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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer

All content by Eli Tecktiel
A man with a split skull looks down. Roger Corman has directed some of the best horror films in the 1960s and onward. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Three eclectic Roger Corman classics

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
November 2, 2023
Jack Cutmore-Scott (left) and Kelsey Grammer sit next to each on a bed. The "Frasier" reboot is streaming on Paramount+ with episodes releasing weekly. (Courtesy of YouTube)

‘Frasier’ reboot: Masterclass in bad writing

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
November 1, 2023
The Beatles song "Now And Then" cover art against a blue and green background. The Beatles return for one last song which will release on Nov. 2. (Graphic via Business Wire)

The Beatles return for one last song

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
October 31, 2023
The NIU Steel Band plays for Sycamore High School music students during a workshop funded by the Sycamore Education Foundation to learn about the steelpan and Caribbean music. The Sycamore Education Foundation is one of many recipients of the Farny R. Wurlitzer Foundation grant, which announced its Fall 2023 class of grantees Monday. (Courtesy of the DeKalb County Community Foundation)

Community Foundation grants $124,900 to music education

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
October 31, 2023
Sufjan Stevens performs at Eaux Claires music festival in red sunglasses. Stevens recently released his album "Javelin," dedicating it to his partner who passed away in April. (Aaron Lavinsky/Star Tribune via AP)

Sufjan Stevens dedicates moving album to late partner

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
October 11, 2023
Roger Waters performs at Barclays Arena in May in Germany. Waters is the co-founder of Pink Floyd and has recently released a redux version of the album "The Dark Side of the Moon." (Daniel Bockwoldt/dpa via AP, file)

Roger Waters saga reaches new low

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
October 10, 2023
(From left) Michael Ellenberg, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Billy Crudup and Mimi Leder sitting at a panel in 2020 with the name of their series, "The Morning Show," in yellow letters behind them. The Apple+ show is on their third season with episodes releasing weekly. (Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP)

Why ‘The Morning Show’ is unmissable

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
October 9, 2023
A scene from "The Curse" trailer which is a comedy show that follows a married couple who flip homes for a living. The series stars Emma Stone and Nathan Fielder, and premieres on Showtime on Nov. 12. (Courtesy of YouTube)

Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie team up for ‘The Curse’

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 28, 2023
Sufjan Stevens performs his song "Mystery of Love" in a striped pink and black suit sequined with dragons. Stevens releases a new album toward the end of this year along with several other artists. (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Anticipated albums set to release for rest of 2023

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 27, 2023
From left) Kelsey Grammar as Frasier Crane, Jess Salgueiro as Eve and Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy sit on a couch in a scene from the '90s sitcom "Frasier." The series is getting a reboot which will feature most of the original cast. (Chris Haston/Paramount+ via AP)

Reboot of hit sitcom ‘Frasier’ in the works

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 26, 2023
A microphone, pop filter and an acoustic foam panel stand together, ready for use. Making and recording music on a budget is possible for college students and isn’t as daunting as people may think. (Eli Tecktiel | Northern Star)

Recording music on a budget can be manageable

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 21, 2023
The Open Door Coffee Truck parks at the Taste of DeKalb. The Taste of DeKalb is one of the many fun events happening in DeKalb this weekend. (Northern Star File Photo)

Hang out in DeKalb this weekend

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 20, 2023
A closeup picture of one of Sparklehorse's albums on blue vinyl. The band's new album "Bird Machine" was recently released posthumously on all music streaming platforms. (Wikimedia Commons)

Sparklehorse lives again with striking new album

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 20, 2023
Sufjan Stevens performs at a music festival in 2016 in San Francisco. Stevens goes back to his roots in his new single "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" (Amy Harris/Invision/AP File)

Sufjan Stevens quietly returns to his roots

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 19, 2023
(From left) Irving Bacon, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy and Rosalind Russell in the 1940's film "His Girl Friday." Destress from college with this ridiculously witty film. (Wikimedia Commons)

Destress with comedy films

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 17, 2023
A screenshot from the docuseries "Telemarketers" shows a man in distress while sitting at his computer. The series aims to expose the telemarket industry and expose its corruption. (YouTube)

‘Telemarketers’ highlights highs, lows of humanity

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 13, 2023
An Electrohome Archer Briefcase portable turntable sits on a table. Get into the fall season by tuning into albums that echo autumn. (AP Photo/ Ron Harris)

Melancholic albums for when the leaves start falling

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 11, 2023
A group of children are playing with a tree-like toy. A 2022 Promise Grant to Neighbors’ House provided new board games and learning activities for after-school groups. (Courtesy of DeKalb County Community Foundation)

DeKalb Promise Grant applications open

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 6, 2023
An angular view of the grocery store Meijer in Sycamore. Meijer is one of many stores where students can get discounted groceries at. (Umer Khan | Northern Star)

Saving on groceries makes cents

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 6, 2023
Various vinyl records stacked upright at a Barnes & Noble. Albums from Hail the Sun, PJ Harvey and Hot Mulligan released over the summer. (Sarah Rose | Northern Star)

Whimsical, punk albums missed over the summer

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
September 4, 2023
The front of the Egyptian Theatre in downtown DeKalb. The Egyptian hosts dozens of shows and concerts every year. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Upcoming highlights at The Egyptian Theatre

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
August 29, 2023
A brown and yellow vinyl cover of Willie Nelson's album "Red Headed Stranger" lays on a wooden table. In honor of Nelson turning 90, check out the album and his new single "Summertime." (Eli Tecktiel | Northern Star)

‘Red Headed Stranger’ remains memorable after 48 years

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
May 10, 2023
The National performs live on Stage AE in 2017 as green spotlights illuminate the band members. The National's new album "First Two Pages of Frankenstein" is out now on all music streaming platforms.

‘First Two Pages of Frankenstein’ is predictable, repetitive

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
May 3, 2023
Joaquin Phoenix attends the 68th Berlin International Film Festival in 2018. Before seeing Phoenix's new film "Beau is Afraid," check out past films of his.

A retrospect of Joaquin Phoenix films

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 30, 2023

Business Spotlight: Rosati’s Pizza

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 27, 2023
(From left) Stephen Root, Robert Wisdom, Bill Hader, Anthony Carrigan, Sarah Goldberg and Henry Winkler at the season four premiere of "Barry" on April 16 at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. "Barry" is now streaming on HBO and HBO Max.

The reckoning of ‘Barry’

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 25, 2023
An end of year comedy show is to be held at the Carl Sandburg Auditorium Wednesday.

NIU graduate to host comedy show

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 24, 2023
Director Reggie Thomas leads the NIU jazz orchestra. The orchestra performed Thursday at the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall. (Eli Tecktiel | Northern Star)

NIU Jazz Orchestra plays train journey of sound

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 23, 2023
A screenshot of the movie poster for "A Good Person." The film is now in theaters and stars Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

‘A Good Person’ balances entertainment, emotional dread

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 18, 2023
Lloyd Cole performing on stage with his guitar. Cole is a British musician who rose to fame in the 1980s. (Courtesy of Lloyd Cole)

No blue skies: Music industry according to Lloyd Cole

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 17, 2023
From the exterior of Cast Iron Coffee, lights and people from the inside can be seen. The cafe is an NIU staple and has tons of great drinks. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Cast Iron aims to serve good coffee

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 13, 2023
A screenshot from a scene of "Shrinking" where (from left) Jason Segel, Harrison Ford and Michael Urie are reacting to something offscreen. The first season of "Shrinking" finished airing on March 24, leaving viewers wanting the show to keep going. (Courtesy of Apple TV+)

‘Shrinking’ is shockingly good, deserves second season

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 11, 2023
The DeKalb Public Library sits under a cloudy sky located in downtown DeKalb. Jazz In Progress will visit the library on Oct. 14. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

DeKalb library to host Suzuki Strings

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 6, 2023
Jason Molina playing a guitar on stage as a part of Magnolia Electric Co. Ten years after his death, his music has taken on a new meaning among his fans.

Just Be Simple: The heartbreaking memory of Jason Molina

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
April 4, 2023
Actors Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin and Jeremy Strong from "Succession" talking itno a phone. The show's fourth and final season premiered Sunday.

Final season of ‘Succession’ begins

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 29, 2023
A screenshot from the television series "Jared From Subway: Catching a Monster." The show turns away from looking at Fogle, choosing to look at smaller figures in the case.

‘Jared From Subway’ is unfocused, unnecessary

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 20, 2023
The Sycamore High School Jazz Band on stage during Jazz at the Egyptian. The band was one of three to receive an $1,000 donation from the Egyptian Theatre.

Egyptian Theatre donates to local ensembles

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 9, 2023
The icon for “History of the World: Part II” on a computer screen. The show is the first Mel Brooks directed piece to come out in almost 30 years and is releasing episodes from March 6 through March 9.

Mel Brooks returns to tell history 40 years later

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 8, 2023
Some vintage radios and stacks of old vinyl records on a wood shelving unit. Albums like Miles Davis’ “Ascenseur Pour L’échafaud” and Lloyd Cole’s “Don’t Get Weird on Me Babe” are perfect for spring listening.

Top albums for the start of spring

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 8, 2023
Apple TV+ was launched Nov. 1, 2019.

Does Apple TV+ pay off or fall flat?

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 7, 2023
Paramore playing a concert at the O2 in London.

‘This Is Why’ Paramore still works

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 2, 2023
Women's History Month written on a March 2023 calendar in front of a wood background.

Women’s History Month event calendar

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
March 2, 2023
Marc Maron and Zach Galifianakis during the recording of the "Doug Loves Movies" pdocast in 2012.

Marc Maron takes comedy ‘from bleak to dark’

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 27, 2023
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

A sketch comedy, social critique and seminal classic on the docket this weekend

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 22, 2023

Mobsters, rock music and the ’60s folk revival featured in movie picks

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 16, 2023
A woman watching television with a remote in one hand and a bowl of popcorn in the other.

Free streaming services to consider

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 16, 2023
"You People" director Kenya Barris at the 75th annual Peabody Awards for his show "Black-ish."

‘You People’ misses its mark

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 14, 2023
Burt Bacharach playing a piano at a concert.

Remembering the best of Burt Bacharach

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 13, 2023

Local epilepsy organization receives grant

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 9, 2023
Saturday Night Live cast members Michael Longfellow (left) and Devon Walker (right) showing the posture meaning “Go Huskies” as the reaction to the audience’s requirement in the last 20 minutes of the comedy show on Wednesday night at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

‘SNL’ cast members offer imperfect entertaining insights

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 9, 2023
Mavis Staples singing with power during her set on Friday night. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

‘For What It’s Worth,’ Mavis Staples lights up the Egyptian Theatre

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 6, 2023
Co-creator and Co-writer Bill Lawrence, Actors Christa Miller and Harrison Ford and co-creator and actor Jason Segel during the premiere of "Shrinking."

Jason Segel gets brutally honest in new Apple TV+ show ‘Shrinking’

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 6, 2023
Artist Danielle Casali (far left) led a brainstorming workshop with the Fox Valley Jewish Neighbors organization before creating a mosaic mural in Geneva. Casali will hold similar workshops at the DeKalb Public Library on Feb. 18 and Feb. 22 to help identify motifs and imagery for a mural that will be created on DeKalb City Hall. All community members are encouraged to attend. (Photo courtesy of the City of DeKalb)

Community invited to participate in City Hall mural design

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
February 3, 2023
Stars of "My Man Godfrey" Carole Lombard and William Powell pose in a promotional photo for the film.

Movies to watch this Valentine’s Day

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
January 31, 2023
A child jumps into the busy pool during a summer day.

Hopkins Pool to have flash sale on pool passes

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
January 27, 2023
Mavis Staples, Grammy Award-winning singer and civil rights activist, and guitarist Rick Holmstrom perform "We Shall Overcome" before President Obama's keynote speech at the Civil Rights Summit on April 10, 2014.

Mavis Staples to perform at Egyptian Theatre

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
January 25, 2023
Cast members (from left) Tommy Chong, Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama and Don Star at the premiere of the series.

‘That ’90s Show’ review

By Eli Tecktiel, Lifestyle Writer
January 23, 2023
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