Cover: Holy Smoke!
Spend Christmas in the Dormitory of the Gods--a holiday tale by David Templeton.

News: Estuary Ally
Tenacious environmentalist Tom Yarish prepares for battle.

Afghan Holiday: One intrepid journalist endures Ramadan fasts, strange rashes, and lots of bugs.

Brave New Year: Modest suggestions for extravagant celebrations.

Critic's Picks: A guide to the week's best arts, theater and music events.

Legally Blonde: Actress Judy Holliday had the hair--and the brains.

Happy Chance: 'Va Savoir' tells capricious love story.

Talking Bach: Baroque elegy is a surprise hit.

SiFT: Disco divas, hip-hop connoisseurs and salsa suaves to flannel-clad pinball players, jazz luminaries and more from the City by the Bay.

Holiday Zest: Christmas cuisine in the Land of Enchantment.

Will Power: Comic Will Durst kisses off this crappy year.