Computer Hell
They're supposed to make our lives easier. So why are personal computers such a pain?
Plus: Building a better Box Can a hardworking career man support his family and still be a father of the '90s?

This Man's Navy
From sub commander to Pentagon decision maker to ambassador, William Crow Jr. knows the corridors of power.

Truce with Wall Street
An activist-turned executive wonders if you can serve humankind and mammon.

Baby Boom
To Cope with the chaos of quintuplets, Patty and Scot Shier rely on strict scheduling, the kindness of strangers and faith in God.

The Naughty Professor
Economist Thorstein Veblen came to Stanford amid fanfare in 1906. Three years later, he left under a cloud.

Teacher in the Trenches
A classroom veteran says fostering curiosity is the key to education.

Trouble in Paradise
In a new novel, the 29th century is peaceful, happy -- and spiritually empty.

Stanford Bookstore Best-Sellers

Book Blurbs
Four new books by Stanford authors:

• Late-Talking Children, by Thomas Sowell, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution
• Please Don't Wish Me a Merry Christmas: A critical History of the Separation of Church and State, by Stephen M. Feldman, JSM '86
• Postmodern War: The New Politics of Conflict, by Chris Hables Gray, '75
• Every Day, by Elizabeth Richards, '82

First Impressions
Stanford history has been shaped by risk-takers, great professors -- and a few scoundrels.

Letters to the Editor
Comments, congrats and catcalls from you. Zap us a letter while you're here.

Student Voice
For one senior, chronic illness struck suddenly but brought with it an unexpected dividend.

A Hungarian's Rhapsody
Maestro Sandor Salgo brings his lifelong love of music to alumni and friends.

Cardinal Numbers

On the Job: Corrective Surgery
The new chief of Mass General treats the venerable institution itself as a patient.

Gridiron Gadflies
Two diehard Cardinal fans publish an in-your-face newsletter.

E-Mail From Egypt
Neither pyramids nor papyrus could compete with a 24-hour flu.

Endnotes
A former NFL defensive back discovers there is life beyond the gridiron.

Poll
Reunion Angst? Don't worry -- just remember your nametag.

Alumni Tidings from Around the World

Class Notable:
Gary Simpson, '38

Class Notable:
George Kent, '76

Obituaries

Remembering:
Drew Silvern, '82, 1960-1997

The Lonely Planet Computer overuse compounds problems for the shy and compulsive.

Whiz Kids Twin basketball players and a 14-year-old wunderkind from Malaysia are just three of the amazing students in the incoming freshman class.

All That Jazz In its 25th summer, the Stanford Jazz Workshop trumpets its success as one of the country's most prestigious jam sessions.

. . . and more in the Stanford News Service's section.