Cover: Rosicrucian Red
The Rosicrucian Order, the granddaddy of metaphysical science and secret religious tenets, should be flying high in the New Age. But instead they're sitting cross-legged on the floor. What happened and why these ordinary folks don't mind.

News: Capital Crimes
As the Unabomber trial struggles to take its first breath, Marc Herman reports, the media encampment busies itself with minutiae that make the Manifesto seem almost sane.

Fine-Feathered Fiends: The hills are alive with peacocks--gorgeous, exotic and extremely annoying. Where did they come from and, more important, where do they go when we can't take it anymore?

Public Eye: Former mayor shelves bid to reclaim his old office.

Presents of Mind: Metroactive's annual holiday guide cuts to the heart of the season of giving. Plus, clutter-free gifts.

Thumping Their Tubs: Chumbawamba and Moby both put their messages before their music.

Spinning The Beatles: Jazz vocalist Ann Dyer puts a new spin on Revolver.

Beat Street: Concert gets better, etiquette gets worse at annual KOME concert.

The Meal Deal: No question--Palo Alto's Pasta? serves up affordable, al dente dishes.

Bargain Bites: Budget-saving suggestions for the cooks on your holiday gift list.

Big Chap Mutating: From Alien to Resurrection, the protean menace worms its way deep into our subconscious and traces an arc of our history.

Elephant at Prayer: Telling moments salvage ponderous Amistad.

Taking a Chance: Babak Sarrafan gives voice to a generation of Iranian-Americans in Sting of Chance.

Mouse House: San Jose Cleveland Ballet builds a better Nutcracker--review by Philip Collins.

Nothing but The Troupe: A beleaguered stage company rises to the occasion in Moon Over Buffalo.

Return to Gender: Female artists manipulate the new media at Art-Tech.