Comedian Dane Cook talks to Mercury News reporter Mark de la Vina about how the Internet helped him become one of the hottest stand-up performers — someone greatly resented by many comic peers.

Director Todd Haynes (”Far From Heaven”) talks to Mercury News reporter Mark de la Vina about his new film featuring such actors as Cate Blanchett and Christian Bale playing characters inspired by the various phases of Bob Dylan’s career.

Resident gore hound Karen D’Souza runs through three horror movie picks for Halloween. Here’s why “30 Days of Night,” “Frostbitten” and the remake of “Halloween” are must-sees.

Director David Sington talks to Mercury News reporter Mark de la Vina about “In the Shadow of the Moon,” the filmmaker’s new documentary about the trailblazing astronauts of the Apollo program.

The director of the latest entry in the movie franchise talks to Mercury News arts and entertainment reporter Mark de la Vina about life as a horror filmmaker.

Reporter Chris O’Brien looks at the rise of San Jose appliance networking Echelon.

Cobb’s Comedy Club of San Francisco will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September. Reporter Mark de la Vina spoke to Cobb’s veterans such as Kevin Pollak, star of “The Usual Suspects,”and “The Whole Nine Yards,” about the venerable stand-up comedy venue.

“The Daily Show” regular and stand-up comedian Lewis Black talks to Mercury News arts and entertainment reporter Mark de la Vina about how a nation’s collective anger has helped his comedy career.

Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs answers media questions about the new Apple products announced today.

Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, the Berkeley-reared trio best known for their hit videos “Lazy Sunday” and “Dick in a Box” on “Saturday Night Live,” talk to reporter Mark de la Vina about their new feature film.