDDLE EAST : Rabin's Death Amplifies Jordan's, Arafat's Risks Shibley Telhami, Shibley Telhami, visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, is on leave from Cornell University, where he is director of the Near Eastern Studies program

ENTERTAINMENT

TELEVISION : Why'd NBC Pick Thursdays? : The network has owned the night for a dozen seasons. Can other networks ever hope to get a piece? Craig Tomashoff, Craig Tomashoff is a staff correspondent in the Los Angeles bureau of People magazine. and

COVER STORY : Ob-la-di, Life Goes On : Paul McCartney was crushed by the Beatles' dissolution in 1970, but he's singing a different tune now (about and with the group). Robert Hilburn, Robert Hilburn is The Times' pop music critic

ART : Life Among the Gentiles : Jewish adaptability is a central theme in 'And I Shall Dwell Among Them,' Neil Folberg's photographic essay on historic synagogues of the world. Kristine McKenna, Kristine McKenna is a regular contributor to Calendar

COVER STORY : What Made Them So Fab? : The Beatles grew from fresh-faced heartthrobs to artistic pace-setters of a decade. Yet who could have imagined they'd be a touchstone for generations to come? Robert Hilburn, Robert Hilburn is The Times' pop critic

ART : Artful Awakening : After a sleepy 50 years, San Francisco's museum scene, including the newly refurbished California Palace of the Legion of Honor, has burst into life. Suzanne Muchnic, Suzanne Muchnic is The Times' art writer

Dance & Music News Chris Pasles

THEATER : Striving for a Stand-Up Ovations Show : Theatre LA's awards are on a clear path to growth, but there is still the problem of including outlying theaters. Don Shirley, Don Shirley is a Times staff writer.

Jazz Spotlight Don Heckman

DANCE & MUSIC NEWS : Taking a Creative Break Lewis Segal

Where Everybody's a Critic : On the Internet, TV shows create endless chatter about everything from characters to plot. The networks say the online talk doesn't result in program changes, but isn't it only a matter of time? Diane Garrett, Diane Garrett is a Los Angeles-based free - lance writer

COVER STORY : Been There, Done That : The latest wave of Beatlemania is being taken in stride at Apple, a onetime chaotic but now low-key record company. David Gritten, David Gritten, who lives outside London, is a regular contributor to Calendar

COVER STORY : Prepare for the Second Coming Rip Rense, Rip Rense is an occasional contributor to The Times

Wouldn't Death Row Be the Perfect Label? : Tim Robbins enlists Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Cash, Eddie Vedder and more to contribute songs for the companion album to his new film. Steve Hochman

MOVIES : Writing a New A-List : Hollywood is finally finding room for black actors in prime film roles. But the good news sometimes carries a subtle downside. David Ehrenstein, David Ehrenstein is a film writer based in Los Angeles

A Necktie, a Fruitcake and 007's BMW Z3 Chuck Crisafulli, Chuck Crisafulli is an occasional contributor to Calendar. and

MOVIES : In Hollywood, Liberals Win by a Landslide : Rob Reiner's 'The American President' is the latest film with a sympathetic Democrat and a villainous conservative. And coming soon: Oliver Stone's 'Nixon.' Elaine Dutka, Elaine Dutka is a Times staff writer

Giving New Meaning to the Term 'Final Cut' Robert W. Welkos, Robert W. Welkos is a Times staff writer. and

REAL ESTATE

Benefits of Having Gas Fireplace Logs GARY ABRAMS, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

New Home for the Holidays? RUTH RYON, TIMES STAFF WRITER

NEIGHBORS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE : In Torrance's Marble Estates, a park and a strong sense of camaraderie maintain their sturdy appeal to families KATHY SENA, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

What Homeowners Can Do When Board Won't File Insurance Claims JAN HICKENBOTTOM, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Gardening : Winter's Near, So It's Time to Plant for Spring ROBERT SMAUS, TIMES GARDEN EDITOR

Tips for Venting Clothes Dryer Special to The Times

Redwood's Luster Is Perfect for Collection of Planters DON AND DAVE RUNYAN, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

CRITIQUE : Gehry Goes With the Floe LEON WHITESON, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

BUSINESS

Pittsburgh Finds No Takers for Its Old Airport Terminal : Real estate: Parcel facility, aviation museum and movie houses ruled out for spider-shaped building. From Reuters

'Grace Period' May Be Thing of Past CARLA LAZZARESCHI

Keeping Her Tustin Business in the 'Family' : Employment placement: Abigail Abbott Staffing Services' self-made owner is retiring and selling shares to employees for a bargain. DAN MARGOLIS, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES

Merger Man : Charles Laverty Parlays the Losing Davstar to Tenfold Growth, Which Is on the Verge of Profitability as Urohealth in Costa Mesa. But Some Analysts Wonder if the Charismatic CEO Will Deliver on His Promises. BARBARA MARSH, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Wiring Up Classrooms Can Help to Get Students' Future On-Line LEWIS C. SOLMON, LEWIS C. SOLMON is the president of the Milken Institute for Job & Capital Formation and former dean, UCLA Graduate School of Education

Behind All This Budget Posturing, Shadows Grow JAMES FLANIGAN

Better to Hold Treasury Bonds Outside of Funds RUSS WILES, RUSS WILES, a financial writer for the Arizona Republic, specializes in mutual funds.

HITTING HOME : Real Estate Equity, Once an Important Source of Start-Up Capital, Has All but Vanished, Sandbagging the State's Recovery PATRICK LEE and JESUS SANCHEZ, TIMES STAFF WRITERS

Caribbean Islands Work to Repair Storm-Battered Image : Tourism: Promoters step up ad campaigns to entice visitors. Areas that escaped damage could get more business from vacationers forced to change plans. SKIP WOLLENBERG, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Greece Hits Jackpot With Private Casinos : Gambling: A lucky 13 facilities are expected to net hundreds of millions of dollars in fees and taxes for the government. From Reuters

IRS Freer to Do More of Another Kind of Audit KATHY M. KRISTOF

VIEW FROM WASHINGTON / JAMES RISEN : Fed's Greenspan Waging a Battle That Doesn't Need to Be Fought JAMES RISEN, JAMES RISEN writes about the economy from The Times' Washington bureau

Marquee Performer : James Edwards Still Battling Big Theater Chains at Age 88 GREG JOHNSON, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Chef at New York's '21' Maintains That Taste Is the Best Business Sense From Bloomberg Business News

There's No Rest for the Wicked : After Humble Start, Candle Business Beams in the Glow of Crafts Boom THERESA HUMPHREY, ASSOCIATED PRESS

TRAVEL

Destination: Colorado : Ancient Mysteries at FOUR CORNERS : Where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah converge, hiking back through time amid the ruins and arid landscape of the Anasazi JOHN MUNCIE, Muncie reviews travel books for The Times and is special sections editor for Travel

Helicopter Firm Folds in Hawaii SUSAN ESSOYAN

Wandering Around Bass Lake JOHN McKINNEY

Suite Deals to Be Found in Big Apple HANK KOVELL

Festivals, Feasts & Fairs MARY FRANCES SMITH

Children Are Wonderful, as Are Getaways Without Them : Destinations: For a kid-free vacation, plan around school holidays. Also, here are four inns and retreats just for adults. JAMES T. YENCKEL, WASHINGTON POST

It's Downhill From Here KATHLEEN DOHENY

Cyber-Schussers Land a Snowfall LAURA BLY

Sort of Like Bicycling the Antarctic JOHN MUNCIE

Cruise Ships Return to St. Thomas MIKE CLARY

Ski to Remote Lodges in Canadian Rockies KARIN DOMINELLO, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Weekend Escape: San Bernardino Mountains : Big Bear Pause : There are fall colors in Southern California, and boating and mountain-biking besides JIM HOLLANDER, Hollander is a Los Angeles-based free-lance writer

Adventure: Sailing : Three Days Before the Mast : The tall ship Kaisei is a place to learn the ropes--and the sails and the helm BARBARA RAY, Ray is a free-lance writer who recently moved back to Chicago from Guam

Shopping: Venice, Italy : Glass Act : For centuries artists have transformed sand into timeless objects RICH RUBAN, Rubin is a New York-based free-lance writer

CALIFORNIA | LOCAL

Welcome to Amgenville : Thousand Oaks, Biotechnology Firm Agree Theirs Has Been a Match Made in Heaven MARY F. POLS, TIMES STAFF WRITER

CHANNEL ISLANDS : Parade of Lights Picks Grand Marshal LINDA FRIEDLIEB

VENTURA : Symposium to Explore WWII Air Warfare NICK GREEN

Lives Well Told, if Not Always Well Lived From Associated Press

MOORPARK : Safety Program to Help Kids Cope With Fires CARLOS V. LOZANO

COUNTYWIDE : Photos Taken in 2 Robberies Released KELLY DAVID

City With a Radical History Makes Peace With Vietnam Vets : Berkeley: Memorial honors those who died in the war, which ended 20 years ago. Chief organizer is Woodstock veteran Country Joe McDonald. MICHELLE LOCKE, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Orange County Voices : COMMENTARY ON GREATNESS : Legacy of Rabin Was Apparent in O.C. Visit : General spoke in '92 with a Newport congregation of his hopes for Israel's future. RABBI MARK S. MILLER, Rabbi Mark S. Miller has been spiritual leader of Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach for 19 years

Oil Spills From Line Near Bardsdale KELLY DAVID

Investigating Reporters: What's Wrong With This Story? DANA PARSONS

Stealth Mayor Avoids the News Media's Missiles BILL BOYARSKY