Archive for June, 2009

NPC Texas Chairman Lee Thompson Arrested in Possession of Large Quantities of Anabolic Steroids
by Millard Baker

NPC Texas Chairman Lee Thompson was found in possession of “large quantities of different types of anabolic steroids” when he was arrested on May 25, 2009 according to federal prosecutors. Fort Bend County Sheriff Deputies arrested Thompson after a federal grand jury indicted him on steroid conspiracy charges for his alleged involvement with the “Falkenhagen” group.

Chris Downey, the attorney for Lee Thompson, dismissed the government’s characterization of the “large quantities” of steroids in his client’s possession as inappropriate. Downey argued that the quantity of steroids found was “consistent with personal use” IF all the steroids that were expired and therefore unsuitable for use were EXCLUDED.
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Dennis Wolf Has Upper Hand for Mr. Olympia Title
By Joe Pietaro

Bodybuilding fans are on the crux of what may be remembered as one of the most competitive Mr. Olympia contests of all time. There are six legitimate contenders who could finish in any order and you could make an argument for either of them. Add to that number if a few others come into Las Vegas the way they should and it may be an unprecedented contest.

Take your pick from defending champion Dexter Jackson, his predecessor Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Victor Martinez, Kai Greene and Dennis Wolf. Just for shits and giggles, let’s add Branch Warren, Toney Freeman and Silvio Samuel. And let’s not forget the fact that Ronnie Coleman is still undecided if he is going to make a comeback or not.
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USADA Travis Tygart Urges State Attorneys General to Sue Supplement Companies
by Millard Baker

Travis Tygart, CEO of the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), urged the country’s attorneys general to start suing supplement companies using consumer protection laws. Tygart made his comments at the 2009 National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) summer conference on June 17, 2009 in Colorado Springs. Tygart wants the attorneys general to take action at the state level to further the USADA’s agenda of preventing competitive athletes from using dietary supplements that are prohibited by their respective sports and/or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) (”USADA chief urges states to act on supplements,” June 19).
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Stamina-Rx Supplement Recalled by FDA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 15, 2009 – Norcross, GA – Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Hi-Tech”), 6015-B Unity Dr., Norcross, GA 30071, announced today that it is conducting a nationwide voluntary recall of the company’s product sold under the name Stamina-Rx.

On May 1, 2009, Hi-Tech was notified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that FDA’s lab analysis of one lot of Stamina-Rx samples found that the product contained the undeclared ingredient ? benzamidenafil ? a Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. The lot number found to contain benzamidenafil is Lot 08141578, Exp. 9/10. Benzamidenafil is in the same therapeutic class of active pharmaceutical ingredients that include the PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil, that are FDA-approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Benzamidenafil is not FDA-approved, and poses a threat to consumers because benzamidenafil may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin) and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Consumers with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates and may be most susceptible to adverse effects from this product.
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Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle: The 7th Anniversary Interview

On the 7th anniversary of the release of the international best-seller, Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle, One of Tom Venuto’s associates tracked Tom down for the first interview he’s done in quite a while talking specifically about his Burn The Fat system and what has made it so successful for all these years. Amazingly, Burn The Fat has fans and followers in over 141 countries and its popularity is STILL growing, especially with the much-anticipated Burn The Fat 2.0 slated for release later this year. Check out what’s new with tom and Burn The Fat in this brand new interview.

Read the full interview…

About Bodybuilding & Fat Loss Coach, Tom Venuto
Tom Venuto is a fat loss expert, natural (steroid-free) bodybuilder, nutrition researcher and author. His #1 best-selling diet e-book, Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle, teaches you how to get lean without drugs or supplements using secrets of the world’s best bodybuilders and fitness models. Tom has written hundreds of articles and been featured in IRONMAN, Natural Bodybuilding, Muscular Development, Men’s Exercise, Men’s Fitness, First for Women, The Wall Street Journal and Oprah Magazine. For more information about Tom’s Burn The Fat e-book, visit the home page at: Burn The Fat, Feed The Muscle

Mr Universe Lou Ferrigno Training Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson is being trained by Lou Ferrigno.

The ‘Incredible Hulk’ actor – a former Mr. Universe – is paying secret visits to the ‘Thriller’ star’s Los Angeles home to help him prepare for his forthcoming ‘This Is It’ run of shows at London’s O2 arena.

A source toldBritain’s The Sun newspaper: “Lou has been visiting Michael to build him up so he can perform his dance routines.

“But Michael refuses to lift weights. He doesn’t want to bulk up.”

The 50-year-old singer – who weighs a reported 126lbs and eats just one meal a day – is reportedly battling skin cancer and is said to be terrified gaining weight will damage his chances of beating the disease.

Michael and Lou struck up a friendship two years ago when the ‘Bad’ singer began using the 57-year-old actor’s gym.

Lou said at the time: “Michael is more delicate. Our trainer conditioned him for dancing.

“He likes me, he feels safe with me. He was nervous about people looking at him when he’s training.”

Last month, it was revealed the ‘Beat It’ star would kick off his concert run on July 13, five days later than originally planned.

Shows scheduled to take place on July 10, 12 and 14 have been moved to the end of the residency in March 2010.

Muscle Milk Lawsuit

The newest Muscle Milk lawsuit revolves around a little problem they have with The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Council of Better Business Bureau! This governing body has referred advertising claims made by CytoSport Beverage Company for its Muscle Milk product to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for further review. This happened after CytoSport decided to not back down to an NAD challenge on their product Muscle Milk.

Meet The Challenger

The NAD requested that CytoSport provide substantiation for certain advertising claims, following a challenge by Nestle USA. Hmmm, the post gets suddenly more interesting now doesn’t it? Especially when you consider that back in 1985, Nestle acquired Carnation (makers of Carnation’s Instant Breakfast – pictured on left). Maybe Nestle saw the new Muscle Milk RTDs (which are being distributed by Pepsi) as a threat to their Instant Breakfast RTD business!?

The Claim

Nestle held that Muscle Milk, marketed as a “High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake” is a dietary supplement that is sold in grocery and convenience stores alongside milk and other consumer beverages. Nestle maintained that the claim “Muscle Milk” is false and misleading because it claims that the product contains actual milk when it does not and that consumers are likely to be misled into thinking that they’re buying a flavored or supplemented milk product, when in fact, the product is a water-based dietary supplement.

Cytosport Stance

Cytosport maintained that the claims for its product are truthful and non-misleading and that Muscle Milk, is a non-deceptive registered trademark. It advised NAD that because it believed NAD review was not appropriate or necessary, it would decline to participate in the NAD self-regulatory forum. As a result, NAD has referred the matter to the FTC and FDA.

Phil Heath: Lookin’ HUGE at NPC Long Island Contest
By Joe Pietaro

If there was any doubt as to the strategy of Phil Heath coming into the 2009 Mr. Olympia contest, it was cast aside with his guest posing appearance at the NPC Long Island on May 30. ‘The Gift’ looked absolutely huge from all angles as he took to the stage in East Islip and showed that he fully intends on coming into Las Vegas even bigger than he did last year.

Some may say that he had enough size when he finished in third place in his rookie ‘O,’ but with behemoths like Jay Cutler, Dennis Wolf and Victor Martinez to contend with, Heath apparently felt the need to take it a step further.

He appeared extremely thick and soft, but with nearly four months of preparation ahead of him, he certainly has enough time to cut up and get his physique the way he needs to to take the Sandow home with him.

This should come as a warning shot fired to Dexter Jackson, who is looking to repeat but may not have the size to do so. That and his age are working against him and ‘The Blade’ may be a ‘one and done’ Mr. Olympia such as Chris Dickerson and Samir Bannout. Nothing to be ashamed of, of course, but he would certainly like to go on a streak of his own.
Source

Heather Armbrust Deserved Arnold; Could Win Ms. Olympia
By Joe Pietaro

Come September in Las Vegas, all the talk is going to be about Iris Kyle and if she can add more hardware to her already cluttered collection. There will not be much said about which – if any – of the competitors could spoil the party for Kyle to win her fourth consecutive Ms. Olympia title and five of the last six years. The Michigan native also took home the Ms. International at the Arnold Classic for the fourth time in March and setting the table for a clean sweep of the marquee match-ups in female bodybuilding.

Although no one is looking for a darkhorse candidate to unseat the champion, an argument could definitely be made that someone other than Kyle could be in the position to take both shows. At the Ms. International, Heather Armbrust may have finished fourth but many said that she deserved higher.
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NPC Bodybuilder and Promoter Tom Burke Pleads Guilty to Steroid Conspiracy Charges

by Millard Baker

NPC Oklahoma bodybuilder and promoter Tom Burke pleaded guilty to a criminal felony steroid conspiracy charge on June 4, 2009 and was granted a deferred sentence of two years probation. Burke’s plea will be expunged without a conviction upon successful completion of the deferred sentence. Burke was one of 6 Oklahoma NPC and IFBB bodybuilders arrested in April 2009 arising out on a two-year steroid investigation targeting Oklahoma bodybuilders.

Tulsa Police interrogated Burke a week prior to his arrest at Symmetry Gym in Tulsa, where he worked as a personal trainer, and allegedly discovered human growth hormone (HGH) and testosterone in his car. Burke was accused of giving anabolic steroids and HGH to bodybuilders at Symmetry Gym to help them prepare for competition according to his arrest warrant. Burke previously competed at the 2007 Branch Warren Classic and helped co-promote the Oklahoma State and Central Classic in previous years.

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Fatty Foods – Not Empty Stomach – Fire Up Hunger Hormone

ScienceDaily – New research led by the University of Cincinnati (UC) suggests that the hunger hormone ghrelin is activated by fats from the foods we eat—not those made in the body—in order to optimize nutrient metabolism and promote the storage of body fat.

The findings, the study’s author says, turn the current model about ghrelin on its head and point to a novel stomach enzyme (GOAT) responsible for the ghrelin activation process that could be targeted in future treatments for metabolic diseases.

The laboratory study, led by Matthias Tschöp, MD, UC associate professor of psychiatry and internal medicine, is published online ahead of print on June 5, 2009, in the journal Nature Medicine.
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Dennis James Could Be a Top-6 Olympia Wild Card
by Joe Pietaro

All of the names being spoken about as favorites to win or place high at the 2009 Mr. Olympia contest have made the rounds. No one is disputing that Dexter Jackson, Jay Cutler, Dennis Wolf, Phil Heath, Kai Greene and Victor Martinez will have something to say come September, but there’s one man who has been overlooked.

Dennis James may have just celebrated his 40th birthday, but has kept himself in top condition by competing in numerous contests every year since 2000. That year, he did six shows. DJ has only won one professional show (’01 IFBB Grand Prix Hungary), but done well enough to qualify for the Mr. Olympia nearly every year. His best finish came in 2003 when he took fourth place. Last year, James finished eighth.

Just last month, he finished as Evan Centopani’s runner-up in the New York Pro. His physique was outstanding but he lost out to the Trumbull, Connecticut native in his inaugural pro show.

Under the radar? That may be just the edge that James needs to sneak up on the competition and find himself in the $30,000 and over prize money range. He may not have what it takes to bring home the Sandow, but a top six placing against a line-up as deep as this one is going to be would be quite an accomplishment.

Cigarettes Are Deadlier Than They Used to Be

It may be riskier for your lungs to smoke cigarettes today than it was a few decades ago, at least in the United States, according to new research that blames changes in cigarette design for fueling a certain type of lung cancer. Up to half of U.S. lung cancer cases may be due to those changes.

Smokers once tended to get a form of lung cancer called squamous cell carcinoma, which strikes cells in larger air tubes. Then doctors noticed a jump in adenocarcinoma, which grows in small air sacs far deeper in the lung.

Initial studies blamed the introduction of filtered, lower-tar cigarettes. When smokers switched, they began inhaling more deeply to get their nicotine jolt, pushing the smoke deeper than before.
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Benefit Of Aspirin For Healthy People Is Uncertain

A new study has shown that, while taking aspirin is beneficial in preventing heart attacks and strokes among people with established cardiovascular disease (secondary prevention), its benefits don’t clearly outweigh the risks in healthy people (primary prevention).

Researchers at the Clinical Trial Service Unit at the University of Oxford analysed data from a number of primary and secondary prevention trials that had compared long-term aspirin use against controls. The findings are published in The Lancet.

In the primary prevention trials, aspirin reduced the risk of a non-fatal heart attack by about one fifth. This corresponds to five fewer such episodes each year for every 10,000 people treated. This is offset by a comparable increase in bleeds with long-term aspirin use. One extra stroke is caused by bleeding and three extra gastrointestinal bleeds occur each year per 10,000 treated.
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NPC Texas Chairman Lee Thompson Indicted on Federal Steroid Conspiracy Charges
by Millard Baker

NPC Texas Chairman and IFBB Judge Lee Thompson was indicted on anabolic steroid conspiracy charges by a federal grand jury on April 30, 2009 in United States District Court for the South District of Texas. Court documents confirm the rumors that Timothy Lee Thompson aka Lee Thompson was one of the individuals facing federal charges in the Operation Farmacia de Juicy Phruit drug bust led by the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA. Lee Thompson was charged with one count of “conspiracy to manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of anabolic steroids, a Schedule III controlled substance (21 USC 841(a)(1); 841(b)(1)(D); and 846)”. *
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