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	Will diversity be shunned if Couric leaves CBS? Her departure could leave the chair to another middle-aged white guy A made-for-TV election A made-for-TV election 'American Idol' panelists target the singers they dread the most Can MTV's 'The Paper' help make newspapers cool again?


	Gary Bogue: Squirrels use backyard fences like freeways Reader sees squirrels are running along fencetops and using them like freeways around the neighborhood Gary Bogue: Helping hands rescue distressed ducklings Gary Bogue: Old age finally catches up with Tut the Cat Gary Bogue: Blackbirds are very aggressive when protecting their nests Gary Bogue: Why do dogs circle around before lying down?


	Daniel Borenstein: College coaching salaries getting ridiculous UC Berkeley football coach Jeff Tedford had a good year in 2007 — a very good year. Sure, the Bears finished the regular season with a dismal 6-6 record and an invitation to the insignificant Armed Forces Bowl, where they barely beat Air Force, 42-36. Daniel Borenstein: Teachers' benefits have gone missing Borenstein: Retiree benefits could bankrupt West Contra Costa Schools Daniel Borenstein: No one will like it, but cuts must be made Daniel Borenstein: UC understated Yudof's compensation


	Virtual reality check Although game and life mirror each other, there are still some things 'Grand Theft Auto' can't get right A 'Grand Theft Auto' virtual reality check Should you get your child 'Grand Theft Auto IV'? New games 'Olympus' and 'Dragon Sword' boost hand-held genre 'Condemned 2' a polished sequel


	Presidents, schools and onstage chefs highlight theater One Hand Clapping is a weekly column highlighting the upcoming week's theater activities in the Bay Area ACT's 'Starving Class' teeters at the end of the American Dream ACT's 'Starving Class' teeters at the end of the American Dream Bay Area theater this week goes from serious to silly Trans-world 'Midsummer' from India with love and laughs


	The Eye on the East Bay: Fishers on hook to obey new rule A FEW FISHERS have tried to wiggle out of new requirements that boats must be dry and free of standing water before they are allowed to enter San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda. Lawmaker digs shovel collection Oldest profession isn't newest major Councilman casts planners as the butt of intricate joke New UC president proves mom wrong

A's well-armed thanks to deals

Looking back, it's hard to believe that Billy Beane is in such an enviable position of being overstocked with starting pitchers so soon after the offseason extreme makeover.

Gaudin relegated to bullpen | How they scored | Discuss A's | More...

Gilmore: Lack of scoring holds back Sharks

Gilmore: Star-to-be Willis stays humble

Gilmore: Warriors weren't prime for 'Showtime'

Gilmore: Sharks count on road for revival


	Want to avoid gas crunch? Why not try levitating For the truly imaginative, there are many ways to avoid driving, especially if you own pets, have teenagers, or can levitate Ah, the things I could do to suburban speed-racers Hicks: Heeeeere's Koko, and other bad ideas for late-night TV Hicks: How can you enjoy a massage when you're freaking out? Hicks: It's 3 a.m. Can't sleep, can't think, guess I'll write


	Minor league game reveals baseball's simple essence STOCKTON -- "Is Barry Bonds going to be there?" Geez, the man is never far from the conversation, is he? Strap your 6-year-old son into his car seat, equip him with a glove and ball and tell him that the day's purpose is to experience baseball at its purest, and naturally ol' No. Stewart clear choice over Clemens on and off field Hurd: Zito not far removed from being very good Hurd: Cheer up, fans TOP 5


	Smith removes heart of Texas OAKLAND -- To best describe how A's starter Greg Smith pitched Sunday, let's listen in on the sixth-inning call by A's radio voice Ken Korach: "He has eviscerated the heart of the Texas order. Sharks to Stars: Not dead yet Inman: Giants should release Alfonzo Inman: 49ers, Raiders lose their magic touch in developing receivers Inman: Raiders hoping McFadden will be playmaker


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	JOAN'S WORLD: Craig Ferguson doesn't open that can of laughs I usually watch Craig Ferguson's monologue. Does he have an audience? Joan's World: What's the deal with the Chevy ad? 'Rio or 'R-E-O ? Looks are deceiving -- actors not related Get up off your duff and do it


	Follow sports stars on the Net Thank heaven and Al Gore for the Internet, which allows us to keep tabs of our favorite sports figures (and former faves) even when they're out of season. Peterson: Sharks have new offseason mission Sharks not doing a fold this time Sharks need to keep chippiness Wrong again ... and again


	Map: Bike to Work Day 2008 East Bay energizer stations Each year, hundreds of volunteers staff "energizer stations" to fuel and encourage those who participate in Bike to Work Day. Station workers prepare reusable "goodie bags" filled with fruit, snacks, cycling literature and other treats. Map your visit to an energizer station, or add notes, pictures or video of your two-wheeled commute! Even toll takers make mistakes Even toll takers make mistakes Queen: Are you cutting back on driving? The Queen of the Road: 11-99 benefits CHP officers


	Legalizing hard booze didn't let it flow freely The formal ending of Prohibition on Dec. 5, 1933, didn't cause nearly the level of revelry that legalizing 3.2 percent beer in the Bay Area had done eight months earlier. Beer in the Bay Area makes a Prohibition-era comeback Antioch History Museum's brick building began life as a high school Fascinating stories from history emerge in 'Mountain View Cemetery" As Walnut Creek grew, so did its newspaper


	They fought oppression abroad -- and at home Japanese-American vets gathering May 17 in Oakland Reading event a lesson in more than just books Snapp Shots: Holocaust survivor's story a lesson for today Snapp Shots: Holocaust survivor's story a lesson for today Yes, there was a Cal before the '60s


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	Our Neighbors: It's no debate, Pinole Valley High forensics team needs your help Success can be costly, especially for an extracurricular high school program that depends completely on outside donations for its continued existence.Two students in the forensics program at Pinole Valley High School — seniors Jaheed Hedeen-Garret and Marcus Lang — have qualified to Our Neighbors: A few notes about West County music College library a treasure, needs donations College library a treasure, needs donations RPAL affirms students' achievements


	Party positions on June ballot Some 65 people competing for 37 seats on GOP, Democratic central committees Party positions on June ballot Cloud hangs over primary Equal passion, disparate styles Thirty East Bay Democrats win seats to national convention

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