Andrew Altschul, according to reviews, has applied a devilish wit to what he observes as a growing societal fascination with reality TV, in his novel, “Deus Ex Machina” (Counterpoint, 2011). That fascination, in Altschul’s view, centers on ever-devolving scenarios of debasement, danger and cutthroat competition for contestants. Intrigued by shows such as “Fear Factor” and…

There are changes wafting in the wintry air for this year’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The biggest of them is that this year’s festivities will be managed by the Idyllwild Community Center, with Chris Perreault chairing the entertainment activities planned for the event. The second is that the tree that will be brilliantly lit is…

All sorts of things were being preprocessed in anticipation of Feb. 18 scheduled “PianoFest” performances, both on the ground and in the skies. When considered as a whole — the dry and cold air present that evening, plus the morning’s occultation of Mars by the Moon (and other portentous events) — the situation presented itself…

Seventeen-year-old Idyllwild Arts Academy senior Mark Beebe was one of 14 “future superstars” selected as Grand Prize Finalists at The Music Center’s 31st-annual Spotlight Program. He will perform at the ticketed Grand Finale Performance at The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4. About 1,600 students auditioned from more than…