Rhino Records' dark and freakishly comprehensive "A Life Less Lived: The Gothic Box" is a must-own for any remaining junior goths whose sole exposure to the rich underground music movement still comes out of a Hot Topics bag.

The equivalent of a Goth 101 course, the 3-CD, 1-DVD box boasts 53 tracks and 12 videos, released between 1978 and 1998, from the expected — Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Gene Loves Jezebel — and the rarely heard (Clan of XYMOX, anyone?). All this and a book of artist and critic essays and detailed liner notes wrapped in a black vinyl slip laced up like a comfy old leather corset. Really.

Out today; retail $64.98.

— Derek Paiva

HEALING FOR THE NEWLY SINGLE

It's hard enough going through a divorce or the death of a spouse. But how do you move on?

The Beginning Experience — a support group for separated, divorced or widowed people — is holding a workshop Sept. 22-24 at St. Anthony's Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley. It's for men and women who are willing to work through their denial, bargaining, anger and depression.

Cost is $150, which includes five meals and housing. Call Carole at 218-5814 for more information.

— Catherine E. Toth

FINAL WORD

"I hear that if you don't have your high school diploma, they make you take your GED. I've been meaning to do that for the last 20 years, so I guess there is a bright side."

Sunny Garcia | the pro surfer, on serving time for tax evasion, in Surfing magazine. His sentencing is set for Oct. 18.