What does it mean to be black? Ever since President Barack Obama’s rise to political superstardom, many people in both social and political circles have questioned this. The issue reappeared recently with new comments emerging from Senate Majority leader Harry Reid and former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich criticizing Obama’s ethnicity. […]

Recently, cast members in two of MTV’s hit series have encountered issues about their weight. Callie Walker from “The Real World XXIII: Washington D.C.” broke into tears after house roommate Tyler Duckworth commented on how she wasn’t skinny enough to be a model for Playboy. Tyler’s ignorance of Callie’s previous […]

Every year I, like many others, make up my own New Year’s resolution. Most resolutions are things like giving up smoking or losing weight, things that we know we should do but that we never really want to do. I honestly don’t take my resolutions seriously. I know others who […]

In 2008, one phrase captivated the entire world: “Yes we can!” What exactly is it that “we” can do?  When will our political leaders do just that, lead?  When will these men and women stand up and stop making excuses for their colleagues while holding their opponent’s feet to the […]

Over the holidays my younger sister made a comment to me. She said, “Vicky, I just don’t understand how some families can ignore each other and choose to spend the holidays with other people instead of their own families. It’s so sad.” Thinking about my sister’s comment I also started […]

Northeastern Illinois University is a commuter school, which means that every student takes public transportation, bikes, drives or even walks to campus. Many of the students drive to the campus and are in need of a parking spot. The university has those students purchase a parking permit for the convenience […]

You’ve got opinions. You want to complain. You also want to know that there are like-minded people out there that might be able to gather some halfway decent, coherent arguments to the table regarding society and entertainment. I already know that I was inspired by a very select few of […]

Say goodbye to fall and hello to the spring! You have finished all your finals and you finally got that ‘A’ you worked so hard for. Before you go into hibernation for the winter, keep in mind that Campus Recreation is waiting for you when you get back. Make being […]

#8220;To give someone a gift that was previously received someone else.” This is how Merriam-Webster defines the word regift. Some will tell you that this practice is no longer a social faux pas. Others revile it, denouncing those who participate in the practice. Receiving gifts is always an exciting time […]

Visiting my extended relatives’ for Christmas Eve dinner, a tradition I find especially agonizing during the holiday season, makes me feel that I am reliving the opening scenes from “Home Alone.” My criticizing aunt’s disapproving comments on everyone’s seemingly enlarged waistline and my brittle little hunchback uncle’s ghostly presence can […]