With the conclusion of “American Idol” all but sure to bring about the end of civilization, I decided drastic measures would be necessary. Rupert Murdoch’s nefarious Inner Circle was using all the phone votes and text messages to hurtle an asteroid, named for recently deceased public TV guru Mister Rogers, toward earth via the FOX Broadcasting satellite. Read more...

Before directing “Wonder Boys” and “8 Mile,” Curtis Hanson won an Oscar for his screenplay “L.A. Confidential,” a film he also directed. In 1999, he became the chairman of the UCLA Film and Television Archive, where he created the “Movie That Inspired Me” series in which celebrities present and talk about movies special to them. Read more...

Who says dating is just for couples and that the only way to make friends is to join a sorority? While the focus of these articles has been on romantic relationships, platonic friendships can be the most substantial and valuable relationships people have. Read more...

The life of Frida Kahlo, the flamboyant Mexican artist, is to be painted on stage in a theatrical production at the Freud Playhouse from May 28 to June 1. Read more...

A lot of people live their lives according to what they call the “American way.” They champion First Amendment rights, spit on communism and tyranny, and can’t get enough of that life, liberty and warm apple pie. Read more...

Ed Harcourt” From Every Sphere” Astralwerks “Hey Jude” ruined pop music. It was 1968, and the ultimate purveyors of the two-three-minute pop song release a seven-plus-minute track that becomes their biggest hit ever. Read more...

It’s Sunday afternoon, and you’re stuck on the fourth floor of Young Research Library desperately seeking sources for the term paper you’ve been putting off for weeks. Read more...