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Ken Kalfus' new novel about an astronomer obsessed with attracting the attention of Martians appears at first to be an homage to the scientific romances of H.G. Wells and the lost-world sagas of H. Rider Haggard. As the novel develops, however, its unique social commentaries emerge.

Fast economic growth often carries a high price for some of the poorest residents as slums are cleared, sometimes by force. But the Four Regions Slum Network aims to give slum dwellers a political voice.

Thailand is back to work as usual, just three days after a military coup. The change in power was condemned abroad, but legitimized by the royal palace and greeted by many Thais with relief.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and Los Angeles public schools started a food fight this week. The second season of Oliver's reality show Food Revolution features him badmouthing L.A. school lunches — and the school district is now fighting back with some new cuisine.

New restaurants around town and new activities: from daily art assignments to dodgeball. Get ready to have your tastebuds tickled and your interest piqued in today's edition of the weekend preview.

The Masters Tournament is still a month away, but the green jackets that grace the winners' shoulders are already in the news, thanks to a lawsuit over a proposed auction of a former champion's jacket.

Soldiers in Thailand fired into the air and used tear gas Monday in an effort to disperse mass demonstrations in Bangkok after a state of emergency was declared to quell the anti-government protests. One person has been killed and dozens injured in clashes, according to reports.

Six months after a tsunami struck the region, tourism in the Thai resort town of Phuket has yet to rebound. Tourist revenue -- the community's lifeblood -- is down by half. Hotel rooms remain empty, while scores of airlines have ended or cut back service.

In 1975, the Khmer Rouge told the family of Peou Nam that their father had been executed. In fact, he'd been bludgeoned and left for dead twice — but survived both times. A dream, an inexplicable impulse and the work of psychics brought the Cambodian family together after 36 years.

The U.S. ambassador to Thailand said an American plane filled with relief supplies was ready to take off for Myanmar on Thursday, but the government there revoked permission. U.S. disaster relief specialists are also having trouble getting in, despite their unique and badly needed skills.