News & Observer | newsobserver.com | Lifestyles

Hobex frontman goes folksy

For the past dozen years, Greg Humphreys has been familiar to local audiences as leader of the band Hobex, a sunny funk-pop soul band. But "Trunk Songs," Humphreys' first solo album, is nothing like what you'd expect.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:51 AM | Full story

'Skriker' revival is far from ordinary

As Halloween approaches, you might consider seeing Raleigh Ensemble Players' "The Skriker," Caryl Churchill's 1994 nightmare-fantasy. It teems with masked demons, ear-piercing screams, possessed and imperiled children and lyrical litanies of horror and death.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 1:43 PM | Full story

Carolina Ballet's 'Don Quixote' is a crowd-pleaser

The pressure of premiering an evening-length ballet a month after another major work seems to have inspired rather than hindered Carolina Ballet's Robert Weiss, for his "Don Quixote" is one of his very best creations.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 1:44 PM | Full story

'Boogie Man' plays devilish tunes

Like a trompe l'oeil painting, "Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story" deftly positions its subject as both the savior of the Republican Party and the Antichrist of American politics.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 12:08 PM | Full story

'Body of Lies' strives to be a thriller

"Body of Lies" stars a couple of A-list marquee names and is directed by a renowned filmmaker and written by the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "The Departed." But even with this lineup, it can't help but reveal itself as a middlebrow international thriller.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Full story

It's a 'City' of muddle

Review:"City of Ember" is new wine in a very old bottle, and a vintage that wasn't nearly given time to mature. The film adapts Jeanne Duprau's novel with visual flair and vague, clumsy storytelling.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:55 AM | Full story

New releases

You Don't Mess With the Zohan The Adam Sandler hit machine continues with his comedy about an Israeli commando who fakes his own death to live the life he's dreamed about -- being a hairdresser in New York City and romancing his elderly clientele.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:55 AM | Full story

DVD picks and video games

Looking for an excuse to go hi-def? I'm going to make you an offer you can't refuse: "The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration" (four discs, Paramount Home Entertainment).

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:55 AM | Full story

Quick bites

In the highly competitive restaurant business, few establishments last long enough to celebrate their 10th anniversary.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:56 AM | Full story

Chef's new venture will make you say 'Yum'

There's a small rock waterfall fountain just inside Yum Yum's entrance, but you might not notice it.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 1:38 AM | Full story

A timeless trap of royalty

Movie Review:'When one loves someone, one doesn't have to know them well to be sure; one feels it."

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 12:06 PM | Full story

'Express' ticket to dullsville

Movie Review:What's the deal with all the fact-based TV movies Universal keeps dropping these days?

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 12:05 PM | Full story

Film paints cardboard Graham

Movie Review:There's a well-defined line between wholesome and hokey, especially when depicting the life of one of the 20th century's respected religious figures.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 12:07 PM | Full story

Pop life

The only thing I know about the stock market is that I'm supposed to worry about it. The hands-on-faces tell me so.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:57 AM | Full story

Airport open house

Family Picks:Places to go and things to do with the kids.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 1:38 AM | Full story

Dwele dishes about relationships

So, Dwele has a song out about cheating -- and ladies are not pleased.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 1:38 AM | Full story

Classical picks

There will be a soprano, an alto, a tenor and a baritone performing Sunday afternoon at the N.C. Museum of Art.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:56 AM | Full story

Rock picks

With all the heaviness in the world, Lord, could we use a break right now: simple songs about simple pleasures, sung by an unprepossessing man who somehow hasn't lost his own wonder-years innocence.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:56 AM | Full story

Jazz picks

Alto and soprano saxophonist and flutist T.K. Blue, also known as Talib Kibwe, conveys an international perspective on jazz, especially its African heritage. Blue performs tonight at the Lee County Community Arts Center in Sanford.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 7:56 AM | Full story

If you're behind, here's a slice of the MMA life

Somehow, you missed America's mixed-martial arts explosion. Perhaps you were out walking the dog that night in May when CBS showed the first prime-time MMA card on broadcast television.

Updated: Oct. 10, 2008 2:12 PM | Full story

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From the Wire

Arts season preview

As the new Durham Performing Arts Center gets star billing, other developments add contours to the season.

Free movie tickets

Answer the movie trivia question right and you could win tickets. Look for "Random Movie Trivia."

Enjoy life in the Triangle

Triangle.com is where you find the best restaurants and all your favorite movie theaters closest to you.

Web cartoons

NC Idol
NC gives back to American Idol


Slump!
Go behind the scenes of Van Halen's concert tour.


Interactive wine guide

Need to know which wine goes roast lamb and rhubarb pie? Consult our interactive wine guide before your trip to the wine store.

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The Good Life
Tips on better health, fitness and social life.

Southern Ideal Home Show
"Connecting Homeowners With Quality Companies For Over 20 Years"
September 26 - 28, 2008 · NC State Fairgrounds

Arts Preview
The Arts Season: theater, comedy, dance, music and more.

Living in Style
Features a certified green-built home at Lake Jordan, recycling building materials and rainwater, and eco-friendly home

About Downtown
New Convention Center SOARS!

Western Wake Today
Find out Best of the West 2008 and check out photos submitted by readers like you!

Road Trips & Getaways
Vacation Guide 2008

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