Lets’ face it: the BCS is a piece of garbage. It encourages unsportsmanlike behavior - and there really seems to be too much of that these days - by forcing teams to run up scores to maintain high poll positions. It encourages corruption by allowing poll voters to affect dramatic changes at the last minute, bowing to political pressure. It has resulted in weaker overall bowl matchups. And worst of all, it denies us the ability to settle the matter of the championship on the field.
Auburn, who will face ninth-ranked and two loss Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, are the first team to go undefeated in the SEC and be denied a shot at the title. They beat three top ten teams, and a good Tennessee team twice. Auburn would actually be better off under the pre-BCS system because there would at least be the possibility of sharing the title.
California led Texas in the BCS and was poised for a deserved shot in the Rose Bowl until, at the last minute, the last night of college football - on a night when Cal faced a tough competitor in Southern Miss after a long trip across the country - some voters raised Texas above Cal. This came after two weeks of politicking by Texas coach Matt Brown. There were even reports that some ballots in Texas were submitted before the games were even done.
California passed on the opportunity to score a very late, meaningless touch down, and it’s likely that move had an impact on their drop in the polls. There is no longer any room for sportsmanship when a game is in hand. A team competing for positioning in the BCS has no choice but to pummel its opponents.
The tie-ins the major bowls now have to conference championships has resulted in an 8-3 Pittburgh team playing undefeated Utah in the Fiesta Bowl, and a two loss Virginia Tech taking on undefeated Auburn in the Orange. Meanwhile, one loss Cal takes on 7-4 Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. Are these the best possible matchups that could have been put together?
I don’t think the creators of the BCS envisioned what we have now. I really believe it was an attempt to have something better. But it’s time to admit that the system is a failure, and move on. The old system is better than what we have now. A playoff system is very feasible - given that it already exists in every sport except major college football- and would generate even more money than the current bowl system. The argument that it would take too much time away from the players’ schoolwork is rubbish. Will we ever know the true details of the conspiracy among the university presidents, the bowls, and any number of parties, to deny us an honest playoff system? I doubt it. But it is shameful that the presidents of the NCAA-member universities allow such a system, that encourages corruption and poor sportsmanship, to exist.
Jerry Work is an entrepreneur, musician, and sports fan in Nashville, Tennessee. His company, Work Media, is the founder of SportGamble.us, a community-oriented sports and sports gambling portal with news, links, message boards, blogs, and more.
info@sportgamble.us
As your Internet business grows, the value of your domain name increases. The issue of a domain name trademark should move to the top of your list. You need to guard against unscrupulous competitors that may try to incorporate your domain name in their meta tags to obtain search engine rankings under your name. If you have a domain name trademark, you can go after these individuals and compel the search engines to remove their listings.
What Is A Trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive item that is used to identify a logo, product, device, package or service. The trademark identifies the item as being provided by a particular firm. To protect these items you can obtain a mark from the patent and trademark office that prohibits others from trying to gain economic advantage from your mark.
Domain Name
The patent and trademark office views domain names in a unique way. The office views the “http://www” element as a part of the file transfer process, not your domain name. The “.com”, “.net”, etc., designations are considered top-level domain identifiers and are also disregarded for the purpose of a domain name trademark. For example, our domain name is http://www.sandiegobusinesslawfirm.com. If we submitted the domain name for registration, only the “sandiegobusinesslawfirm” portion would be considered for a mark.
Locators Cannot Be Registered
A domain name is a locator for file pages. When you type in your domain name, a server locates and displays files. If a domain is used solely for this purpose, it will not be granted a mark. Instead, the domain name must be incorporated into the site. For instance, Amazon is recognized as an online bookstore and the site actually has the word “Amazon” on every page. Since “Amazon.com” is more than a locator, Amazon can apply for and receive a trademark. If Amazon used the domain name, bookstore.com, the company would be able to register “Amazon”, but not “bookstore.”
Generic and Descriptive Terms
Domain names that are generic or descriptive in nature cannot be registered because they fail to designate a distinctive product or service. For example, “sandiegobusinesslawfirm” is comprised of generic terms and describes who and where we are, to wit, a San Diego business law firm. This domain name cannot be trademarked. The same result would occur with bank.com, book.com, advice.com, etc.
You may be thinking, “What about ‘Coke?’ “Coke” is a trademarked term because it is a distinctive term for a soft drink product. It just so happens that a brilliant marketing plan has convinced most people to refer to soft drinks as “cokes”, even if they actually prefer another brand!
Trademarks are an important factor in protecting your Internet business. Armed with a trademark, you can keep competitors from pulling traffic off the search engines when people search for your site.
About the Author
Richard A. Chapo is with SanDiegoBusinessLawFirm.com - This article is for information purposes only. Nothing in this article is intended to address the reader’s specific situation nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.
Beware Of The Silent Ezine Killer!
© 2002 Jason Potash
Ezines are everywhere.
They’re free and readily available. And the fact is, most of your ezine subscribers also subscribe to dozens of other ezines.
The sad part is, sometimes “free” comes at a price. Some unscrupulous ezine publishers make a habit of selling your contact info to anyone holding a dollar
bill.
You’ve Got SPAM!
I’m sure you’ve been there. Once you subscribe, subscribe, subscribe … you’ll inevitably get some SPAM - unsolicited e-mails.
So, how can SPAM “kill” your ezine you ask?
While SPAM itself can’t kill your ezine, SPAM filters can. In a BIG way! Here’s how …
If you’re not familiar with the term, SPAM filters (sometimes called junk filters) are used to block out or filter SPAM. They are included with most e-mail client software like Microsoft Outlook and Eudora and even free e-mail services such as Yahoo Mail and Hotmail.
SPAM can also be caught by online services such as Spam Motel or Spam Cop.
How do SPAM filters work?
SPAM filters contain a set of predefined keywords and trigger words. Sure, there are some obvious ones such as, “sex”, “for free!” or “extra income”. But, there are also some words that you might not expect.
For starters, here are some of the default SPAM triggers found in Outlook:
>From is blank
Subject contains “advertisement”
Body contains “money back “
Body contains “cards accepted”
Body contains “removal instructions”
Body contains “extra income”
Subject contains “!” AND Subject contains “$”
Subject contains “!” AND Subject contains “free”
Body contains “,000″ AND Body contains “!!” AND Body
contains “$”
Body contains “for free?”
Body contains “for free!”
Body contains “Guarantee” AND (Body contains
“satisfaction” OR Body contains “absolute”)
Body contains “more info ” AND Body contains “visit “
AND Body contains “$”
Body contains “SPECIAL PROMOTION”
Body contains “one-time mail”
Subject contains “$$”
Body contains “$$$”
Body contains “order today”
Body contains “order now!”
Body contains “money-back guarantee”
Body contains “100% satisfied”
To contains “friend@”
To contains “public@”
To contains “success@”
>From contains “sales@”
>From contains “success.”
>From contains “success@”
>From contains “mail@”
>From contains “@public”
>From contains “@savvy”
>From contains “profits@”
>From contains “hello@”
Body contains ” mlm”
Body contains “@mlm”
Body contains “///////////////”
Body contains “check or money order”
To name but a few!
You might think that your ezine doesn’t contain any of the above words or phrases. Well, think again.
Most ezine publishers have to pay the bills some how. This is usually done through selling advertisements and links to affiliate programs.
Ezine ads and affiliate links are FULL of filter trigger words.
Once your ezine triggers a SPAM filter, it will be trashed into a “junk” folder. At this point, your only chance of survival is if your reader manually checks through each e-mail before deleting their junk folder.
What are the chances of this happening? Slim.
So, how can you avoid this deadly, silent killer? Here are a few tips to keep your ezine in the clear:
1. Research
Install some of the popular e-mail clients (i.e. Outlook, Eudora, etc.) and perform some tests. Activate the e-mail filter option and obtain a better
understanding of how they work.
2. Testing
Run a split test. For example, use the words “100% money back guarantee” and “every penny back if your not 100% thrilled” in two different mailings. Track the results of each.
As ezine publishers and online marketers we invest countless hours of time in publishing our work. Don’t sabotage your hard work and results by turning a blind eye to SPAM filters.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Potash, the creator of EzineAnnouncer software, makes it easy to put your ezine and article promotion on auto-pilot. Learn the 7 essential keys to ezine success. Click here for your free 4-part mini-course: mailto: 7keyscourse@demandmail.com
Ivan Rodriguez endured an onslaught of criticism this offseason when he opted to play for the Detroit Tigers rather than returning to the Florida Marlins or seeking a smaller contract with another contender.
Sports writers and reporters everywhere accused Rodriguez of selling out for the big money with no consideration of success on the field or the impact playing on a losing team would have on his legacy. Even his former manager, Jack McKeon, commented that the 32 year old catcher could be torpedoing his chance to pursue entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame by joining the lowly Tigers. As of now, it appears Rodriguez knew exactly what he was getting into.
A .370 batting average and Detroit’s turnaround from last season’s punchline to respectability have earned Pudge a selection as the American League starting catcher, his 11th appearance in the All-Star Game. After being tagged with a reputation for nursing nagging injuries and worrying more about base stealers than batters at the plate during the end of his tenure in Texas, Rodriguez is now recognized as a team leader and a pitcher’s catcher. He contributed some key veteran leadership and a potent bat last year to a young Marlins team on their way to a World Championship. While that isn’t a likely outcome for this year’s Tigers, their new backstop has them headed in the right direction.
As for Ivan Rodriguez’s prospects for the Hall of Fame, they can’t be hurt by leading his league in batting average. He’s already earned an AL MVP in 1999, won a World Series, and was long recognized as the best defensive catcher in the majors. With a career batting average over .300 and over 240 home runs, three more productive seasons should put Pudge at 300 and earn him some serious consideration for enshrinement.
When examining the difference between the 2003 champion Marlins and this year’s middle-of-the-pack team in Florida, the loss of Ivan Rodriguez is painfully apparent. The drastic improvement of the Detroit Tigers can also be attributed in a large part to the addition of the same player. The value of a Hall of Fame career cannot be better measured than by the effect a player’s arrival to and departure from has on the teams he plays for.
You may reprint this column onto your site only if the following information is attached at the bottom and the link to The Baseball Corner http://www.thebaseballcorner.com is active.
Author: Dustin Smiley, Owner of The Baseball Corner, your online site for everything baseball.
dustinsmiley@mchsi.com
Our bed and breakfast in Rome, is conveniently located in the heart of the city of Rome.
The property is very close to the Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore and the Termini central railway station, which is directly connected to the air terminal. Many buses linking virtually every corner of the city, also depart from the square in front of the station. Moreover, there is an underground stop just next to the bed and breakfast.
Room facilities
Air conditioning, Hairdryer in room, Heating, private bathroom.
By car
The bed and breakfast is easily reachable from any point of the Grande Raccordo Anulare and by all highways, following the indications to Roma centro and stazione Termini.
By train
The bed and breakfast is 10 minutes’ walk from the Termini railway station. The property can also be reached via underground line A. Get off at the Vittorio Emanuele stop.
By airplane
The Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino airport is connected to the city by highway or by a local train service, called Leonardo Express, leaving every 30 minutes to Termini station.
The Rome Ciampino airport is just a few bus stops from underground line A terminus Anagnina. The ride to Termini takes about 20 minutes.
Quality at a cheap price in Rome? Book online and save your money: find an Hotel Via Veneto, or compare price for cheap Rome hotels, or make a reservation for a tour in Rome
Compensation For Car Accident and Injury Victims-Ohio
If you are injured by the negligence of another in the State of Ohio your are entitled to compensation for certain damages. First let’s define negligence. It is the failure to do what a reasonably careful person would do under the circumstances.
The damages recoverable are as follows:
1. medical expenses past and future
2. Lost wages past and future
3. Pain and Suffering past and future
4. Loss of enjoyment of life past and future
5. Disfiguremnt from scarring past and future
These damages must be documented. A good doctor’s report is critical. It must connect your claimed injuries to the car accident or other event that you feel caused your injury.
AnTony Castelli www.castellilaw.com
About the Author
Anthony Castelli is an experienced Cincinnati, Ohio attorney concentrating on accident and injury law. His web site is www.castellilaw.com
If you have had the misfortune to suffer a personal injury, you will understand just how deeply such an event can change your life. You will probably encounter huge medical bills, and may need ongoing medical care for a long period of time. You may be unable to work, perhaps even permanently, and you may have a spouse or family who are shaken by both the financial implications and changes in their life situation and routine. While obtaining the right settlement will not erase the impact of your accident, either in physical or emotional terms, right attorney will be able to arrange a deal for you that will at least help ease your monetary worries. For those of you living within the confines of this city, here are some tips to help you find a Boston personal injury lawyer who will help you make the most of this difficult time in your life.
Firstly, ensure that your lawyer has direct experience in personal injury law. The law is an enormous area, and specialisations within it have developed for a reason. By choosing a professional who deals primarily with this type of case, you will be ensuring that you are dealing with a lawyer who understands this particular area of the law in detail, which in turn means they will be equipped with the knowledge and experience to get you the best deal possible.
While the majority of personal injury cases are not resolved in the trial court, you should still ensure that your Boston personal injury lawyer is prepared to go the distance if necessary. Select a lawyer who provides a personal service too, one who is accessible to you, and with whom you feel comfortable working. Your initial first impression can go a long way in helping you choose the right lawyer - ensure that at your initial meeting he or she is timely, professional, and communicative. If this is not the case, you may be better off continuing your search.
Above all, do your homework before selecting a Boston personal injury lawyer. Research the credentials of the professional you choose, and, if possible, find personal and professional testimonials regarding your prospective professional. They will all advertise themselves as the best - but try to make that decision for yourself. The settlement you receive could depend upon it.
Dave Hoffman is the founder of Injury Lawyer Search a website dedicated to injury attorneys
Although the Property Index service may be considered a fledgling concern, starting their business only in March of 2007, they have established expert status very quickly. They’re a unbelievably hassle-free concern concentrated on offering informed instructions to any individual planning to rent, buy, etc. property across the globe. They avow to lend you a hand to unearth precisely what you have need of very quickly and, likewise, without pain.
Property is being offered no matter where now, one of the elite areas being property for sale in Spain. It should really be simply to catalogue the mega cool real property on the market in Spain, the motivation for investigating realty here is properties available for sale and the possibility of spending your life between such a keen and energetic populace. This is one of the truly popular areas now, and considering the beauty and wonderful sunshine surrounding you night and day, who could be wrong? Property in Spain is very rich in history and culture, this realm of the world has been and is still home to many nations.
Property Index is an online platform that gives buyers access to thousands of properties www.propertyindex.com. Property in Spain is currently booming so browse the range on offer at Property Index.
Around 25-30 years back you’d find only very few of English keen on real property in Spain. Just ask any person who has removed to Spain and they’re likely to tell you the same. Many people would view it as a vogue and others view it as a virtually a compulsion… Patrons interested in moving to this region range from young families who are looking for a bit of a new challenge to retirees looking to enjoy themselves and take it easy. Note, however, that you might hit on some unmanageables when purchasing real property abroad — as can be expected, there are a hundred disparate steps when brainstorming, paying a visit or signing up. If you miss out on one single minute step it may give rise to great unmanageables plus, of course, even more important, loss in financial terms.
As you would suppose with this fashionable area, real property might well be high-priced in this location and this, of course, is unquestionably a result of the steep demand. Yet, property buyers are certainly spoiled in a part of the world so richly blessed by glorious countryside. It’s got the whole thing a buyer could possibly need, and lots more.
Bankruptcy and Your Credit
Bankruptcy and credit are directly linked to one another. Credit is how many people run into trouble with their finances, and ironically how they remedy their financial problems at the same time. Credit availability and the encompassing pressure to maintain a good credit ranking will often allow lenders to form prejudices. Many times this can make be the difference between receiving, or being denied, a large loan.
When someone goes bankrupt several things take place. By filing for bankruptcy you acknowledge that you are not able to pay your debts and must be relieved from having to pay off your unsecured debts. Unfortunately, this relief from debt comes at a price. Declaring you are bankrupt makes you at risk to creditors. You are less likely to receive extended credit when you need it, and on top of that you will be charged extremely high interest rates.
Fortunately one of the best things about bankruptcy is its ability to restore your credit rating. By opening a high interest rate credit card and making regular payments for the first few years after bankruptcy, you will demonstrate that you are willing and able to make payments in a timely fashion. Eventually your rating will rise and you can have credit available next time you need it. This process can be somewhat long, but for those who are willing to work towards the ultimate goal of having good credit, it can be well worth it.
To learn more about understanding bankruptcy please visit the San Diego Bankruptcy Lawyers Chang and Diamond, APC at http://www.thebklawyers.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box and all links stay intact.
About the Author
None
Do you know anyone who has been hit by a reckless driver or a careless motorist, shot dead due to mistaken identity, killed due to medical malpractice, etc.? These are examples of wrongful death cases. Generally, these cases are caused by another person’s negligence, carelessness, malpractice or inaction. Even though the death is unintentional, it is still the responsibility of the defendant to provide just compensation for the survivors or victims of wrongful death cases.
Prior to a wrongful death incident, you can file wrongful death lawsuits if you are a relative of the wrongful death victims. Winning these civil lawsuits can recover payment for damages to the victims’ lives. The compensation may cover medical and funeral costs, lost wages including future earnings, lost benefits, lost inheritance, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of support or companionship, general damages, and punitive damages. However, the last compensation may not be awarded without additional evidence of malicious intent.
Simply, the immediate family members such as the parents, spouses and children of the deceased can file the wrongful death lawsuits on their loved ones’ behalf because they are almost always eligible to file a claim. Minors may need an adult guardian to take a wrongful death lawsuit to court. Moreover, other family members including the stepparents, grandparents and dependents may also be permitted to file suit in some states.
If you realize you have a valid wrongful death claim, you must first consult one of the experienced wrongful death lawyers in your area. Doing so is very important because a wrongful death lawyer can help you gather evidence, understand the law, complete necessary paperwork, and build a convincing lawsuit against the defendant. In addition, to have an attorney can also help lessen the pain, stress and suffering you may be experiencing due to the incident.
The law states that there is a certain amount of time allotted that a person who has lost a loved one due to wrongful death has to initiate a lawsuit. Family members are usually allowed between one and three years from the time of death to file a claim. If they fail to do so, their claims may be shelved forever. Therefore, if you have lost a loved one because of wrongful death, speak to a personal injury attorney for details regarding the reliability of your case now. After all, your loved ones deserve justice for their untimely death and you too for your misery.
About the Author
For comments and questions about the article, you may visit http://www.mesrianilaw.com
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