Why keep the WNBA ?

Associations are similar to companies, if they don't make money they don't stay around. So what makes the WNBA so different. The Womens National Basketball Association has been in the red almost as long as it has existed but, since it is owned by the NBA it has the financial support to stay afloat. I don't necessarily have anything against the WNBA, i just want to know why the NBA would keep it around if it costs them money. Is this a reaction to the fights and other image problems that the NBA has? Maybe supporting women's athletics sooths the public eye.
When the league was introduced they were given substantial air time, unfortunately no one watched and the television stations were forced to reduce their coverage. Over the years people have proved they are not interested in the WNBA yet the league is still around. Why is this?

The Government learned their lesson

In class this week we discussed embedded journalists and government influence over what they write. I'm in no way for government censorship of news but, I'm also in no way surprised when they do alter what reporters write. Uncut truth is dangerouse to any government. One of the reasons i think the government is so quick to censor what comes out of wartime coverage is because of how accurate the embedded journalists during the Vietnam war reported what was going on. The graphic scenes of war coming out of the Vietnam jungle had a lot to do with the anti-war movement during the sixties and seventies. In short i think the government learned their lesson and will always be weary of giving journalists full freedom.

Cancer or Funk ?

Many types of cosmetics especially deodorant and anti-perspirant lead to cancer. This is issue is even more serious for women who can get breast cancer from these products. People should avoid harmful products but at what cost ? Is it really worth it to walk around with funky pits in the name of a cancer free life? I'm not sure , as a man i think it would be hard to give up deoderant and can only assume it would be even harder for women . Is the loss in quality of life really worth it?

Rehabilitation Centers ?

Unfortunately i have had more than a couple friends go to prison throughout the years and it has broken the heart of everyone who loves them, not to mention turned the friend themselves even more angry and violent than when they entered. The stress and worry about how they're doing takes a lot out of both friends and family. But the emotional rift caused by my Friends incarceration is not what i want to talk about. I am blogging about the fact that they-the private owners of the prison-call it a "Rehabilitation Center" implying that their goal is to improve the inmates life when in actuality they do as little as they can to keep the inmate alive and in the system while they make money off the government contract. If the facility was really meant to rehabilitate than why is there a 70% return rate on prisoners?

No strings attached

China is known for its industrial output but, even more notable is its stance on human rights. Often American businesses find it easy and seamless to work with Chinese corporations because there are no strings attached. . . . Never any human rights activist groups demanding better work environments, never any environmentalists demanding that you cater to the ecosystem. It is one of the ways China makes itself marketable, they don't have very much legislation restricting big business similar to the Carnegie steel days in America.
Recently one of China's most prominent human rights activists, Hu jia was jailed on questionable charges of inciting subversion. Condoleeza Rice has spoken out against China's handling of the situation but, admits that the situation is tricky and needs to be handled with care because of the upcoming Olympics.
Do yo think the Olympics should be an excuse to turn the other cheek ?

Counter-recruiters

Do you think the military should have the right to enter and recruit students at public high schools?

The US government does, the military has federal legislation protecting its right to do so.
Currently in Portland Oregon a group called the Recruiter Watch PDX is working to keep the military out of the schools. They say that many military recruiters have used bribes and even lied about scholarship opportunities and financial bonuses to lure in students. The recruiters insist that what ever the military offers is guaranteed in writing but, with the unwarranted extension of current soldier's combat tours in Iraq it is clear that military contracts are not always a sure thing.

I am not anti-military, and i am not anti-government, my Grandpa and brother both served in the military during war time and i was very proud of what they did. What i am against is the military fraudulently attracting students with claims they cannot back up.

City Sanctioned Disturbance

Back home in East Portland PIR (Portland International Raceway) has just received a facial. The Champ car circuit comes through Portland annually but, recently the tournament director has requested that Portland improve its out dated over weathered racing facilities. The construction was approved by the city and the track was resurfaced.
The improved track and grandstands will bring a major economic boost to the East side but, surrounding neighborhoods are not so exited about the new track and increased race activity. Local home owners who did not anticipate the building of a new track are looking to lose a third off the total worth of their home, leaving them no choice but to put up or take a loss. One resident even complained to the city about he and his familie's lack of sleep but, the city never retuned his calls and offered no help with the noise issue. My almaahter; Motessori pre school has also compained about the noise disrupting classes but, has also recieved no word from the city.

I think a portion of PIR's earnings should go to local residents to compincate for depreciated property value and noise disturbance.