The standards for what makes a great story can rely on many elements. For some, good writing has to succeed in drawing the audience into another world. Read more...

The theremin is best known as the instrument Brian Wilson used to make spooky noises in the wall of sound single “Good Vibrations.” On Halloween in Royce Hall it was one of many instruments ““ musical and otherwise ““ used to supplement the already intense words of Edgar Allan Poe. Read more...

Columbus, Ohio, is like many other Middle American cities, only more so. In other words, it’s predominately white and boring. I was there to attend the annual national conference of the American Musicological Society, and while the fresh air and nice waiters were a welcome change, the trip showed how desolate the place was ““ the hockey arena had nothing around it and the mall was closed, and it was only 9 p.m. Read more...

A good friend of mine will tell you that the Dismemberment Plan is the best band in the world ““ bar none. At worst, he’s not far off. Read more...

Cock fighting in Oklahoma and the reformation of marijuana laws ““ not only is Nov. 5 voting day, it’s also the opening day for UCLA’s second-year master’s of fine arts acting workshop. Read more...

Sounds can often be deceiving. Listen to The Rum Diary and try not to picture epic noise-making bands like Scotland’s Mogwai. Mogwai is resoundingly serious, larger than life, and has that certain panache for being different and artsy that is often associated with successful indie rockers. Read more...

“I Spy” Starring Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson Columbia Tristar Pictures What “I Spy” lacks in plot and originality, it makes up with genuine laughs and the great comedic duo of Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson. Read more...