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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Be more supportive of the LGBTQ community

By Aaron Brooks | October 18, 2011

A good vision for NIU would be continuing to educate students about LGBT history. My perception, as well as others, is that NIU could improve from good to great. I believe the next step for NIU is not the passive acceptance of all gender identities, but...

What’s the best way to enjoy Homecoming weekend?

What’s the best way to enjoy Homecoming weekend?

By Aaron Brooks | October 13, 2011

Parker Happ Columnist My roommate and I encountered a less than sociable person while traveling home on Hillcrest last weekend. Some hot mess decided a fence line would be a great place for a drunken nap, despite being in full view of the road. With a...

Were you too occupied to occupy Chicago?

By Aaron Brooks | October 9, 2011

Saturday I occupied Chicago. Marching through the streets felt good, but not great. The day was disappointing for two reasons.Foremost, you were not there. It was nice to hear honks of support and cheers from the sidelines, but it would have been better...

Start exercising now if you want to fit that halloween costume

By Aaron Brooks | October 2, 2011

A year ago, Jessica Jenks, a former colleague of mine, wrote a Halloween column reminding students that, "Your cellulite, love handles, stretch marks and cankles are not attributes that should be flaunted. Luckily, I'm reminding you to start working out...

What is the best way to take advantage of Fall weather?

September 29, 2011

Aaron Brooks Columnist You should enjoy the last little bit of comfortable weather on your bicycle. There are tons of state and local parks within a 45-minute drive of DeKalb where you can enjoy some mountain biking. For leisurely adventures, I recommend...

Should corporations be protected under the constitution? No.

By Aaron Brooks | September 28, 2011

The focus of today's debate rests in the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. In that decision, the court overturned a century of precedent excluding corporations from "free" speech and legislation setting limits...

Tips on keeping your college relationship fresh

By Aaron Brooks | September 27, 2011

It is a little over a month into the start of school year, and love is blossoming all around campus. It is so cute to see couples waiting for one another to come out of class or hear, "I miss you babe," coming from a lonely lovebird after a grueling 50...

Does DeKalb have a good bar scene? No.

By Aaron Brooks | September 21, 2011

When I attended Western Illinois University, I loved going to the bars. The atmosphere that was available to explore was so pleasurable: country, rock, and break your neck dance freak out. The funniest was to do all three in the same night. The best thing...

College students need a bailout too!

By Aaron Brooks | September 20, 2011

Growing up, we were told that to make it in this world we needed to get a college degree. So, we studied hard in high school and were willing to take on substantial debt to satisfy our end of the promise of a better life.Unfortunately, for at least a...

In Focus: One thing you would add to NIU’s Vision 2020

AARON BROOKSColumnistI would add a cup of coffee, so you can wake up. Why would you want to add 7,000 more students? First, massive renovations would have to take place on campus. There is already about the maximum amount of parking spaces, and I know...

Corporations’ Sept. 11 commercials are inappropriate

By Aaron Brooks | September 13, 2011

This past weekend I was really proud of local governments and community groups throughout this great nation. The numerous community events they planned gave time for us Americans to unite and have fun with our loved ones.Although family time this weekend...

In Focus: Sept. 11 Reflections

September 11, 2011

Kiara herring Columnist On Sept. 11, 2001, I sat in my kitchen waiting for my mother to make me a bowl of cereal. I went to the TV to turn on the Power Puff Girls, but it had been left on the news station my father watched the night before. I was looking...