Cover Story: Party Players
A cheer-up guide to New Year's fun.

News: Work's A Beach
The forced vacation sounds like a good idea to many companies during the tightened economy--but is it legal?

Public Eye: After weeks of rumors, NBC announced a deal this week to buy KNTV for $230 million.

Notes From the Underbelly: 7-Foot Women.

Work: Welcome to the machine.

Doom With a View: 'Fellowship of the Ring' offers eco take on Tolkien's famous tale.

Lone Star State: Idaho frontman Jeff Martin goes solo.

Aural Fixation: The end-of-the-year parties come thick and fast.

All Shook Down: Topple the tchotchkes and give the gift of a few favorite songs this season.

Pho House: A San Jose Vietnamese restaurant offers love in the form of chicken broth.

Sweet Gestures: Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley's 'Nutcracker' fulfills seasonal urges with tasty panache.