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If you live in the USA, then you know that today will be one of the biggest voting days in the history of the country. If you are an American citizen, then go vote, and be part of the process. Whether you vote for McCain or Obama, or vote yes or no on various propositions, just exercising your right to vote is important. I took my son there this morning, and there were 25 people ahead of me, with six voting machines. The whole thing took 20 minutes, and it was fun!

WOODLAND HILLS, Calif., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ — David J. Pecker, Chairman and CEO of American Media, Inc.(AMI), today announced that Chris Lockwood, Mike Carlson, and Allan Donnelly have joined the editorial staffs at Muscle & Fitness, Flex and Muscle & Fitness Hers magazines, reporting to Laya Clark and Chris Scardino, Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Publishing Directors of AMI’s Enthusiast Group. The Group includes these three publications, their web sites, Mr. Olympia, and other related events and brand extensions. In making the announcement, Mr. Pecker said, “One week after naming Laya Clark and Chris Scardino to head our Enthusiast group, we’ve completed our team by bringing in Chris Lockwood as editor-in-chief of Muscle & Fitness with Mike Carlson as his #2, and promoting Allan Donnelly to be executive editor of Flex. This gives us the most forward thinking, authoritative editorial staff of any publication that targets serious fitness enthusiasts.” Mr. Clark said, “Chris is one of the most knowledgeable writers on the planet on the subject of fitness and nutrition and his vision for Muscle & Fitness will make it the primary source for cutting edge information in these areas. With Mike Carlson as executive editor, we now have two of…

The new came fast and furious Friday morning over this announcement in which Laya Clark and Chris Scardino were being promoted to the top positions. What is going on with Peter McGough, who has been an icon at the Weider offices, running Flex and Muscle & Fitness for a long time now. Peter was on of the most informative and knowlegable people in bodybuilding circles. As Friday rolled along, it seems that Peter had resigned, and will be taking a lesser role as an editorial consultant, and that a few other people will also be promoted to run Flex and M&F seperately. Here is the press release that came out late Thursday, and tune in for additional information next week. American Media Inc. Names Laya Clark and Chris Scardino Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Publishing Directors of AMI’s Enthusiast Group of Fitness Titles NEW YORK, Oct 23, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — David J. Pecker, Chairman and CEO of American Media Inc. (AMI), today announced that Laya Clark and Chris Scardino, currently Group Publishers of Muscle & Fitness, Flex and Muscle & Fitness Hers magazines, have been named Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Publishing Directors of the AMI Enthusiast Group. The Group…

Toney Freeman finished the 2008 competitive season with a 5th place finish at the Mr. Olympia contest. The X-man can now add another notch in his belt of accomplishments by inking a multi-year deal with Team Muscletech. “Toney has been a fan of Muscletech products for years and we have been big fans of Toney since he earned his pro card at the 2002 NPC Nationals” notes Dave Conlon, Manager of Talent Relations at Team Muscletech Headquarters. “We have had Toney on our radar for quite some time and his impressive showing at this years Mr. Olympia competition, on top of his consistent placings in 2008 instantly confirmed that we had to add him to our already stacked roster of the worlds greatest bodybuilders, we couldn’t be happier to have him on the team.” When asked how it feels to be a member of Team Muscletech, Toney said… “It gives me great pleasure and it is also an honor to finally become a part of Team Muscletech.  My goal is to live up to and exceed all expectations. This is a very special time for me and I will continue the great tradition established by the great champions before me. …

Supplement industry guru Mel Rich passed away on Octover 18, 2008, after a long battle with cancer. He was 64 years old. Mel was born on November 29, 1944 in New York. Mel was married to Ronnie, and has two daughters, Hallie and Barrie. Mel always believed that science should be at the root of all dietary supplement formulations and he always valued efficacy over marketability. As a child, Mel used to do work for his father, Sidney Rich, founder of Phoenix Laboratories Inc., stuffing cotton in bottles. After graduation, Mel began working the family business, but was drawn to the dietary supplement side of manufacturing and soon became the industry’s “go-to” person for any company who wanted to develop unique and credible products. Mel began to formulate and manufacture products for Great Earth Vitamin Stores. In1988, Mel and the Rich family purchased the Great Earth franchising company, and Mel became president of Great Earth. In the 1996, Mel created Bodyonics Ltd., and its brand, Pinnacle®. Mel developed many “firsts” for the dietary supplement industry, including a mega-potency multiple vitamin, a patented time-released process for use in dietary supplements and an antioxidant formula. “Mel Rich always believed in the vision…

It was a sad day on Saturday, October 18th, we I woke up, and found out that Ben Weider had passed away. He was an icon, and up until his passing, a person that was very aware and still came every year to the Olympia event, as he just did a few weeks ago. I got to meet Ben Weider a number of times, and one of my favorite honor was when Ben called my name on stage at the 2007 Olympia, and thanked me on stage. Here are some pictures I took from the 2008 Olympia. You will be missed Ben. Ben  & Joe Weider Jim Manion, Dexter Jackson and Ben Weider on stage Ryan DeLuca with Ben Weider Vince Scalisi and Dave Conlon with Ben & Joe Ron Avidan with Joe & Ben  Bev Francis and Steve Weinburger with Ben Russ DeLuca with Joe & Ben Isaac Hinds with Ben Rob Wilkins, Bob Cicherillo, Dan Solomon and Robin Chang with Ben

Funeral service from Paperman & Sons at 3888 Jean Talon West on Monday, October 20 at 1 pm in Montreal, Canada. More inforation, call 514-733-7101. Burial at the Victorian Cemetery Association, de la savane. Shiva strictly private. Please respect the family’s wishes to observe shiva in the strictest of privacy. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre. 514-737-6551 or to the Cardiology Research Fund, Jewish General Hospital Foundation. February 1, 1923 – October 17, 2008 Ben Weider, sports leader, scholar, businessman, and philanthropist, known and honored worldwide for his pioneering work promoting and organizing the sport of bodybuilding and groundbreaking work as a self-taught but hugely influential and popular Napoleonic historian and author, died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old. Beloved husband of Huguette Derouin for 49 years. Devoted father and father-in-law of Louis and Linda, Eric and Renee, Mark and Natalie. Cherished grandfather of Aisha, Joseph and Vanessa. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Joe and Betty, Freda Yankofsky, the late Jacob, the late Louis and brother-in-law of Bertha Levy and Andre Derouin. About the Ben Weider Jewish Community Centre. The Ben Weider…

From a canadian newspaper…  MONTREAL, Oct 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Ben Weider, sports leader, scholar, businessman, and philanthropist, known and honored worldwide for his pioneering work promoting and organizing the sport of bodybuilding and groundbreaking work as a self-taught but hugely influential and popular Napoleonic historian and author, died suddenly Friday in Montreal, city of his birth and lifelong home. He was 85 years old. In his more than sixty years of involvement in bodybuilding, as Founding President of the International Brotherhood of Body Builders (I.F.B.B.), Mr. Weider worked in close association with his older brother Joe Weider, an iconic figure known as the Father of Modern Bodybuilding. The Weiders anticipated, then led, the worldwide fitness revolution and legitimized bodybuilding — training with weights to build strength and musculature — in all of athletic conditioning and healthful exercise for the general public. The I.F.B.B., founded by the Weiders in 1946, has 173 member national federations worldwide and sanctions thousands of amateur and professional competitive events. Mr. Weider’s achievements in Napoleonic history were as notable as his work in organized sport. Mr. Weider’s knowledge of health, through his work in bodybuilding, led him to doubt the generally accepted theory of Napoleon’s…

 An interesting article that ran today… World’s Largest Physical Culture Collection Gets $1 Million and 25 New Artifacts AUSTIN, Texas — The world’s largest physical culture collection, located in the H.J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports at The University of Texas at Austin, has received a $1 million gift from physical fitness icons Joe and Betty Weider, along with their pledge to donate around 25 unique paintings and sculptures from their personal collection. This is the second $1 million gift the Weiders have given to The University of Texas at Austin. To acknowledge the Weiders’ generosity and honor their lifetime of achievements in the field of physical culture, the Stark Center announced that its galleries related to the history of  “Physical culture” is a broad term that originated in the 19th century and that refers to many ways of promoting strength, health and vigor. The attainment of health and strength could be through purposive exercise regimens like running, resistance training, cycling, swimming, athletics, field sports and walking, as well as through proper eating habits, recreation and rest. Reflecting the breadth of the term, the Stark Center collections include books, magazines, photographs, correspondence and artifacts related to physical…

At the 2008 Ironman Pro, Isaac vs. Ron went at it in the Gladiator Jousting Challenge, and Ron pulled through, with a blow that sent Isaac off the ground.  At the 2008 Olympia, once again, the two went out it again, while Lonnie Teper was the emcee of this event. Two rounds, and the so-called ‘Experts’ fought there way towards a battle in which LT gets knocked down at the end!

Well, it is time to work out, even when you are in Vegas at the Olympia Expo. That is because Muscletech is setting up a full size gym on the floor to work out! They are also having the following athletes give seminars / training sessions there.  This gym will also be available for the attendees for a free workout.     Friday: 11-12: Branch Warren 12-1: Richard Jones 2-3: Deshaun Grimez 3-4: Joel Stubbs Saturday 11-12:  Deshaun Grimez 12-1: Richard Jones 2-3: Shaun Crump

Wow. Six IFBB contests were held in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Friday and Saturday, with two weeks left to go before the Olympia Weekend begins. For Bodybuilding and Fitness, this was the last time to qualify for the Olympia, and there were quite a few that competed. Melvin Anthony wanted to show everyone that he will be a force to be reckoned with at the Olympia, defeating Johnnie Jackson and Darrem Charles here, who took second and third. Heavy favorite Toney Freeman dropped to 4th place, while Joel Stubbs took 5th. King Kamali, who we predicted would do well, did improve from his last contest, but still placed 6th. For complete results, click below 2008 IFBB Atlantic City Pro Men’s Complete Results The Master’s Atlantic Pro Men’s Bodybuilding looked like the other men’s show, except missing from the lineup where Melvin Athony and Johnnie Jackson (who are not 40 yet). Here are the scorecard results. 2008 IFBB Atlantic City Pro Masters Men’s Complete Results Can anyone stop Tracey Greenwood? It doesnt look like that, as she has dominate the contest she has entered in the last few months, although coming to the Olympia, it is a whole new ballgame….

Two weeks away from the 2008 Olympia, and the Mr. Olympia, Ms. Olympia and Fitness Olympia qualified competitors are complete, with only the IFBB Tournament of Champions left to go to qualify in Figure. So far, 87 competitors are qualified to compete this year, and here are the lists, in order of how they qualified. 2008 IFBB Olympia Weekend Qualified Competitors For those of you that are interested on who qualified in 2007, here is the list 2007 IFBB Olympia Weekend Qualified Competitors

Ah, the guys at Flex Magazine have made some funny videos featuring Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson in their comedic best as they rival on who will look the best for the 2008 Mr. Olympia. Here are a few of the videos. Jay Cutler vs. Dexter Jackson Part One Jay Cutler vs. Dexter Jackson Part Two Jay Cutler vs. Dexter Jackson Part Three Jay Cutler vs. Dexter Jackson Part Four

The 2008 Olympia Video Series is on a roll, and so far, seven videos have been filmed. Watch as Bob Cicherillo, courtesy of Bodybuilding.com, goes around the country, visiting various competitors as the get ready for the Olympia, and watch them trains, joke around, and answer questions. Here are the first 7 video series. Episode #1: Jay Cutler Episode #2: Gustavo Badell Episode #3: Dexter Jackson Episode #4: Kristal Richardson Episode #5: Toney Freeman Episode #6: Jay Cutler – Part 2 Episode #7: Phil Heath

Musclephone alert came through as soon as the new came out.  Craig Titus was sentenced to 21-55 years. Kelly Ryan was sentenced 6-26 years in prison. Craig Titus pleaded guilty on May 30 to second-degree murder, kidnapping and arson. Kelly Ryan pleaded guilty to arson and Nevada’s equivalent of no contest to battery with a deadly weapon. According the sources, Kelly read a statement, and could not stop crying.  Then Craig came up, said he was sorry, and called himself a coward for his acts, and apoligized. Then Maura James came up, and begged the judge for the maximum sentence, and asked for a gag order on Craig and Kelly. The judge decided not to impose a gag order, then procedeed to lecture Craig and Kelly, and then he threw the book at them, and gave them whatever he could. Kelly’s sentence of 6 to 26 years means that in 6 years, she will be eligible for parole, although she has served close to 3 years, with a maximum of 26 years she can spend in jail.  Craig”s sentence of 21 to 51 years means that in 21 years, he will be eligible for parole in 21 years, less time served already. 

Will Harris is predicting a win at the Europa Show, so for all of you who are coming to the show, watch out… he is in shape. This is Will Harris FOUR WEEKS OUT from the Europa show! http://blog.bodybuilding.com/ProAmContests/2008/08/06/will-harris-europa-interview-4-wks-out/

The following athletes are required to participate in The NPC NEWS Photo Shoot With J.M. Manion. • MEN’S OVERALL WINNER • WOMEN’S OVERALL WINNER • THE 6 FIGURE HEIGHT CLASS WINNERS When: Sunday, July 27, 2008 Where: The Embassy Suites Hotel Swimming Pool Time: 9 a.m. – 12 Noon What to Bring: The 3 Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Overall Trophies Only. The Men’s & Women’s Overall Winners Are To Bring Their Posing Suit & Posing Oil. The 6 Figure Height Class Winners Are To Bring Their 2-Piece Competition Suits Along With Any Other 2-Piece Swimsuits. Women should have their hair and makeup done prior to the shoot.

We saw it a few weeks ago. BSN was on the spot where Xyience was, and soon, the rumors were abound. BSN is very interested in the UFC.  This week, we learned that BSN and the UFC signed a multi-year agreement together. Here is some of the press release.  BSN is proud to announce a multi year partnership agreement with the UFC. BSN’s CEO Chris Ferguson comments on the partnership “I am proud to announce that BSN is now the official nutritional supplement sponsor of the UFC. MMA is the fastest growing sport in the world today, thanks almost entirely to the work that UFC has done over the course of the last five years. We are excited to be aligned with an organization as prestigious as the UFC and are eager to stretch our brand with this partnership by showcasing our product line which include No-Explode. I want to thank everybody at the UFC for their efforts and their continued commitments.”

Roland Kickinger is a little busy these days, down in New Mexico filming the 4th movie in the Terminator Series, titled Terminator 4: Salvation: The Future Begins.  Set for a release date of May 22nd, 2009, Roland is playing the character of the T-800, which was the original terminator. This movie picks off where Terminator 3 ended, where the Skynet computer has destroyed most of humanity. John Conner, who will be played by Christian Bale, and his group start to lead the rebellion against the machines.  Roland Kickinger is set to go after John Conner, who will be protected by a good terminator, in this case, played by Josh Brolin. Here is a synopsis released by Warner Bros. Set in post-apocalyptic 2018, John Connor (Christian Bale), the man fated to be the leader of the human resistance against Skynet and its army of Terminators, and the future he was raised to believe in is altered in part by the appearance of Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), a Terminator whose last memory is of being on death row. Connor must decide whether Marcus has been sent from the future, or rescued from the past. As Skynet prepares its final onslaught, Connor and…