The New York Times [no link], for all its problems, can still do good reporting, one example being its coverage of unions using environmental regulations in California to try to pressure developers into signing "agreements pledging to use union labor."


"If they refuse," reports Todd Woody, "they say they can count on union groups to demand costly environmental

The difference in unions using greenmail and blackmail, says Sherk, is that in greenmail "unions use government bureaucrats instead of armed thugs to intimidate businesses." And "it happens repeatedly."

Companies that are victims of greenmail should stand up to union shakedowns. While refusing to unionize won't allow companies to avoid the snarl of environmental rules, it will improve their chances to operate their businesses at lower costs and provide investors with better returns.

In addition, IBM says it will work with institutions of higher learning in the tri-state area of Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin for recruitment and training of potential employees. IBM also will look for opportunities to partner with these schools to enhance their curricula to better prepare students for opportunities in the IT industry, including the types of roles found at IBM. (Dr. Dobb's Update)

[Alan L.] Wurtzel [son of the founder of Circuit City] has previously said Circuit City didn't take the threat of rival Best Buy Co. seriously enough and, at some points, were too focused on making a profit in the short term instead of building long-term value.