Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Factory outlet FEATURE: The Laugh Factory offers an opportunity to relieve the pain and grief of Matthew Shepard’s death with a benefit in his honor By Michelle Zubiate Daily Bruin Staff As the old cliche rings, laughter always helps soothe the pains of tragic memories. Read more...

Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Murder, insanity add twists to tale of lexicographer, origin of dictionary BOOKS: Author Simon Winchester sheds light on the creation of tome By Stacy Sare Daily Bruin Contributor The 20th century is convenient. Read more...

Wednesday, January 13, 1999 Zen the Alien beams into The Gig for Monday night show MUSIC: Group reveals passion for performance despite meager turnout By Vanessa VanderZanden Daily Bruin Senior Staff Monday nights are slow, even in a fast town like Los Angeles. Read more...

Tuesday, January 12, 1999 Band proves dark side of rock can still be fun MUSIC: Strong stage presence lends clout to Placebo’s long set By Michelle Zubiate Daily Bruin Staff Whether wearing a little goth or a little drag, the music rocks just the same. Read more...

Tuesday, January 12, 1999 Curtain Call "The Last Session" Through Feb. 14 Tiffany Theater West Hollywood Tickets: $33.50-$37.50 (310) 289-2999 When Gideon (Bob Stillman), an AIDS-afflicted singer and songwriter, gathers his old musical colleagues at a recording studio for a final album, he believes he will be seeing his friends for the last time. Read more...

Tuesday, January 12, 1999 Ideal soprano brightens colors of fading ‘Butterfly’ THEATER: L.A. Opera, Watanabe bring Puccini favorite back to the stage By John Mangum Daily Bruin Contributor Her house may need a new coat of paint and her porch could use some carpentry work, but L.A. Read more...

Tuesday, January 12, 1999 L.A. masses just can’t get enough from entrancing Depeche Mode MUSIC: Gritty ’80s band electrifies audience with dreamy vocals, energy By Michelle Zubiate Daily Bruin Staff Sometimes the old shines just as brightly as the new. Read more...