Archive for February, 2010

Brian Bowles used a counter right hook late in the first round to defeat Miguel Angel Torres by TKO and win the WEC Bantamweight title in the main event of another exciting fight card from Zuffas MMA promotion showcasing the lighter weight classes. Though Bowles entered as a highly respected, undefeated challenger his stoppage victory over Torres”a fighter who ranked high atop most pound for pound best lists”has to be considered one of the major MMA upsets of the year.

The event will be remembered for the main event and the shocking upset of Torres, whom commentator Frank Mir had been championing as the pound for pound best fighter in the sport of late. Torres certainly had the credentials”a fighter equally as dangerous on his feet as on the ground, hed compiled a 37-1 record entering the fight against Bowles.

Bowles quickly announced his presence with authority rocking Torres with an overhand right and scoring a takedown within the first minute. After a groundfighting sequence, the two fighters exchanged punches again and initially it looked like Torres was getting the best of things as he landed a multiple punch combination that sent Bowles backing up. Almost out of nowhere, however, Bowles countered with a perfectly placed short right hook that sent the champion to the canvas. He followed up with some nasty ground and pound punches including a big left hand that knocked his opponent unconscious and forced the referee to wave off the fight.

In his postfight interview, Bowles sounded unsurprised by the outcome. His comments indicated that hed been very well prepared for Torres considerable skills and though he conceded that hed been stung by the punching barrage waited for the opening to throw the right hook that ended the fight. Bowles displayed considerable class in victory, and Torres conducted himself in a matter befitting a champion as he accepted the defeat.

A rematch between Bowles and Torres is almost inevitable, but theres plenty of talent in the WEC bantamweight division. The semifinal bout on the card pitted two of these competitors in what may have been an elimination match for #1 contender status as Dominick Cruz handed feisty Joseph Benavidez his first professional loss via unanimous decision. The unorthodox and insanely athletic Benevidez had a good deal of trouble with the superior height and reach of Cruz.

Further muddling the picture in the bantamweight division was an earlier fight on the card, in which Takeya Mizugaki outlasted Jeff Curran to win a split decision victory. Mizugaki had trouble with the active guard of Curran, but scored takedowns in all three rounds. He did enough from the top position while fending off submission attempts to earn the verdict and to make his claim for #1 contender status.

Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and highly respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

New York Jets rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez has been a crucial factor in the teams 2-0 start, showing a poise and head for the game very rare for NFL newcomers. Still, there wasn’t much worry at the revelation that hes suffering from tendinitis in his right knee. The Jets announced Sanchez’s injury on Thursday, and hes listed as probable on the official NFL injury report. Every indication from Sanchez and the Jets’ staff suggests that he’ll be able to play.

Sanchez practiced on Thursday, and though he was seen stopping to stretch and rub his right knee on a few occasions didn’t seem to suffer any impairment in his mobility. He participated in the entire practice, and there didnt appear to be any sort of effort to prepare Kellen Clemens to assume the starting role. Clemens took his usual snaps with the team, though not any additional work that would indicate a concern that Sanchez wouldn’t be able to start.

In his comments to the media, Jets head coach Rex Ryan confirmed the injury while downplaying its significance:

“It’s not that big a deal. He has something. I don’t know how to describe it than just to say its a little tendinitis. But, he’s fine. I mean, he fully participated and moved around great, I thought.”

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was even more emphatic in his statement:

“Mark’s totally fine.”

Ryan then added a sarcastic note that brought laughs from the assembled media: “Make sure he’s on that list. I don’t mean anything by that.”

Ryan was referring to the Jets receiving a fine from the NFL for not properly disclosing injuries to then-QB Brett Favre late last season. Favre was suffering from a torn biceps tendon, though the team didnt list him on the official NFL injury report. The team was fined $75,000 while GM Mike Tannenbaum and former coach Eric Mangini were each fined $25,000 each. While he wasn’t with the team at the time of the incident, Ryan has expressed his displeasure with the fine.

The Jets are less optimistic about the condition of cornerback Donald Strickland, who is suffering from a sprained right ankle. Ryan didnt offer much positive indication that hed be able to see action on Sunday:

“I don’t think he’s going to be able to play this week. I’m not declaring him out right now, but I don’t think there’s any way he’s playing this week.”

The Jets host the Tennessee Titans at the Meadowlands this Sunday afternoon. New York has been installed as a -1 home favorite, with the total set at 37. The Jets have won five of the last nine meetings between the teams straight up, though Tennessee holds a narrow 5-4 advantage against the spread. After that, the Jets will take to the road for their next two games. Theyll play the New Orleans Saints on October 4th before heading to south Florida to take on the Miami Dolphins the following Monday night.

Ross Everett is a freelance writer and respected authority on soccer betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

There are hardly any individuals that don’t recall playing with a Raggedy Ann and Andy doll as they quite simply grew up. These dolls make a giant impression on us all and they are now available in a Halloween costume. The Raggedy Ann costume is certain to be a favourite this Halloween season.

Once you take a look at yourself or your small one wearing this costume, the memories of playing with Raggedy Ann will come rushing back. It actually makes an individual look like the infancy fave doll. Everything about the costume, from the white and red striped stockings to the knickers pants in white will put you in mind of the doll.

It comes detailed with the knee length blue dress with white polka dogs on it and the white apron that goes over it. This is really a particularly lovable costume and it is flattering on each physical stature.

Regardless of how little or petite you are or simply how enormous you are you may find this costume to be exceedingly comfortable and spacious. Irrespective of how long you’re going to be wearing this costume you’ll be exceedingly comfortable the whole time.

When you are dressing like Raggedy Ann, you cannot forget this next part of the costume. The shaggy red hair that’s the trademark of Raggedy Ann can’t be forgotten. It comes as an element of this costume so you can truly look the part.

The classic white cap that Raggedy Ann always wears is also combined in the package. The cap fits wonderfully over the hair and will look good. When you put on 2 straightforward shoes in black and draw some huge red circles on each cheek you’ll be all set and good to go out and inspire.

This costume is awfully flexible. It comes in sizes to fit youngsters as well as adults. Why not dress as Raggedy Ann while you are passing out candy to the area youngsters this year? They’ll certainly love it!

Bob Anderson is a costume enthusiast and for years has helped others discover their own unique and awesome Halloween costume experiences. If you’re looking for more Halloween Costume ideas, tips and tricks then checkout some of Bob’s costume ideas on Raggedy Ann Costume or Robin Hood Costume.

Talent Agency Advice

If you have dreamt of being an actor or model follow these simple precautions to avoid being a scam victim. Make sure your agency is licensed, has been in business for a while and that they don’t guarantee you work.

You will find there may be agencies out there preying on your anxiousness to become a star and using that to only rip you off. If they’re licensed, they have to follow the rules set forth by their state and so it is highly likely they will abide by them. Don’t worry though, most agencies are in the business for the right reasons, it’s just the small percent that you need to be aware of.

Info For Shopping for an Agency

Now, find out how long they’ve been in business because this will tell you their level of success. If they’ve been around, they must have a good track record and that means good contacts. That’s what you want.

Anyone who guarantees work is probably out to scam you for some of your hard earned money. Don’t fear it, just don’t sign with them. When they pass these tests, great, you’ve found a good partner to possibly launch your career.

Details About Selecting Your Talent Agency

Avoid being a victim of an industry scam by going in and interviewing them properly. Bring a pen and paper and ask them questions about their business. Follow these simple steps and you are more likely to be in good hands.

Then take their suggestions for referrals such as schooling, photographers, and any other tools they suggest. Their referrals are very useful because they work hand in hand together and they know what the other wants. We hope this short essay covers the basics of what you’ll need to do to get started in your exciting career.

Learn more about breaking into show biz, and check out Avenue Productions scam prevention and industry success tips, then stop by and take a look at Avenue Productions scam prevention and industry success advice.

Huge numbers turned out throughout France to demonstrate against plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62

French protesters furious over the government’s proposals to change the pensions system flooded the boulevards of cities from Paris to Marseille today as Nicolas Sarkozy’s embattled labour minister presented the reform to a parliament echoing with jeers.

Huge numbers of people – 1.1 million according to the government, 2.7 million according to the leading CGT union – turned out throughout France to demonstrate against plans to raise the retirement age from 60 to 62. There was significant disruption caused to trains, planes and public services as a result of the strike. In the capital alone, the CGT union estimated the number of protesters at 270,000.

“It is about time the government reacts,” said Francois Chérèque, leader of the CFDT union, last night, claiming the “massive” turnout had given the protesters moral authority to demand changes to the bill.

In the Assemblée nationale, Eric Woerth, the minister seriously undermined by the scandal surrounding L’Oréal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, hailed the reform as one of “courage and … reason”. Fighting to make himself heard above booing from the opposition, he said the proposals were “an essential element of our social pact”.

For its opponents, however, the law is an affront to France’s traditions of worker rights and generous post-career provision. “The legal [retirement] age of 60 years old is … a question of justice,” said Martine Aubry, leader of the Socialist party. She has said she would reinstate the sacrosanct Mitterrand-era retirement age if elected in 2012. “Higher life expectancy has to be taken into account, but not like this,” she told Le Parisien.

Pointing to demographic and economic necessity, the government wants to trim the country’s budget deficit and avoid a pensions black hole in years to come. France has one of the lowest retirement ages and most generous retirement package of any European country; it also has a £27bn deficit in its state pension fund which could more than double by 2030.

To combat this, the law proposes raising the legal age of retirement to 62 by 2018, raising the age of full pension entitlement from 65 to 67, and extending the period of contributions, employer and employee, from 40.5 years to 41.5 years by 2020.

Sarkozy, whose approval ratings are consistently in the mid-thirties, regards the reform as crucial for France’s future financial health, while observers say its passing is crucial to his re-election.

But, after today’s turnout, the unions and leftwing opposition will be pushing for concessions. They say that more can be done to ease the burden on people who, for instance, started work in their teens, people – often women – with several different pensions because of disjointed careers, or those toiling in dangerous or strenuous industries.

One employee at a PSA Peugeot Citroen car factory in eastern France told Le Monde his job was exhausting. “I have colleagues who have been here for 40 years. The very idea that they will be made to work two more years makes me mad,” he said. “Pushing people to the limit will lead to a greater occurrence of workplace illness, which will serve merely to deepen the hole in the state health service. Where’s the logic in that?”

While adamant that there will be no rowing back on the main pillars of the reform, Sarkozy has indicated he is willing to consider tweaking the proposals to placate the unions. Today, in the Assemblée nationale, the opposition drew on the action on the streets to demand the government give in. “Are you going to hear the anger of the people?” asked Lionel Paul, a Communist MP, before members of his party prompted a temporary suspension of parliament by dumping their pension petitions on the desk in front of Francois Fillon, the prime minister.

In remarks to MPs, Fillon goaded the Socialist opposition for having failed to act on the issue while in power and defended the government’s “reasonable” choice which, he said, was “indispensable for the financing of French people’s pensions”.

The latest opinion polls show around two-thirds of French people support today’s strike, although opinions are more divided over whether the retirement age should be kept at 60.

Roland Cayrol, a political academic at Sciences Po in Paris, believes the big turnout was about more than just opposition to the pensions changes, to which, he said, many French people had become “resigned”. What had brought many onto the streets, he said, was a “big moment of social exasperation. Never in the history of opinion polls have French people been so convinced of social injustice,” he said.