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Northern Star

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Fame no longer takes very much talent

By KEITH CAMERON | May 4, 2008

When I was younger, I operated under the myth that singing took talent, acting required training and art was a craft. Then again, I also believed in Santa Claus and happy endings. As the world turns and things change, my conception of how things work...

Track of the Day: ‘School’s Out’ by Alice Cooper

By NYSSA BULKES | May 4, 2008

This song isn't just a stellar "Guitar Hero" experience. As the school year winds down, Cooper helps us voice what may seem difficult to express: how students feel about relinquishing their perfectly timed schedules, the messy gel pens and the heated...

Students get laughs from family, Facebook at comedy contest

By ANDY MITCHELL | May 4, 2008

Family and Facebook were among the topics student comedians joked about during the Third Annual Laugh Out Loud Comedy Contest on Friday night. Hosted by Alpha Sigma Omega, seven students took the stage at the Holmes Student Center's Diversions Lounge,...

Former Lawrence Arms guitarist/vocalist entertains at House

By TONY MARTIN | May 4, 2008

Once again, The House Café, 236 E. Lincoln Highway, welcomed Sundowner to entertain the increasingly chilly crowd on Friday night. The result was a tightly packed crowd singing along to earnest songs about alcoholism and traveling. But before that,...

Flick Pick: ’25th Hour’ (2003)

By CHRIS KRAPEK | May 4, 2008

Director: Spike Lee Starring: Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson Synopsis: Drug-dealer Monty Brogan (Norton) surrounds himself with friends and family as he lives out his last hours before going to prison. Director Lee's depiction of...

Beer of the Week: Shock Top

By DAN STONE | May 1, 2008

Grade: B- The Beer: Originally introduced as a seasonal brew in February 2006, Shock Top joined the year-round Anheuser-Busch specialty blends in November 2007. Shock Top won the 2006 Gold Medal and the 2007 Bronze Medal at the North American Beer Awards...

Corddry’s movie choices fail to showcase his talent

By TONY MARTIN | May 1, 2008

"The Daily Show" is one of America's most beloved institutions, mostly because of Jon Stewart's ability to turn the grimness of reality into fodder for big laughs. However, there are other contributors to the show who are just as funny and relevant. Throughout...

Track of the Day: ‘Dirty Knife’ by Neko Case

By ANDY MITCHELL | May 1, 2008

One of country music's most beloved qualities is actually one of my least favorite aspects of the genre: its direct, easy-to-understand lyrics and emotions. Sure, when it's done well by distinct singers, it can't be beat, but I'm getting a degree in English....

Summer CD releases offer promising options

By TONY MARTIN | May 1, 2008

As warmer months approach, the search for that one classic summer album intensifies. Every summer, it seems like there is one album that rises above all the others and becomes the definition of the three-month break between the school year. Here are early...

Mudcrutch album a solid effort

By JOHN PUTERBAUGH | May 1, 2008

Rating: 7/10 Not many rock 'n' roll icons take time off from their regular schedules to revisit their days of pre-fame. Not many take time off to play with rag-tag musicians in an average band with a following no bigger than a thousand or so people in...

Flick Pick: ‘The Dark Crystal’ (1982)

By JEN HANCE | May 1, 2008

Directed by: Jim Henson and Frank Oz Starring: Muppets voiced by Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz This fantasy story from the "Muppet man" himself, Jim Henson, is one of the more serious Muppet movies. Viewers follow the orphan Jen, who goes on a...

Track of the Day: ‘Stand By Your Man’ by The Blues Brothers

By BEN BURR | April 30, 2008

‘Stand By Your Man' - The Blues Brothers Many vocalists have sung ‘Stand By Your Man,' from Tammy Wynette to Carrie Underwood, often with considerably more "oomph" than Jake and Elwood did. But the Bros connect with this country standard in...