The brain is the most important organ of the human body--you already know that. Conceivably, any organ in the body other than our brains could be artificially, or by transplant, replaced. Yet if your brain doesn't work, there is no point. Psychiatric drugs modify brain function with the intent of producing a patient who can conform to what is needed in society. Medication does not mean the end of consciousness--it marks a change to consciousness. -more-

Waterballoongate has the best name in a wild field of choices for worst Berkeley police scandal. Berkeley's police scandal list recently had to add homeless arrest quotas, a matter discovered when a whistleblower from within the Berkeley Police Department (BPD) decided to reveal text messages affirming the fact now under what passes in this town for investigation. -more-

It's a new year, so let's get it going with a smattering of traditional irrelevance. Herewith: a salute to some personalized license plates spotted in the closing days of 2022. -more-

Pope Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) died at age 95. He was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 19 April 2005 until his resignation on 28 February 2013. -more-

Editor's Note: The latest issue of the Pepper Spray Times is now available.

You can view it absolutely free of charge by clicking here . You can print it out to give to your friends.

Grace Underpressure has been producing it for many years now, even before the Berkeley Daily Planet started distributing it, most of the time without being paid, and now we'd like you to show your appreciation by using the button below to send her money.

This is a Very Good Deal. Go for it! -more-

Worth Noting:

2023 is off to a quiet start with four meetings.

• Wednesday the Agenda Committee meets at 2:30 pm to plan the 1/17/2023 City Council Regular Meeting. The Board of Library Trustees meets at 6:30 pm. The Homeless Services Panel of Experts meets at 7 pm. The 206-page City of Berkeley Crisis Response Models Report – Specialized Care Unit included in the meeting packet is not listed as an agenda item.
• Thursday the Landmarks Preservation Commission meets at 7 pm. There is a demolition referral for the site of the former Radio Shack - watch for a mixed use building to appear on the DRC and ZAB agendas in the near future. The letter from Elyce Klein listed under correspondence lays open some questions on what is behind the changes in the Turtle Island Monument plans.