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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

Saved by the Quiz

By Rachel Davis | February 7, 2006

Which of the following best describes your hobby of choice? a. Feminism. b. Trying to pimp your ride. c. Chasing after women. d. Maxing out your credit card. e. Cheerleading. f. Playing with a robot named �Kevin.� What would you most likely...

Rolling Stones entertain in Motown

February 6, 2006

NEW YORK — They may not have flashed any body parts — except for Mick Jagger's well-toned stomach — but the Rolling Stones made ABC glad editors were on duty for the Super Bowl halftime show. Two sexually explicit lyrics were excised from the rock...

Super (terrible) Bowl halftime shows

By Brayton Cameron and Chris Strupp | February 6, 2006

In our humble opinions, the Super Bowl halftime entertainment has been on a steady decline over the last several years. Rather than parading the biggest and brightest stars of our time in an act of self-promotion, we are instead treated by the sights...

Local entertainment tributes rock ‘n’ roll

By Rachel Davis | February 3, 2006

This weekend there are a few different events in DeKalb to check out, including a Pink Floyd tribute with a light show, a one-man-band, a free show on campus and some rock music. The House Café will host Cactrot Friday night. The band will bring a night...

Wouldn’t want to live this day again

By Christopher Strupp | February 2, 2006

Bill Murray once had to relive the same day over and over again in the movie "Groundhog Day." Then I got to thinking, what if that happened to me? It's true I haven't lived the same life as a reporter covering a ridiculous rodent who decides whether we...

The List

By Brayton Cameron | February 2, 2006

1. "American Pie" — Don McLean

Great to listen to while you're getting drunk with your friends.

2. "Friends In Low Places" — Garth Brooks

One of the few country songs ever played at a bar.

3. "Sweet Home Alabama" — Lynyrd Skynyrd

It's really just the chorus repeated over and over again, making it easy for any drunk to sing along with.

4. "Tiny Dancer" — Elton John

The chorus is quite catchy and for a while you feel as cool as the members and band aids of Stillwater.

5. "Pour Some Sugar On Me" — Def Leppard

A reason for drunk people to scream something they may not say when sober.

divine satire

By Richard Pulfer | February 1, 2006

Contrary to popular belief, superheroes aren't the only genre in comic books. During the 1970s and '80s, underground comic books emerged sporting major themes of satire by innovators in the medium such as Robert Crumb and Harvey Pekar. NIU art student...

Bummed because you missed your fix of reality TV last week?

By Rachel Davis | February 1, 2006

Thirty-six former Real World and Road Rules cast members gather for another season of drama and challenging missions in The Gauntlet 2, where two teams battle it out for over $300,000 in cash and prizes.

Last week, there was a rumor going around that Cara and Susie formed an alliance with the other team. When Landon confronts the two about the rumor, both are outraged. Tears were shed, drama ensued and they claimed their innocence.

The last few episodes of The Gauntlet 2 have been uneventful. Thankfully, last week's episode was slightly more entertaining as drama was brought to the table. Susie and Cara got off the hook, but who knows what will happen later in the season. (Monday, 9:00, MTV)

In its first season, There and Back follows former boy band member Ashley Parker Angel as he struggles to make it in the music industry after losing everything.

Last week, Ashley's pregnant girlfriend, Tiffany, gets put on bed rest, but left the house without telling anyone. Ashley freaks out, but Tiffany didn't seem to realize she did anything wrong.

I have realized from watching this episode that Ashley's career parallels that of MC Hammer's. Both made a lot of money singing crappy pop music, and both wore ridiculous shiny pants while dancing to absurd choreographed dances. Both lost everything they had and then tried making it again in the music industry. Let's just hope that Ashley's comeback album won't be as bad as MC Hammer's. (Monday, 9:30, MTV)

Miami Ink is a reality show about some of the most talented tattoo artists in the country, sketching their work onto people, and each tattoo having a story.

Last week, testosterone-overloaded Ami showed a softer side when his mom came to visit. We got to see the guys of Miami Ink tattoo a phoenix, a replica of a painting, a Japanese fan and a gypsy. Ladies man Nunez got himself into some trouble when, after a night of partying, didn't show up for work the next morning.

The tattoo's shown last week were probably the best I've seen on the show. Garver's tattoo, the painting replica, was especially outstanding. I love how each tattoo done on the show has a story behind it. It makes the show more meaningful and profound than other reality shows. (Tuesday, 9:00, TLC)

How does your schedule match up to our test?

By Richard Pulfer | January 30, 2006

Gauging how your classes are coming is never easy, even after the syllabus has been passed out. Luckily, Flavor compiled a take-home quiz to help you better understand your class' difficulty level. 1. Your overall course difficulty can be best described...

How to survive… your ex

By Stephanie Szuda | January 30, 2006

Every beginning has an end. Relationships are no exception. Well, you know, unless you get married and live happily ever after. But this probably won't happen considering we're in college, where some of us change partners as often as bed sheets. Sure,...

Top 5 Overdone karaoke songs

By Rachel Davis | January 30, 2006

5. "Paradise City" by Guns' N' Roses — I've seen one too many drunk, 40-year-old women destroy this perfectly good song. 4. "It's Raining Men" by The Weather Girls — This song is only entertaining when actually sung by a man. 3. "Free Bird" by Lynyrd...

PLAYBACK

By Christopher Strupp | January 27, 2006

Playback with Glam-rocker Bobby Conn

Fiery Furnaces

"Rehearsing my Choir"

"It's a great album, but it's kind of hard to say that there is one song which is key. The whole package is a great concept record."

Ennio Morricone

"Crime and Dissonance"

"It's a sound track for an Italian film. I don't much like the ones with the women heavy breathing, but there is a lot of crazy stuff."

White Magic

"Through the Sun Door — One-Note"

"It's really great. I wish more people could listen to it."

Mah Jongg

"Raydoncong — The Stubborn Horse"

"This track should have been their hit single last year."

Jean Claude Vannier

"L Enfant Assassin des Mouches"

"It was supposed to be a sound track for the film, but it's really strange."

Beach Boys

"Carl & the Passion"

"It's a record they made after Brian Wilson had gone cuckoo, but before Mike Love took over the band."