Once the books are purchased, the rent is paid and the fridge is filled, most student filmmakers recognize that financing life is hard enough. But financing a movie ““ now that’s a challenge. Read more...

Jock Young “Epsilon Zeta” HARBOR HOUSE BOOKS The closing pages of “Epsilon Zeta,” a novel by Jock Young, bear a striking resemblance to its opening pages. Read more...

There’s one line in particular from Lupe Fiasco’s new album, “Food and Liquor,” that I really like: “I’d like to thank the streets that drove me crazy / and all the televisions out there that raised me.” It may not be poetry, but it’s clear that the rising MC has an above-average awareness of what’s going on in the world around him and the nerve to speak his mind. Read more...

Since when is the Internet as exclusive as the Playboy Mansion or the backstage of a Radiohead concert? Since now. The popular video-sharing site YouTube.com, which began as a completely public site, has recently decided to adopt the route of more exclusive Internet communities ““ namely, colleges. Read more...

Despite touring, recording and the many trappings that come with being professional musicians, members of The Dears still find time for family. The band’s infectious brand of noir-pop rolls into Los Angeles on Oct. Read more...

Beck “The Information” Interscope Records (Out of 5) We are gathered here today to mourn the death of Beck’s music career. If you wanted to purchase a copy of the latest Beck album in order to hear new songs from him, don’t bother. Read more...

The Killers “Sam’s Town” Island Records (Out of 5) The Killers’ vocalist Brandon Flowers was recently interviewed in “Entertainment Weekly” and modestly declared that his group’s new album, “Sam’s Town,” would be “one of the best albums in the past 20 years,” not to mention the album “that keeps rock ‘n’ roll afloat.” Those are some Scott Stapp-esque claims. Read more...