Cover Story: Made in the Shade
The shy DJ who, six years ago, swore off the jiggyness of commercial hip-hop on his debut album now says, 'It's all good.' DJ Shadow comes out of the darkness and back into the spotlight.

News: Lone Rider
Eugene Bradley takes on the Valley Transit Authority to say they're expensive, late and lousy.

The Disorient Express: Caltrain passengers get railroaded into backup cars from the Midwest. It's a big problem, yah.

Public Eye: Sheriff Laurie Smith slams 200-page Department of Corrections management audit.

All That: Rants from Silicon Valley.

Work: Revenge of the Wonks.

Book Learning: Ismail Merchant misreads V.S. Naipaul's 'Mystic Masseur' in new film.

Sleepless Sinners: 'Insomnia' dresses up a meat-and-potatoes thriller with symbolist sauce.

Code Ode: Romance blossoms among the cipher warriors in Michael Apted's 'Enigma.'

French Fried: In 1792, a Scottish aristocrat survives the Reign of Terror in Eric Rohmer's 'The Lady and the Duke.'

Chunky but Funky: Chris 'Peanut Butter Wolf' Manak's top 11 hip-hop memories of the South Bay from 1982 to 1992.

Frequent Flier: Beth Custer mind-travels through music.

Aural Fixation: Insolence hits its home turf with new drummer in tow.

All Shook Down: Is it the music or the manner that really counts on Tom Waits' new releases?

Man and Manatee: Julia Whitty's stories bring the natural world to conscious life.

Zen What?: Le Poisson Japonais combines sushi with French saucing for an enlightening dining experience.

Cheap Eats: Shalimar Indian Cuisine's $8.95 buffet invites gluttony.

'Art' and 'America': Season-closers offer fresh perspectives on politics and culture.