Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Sports, the Law, and the * (Asterisk)

Carmelo apologizes for DUI arrest

We've seen it all in sports: alleged steroids, DUIs, smacking women around, and multiple arrests. We don't see the extent of their lawbreaking until it hits the presses, and even then, most team organizations are quiet, allowing the law and their respective parent organizations handle the mess with giving the punishments (or not). In the higher profile cases, such as the Major League Baseball crackdown on those admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs, things seem to get done. But some feel that because they're the superstars of American sports, they get the kid glove treatment. Although some would even argue they get equal treatment; it's just magnified by the camera lenses that surround them.

So, what do you think?

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Aren't You Happy to See Me?

Cosmetic castration banned

Thailand is known for its high tolerance of "the third sex," as they refer those who undergo sex-change operations, so this bit of news is probably less surprising: health officials in Thailand have banned cosmetic castration, as the operation is seen as a cheaper and easier method than getting a full-on sex change. Although the ban seeks to avoid boys and men going for an easy way to become a "ladyboy," it will probably be hard to enforce, since many underground markets offer the procedure for as low as $125 USD, and the procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes. Sex changes both here and in Thailand require much counseling before a doctor will perform the surgery.

What do you think?