Every time I read stories about disputes in school systems, I often come to the realization that parents and students tend to do a bit of a role reversal. Like clockwork, as soon as a new policy emerges that causes a stir in a school, parents are usually the first to throw hissy fits, organize protests and make headlines as they incessantly and ignorantly whine about a topic they often don't understand.Not long after Mayor Richa...

Although controversy surrounds the Church of Scientology, the group has just as much of a right to have a presence in the South Loop as any church.As reported in an article in the Feb. 2 issue of The Chronicle, local residents are at odds over plans for a Scientology Center to be built in the South Loop at 650 S. Clark St.Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd ward) held a community meeting to discuss a proposal by the religious group to hav...

President Barack Obama was elected on the premise that he would bring a fresh outlook to the White House, and so far he's doing just that. But after his first speech as president, he's already drawn criticism for being a little too fresh.During his inaugural speech on Jan. 20, Obama did something unprecedented. As he listed some of the United States' most prominent religions, he finished with a nod to Americans who don't wo...

School is starting up again and students are moving back into dorm rooms, apartments and their parents' basements. At some point during all of this movement, some people are going to choose to live on their own-and although there is a stigma attached to living alone, it's worth it to spend some time in college by yourself.As we go through life, we are constantly surrounded by people. Before we move out of the house, it's o...