Cover: Silicon Species
Computers now set life's pace, and we are guinea pigs in the high-tech lab of evolution.

Open and Closed: Theaters, shops and projects--Bruce Bratton knows who's coming and going.

Winter Robben: Robben Ford lends his improvisational skills to New Music Works' season-opening concert at UCSC.

High Strung: The Miami String Quartet teams up with Van Cliburn Competition gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu.

Impressions of Jazz: Classical saxman William Trimble and the Santa Cruz Symphony gave Milhaud a superb reading over the weekend.

Notes From the Underground: New metal band Hekla showers Callahan's with lewd sounds, cereal and toys.

Sights and Sounds: An Ani approval, apocalypse and the daring, dueling vocals of the Dance Hall Crashers come to town.

Italian Echoes: Star Bene on East Cliff Drive shines with the sounds and flavors of Italy.

A La Carte: Winter specials highlight menu at Shadowbrook in Capitola; delicious changes at Cafe del Sol.

Therapy Chic: Why spend time in a mental hospital if you're not crazy? Richard von Busack reviews 'Girl, Interrupted.'

Body Trap: Gender-bending 'Boys Don't Cry' tells of a true-life tragedy in the Midwest.