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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

NIU alumnus gets a shot on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

By CHRIS KRAPEK | April 28, 2008

"Wheel of Fortune's" Wheelmobile made a stop in Chicago, NIU alumnus Mark Grotto fulfilled a lifelong dream. Grotto originally planned to try out for the show with his sister for "Family Week." However, after numerous auditions, callbacks and a switch...

The good, bad of the latest DVD releases

By TONY MARTIN | April 28, 2008

Here's what's coming out on DVD: "27 Dresses" The chick flick of the spring season is upon us and, like all the others, will be forgotten by September. Katherine Heigl, in another one of her roles as an awkward woman, commands a decent amount of laughs....

Fey, Poehler perfect pair in ‘Baby Mama’

By BEN BURR | April 27, 2008

Rating: 10/10 Starring: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Martin, Greg Kinnear The Plot Businesswoman Kate Holbrook (Fey) can't conceive, so she hires a working-class surrogate (Poehler) to carry her child. The Good Fey tackles the lead role...

Track of the Day: ‘Country Pie’ by Bob Dylan

By NYSSA BULKES | April 27, 2008

Some people think of Bob Dylan as the gaunt folk singer who penned "The Times They Are a-Changin'," while others see him as the Ray-Ban-wearing rocker who raspily snarled "Like a Rolling Stone." Both are right, but in the late sixties, Dylan rejected...

Krumping battles on campus all in good fun

By PATRICK BATTLE | April 27, 2008

For those who lack the gift of rhythm, the Neptune residence halls aren't exactly the safest place to be. Those who do pass through may be lucky enough to witness the awesome and bizarre power of krumping, a form of an urban street dance crafted by blacks...

‘Harold & Kumar’ sequel strong on laughs

By JEN HANCE | April 27, 2008

Rating: 7/10 Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry and Neil Patrick Harris on a unicorn The Plot The sequel picks up where "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" left off: Harold and Kumar are mistaken for bomb-toting terrorists when Kumar tries...

‘Top Model’ contestant to play at Best Buy, House

By CHRIS KRAPEK | April 24, 2008

Sarah VonderHaar is not your average model. The Lake Zurich native, who was a part of Cycle 8 of "America's Next Top Model," released her debut album, "Are You Listening Now?," earlier this week. In promotion for her album, she will be signing copies...

Flick Pick: ‘Anger Management’ (2003)

By LINDSEY KASTNING | April 24, 2008

Director: Peter Segal Starring: Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson Plot: After a huge misunderstanding on a plane, mellow David Buznik (Sandler) is ordered by the court to attend anger management therapy. Upon meeting Dr. Buddy Rydell (Nicholson), even calm...

Atmosphere stick to what they know on latest album

By PATRICK BATTLE | April 24, 2008

Rating: 8/10 Atmosphere has dropped one official EP per season since last fall. The finale of such a year comes with an actual LP - "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S--- Gold" - a heartfelt work that channels the human struggle into words anyone...

Conchords’ album good, but better in context of show

By BEN BURR | April 24, 2008

Rating: 9/10 Flight of the Conchords hit that seldom-struck sweet spot, mixing just the right amounts of comedy and musical talent on their first full-length studio album. New Zealand duo Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement have a restrained, self-deprecating...

Track of the Day: ‘SexyBack’ by Rock Plaza Central

By ANDY MITCHELL | April 24, 2008

A good cover song can bring out all the original's best qualities, or it can completely turn the original upside-down and backwards. Rock Plaza Central does the latter on its cover of Justin Timberlake's ubiquitous 2006 hit, "SexyBack." While the former...

Bush’s appearance on ‘Deal’ a new low

By KEITH CAMERON | April 24, 2008

In a rousing display of fraternity and patriotism, President George W. Bush made a valiant gesture to the American people and an Iraq War veteran. He appeared with a prerecorded message on "Deal or No Deal," much to the delight of host Howie Mandel. Yes,...