Josh Barro writes that NCAA possibly killing Penn State's football program in the aftermath of the Freeh Report program doesn't go far enough. "For the good of both universities and athletes, we should end the NCAA cartel and get high-level football and basketball off all college campuses, not just Penn State." He argues that big-time college sports fattens a university and steals its soul and conscience because players are essentially professionals who don't get paid. The dynamic structure is set for the football coach to be the real university president. "It was more like Paterno was the university president's boss …

While one might argue that all college football is fake (in that it involves a symbiotic relationship between pro ball farm leagues and universities that pretends to be some kind of extension of the academy) Howard Fineman argues that Paterno had it down to an art. "The Penn State football team was a secular holy order, and because they looked so clean -- and because Paterno made sure they graduated -- he was seen as the pope of college football," writes Fineman, who adds that it was all a facade. "And those who knew the story from the inside knew …

LG Electronics and Adconion Media Group's multiscreen video and brand advertising platform, Smartclip, have announced a new partnership. Under the agreement, Smartclip will monetize all ad inventory on the LG Smart TV Platform across Europe, Russia and Australia. The agreement also gives advertisers access to the entire ad inventory on the LG Smart TV Platform, ranging from pre-roll and banner ads to unique and interactive ad formats.

Perry Ellis International is boosting its flagship Perry Ellis men's wear brand with polka dots. The dots are meant to evoke the heritage of the Perry Ellis brand, and add a playful attitude. In one print advertisement, the polka dots look as if they were produced by a model wielding a hole puncher. The polka dots will decorate hangtags and turn up, discreetly, in garment linings. The print ads are part of a campaign for Perry Ellis clothing, with a budget estimated at $10 million, that is intended to stimulate demand for fall merchandise like men's shirts.

The Robinson Funeral Home in Easley, S.C. is opening a mini Starbucks on its premises, complete with Starbucks-trained baristas and the company's official menu. General Manager Chris Robinson thinks the new cafe space will provide an extra comfort to people dealing with the loss of their loved ones. "If this provides them a little escape, and gives them a break from the stress they're going through, then that's what it's all about, is to make them feel better," Robinson told local TV station WSPA.

The financial firm and credit services firm's newest ad in its "Go World" campaign for the 2012 Summer Olympics features the seventh of eight gold medal events that Michael Phelps captured at the 2008 Games in Beijing, which was won by 100th of a second.

A five-year, $70 million deal with Tottenham Hotspur is among a bevy of recent alliances between American companies and iconic clubs in the Barclays English Premier League, including GM-Manchester United and Delta-Chelsea, as domestic companies seek to boost their international presence.

Activist investor Bill Ackman was cleared to acquire a significant stake in Procter & Gamble on Thursday. Shares jumped 3.75% on the news. But the development intensifies pressure on P&G chief executive Bob McDonald to step up layoffs and possibly sell parts of the world's largest consumer products company, local analysts said. "What this means is change is coming one way or another," said Matt McCormick, a portfolio manager with Bahl & Gaynor, Downtown. "Ackman has a history of identifying companies with good, strong brands, but that need a jolt -- and he's very effective."

Buff is boffo at Fawlty Towers Resort in Miami. After nearly going under as a struggling motel, Fawlty Towers reopened May 1 as a re-branded, clothing-optional resort. The hotel is one of a growing number of resorts establishing nudist-friendly facilities as a way to weather the lingering economic downturn. The American Association for Nude Recreation estimates that nude recreation has grown into a $440 million annual industry.

Virgin America is celebrating its fifth anniversary in August by outfitting its pilots, flight attendants and other crew in "utility chic" outfits from Banana Republic: black with red and purple accessories, sophisticated scarves, a red trench coat and a leather jacket. Travel pieces inspired by the new uniform will be on sale at select Banana Republic stores and through the shopping section of Virgin's in-flight entertainment system.