Cover: Thumbs' Rush
Fresh from a northern romp, Santa Cruz's Thumbs Down preps for a new EP.

News: Bio Bites
Lawsuit reveals doubts among FDA scientists over safety of biotech foods.

Nüz: Local woman team up for teen spirit.

Sinking Back to Silicon Valley: Is the high-tech economy here to stay?

Staging Hip-Hop: The residents of hip-hop nation speak through the many characters of Danny Hoch's 'Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop.'

In The Mix: Listeners got a full sampling of the styles and intentions of new classical music at New Music Works' 'Breaking Sound Barriers.'

Notes From the Underground: Local gigs, a new Junk Sick Dawn CD, radio contretemps and hot picks.

Sights and Sounds: Radical rappers defy beat-head stereotypes at Palookaville show.

Mountain Romance: A former tearoom now serves as Chez Elise, a continental dining destination in Scotts Valley.

A La Carte: Sampling the pleasures of refurbished Caffe Lido and Stockton Bridge Grill.

Gritty Ashes: Alan Parker preserves the anger of Frank McCourt's memoir in 'Angela's Ashes.'

Ride the Whirlwind: Denzel Washington's 'The Hurricane' simplifies a complex boxer's case.