Psychiatric test for suspect in NYC subway death

In this image provided by the New York City Police Department, a composite sketch showing the woman believed to have pushed a man to his death in front of a subway train on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 is shown. Police arrested Erica Menendez on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, after a passer-by on a street noticed she resembled the woman seen in a surveillance video. The attack was the second time this month that a man was pushed to his death in a city subway station. (AP Photo/New York City Police Department)

In this image provided by the New York City Police Department, a composite sketch showing the woman believed to have pushed a man to his death in front of a subway train on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012 is shown. Police arrested Erica Menendez on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, after a passer-by on a street noticed she resembled the woman seen in a surveillance video. The attack was the second time this month that a man was pushed to his death in a city subway station. (AP Photo/New York City Police Department)

In this Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 photo, New York City Police Department detectives escort Erika Menendez, second from left, out of the 112th Precinct in the Queens borough of New York. Menendez was arraigned Saturday night on a charge of murder as a hate crime. Judge Gia Morris has ordered that the 31-year-old be held without bail and be given a mental health exam. (AP Photo/Newsday, Danielle Finkelstein) NYC LOCALS OUT

Commuters walk on the platform as a train enters the 40th St-Lowry St Station, where a man was killed after being pushed onto the subway tracks, in the Queens section of New York, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Police are searching for a woman suspected of pushing the man and released surveillance video Friday of her running away from the station. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Commuters watch as a train enters the 40th St-Lowry St Station, where a man was killed after being pushed onto the subway tracks, in the Queens section of New York, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Police are searching for a woman suspected of pushing the man and released surveillance video Friday of her running away from the station.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Commuters wait on the platform as a train passes through the 40th St-Lowry St Station, where a man was killed after being pushed onto the subway tracks, in the Queens section of New York, Friday, Dec. 28, 2012. Police are searching for a woman suspected of pushing the man and released surveillance video Friday of her running away from the station. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK (AP) ? A 31-year-old woman accused of shoving a man to his death in front of a subway train because she believed he was Muslim laughed and smiled during a court hearing where she was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Erika Menendez, 31, was charged Saturday night with murder as a hate crime after she told police she spontaneously pushed Sunando Sen, according to prosecutors.

"There is no reason. I just pushed him in front of the train because I thought it would be cool," she said, according to the Queens district attorney's office.

She laughed so hard during her arraignment in Queens criminal court that Judge Gia Morris told her lawyer: "You're going to have to have your client stop laughing."

Defense attorney Dietrich Epperson said Menendez's behavior in court was no different from how she had been acting when he spoke to her privately, and said his client didn't really think the proceedings were funny. He represented her for the arraignment only and had no further comment. Menendez was held without bail and ordered to have a mental health exam.

Prosecutors said she pushed the 46-year-old India native to his death because she blamed "Muslims, Hindus and Egyptians" for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"I pushed a Muslim off the train tracks because I hate Hindus and Muslims ? ever since 2001 when they put down the twin towers I've been beating them up," Menendez told police, according to the district attorney's office.

Friends and co-workers said Sen, a native of Calcutta, was Hindu. He had lived in Queens for decades and was a graphic designer and copy shop owner. Sen was standing on an elevated platform of the 7 train that travels between Manhattan and Queens when he was shoved from behind as the train entered the station.

Witnesses told police a woman had been mumbling to herself and was sitting on a bench behind Sen until the train pulled in, then shoved him from behind. She then fled.

Police released a sketch and surveillance footage of a woman running from the subway station. Menendez was arrested after a passer-by saw her on the street and thought she looked like the wanted suspect. Witnesses identified her in a lineup and she was questioned by police, when she implicated herself, according to police and prosecutors.

Angel Luis Santiago, who used to work at the Queens building where Menendez's mother and stepfather live, said he was shocked by her arrest.

"It surprised me what she did," he said. "She never acted that way."

Menendez's next court appearance is scheduled for Jan. 14.

Sen was the second man to die after being pushed in front of a New York City subway train this month. Ki-Suck Han was killed in a midtown Manhattan subway station on Dec. 3. A homeless man was arrested and charged with murder in that case and is awaiting trial. He claimed he acted in self-defense.

Such subway deaths are rare, but transit officials said last week they would consider installing barriers with sliding doors on some subway platforms. Other cities including Paris and London have installed such barriers.

___

Associated Press Writer Karen Matthews contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/386c25518f464186bf7a2ac026580ce7/Article_2012-12-30-Subway-Push-Death/id-d8064e2b9ab44457a4918c955a307769

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Israel celebrates education gains, but challenges remain

By Ben Sales ? December 30, 2012

HOLON, Israel (JTA) -- Just before 1 o'clock on a sunny afternoon, students streamed out of the Amirim Public School and headed for home. But for their teachers, the workday was far from over.

Some would stay late to attend faculty meetings and prepare upcoming lessons. Others would help small groups of students in subjects like math and science, Hebrew and English.

The extended hours are but one aspect of sweeping changes instituted by the Israeli Ministry of Education in 2009 after the country's students posted disappointing results in several international achievement tests in 2006 and 2007. Israeli fourth-graders had ranked 24th among some 60?countries in math, while eighth-graders came in?25th in science and 31st in reading comprehension.?

In an effort to improve performance, the Education Ministry urged teachers to focus their classes on the international tests and develop precise lesson plans and curriculums. The education budget was upped by hundreds of millions of dollars -- $100 million more was allocated in 2012 alone -- and teachers were compensated for lesson planning time and teaching small-group enrichment classes.?

"I'm happy that we have these resources," said Orly Bahat, Amirim's principal. ?We never had a situation where, when the kids went home, we could stay here and they would pay us. The kids got this new help."?

The results have been significant, both across Israel and at Amirim.

In 2011, Israeli fourth-graders had improved to seventh place in the math section of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study test given to students in approximately 60 countries including the United States, China and several European countries. Eighth-graders came in 13th on the science portion of the test. Israelis also finished 18th in the 2011 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study, which tested students in about 40 countries.?

At Amirim, students taking the math test moved up from an average grade of 64 percent in 2007 to 80 percent, placing them in the top 10 percent of Israeli schools. Its students also moved into the top fifth of Israeli students in Hebrew, an improvement of 10 percentile points.?

?We had a clear measurable goal; every teacher and every employee knew what was expected of them,? said Dalit Stauder, the director-general of the Education Ministry. ?We [previously] talked about process and we [moved] to an emphasis on results at every level, from the general staff through individual schools.?

The improvement in test scores paints only a partial picture, at best, of Israeli education. Low-income students performed far worse than wealthier ones. Arabs lagged behind both Israeli Jews and the international average in math and reading. Class size in Israel, which is about 50 percent higher than the U.S. average of 24 students, remains a cause for concern. Haredi Orthodox students, who don?t learn the country?s core curriculum, did not take the test and thus were not factored into Israel?s averages.?

Stauder says that test scores in all socioeconomic sectors have improved since 2007, though the Education Ministry?s statistics show the gap in scores between rich and poor had shrunk only slightly in that period and have widened on the reading comprehension test.

But on the whole, the improvements have been dramatic. And Israeli teachers, who initially opposed the increased demands on their time, seem to have come around.

?We know what?s expected and we?re very precise,? said Orly Barel, a Hebrew teacher at Amirim who described the initial reaction of her colleagues as ?antagonistic? to the new requirements.

Teachers are now expected to work longer hours, and they bemoan the size of Israeli class sizes, which range from 32 to 40 students per class. And like teachers in other countries where standardized testing has been made a crucial part of accountability in education, they resisted infringement on their classroom autonomy.

?The teachers need to adjust themselves to the system,? said Ran Erez, who heads Israel?s high school teachers union. ?If you?re teaching one way for 20 years and they say to do it differently, it?s hard.?

The funding increases also have allowed schools to hire more teachers to teach specific subjects, as opposed to having one teacher teach several subjects.

?It?s just like when you break a leg, you go to an orthopedist, not a general practitioner,? Bahat said. ?Parents and kids know they have expert teachers.??

The chairwoman of Amirim?s Parents? Committee, Nava Levy, says the additional resources have led students to perform better.?

"A lot of things have changed," she said. "Now the teachers help kids more, listen to parents better. They help us help our kids at home."?

Amirim is one of Israel?s luckier schools, located in an upper-middle class neighborhood of Holon, a city of 184,000 south of Tel Aviv. The ministry hopes to close the achievement gaps between schools like Amirim and those in lower income areas in part by reducing class sizes and providing students more opportunities for small-group learning. Teachers who choose to work in low-income towns also receive financial?incentives.

But Stauder says the ministry ?can?t solve the whole problem? of economic inequality.

?If a kid comes from a good home, he has a computer, his parents read,? Bahat said. ?Parents with no time or money, their kids come from a tough background. Their upbringing isn?t the same."

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Source: http://www.jta.org/news/article/2012/12/30/3115436/israel-celebrates-education-gains-but-challenges-remain

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Taffeta Strapless Neckline With Foral Embellishment Short Wedding Dress AW10351 - $124.99

Quality Difference

For high quality dresses,we hire the most specialized dressmakers and experienced designers to produce. To make sure the dress is perfect, more manpower will be spent on cutting,lining,sewing and beading.The package is also better with wedding garment bag to cover the dress. What's more, we offer you Return & Exchange Policy including the customized dresses.The shipment charge at your cost.

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Silhouette: Trumpet/Mermaid

Color:Ivory

Neckline: Strapless

Style: Morden

Fabric: Taffeta

Length:?Mini

Embellishment: Ruching,Flowers

Waist: Natural

Sleeve Length: Sleeveless

Back Details: Zipper

Fully Lined: Yes

Built-in Bra: Yes

Net Weight: 0.9Kg

Shipping Weight: 1.5Kg

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Please choose your size

Standard Size	S				M				L				XL
US Size	2		4		6		8		10		12		14		16
Europe Size	32		34		36		38		40		42		44		46
UK Size	6		8		10		12		14		16		18		20
?	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	32?	83	33?	84	34?	88	35?	90	36?	93	38	97	39?	100	41	104
Waist	25?	65	26?	68	27?	70	28?	72	29?	75	31	79	32?	83	34	86
Hips	35?	93	36?	92	37?	96	38?	98	39?	101	41?	105	42?	109	44?	112
Hollow to Hem	58	147	58	147	59	150	59	150	60	152	60	152	61	155	61	155
Height	63	160	65	160	65	165	65	165	67	170	67	170	69	175	69	175

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Standard Size	14W		16W		18W		20W		22W		24W		26W
US Size	14		16		18		20		22		24		26
Europe Size	44		46		48		50		52		54		56
UK Size	18		20		22		24		26		28		30
?	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	41	104	43	109	45	114	47	119	49	124	51	130	53	135
Waist	34	86	36?	92	38?	98	40?	104	43	109	45?	115	47?	121
Hips	43?	110	45?	116	47?	121	49?	126	51?	131	53?	136	55?	141
Hollow to Hem	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155
Height	69	175	69	175	69	175	69	175	69	175	69	175	69	175

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Measuring Guide

The below is just a guide. We recommend that whenever possible you get a qualified seamstress to measure your wedding dresses size. Always get someone else to make the measurements for you.Measuring yourself will give inaccurate numbers and could lead to disappointment.

Bust

Bust - Not your bra size! Take the tape around your back and bring it across the fullest part of your bust. Your arms should be relaxed, down at your sides. You must wear a unpadded bra when taking this measurement.

Waist

Waist- This is the smallest part of your waist. Typically it`s an inch or so above your belly button. Also known as the natural waistline.Keep tape slightly loose to allow for breathing room

Hips

Hips- This is the widest part of your hips, across the hipbone. Measurement is taken approximately 7 inches below the natural waistline. This measurement is not needed for full gowns.

Hollow to Floor

Hollow to Floor- This is the length from your hollow ( the hollow just under your neck ) to your bare feet. (Take the tape from your front, straight down to the floor). You should stand upright and your feet should keep together.

Height

Height- Stand straight with feet together.Measure in bare feet.Begin at the top of the head and pull tape straight down to the floor.We'll Add more 5cm to suit high heels.

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Since we're an international company, our clothing may run larger or smaller than the size you usually wear. The size charts below show the measurements for all our standard clothing. Be sure to compare your measurements to these charts in order to ensure your made-to-order dress fits!
Want an even better fit? We can tailor this dress to your custom measurements! This extra service costs just $9.99 for all dresses.See How to Measure for more.

Dresses Size Chart

Size	2		4		6		8		10		12		14		16
?	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	32 ?	83	33 ?	84	34 ?	88	35 ?	90	36 ?	93	38	97	39 ?	100	41	104
Waist	25 ?	65	26 ?	68	27 ?	70	28 ?	72	29 ?	75	31	79	32 ?	83	34	86
Hips	35 ?	91	36 ?	92	37 ?	96	38 ?	98	39 ?	101	41 ?	105	42 ?	109	44 ?	112
Hollow to Floor	58	147	58	147	59	150	59	150	60	152	60	152	61	155	61	155

Plus Size Dresses Size Chart

Plus Size	16W		18W		20W		22W		24W		26W
	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	43	109	45	114	47	119	49	124	51	130	53	135
Waist	36 ?	92	38 ?	98	40 ?	104	43	109	45 ?	115	47 ?	121
Hips	45 ?	116	47 ?	121	49 ?	126	51 ?	131	53 ?	136	55 ?	141
Hollow to Floor	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155	61	155

Flower Girl Dresses Size Chart

Size	Child 2		Child 3		Child 4		Child 5		Child 6		Child 7		Child 8		Child 9		Child 10		Child 11		Child 12		Child 13		Child 14
	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM
Bust	21	53	22	56	23	58	24	61	25	64	26	66	27	69	28	71	29	74	30.5	77	32	81	33	84	34	86
Waist	20	51	21	53	22	56	23	58	24	61	25	65	26	66	27	69	28	71	29	74	30	76	31	79	32	81
Hips	20	51	21	53	22	56	23	58	25	64	26	66	27	69	29	74	31	79	33	84	34	86	34.5	88	35	89
Hollow to Floor	33	84	35	89	38	97	40	102	41	104	42	107	43	109	44	112	47	119	48	122	50	127	51	130	52	132

Junior Bridesmaid Dresses Size Chart

Size	J4		J6		J8		J10		J12		J14		J16
	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM	Inch	CM
Bust	22	56	24	61	26	66	28	71	30	76	32	81	34	86
Waist	20	51	22	56	24	61	26	66	28	71	30	76	32	81
Hips	25	64	27	69	29	74	31	79	33	84	35	89	37	94
Hollow to Floor	42	107	45	114	48	122	50	127	51	130	53	135	55	140

Bridal Mini Jackets / Wraps Size Chart

Mini Jacket / Wrap Size
Size	2		4		6		8		10		12		14		16
	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	32?	83	33?	85	34?	88	35?	90	36?	93	38	97	39?	100	41	104
Shoulder to bust	9?	24?	10	25	10	25?	10?	26	10?	26?	10?	27	11	27?	11	28
Shoulder to waist	15?	40	16?	41	16?	42	17	43	17?	44	17?	45	18?	46	18?	47
Bust point to bust point	7	17?	7	18	7?	18?	7?	19	7?	19?	8	20	8	20?	8?	21
Shoulder	14?	37	15	38	15	38	15?	39	15?	40	16?	41	16?	42	17	43
Armhole	15	38	15?	39	16	40?	16?	41?	16?	42?	17?	44	18	45?	18?	47

Size	16W		18W		20W		22W		24W		26W
	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm	inch	cm
Bust	43	109	45	114	47	119	49	124	51	130	53	135
Shoulder to bust	11?	29	11?	29?	12	30	12?	31	12?	31	12?	31?
Shoulder to waist	19?	49	19?	50	20	51	20?	52	21	53?	21?	54?
Bust point to bust point	8?	22	9	22?	9	23	9?	23?	10?	26	10?	27
Shoulder	17?	45	18?	46	18?	47	19	48	19	48	19?	49
Armhole	19?	49	20?	52	20?	52?	21?	54?	20?	52?	21?	54?

Flower Girl Wraps Size Chart

size

Child-2

Child-3

Child-4

Child-5

Child-6

Child-7

Child-8

Child-9

Child-10

Child-11

Child-12

Child-13

Child-14

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

inch

cm

Bust

21

53?

22

56

23

58?

24

61

25

63?

26

66

27

68?

28

71

29

73?

30?

77?

32

81?

33

84

34

86?

Shoulder to waist

9?

24?

10

25?

10?

26?

11

27?

11?

28?

11?

29?

12

30?

12?

31?

12?

32?

13?

33?

13?

34?

14

35?

14?

36?

Shoulder

10

25

10?

26

10?

26?

10?

27

11

28

11?

28?

11?

29

11?

30

12

30?

12?

31

12?

32?

13

33

13?

34

Armhole

12

30?

12?

32

13

33

13?

34?

14?

36

14?

37?

15?

39

16

40?

16?

42

17?

44

18?

46

19

48

19?

50

Sleeve Length

12

30

12?

32

13?

34

14?

36

15

38

15?

40

16?

42

17?

44

18?

46

19

48

19?

50

20?

52

21?

54

Please choose your favorite color from the palette

Notice:Since computer screens have chromatic aberration, especially between CRT screen and LCD screen, we can not guarantee the color of the dress you get will be 100% similar as the color chart. And also different fabrics will show different color degree on the same color. So we can not accept any returned dress for sake of color. Please kindly understand us.

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Notice:

1. Please also tell us your "Height with Shoes" on (measured from top head to your wedding shoes' heel).
2. Please remember that wear your Wedding Underwear and your Wedding Shoes.
3.Inches and Centimetersare both available for size, and please tell us if you use inches or centimeters.
4. We suggest you measure yourself by a Professional Tailor.
5. It is very normal to have 3CM measurement error between the sizes you give and the sizes you will receive on your dress. This kind of error can not be accepted for any returns and exchanges.

1. How to register?

Please check our website to click " login in" button.

Enter your email address and click " creat your account".

Then just follow the steps and you will become one of our customers successfully.

2.How to order my dress(es)?

Please login your account firstly.When you find the right dress(es), just input your order size and color---- "add to cart"----"summary your order"----"confirm your shipping address"-----"choose shipping method" ----"choose payment method"----"pay" or "confirm" your order.the website will show "successful" when you have placed your order.

3.How to make payment online?

The Payment Methods we support:Paypal,Credit Cards,Western Union,Bank Wire

4. How far in advance should I order my loving dress?

Timing is important when ordering the perfect dress, and we take that as seriously as you do. We advise ordering a minimum of 4-5 weeks before you need to wear the dress.

If ordering a wedding dress and a minimum of 2-3 weeks before you need to wear your wedding party dress and special occasion dress.

5.Can I return or cancel the dress if I change my mind?

Once your order is confirmed, our tailors begin selecting materials in the color you requested and cutting fabric based on your measurements. Even standard size dresses are made to order for each customer. So it?s important to order carefully. For full details, see our Return and Cancelation Policy .

6. Can you customize the color of my loving dress?

Yes,absolutely. When ordering, you?ll need to check the Color box for ?Others?.Our color chart will help you to choose the favorite one.You just need to put the color number in the blank.

7.Can you customize the size of my dress?

If Our standard sizes don't work for you, we can make you a custom-sized dress for a small extra charge ($9.9) .When ordering, you?ll need to check the Size box for ?Customize?.Click how to measure to get the size required. Getting professionally measured is best, but if you want to do it yourself be sure to read our measuring guide first. Avoid common mistakes by doing the following:

Ask someone else to measure for you

Take measurements while wearing undergarments similar to what you?ll wear with the dress

Provide a bust measurement from the fullest part of your chest, not your bra size.

8. Will I be able to alter my dress if I receive it and it doesn?t fit exactly right?

Yes. If your size fluctuates or you want to modify the dress slightly, we always leave a few inches in the seams so that your local tailor can easily make alterations as needed. Dresses generally have a margin of 1 inches on either side of a seam. Flower detailing, beading or belts/ribbons may limit ability to let a dress out.

9. Will my dress exactly match the color I see on your website?

There might be a slight difference between the actual dress?s color and what you see in the photo depending on your computer monitor?s display settings.

Source: http://www.aminweddingdress.com/en/short-white-wedding-dress/2159-newwedding-dress-style-aw10351.html

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USC's Matt Barkley does it right as college football gets it wrong

The mixed messages about college football keep coming.

The most recent was sent via USC's Matt Barkley, who should be, and is, above reproach in matters involving deportment and decision making as a major-college student-athlete. When it was time for him to take the money and run last year, he stayed. In all instances that come to mind during a career in which he kept the torch burning for Trojans fans and a football program bulldozed by the NCAA, he acted with maturity and sensibility.

He is doing so once again.

But his decision to not test a shoulder sprained more than six weeks ago is revealing. Yes, the doctors say it isn't worth the risk to his pro career, but you sense that he took that advice quickly and easily.

Had it been the BCS title game, rather than the Sun Bowl in El Paso against a 6-7 Georgia Tech team, chances are the decision would have been different. Again, no arguments.

Barkley is going to the pros. That's the ever-present priority. The colleges preach, and want us to believe, that team and togetherness are the ultimate lessons. But the reality is a different marriage. It is all for one and one for all, until death ? or the Sun Bowl ? do us part.

Again, no criticism of Barkley or USC here. The criticism is of a nationwide academic cartel that hides in fancy board rooms behind ivy-covered walls and constantly promotes the pretense of molding minds first and strong bodies as an afterthought. In fact, the only thing amateur about much of college football is the attempt to sell it as such to the public. The pros may be brutal and violent and go way overboard in making winning and losing seem like life and death. But at least it is clear why.

Money.

The NFL shouts it, covets it, flaunts it. The colleges covet it, but behind closed doors and, even then, whisper it as if it's a dirty word.

Barkley's decision to sit out the Sun Bowl clearly said enough of this charade was enough. His very return for his senior season, unexpected and selfless, had pumped millions into college football coffers, both those of his own school and all the other ones he played against. Now, it was his turn.

That he was even put in a position of having to make the call speaks volumes.

Were he to do the selfless thing, one more time for the sake of team and USC fans, he would be doing so for a bowl game that, although meaningful for the Chamber of Commerce of El Paso, has near zero significance other than being more TV sports programming.

That generates (let's whisper now) money.

The Sun Bowl is on CBS. The bulk of these bowl games, more than 30 of them, are on ESPN. These have names such as the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, and are not so much actual competition as they are airtime fillers, as well as further attempts to feed the beast and enrich the already bloated collective ego of ESPN.

The colleges lap-dog along, willingly selling their souls for a couple of hours in front of the cameras and a paycheck with lots of zeros, while rationalizing the advantage of having a couple of more weeks of practice. To be clear, USC Coach Lane Kiffin is not among those who preach that party line.

What about the advantage, after 12 or even 13 games already played, of a couple of more weeks in school to heal the bodies and minds? What about a business model that not only provides the ultimate feeder system of talent at no cost to the NFL, but allows, again at no cost, a final pre-draft preview called bowl games?

One major-college athletic director is fond of saying, albeit privately, "It isn't a real bowl game if it isn't in January."

Only five postseason games currently matter ? the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta bowls and the BCS title game. The best of the best in college football deserve some postseason challenge and reward. The rest is window dressing, TV programming and a bow to the current mentality that, upon entering school, you give every kid a trophy so they all feel loved.

With his actions, Barkley is finally saying what the world of college football has ultimately prepared him to do, and what it practices at every turn, yet dares only to whisper.

Show me the money.

bill.dwyre@latimes.com

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/latimes/sports/~3/Udp1DesTusk/la-sp-dwyre-usc-barkley-20121231,0,5731552.column

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Exclusive: Phil Davis Discusses Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos & Ronda Rousey vs. Liz Carmouche

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UFC 155 and the main event pitting UFC Heavyweight Champion Junior Dos Santos vs. former champion, Cain Velasquez is what everyone in the world of mixed martial arts is concentrated on. Velasquez is another UFC fighter who is represented by Zinkin and like Davis is a decorated collegiate wrestler. Davis explained to us that he is a fan as much as he is a fighter and he?s ready to see these two top heavyweights go at it once again.

?I like both guys so much and I feel like the challenger is the way to go in this one,? offered Davis. ?I knew going into the last fight that Cain had really hurt his knee. I respect him so much for going in there and I don?t think he was the one who said he had injured his knee. He was never going to mention it. He has a durable mindset and he?s going to go in there, win, lose or draw, hurt knee or not, like a warrior to compete and to win. That to me shows who he is, he?s that tough and a lot of guys wouldn?t have done that. I?m not saying that it was the right thing to do, but he did it and I respect him for it.?

Another hot button topic these days is the main event of UFC 157. For the first time in UFC history they will promote a women?s MMA bout as UFC Women?s Bantamweight Champion Ronda Rousey defends her title against Liz Carmouche. The ladies have made a huge impact this year and caught the attention of a lot of MMA?s top fighters, including Davis.

?I?m a big fan of women?s MMA, I really am,? Davis admitted. ?It?s interesting because a lot of times women end up in positions a lot of guys don?t end up in. It?s a different dynamic, like mens tennis vs. womens tennis, it?s a different speed and they do different things. I?m a huge fan of Rousey, she snaps arms and I love that.?

With the end of 2012 coming upon us in just a few days, it?s time to look back upon some of the greatest moments that took place over the last 12 months. With so many great fights and a lot of fighters making names for themselves, it really is tough to choose because you know that you are bound to leave some things out. Davis found it difficult to remember whether some of these fights took place this year or last!

?Now that you put me on the spot with this, I?m thinking did that take place in 2012 or was that 2011,? joked Davis. ?When did Nate Diaz fight Cowboy Cerrone? How about Dan Henderson vs. Shogun Rua? Ok, let?s do this, any time Anderson Silva steps into the cage that?s one of my favorite fights. Anderson vs. Chael number two was definitely this year, don?t try and cheat me because that was 2012. I enjoyed the flyweight championship fight between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson, that was probably the fastest paced fight ever and it was pretty awesome to watch.

Those guys were literally flying around the cage and there?s a picture of both of them punching and neither of them had their feet on the ground! I was like what?s going on here, are they using their super powers? I was expecting a lot when Jose Aldo fought Chad Mendes and it may not have been one of my favorite fights of the year, but it was still a pretty good fight. Then of course you have Ben Henderson just a couple of weeks ago, he looked fresh, he looked awesome.?

For Davis the year began with a main event fight against former champion Rashad Evans on the UFC on Fox 2 card in February. He may have lost, but he was exposed to a whole new audience of MMA fans in the process. They say every great fighter has to experience losing to become better and Davis is no different.

?In the last year I feel like I?ve improved all over,? Davis said. ?There?s no one place that I can say that it?s the only place I improved. I improved everywhere, absolutely everywhere. If I had to choose one, I would say I have made some nice gains in my standup.?

Looking forward to 2013 Davis explained some of his short and long term goals he has in mind for the new year.

?I just want to wrap up as many wins as I possibly can,? said the four-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler. ?I want to be in the title hunt and it?s weird because it could be a win or it could be three wins.?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bjpenndotcom/~3/74icS0nNTaM/

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Create Backlinks For Your Site ? Contextual SEO ... - Link Popularity ...

YouTube Ranking Factors for SEO - The Social Robot

YouTube Ranking Factors for SEOThe Social RobotScreen shot 2012 12 10 at 11.02.15 AM 300x158 YouTube Ranking Factors for SEO YouTube's super popularity is evident in its 75 million+ registered users who upload about 150,000 videos to the site every day. The site provides a wonderful platform for ...and more?? [?]

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Search Engine LandThe Keys To Success In Enterprise SEOSearch Engine LandMore likely, if you are doing SEO for a site with several million unique published pages, your organization's Web team will be scaled to meet the challenge, including entire teams dedicated to development, content development, and reporting (and likely ... [?]

More Community Based Businesses Discovering SEO - SBWire (press release)

More Community Based Businesses Discovering SEOSBWire (press release)For the better part of a decade now, bad economic news has dominated the headlines as more local businesses look for new ways to remain competitive in a stormy business climate. So now, in increasing numbers, managers and owners are establishing an ...and more?? [?]

SEO Buying & Selling: 4 Tricks Creating Unachievable Expectations - Search Engine Watch

State of SearchSEO Buying & Selling: 4 Tricks Creating Unachievable ExpectationsSearch Engine WatchFor many SEO agencies, the marketing and selling of SEO services is a bigger hurdle than the task of actually obtaining improved organic search results for clients. Competing for marketing dollars while proving value through the sales process needs to ...SE [?]

This Festive Season, SEO Online Solutions Offers Its Clients the Best Online ... - PR.com (press release)

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What Makes a Great Pets Gift? ? Simply Stated Blogs | Real Simple

I consider myself a great gifter, but it took me years to stop buying things that?I?wanted for others, and to instead buy things that?they?would love. IMHO, you can?t put a price tag on a gift that?s been crafted with a specific person?s wants and needs in mind.

These are some of the thoughtful and unexpected gifts I?ve given or received this season:

-??Animals Inside? Emergency Sticker, via ASPCA.org (received)

These stickers alert responders to the presence of animals in your home, and provide a quick way to show your contact information.

Special why? Because I?m a neurotic dog parent who believes you can never be too prepared. There have been too many natural disasters of late for my taste!

-?Tag Light, via MOMA.org (given)

This is the little-light-that-could, invaluable for late night dog walks.

Trust me, you can only watch your friends fumble around in the dark for so long while they strive to be model citizens. Time to put them out of their distress!

-?Engraved Dog Treat Glass Jar, via GiftsforYouNow.com (received)

Since I don?t leave bags of treats out as part of my No Accessible Food policy, this personalized glass container does the trick.

-?Holiday Gift Donation?in a pet?s honor, via HumaneSociety.org (given)

Let?s face it, if you know someone who values animal welfare above much else, you can?t get any better than this kind of gift. Ideally, if you can ferret out the information, you can select your friend?s animal charity of choice.

There is also the gift of time, such as the organizations and individuals who helped reunite lost animals with their owners after Hurricane Sandy or the friends who offered to dog or cat sit in a pinch, or the people who helped spread the word about animals in need of being?adopted.

What do you think? Which are the best pets gifts?you?ve given or received? What makes them great?

Related Links:

9 Fun Gifts for Dogs, Cats, and More Pets

My Favorite Pet Gifts Under $25 (for gifts that don?t go out of style)

Source: http://simplystated.realsimple.com/2012/12/28/what-makes-a-great-pets-gift/

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