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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

Don’t blame the jury; Anthony verdict is fair

By Jerry Burnes | July 12, 2011

Not guilty. Those two words hold a lot of weight in today's society, as someone is more often guilty until proven innocent. Casey Anthony is the latest example. The latest example of how the justice system actually worked. Many of you reading this are...

Grade appeal system needs checks and balances

By Jennifer Irocky | June 30, 2011

When it comes to making decisions, the more educated inputs available, the better.  Always get a second opinion, and then a third and maybe even a fourth.  Unfortunately, the input from an advising voice has disappeared from NIU in the arena of grade...

Genetically modified foods might not be as safe as you think

June 23, 2011

Right now, you can go into any grocery store and buy genetically modified (GM) food without even realizing it. GM foods were introduced into grocery stores in the mid-1990s and were designed to increase output of crops by allowing foods to grow faster...

Lady Gaga, we need to talk…

By Kyla Gardner | June 23, 2011

I usually have it when I’m driving. Some people have it in the shower, or maybe in the checkout line at the grocery store. It’s the aha moment. The epiphany. A pure moment of realization. It might be something trivial: I left the lights on. It might...

New police tactics may not be constitutional

New police tactics may not be constitutional

By Kyla Gardner | June 16, 2011

There's something special about mothers, isn't there? They'll wipe your butt when you're a baby, bring you chicken soup when you're sick and gosh darn it if they can't get you to confess to murder. According to a June 14 Chicago Tribune article, a common...

Illinois should allow women to go topless

Illinois should allow women to go topless

By Jennifer Irocky | June 16, 2011

In some states, it is legal for women to be topless. Yes, this means nothing covering their breasts.Hawaii, Texas, New York, Maine, Ohio and some parts of California allow women to go bare-chested in public.But not here. No, not in Illinois. Women must...

Supposed cancer risks won't deter my cell phone habits

Supposed cancer risks won’t deter my cell phone habits

By Kyla Gardner | June 9, 2011

I decided I became an adult when I started flossing regularly. I felt that I had grown out of what psychologists call the superman complex: teenagers believe they are invincible and nothing bad can happen to them. It's the reason they're so bad at driving...

Extracurricular activities in college are just as important as academics

Extracurricular activities in college are just as important as academics

By Alyssa Pracz | May 4, 2011

It is important to receive good grades during your college career; however, being involved in extracurricular activities and getting work experience, like an internship, is valued more. Extracurricular activities and work experience allow you to get hands-on...

Things to consider before going out into the real world

Things to consider before going out into the real world

May 3, 2011

Moments before my grandfather died, my uncle and father were in his room as he lay on his bed, barely able to speak or move because of how weak he was. We had known his health was declining for some time now, but it was a lucky coincidence that my uncle...

Students are responsible for making NIU what they want it to be

Students are responsible for making NIU what they want it to be

May 3, 2011

While readying myself for my upcoming graduation, I can look back on my four years at NIU as a satisfying experience overall. All of the clubs and opportunities I had wanted were available to me, with maybe the exception of a Beard Appreciation Club.But...

NIU should implement the trimester system

NIU should implement the trimester system

By Logan Short | April 27, 2011

Imagine getting off of school for winter break when Thanksgiving break starts instead of a week or two later, an extra week for spring break and fewer classes per period. These are some of the benefits that NIU would see from a trimester schedule versus...

NIU's semester schedule works just fine

NIU’s semester schedule works just fine

By Jack Baker | April 27, 2011

There are a number of colleges that employ a trimester schedule as opposed to the semester schedule (which NIU uses). While some people may want to switch, I don't see any benefit that would come from it.Knox College in Galesburg, IL uses a trimester...