By Allison Dixon Daily Bruin Contributor Before there were cars, mansions or high-tech electronics, the people of Central Asia used elaborate textiles as status symbols. During the 19th century, the textile industry reached an artistic crescendo, producing magnificent garments as well as elaborate fabrics for the home. Read more...

By Brent Hopkins Daily Bruin Senior Staff Saying farewell to the dead doesn’t have to be a somber occasion. Not if you’re an Orange County punk, at least. Read more...

By Barbara McGuire Daily Bruin Contributor Forget the oven, don’t even think about the microwave, and who needs a stove. Clearly these cooking tools are passé, now that novel recipes call for cooking with dishwashers and car engines. Read more...

By Gideon Cross Daily Bruin Contributor The half homage, half poking fun soul/hip-hop posturing that sometimes wears a bit thin on Beck’s mostly impressive latest release “Midnite Vultures” was in full force Friday night at the Greek Theater. Read more...

“The Scarlet Pimpernel” Through June 18 Ahmanson Theatre Tickets $25 – $70 (213) 628-2772 The chorus sung about the infamous storybook hero and star of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” echoed through the Ahmanson Theatre at the play’s opening last week. Read more...

Everyone knows the standard first-year dorm initiation ““ the floor trip to “The Price is Right” taping. Usually one dreams the night before of hearing Rod Roddy shout out to “Come on down because you are the next contestant,” only to wake up to reality knowing that the chances are slim to none ““ actually 9 out of about 300 ““ of getting picked. Read more...

For a band whose members haven’t really spoken to each other in almost five years, Pink Floyd can still dominate the charts like Godzilla over Tokyo. Read more...