Cover:
The Secret Strife of Plants
Does the herbal renaissance spell hard times for medicinal plants?

Musical Youth: Lyrical chutzpah and DIY spirit drive UCSC duo, the Applicators.

Lord of the Rejects: Paul Westerberg probes the pain of vulnerability on Suicaine Gratifaction.

Notes From The Underground: Slow Gherkin converts a ska-phobe, and Palookaville hosts a mix of good and bad.

Art & About: Musical chairs and a call for artists.

Growing Pains: UCSC's theater arts department infuses talent into Chekhov's humorless Cherry Orchard.

Serving Matters: Dining pros come clean about on-the-job quirks.

De Niro Worship: In a familiar role, De Niro still delivers.