Opinions

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The Chinese Exercise Blatant Sexism in Selecting Chengguan Officers

The Chinese are making beauty a requirement for its female urban police force, the Chengguan. In order to overcome a public image of a violent, brutal force that intimidates and abuses citizens and merchants living in its urban areas, the Chinese police are going through a series of major facelifts. Some districts, like Guangdong, changed the police uniform from the traditional gray-green to a warmer blue, while places like Wuhan, located in the heart of China, have resorted to "staredowns" instead of physical action to enforce city rules. Xindu, a district of Chengdu, has implemented the most serious change.

Noah's Ark-Themed Attraction is Problematic

Three years ago, the fine state of Kentucky blessed us with the Creation Museum, and now they're at it again. Indeed, another Christianity-based tourist attraction is going to be built in the Bluegrass State, and this time, it's a lot more ambitious. It's a full-scale of replica of Noah's Ark. The estimated cost for the park is $150 million, which will come from two organizations: the for-profit group Ark Encounter LLC, and the non-profit Answers In Genesis, which was also behind the construction of the Creation Museum. The planned park has been stirring up controversy because Ark Encounter seeks to recover 25 percent of the project's cost by recouping sales tax revenue paid to the state on tickets, lodging, and other goods. Many people believe it's wrong for a park promoting Christian beliefs and ideals to receive money from the state.

When Viruses Attack

It was 1:45 a.m. on a Tuesday morning, and something was seriously wrong. I had already crawled into bed when I realized I didn't know what bus I would have to take to get to school the next day.

So Where Did You Go to School?

It's unfortunate how much a school name matters in the job game. We all know the complaint. Regardless of the actual educational experience you had or the amount of work you put in, the odds are that when competing with someone from Harvard, Cornell, or maybe even Ithaca or Geneseo, all other things being equal, the guy or gal with UB on a resume has a slight disadvantage from the get-go. Now, as disheartening as it may be, there is undoubtedly some basis for such a bias.

First Amendment Violation Targets Islam

The state of Oklahoma voted to uphold a law that would exclude consideration for Islamic and international laws in state court decisions.

"BAH, HUMBUG"

It's the most wonderful time of the year, so make sure you have plenty of money or else the spirit of Christmas might be lost on you. The days when all you wanted for Christmas were your two front teeth are dead and gone.

Can't We All Just Get a Keg?

This week marked a very important milestone in my life. Why? Because as of now, I am less than a half year away from my 21st birthday. I know what you're thinking. How could anyone be so excited to start drinking that they're counting down six months in advance?

College Papers Continue to Jump Off The Stacks In The Shadow of Digital Media

In the broad realm of journalism, hard copies of the news seem to be on the way out. Freshmen come to college each year with shiny new technology that is supposed to make the exchange of information much faster and more convenient.

Letter to the Editor

To Whom It May Concern: I am writing in response to Dave Johnson's 11/19 piece on the ban of Four Loko in New York State.

U.S. Nuclear Upgrades Face Problems With Treaties

The White House and Senate Republicans continue to hash out prospects on costs and purposes involved in a new nuclear arms program, which would allow for an annual accumulation of 80 new warheads for the United States Military.

I Can Read Real Good

Sometimes we need to stop relying on others for advice and start listening to our own intuition. However, when you get such compelling advice as, "Never date a girl who can read," I can understand how one would be hesitant to pass that up. For some guys, avoiding any girl who happens to be literate might seem like a great suggestion.

Catholic Church Makes Exceptions For Condom Use

Pope Benedict XVI recently published that the Catholic Church would now make exceptions for condom use.

Top 10 NBA Draft Busts

In honor of Greg Oden's perennial season-ending injury, I have compiled the top-10 NBA draft busts of the last 10 years.

"In Controversial Screening, U.S. Marshals Break Promises"

The Transportation Security Administration has had to defend its new screening procedures, now in use in 60 major United States airports, from civil liberties groups that say the new passenger screening tests are too invasive.

The NFL's Elephant in the Room

We're officially past the halfway point in the NFL season, and we still have no idea who the best team in the league is.

Nutria Fur is Pitched As Environmentally Friendly

Nutria are more commonly known as swamp rats; until recently, they were valued only for their absence from homes and backyards.

Never Date a Girl Who Can Read

Response to 'Free AK-47 Deal is a Brilliant Contribution to Immorality'

I am writing in response to an anonymous editorial that appeared on Page 3 of this Wednesday's Spectrum.

I'm Pro Junk-Food and I Vote

Between a healthy diet of pizza rolls, regular bowls of chocolate ice cream and more doughnuts than I'd care to admit, it would be fair to say I don't eat as healthy as I could.

45-Year-Old Case Closes with Misdemeanor Manslaughter