Spring Break
The Daily OrangeCheers & Jeers: Donating mansions, plastic surgery chic
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Posted: 3/23/07, 12:11 AM EST Section: Opinion
Jeer: Close to 11 million Americans had cosmetic plastic surgery in 2006, the highest number in history. Breast enlargement also became the most frequent cosmetic procedure for the first time in history, grabbing the top spot from the still-popular nose reshaping surgery. The always-popular liposuction didn't drop from the top of the charts, either - it was the third most popular procedure. These procedures are expensive, and people need to learn to live with their imperfections instead of wasting money to change them. Several thousand dollars can get your tummy tucked so you can look good in your Speedo this summer, or you can just drop 12 bucks for a 30-rack of Keystone and wear your swimsuit without caring how you look.
Cheer: Al Gore testified to Congress Wednesday in an attempt to spark greater action against global warming. In a completely unsurprising turn of events, the former vice president faced harsh questions and partisanship while trying to urge legislation to limit carbon emissions. Despite the fact that his appearance probably won't jump-start congressional action, Gore deserves credit for his knowledge on the topic of climate change and his willingness to fight for his beliefs. Also, Gore finally came together with Congress, reuniting two of the most exciting players in contemporary American politics.
Jeer: This week marked the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, a landmark that triggered protests at the Federal Building downtown and on the Syracuse University campus. While the surge of activism was admirable, the everyday apathy of our community on days that aren't marked by rolling over a new digit in the death count or an anniversary is nothing to be applauded. Protestors should be able to muster the same enthusiasm for their cause every day of the week if they want to make a difference, not just on days earmarked for activism.
Jeer: Eight homeless Hawaiian families will be moving into multi-million dollar mansions soon, thanks to Japanese millionaire Genshiro Kawamoto. The real estate mogul will be placing families into eight of his 22 mansions for only $150 a month as a charitable gesture. Although any aid for the less fortunate is always worthwhile, the way Genshiro has dispensed it is geared more toward generating publicity for him than helping people. It seems that more reasonable accommodations could be built to house greater numbers of the island's homeless population - if Genshiro would be willing to forego the flourish of giving away mansions. Marble floors and spas are great, but when you're used to a tent and public bathrooms, you would probably settle for a lot less.
Jeer: Wal-Mart will be giving employees $530 million in bonuses this year, but only after intense pressure from labor groups virtually twisted the company's arm into some sort of concession to save face. Besides being an obvious grasp for good publicity, the distribution of the bonuses is also questionable. Employees who have been with Wal-Mart more than 20 years will see a week's pay as their bonus, while Chief Executive Lee Scott will see $3.94 million. "Here's to another 20 years!"
Cheer: Al Gore testified to Congress Wednesday in an attempt to spark greater action against global warming. In a completely unsurprising turn of events, the former vice president faced harsh questions and partisanship while trying to urge legislation to limit carbon emissions. Despite the fact that his appearance probably won't jump-start congressional action, Gore deserves credit for his knowledge on the topic of climate change and his willingness to fight for his beliefs. Also, Gore finally came together with Congress, reuniting two of the most exciting players in contemporary American politics.
Jeer: This week marked the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war, a landmark that triggered protests at the Federal Building downtown and on the Syracuse University campus. While the surge of activism was admirable, the everyday apathy of our community on days that aren't marked by rolling over a new digit in the death count or an anniversary is nothing to be applauded. Protestors should be able to muster the same enthusiasm for their cause every day of the week if they want to make a difference, not just on days earmarked for activism.
Jeer: Eight homeless Hawaiian families will be moving into multi-million dollar mansions soon, thanks to Japanese millionaire Genshiro Kawamoto. The real estate mogul will be placing families into eight of his 22 mansions for only $150 a month as a charitable gesture. Although any aid for the less fortunate is always worthwhile, the way Genshiro has dispensed it is geared more toward generating publicity for him than helping people. It seems that more reasonable accommodations could be built to house greater numbers of the island's homeless population - if Genshiro would be willing to forego the flourish of giving away mansions. Marble floors and spas are great, but when you're used to a tent and public bathrooms, you would probably settle for a lot less.
Jeer: Wal-Mart will be giving employees $530 million in bonuses this year, but only after intense pressure from labor groups virtually twisted the company's arm into some sort of concession to save face. Besides being an obvious grasp for good publicity, the distribution of the bonuses is also questionable. Employees who have been with Wal-Mart more than 20 years will see a week's pay as their bonus, while Chief Executive Lee Scott will see $3.94 million. "Here's to another 20 years!"
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