Cover: Wrappin'
Our annual guide to getting the jump on holiday gift giving.

Presents of Sound: Our crack critics track down the best local CDs for giving and keeping this season.

Bearing Gifts: So many parties, so little time--a few good ideas for hostess gifts with more pizzazz than cost.

It's a Wrap: Local artist Trudi Eldridge masters the fine art of wrapping paper design.

Holiday Calendar: Upcoming events in the Santa Cruz area.

News: Seeing the Light
Peninsula scientist Berhard Haisch and two associates think they have uncovered a sea of light in physics which turns Newton's law on its head and opens the door for science fiction-like science.

Paper Home: Bruce Bratton uncovers the secrets of Metro Santa Cruz's new home, the Leonard Building.

Sights and Sounds: A trio of psychobilly bands take the Aptos Club to hell and back.

Notes From the Underground: Royal Crown Revue takes out a Palookaville crowd with tommy-gun swing and pachuco boogie.

Digit Goes to College: Walter Kirn's novel 'Thumbsucker' takes an idiosyncratic look at the coming-of-age novel.

Smartmouth: Capitola Esplanade favorite Caffé Lido returns after a menu makeover and a facility facelift.

A La Carte: There's no need to go to bed early when Avanti is open late.

Ending in Style: Director Don McKellar talks about how Canadians face the final days in his new film 'Last Night.'

Running on Empty: 'Sleepy Hollow' missing more than just its head.

Please don't forget to write! Metro Santa Cruz welcomes letters. Like any great work of art, they should be originals -- not copies of letters sent elsewhere. Include address and daytime phone (for verification purposes only). Letters may be edited for length and clarity or to correct factual inaccuracies known to us. Postal: Metro Santa Cruz Letters, 115 Cooper St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Fax: 831/457-5828. Email:

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