Cover Story: Heroine Addiction
A new cultural archetype is creeping into modern cinema and television: women who can knock the daylights out of their foes. So, writes Mary Spicuzza, what's not to like about that?

News: European Babecation
How regular men can become JamesBond.men, babes and all--if they're willing to pony up at least $50 grand.

Metropolis News Extras

• Campbell: Rep. Mike Honda unveils first legislative initiative at Campbell school.
  
• Sunnyvale: More residents are turning to solar power as energy crisis deepens.
  
• Los Gatos: Police look into possibility that Los Gatos man used a 'date rape' drug.

A Warm Gun: A pacifist goes a-shooting.

Public Eye: Zoe croons a new tune: I won't run for mayor. Labor leader also a no-go. Merc manufactures story on power plant.

Omerta: Bad art creates bad narratives for revenge.

Notes From the Underbelly: Descent into Happy Hollow.

Work: Palm Someday.

Eastern Ease: San Jose Chamber Orchestra's premiere of 'From the East' proved brilliant thanks to soloist Cui Jun Zhi.

Aural Fixation: Saint Patrick's Day fun around the Bay Area.

Audiofile: Reviews of new CDs by Eliza Carthy and Dolly Parton.

From Bayou To Cave: Kasi Lemmons migrates from the Southern Gothic of 'Eve's Bayou' to the urban angst of 'The Caveman's Valentine.'

In the Mood for Crossover: The SF Asian American Film Festival brings works by up-and-coming directors to San Jose.

Capital Ideas: A progressive couple takes up the cause of a condemned man in 'The Widow of Saint-Pierre.'

Unlucky '7': 'Survivor' gets a lteral interpretation in reality-TV spoof 'Series 7: The Contenders.'

'Teers for Fears: '3hree Musketeers' gets back to intriguing roots of Dumas classic.

Pleasing Pomodoro: The Alameda adds a winning eatery, Pasta Pomodoro.

A La Carte: Of 1-inch snacks and mini biscotti.