What is this houseplant?

Hi Folks,

I inherited this big houseplant a couple of days ago and have been trying to find out two things:

1) What is the name of the plant (what kind is it?)

2) Can simple cuttings be taken from it to start a new plant (if I cut a bit off, will it root in water?)

ANy help appreciated ... thanks!!!

Ma Yappy the Horticulturalist Wanna Be (for this plant anyways )