Pedal steel prince Robert Randolph suffers from a common problem among great instrumentalists - mediocre songs. In the past, even Randolph's soulful melodies and greasy feel could not hide the fact The Family Band's songs were little more than vehicles...

Exit Clov is strange. First off, what does it mean? And secondly, what are the members doing? The first question is easy to answer, once the information is tracked down — "Clov" is a character in Samuel Beckett's play "Endgame," so presumably "Exit...

Setting aside fashion lines, reality show talent searches and marathons, Diddy most importantly still knows how to drop a beat. Four years have passed since Sean Combs released an LP and he has a lot to say. "Press Play" is an encouraging, well-executed...

"Comfy" is, as most of the literate world are aware, a shortened form of "comfortable." Something familiar, something that fits just right. As such, there is no more perfect name for the way this band sounds. These seven songs are soothing to the nerves,...

The original "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" was admittedly kind of scary, as were the original "The Exorsist" and "The Omen." But the shock factor in all three franchises has worn off by now. Yet, because teenagers can still sneak into R-rated movies, sequel...

After a string of sub-par movies, Robin Williams has returned to prove he is not funny. "Man of the Year" starts out like a bad comedy and then moves to a bad suspense film. Williams plays Tom Dobbs, a comedian hosting a fake news show a la Jon Stewart's...

"The Grudge 2" picks up where the first movie ended. Aubrey Davis (Amber Tamblyn) learns from her bedridden mother (Joanna Cassidy) that her sister Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar) has not only been hospitalized in Japan, but is also under investigation...

You're standing alone on stage. You face a packed theater, every seat is filled and all eyes are on you. You are the only actor in this production — no co-stars to play off, no other actors to relieve the pressure. For the next hour and a half, you...

With the community's spelling bee just around the corner, here are some hard-to-conquer words that are all-too-DeKalb-appropriate. LachanophobiaLa-chan-fo-be-a(noun) Fear of vegetables, such as corn, soy beans or more corn. MalfeasanceMal-fez-ents(noun)...

David Rauch is a Northern Star employee studying abroad. "An American In Paris" will chronicle his studies and adventures in France. There is not any way to accurately tell a story that took place in Paris. One would have to bookend every story with "…And...

Chingy and his "Brand New Kicks" will come to the Convocation Center Friday. The St. Louis-based rapper will perform as part of the NIU's fourth annual Homecoming Jam. Opening acts include R&B singer/actor Tyrese and rapper Chamillionaire. Tickets...