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The official web site is at http://www.houstonproshow.com/ Here is the current competitor lists  Mens Fouad Abiad – Canada Ray Arde – USA Eric Castagnet – France Gianluca Catapano – Italy Darrem Charles – USA Aiman Faour – Lebanon Leo Ingram – USA Pavol Jablonicky – Spain Ken Jones – USA Jeffrey Long – USA Evgeny Mishin – Russia Craig Richardson – USA Silvio Samuel – Spain Armin Scholtz – Germany Daniele Seccarecci – Italy Heinz Senior – Venezuela Bill Wilmore – USA Nathan Wonsley – USA Figure Jelna Abbou – USA Elisha Archibold – USA Houng Arcinas – USA Jane Awad – Canada Natalie Benson – USA Susanne Bock – Germany Tivisay Briceno – USA Darlina Brown – USA Krissy Chin – USA Andrea Dumon – USA Heather Mae French – USA Bernadette Galvan – USA Nancy Georges – USA Celeste Gonzalez – Spain Candice John – Trinidad Carol King – Barbados Patricia Mello – Brazil Petra Mertl – USA Karen Mullarkey-Barringer – USA Melissa Pearo – USA Amy Peters – USA Felicia Romero – USA Liane Seiwald – USA Jessica Steffens – USA Fitness Maggie Blanchard – USA Myriam Capes – Canada Jennifer Cassetty – USA Shannon Dey –…

I ran across this ad for Tesa Tape. The ad is pretty cool looking and it features a bodybuilder as part of the series. This particular ad features a bodybuilder who looks strikingly like Hidetada Yamagishi. Hmmmm – what do you think? Considering he is the most recognizable Japanese Bodybuilder, I’m going with yes it is him. Did they get permission to use Hidetada’s image? No word as of yet but we’re looking into it. Ad for Tesa Tape – “Pack Ultra Strong” Image of Hidetada Yamagishi

Everyone is saying that Dave Jacobs killed Amanda Savell, then killed himself. Today, the Plano police confirmed that Dave Jacobs committed suicide, but still have not ruled on how Amanda received those multiple gun wounds. Here is the official report below. Funeral arrangements are set for Monday, and more information will be coming. You can also send cards, flowers or your thoughts to the Earheart Residence at The Earheart Family C/O Remember Amanda 3912 Penzance Dr. Plano, TX 75093 There will be a moment of silence at the NPC Lone Star show in Dallas this weekend, as well as many of us will be remembering how wonderful Amanda was.  

  I received the call very early this morning here in Los Angeles. What is going on? People rarely call this early? Did you hear the news? Amanda Jo Savell and Dave Jacobs were found dead in their house? WTF? Are you serious? Bull! No, I am serious? They are treating it as a murder, although the rumors are saying that Dave Jacobs shot Amanda and then killed himself? I am still in a daze from hearing that such a beautiful person is gone this morning, and that we still don’t know much as the police are investigating to what happened? Some are saying it is a double murder, because of Dave Jacobs involvement with steroids, his talking about which players in the NFL are involved, and so on. Others are saying that this is a case of jealously, whereas Dave flipped out because Amanda was talking to various guys when Dave wasn’t there.  We don’t know.  All I know is that Amanda is not going to be around anymore? All I can remember is her friendly voice, great attitude, pictures and video interviews we did with her, and I feel sadness for her friends and family.  From various friends,…

The June 9th episode of American Gladiators will be a ‘Hulk’ themed episode with guest star Lou Ferrigno from the original “Incredible Hulk” tv series who will share hosting duties with Hulk Hogan. The Hulk themed episode is an effort on the part of NBC to cross promote for NBC Universal whose Universal Pictures are producing the new ‘Incredible Hulk’ film with Marvel Studios. The episode will feature a hulked out Gladiator Arena and an exclusive 60-second preview from the upcoming movie “The Incredible Hulk”. The new movie which stars Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth and William Hurt opens four days later on June 13th. For the Hulk themed episode the shows set which is housed in the L.A. Sports Arena will be redone with various Hulk features including the pool being green, green lighting, green graphics and green balls for Powerball. Audience members were given 1,000 pairs of Hulk hands to wear throughout the episode and some will wear Hulk masks. Also Gladiators competing in the Gauntlet will use Hulk Hands to stop the oncoming contenders.

Wow – just when we thought that Monday morning, jury selection would begin, Craig Titus has taken a plea deal, as did Kelly Ryan, which effectively ends the trial. Craig Titus will plead guilty to second degree murder, first degree kidnapping and first degree arson. Which means the judge can sentence Craig to between 17-55 years in jail. Kelly Ryan will plead guilty to battery with a deadly weapon and first degree arson. Craig hopes to speak on July 18th, which is when he will be sentenced. Hopefully, by then, we will learn more on what happened in this tragic murder.

It was a very hot day here in sunny Los Angeles, and thousands of people flocked to the beach for some cooler air and fun in the sun. The workout area at Muscle Beach Venice had closed about two weeks ago, as Bodybuilding.com and Headblade put up over $50,000 to completely bring new Star Trac equipment and flooring to the famous area. And on Saturday, May 17th, at 2pm, the red ribbon was cut, and reopened. Thanks to Joe Wheatley for getting this done, along of course, with the city of Los Angeles, and the sponsors who helped keep Muscle Beach brand new. Also on this day, Jack LaLanne and Franco Columbu’s plaques were put on the Bodybuilding Hall of Fame, which is right on the boardwalk on Muscle Beach. For pictures of the dedication ceremony, please go to: 2008 Muscle Beach Dedication Ceremony Pictures and more

At the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia, on Saturday, May 3rd, Amy Fry won the 2008 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Figure contest. This was the second IFBB Pro Figure contest of the year, and it was an exciting one. Second place was Nicole Wilkins, and in third, was Teresa Anthony, in her pro debut. This contest was held in conjunction with the 2008 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness and Figure championships. Here are the results for the 2008 Pittsburgh Pro Figure Results 1. Amy Fry 2. Nicole Wilkins 3. Teresa Anthony 4. Heather Mae French 5. Shannon Meteraud 6. Heather Green 7. Catherine Andersen 8. Huong Arcinas 9. Bernadette Galvan 10. Allison Williams 11. Hazal Nelson 12. Tivisay Briceno 13. Melissa Pearo 14. Rosa Maria Romero 15. Nicole Pitcher-Scott 16. Melissa Montanaro-Griffin 17. Brenda Marie Smith 18. Tammy Strome 18. Laura Sutter

Saturday, May 2nd was family day at the Avidan house, and the family decided to go to a carnival, fundraiser and more to a special charter school, one which was named after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Many people have not know that there is a school named for Arnold, which was renamed in July 2007. Here is the press release on it from last year. In honor of Governor Schwarzenegger’s commitment to the education of all California children, today the CHIME Charter Elementary School will be renamed in honor of the Governor, to the CHIME Institute’s Arnold Schwarzenegger Elementary School. Located in Woodland Hills, the newly renamed elementary school is part of the CHIME Institute. “I am honored to have a high-quality institution like CHIME Charter Elementary named in my honor. The CHIME Institute shares my commitment to educating all children,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. CHIME Institute implements a co-teaching model where general and special education teachers provide curriculum and learning experiences that meet the needs of all students.

Congratulations to Shawn and Kristie Ray on the birth of their second daughter. Isabella Blu Ray was born on April 30th, at 9:22pm in the evening. She weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces, and measured 19 1/2 inches long.  Isabella’s big sister, Asia, is going to have a whole new person to share all her toys with now!

Being released in some limited theaters on May 30th, the semi documentary movie Bigger, Stronger, Faster is about steroids, and its affects on our culture and more. It was showcased at a few film festivals, the last being the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, and Magnolia Pictures is bringing it to the big screen. Here is some information on this movie, which is sure to bring more discussion on the Getbig boards and through various bodybuilding circles. In America, we define ourselves in the superlative: we are the biggest, strongest, fastest country in the world. We reward speed, size and above all else: winning – at sport, at business and at war. Metaphorically we are a nation on steroids. Is it any wonder that so many of our heroes are on performance enhancing drugs? From the producers of Bowling For Columbine and Fahrenheit 9/11 comes a new film that unflinchingly explores our win-at-all-cost culture through the lens of a personal journey. Blending comedy and pathos, BIGGER, STRONGER, FASTER* is a collision of pop culture, animated sequences and first-person narrative, with a diverse cast including US Congressmen, professional athletes, medical experts and everyday gym rats. At its heart, this is the story…

When we were in Boise, we got a chance to speak to Kevin Levrone about what is new in his life, and various subjects including his upcoming movie titled “I Am”. Kevin started to shoot the move in Castle Rock, Colorado around October 2007, and it is slated for a Fall 2008 release. To check out the interview, please go to: Kevin Levrone Interview with Ron Avidan Here is a synopsis of the movie. A film with the passion and exciting, raw emotional drama of Romeo and Juliet, I AM is the story of a young man who has always been everything to everyone. Marvin The Great Pearl is a man who is truly blessed in life and succeeds in everything he pursues; class president, valedictorian and star athlete turned global icon. He is in the midst of beginning his political career when through personal tragedy, or perhaps divine intervention, he finds that he is losing the most important thing in his life. It also happens to be the one thing in this world that he cannot control through his own power. And with the two most powerful words on the planet, I AM, Marvin is confronted with the decision…

American Gladiators season Two is currently taping at the Sports Arena, and we find out that there are about 16 American Gladiators (as there is also an Australian and English version that is new too). So far, we know of seven new American Gladiators which include Jet (female winner from last season), Pheonix (female with pink hair), Panther (female), Steel (female), Hurricane (male with pink, blond and black hair), Zen (female), and Rocket (male). And yes, Siren and Venom, Justice and Wolf are still there, and many others from Season One are there and competing. Others, including Fury and Stealth, are still injured. And there are lots of new events, for a total of 15 events for Season 2. New events include  Tilt, Atlasphere, Vertigo, Rocketball, Snapback, and Skytrack. More to come soon…

At the 2008 Orange County Muscle Classic contest on April 19, 2008, I had a chance to meet Rory Leidelmeyer, who Lonnie Teper and a few others call him ‘The Greatest Bodybuilder never to turn Pro’. The guy is still dynamic, and looked pretty cool, and had a lot of admirers when he competed 25+ years old. The guy is 53 years old, and still looks fit. Here is a pic of him. For more on Rory and other stories, please go to: Lonnie Teper’s Blog April 21, 2008

Muscle Beach is getting a face lift. The weight pen on the beach in Venice, California, will be closing on May 8th, and the renovated weight pen will reopen with great fanfare on May 17th, 2008 at 2pm. $50,000 in new equipment will be introduced, courtesy of Bodybuilding.com. The area will also receive a new flooring, courtesy of Headblade. Many special people will be at the Grand Opening, including the five inductees from last year’s show, as their plaques will be unveiled along the Walk of Fame.  Jack LaLanne and Franco Columbu have also confirmed they will be there. To those who can make it, it will be a special event. See you there.

Larry Pepe, on the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Radio show, got out of Jay, the honest answer on who he thinks will be the top five at the 2008 Mr. Olympia. Here is Jay’s prediction on who they are. 1) Jay Cutler 2) Dexter Jackson 3) Phil Heath 4) Dennis Wolf 5) Kai Greene Missing are some noteworthy competitors, including Melvin Anthony, Silvio Samuel, and Gustavo Badell. The reason that Victor Martinez is not on the list, is that we all assume he is bypassing the Olympia due to injury, and will concentrate on the 2009 Arnold Classic instead.

The tentative list is out for the 2008 New York Pro Men’s contest, which will be held on May 10th, 2008 at the Tribeca Peforming Arts Theater, at 199 Chambers Street, in New York, and it looks like it is going to be a good contest. 32 competitors have signed on, and here is the list. Top favorites include Ben White, David Henry, Charles Dixon, and Ronny Rockel. Of course, one name that we have heard that is doing the show, but not on the current list is Kai Greene. Thus, expect a few more competitors on this list soon. 1. Jason Arntz, USA 2. Elvis Brown, United Kingdom 3. Jimmy Canyon, USA 4. Gianluca Catapano, Italy 5. Brian Chamberlain, USA 6. Alfonso Del Rio, Spain 7. Charles Dixon, USA 8. Guy Ducasse, USA 9. Tarek Elsetouhi, Germany 10. Oleg Emelyanov, Russia 11. Abiu Feliz, USA 12. David Henry II, USA 13. Roland Huff, USA 14. Neset Icli, Netherlands 15. Leo Ingram, USA 16. Tricky Jackson, USA 17. Ken Jones, USA 18. Louis Joseph, Canada 19. Emro Karaduzovic, USA 20. Martin Kjellstrom, Sweden 21. Daron Lytle, USA 22. Don Long, USA 23. Evgeny Mishin, USA 24. Sergey Ogorodnikov, Russia 25….

Here is the current list for the 2008 IFBB New York Pro Women’s bodybuilding contest, which will be held on May 10th, 2008 at the Tribeca Peforming Arts Theater, at 199 Chambers Street, in New York.  1. Fabi Antoine, Belgium 2. Mercedes Bazemore, USA 3. Debbie Bramwell, USA 4. Sarah Bridges, USA 5. Kim Buck, USA 6. Maria Calo, USA 7. Giusy Caputo, Italy 8. Tina Chandler, USA 9. Angela Debatin, USA 10. Heather Foster, USA 11. Aurelia Grozajova, Slovakia 12. Rosemary Jennings, USA 13. Debi Laszewski, USA 14. Cathy LeFrancois, USA 15. Elizabeth Gomez Meza, Mexico 16. Colette Nelson, USA 17. Jeannie Paparone, USA 18. Annie Rivieccio, USA 19. Saskia Salemink, Netherlands 20. Antoinette Thompson, USA 21. Dena Westerfield, USA

Ah, leave it up to an encounter in Boise, Idaho at the 2008 Boise Fitness Expo where Jay Cutler himself decided to talk to Ron about his pick of who will win the 2008 Mr. Olympia. A few weeks back, in a heated moment on the boards, I got caught up into the action, and, in a moment of passion, said that Dennis Wolf is going to win the 2008 Mr. Olympia. Originally, I had Jay Cutler as my top prediction, but when Lonnie Teper went with Jay (and since Lonnie is usually wrong), Dennis Wolf was the choice. Well, Jay Cutler himself wasn’t too happy with me. Click below for the pics and story of Jay guest posing and more. Jay Cutler at the 2008 Boise Expo

The Iovate group of companies is very pleased to announce its recent acquisition of the Xenadrine family of brand names, and as well the Cytodyne brand names, and others, from Nutriquest Inc. Joining the Iovate family of brands will be the following brand names: ANDRODYNE, CYTODYNE, CYTOPLEX, CYTOTRIM, INSTANT EFX, ISODYNE, METHOXYPRO, PHOSPHAPLEX, TARAXATONE, THERMODYNE, XENADRINE, XENADRINE EFX, XENADRINE RFA-1, Z-MASS, XENADRINE SLEEP PLUS, XENADRINE-NRG, XENADRINE 40+. The addition of these powerful brand names will have a tremendous impact on your business and ours, and we are excited to be able to offer you products under these brands in the very near future. Iovate plans to immediately reformulate the existing products, and to launch a host of new products under these newly acquired trademarks. Presently, the process of formulation, reformulation, packaging design and marketing is underway; and in true Iovate-style, we promise to deliver the most effective products, the most eye-grabbing packages, and the most powerful advertising, to ensure these new products impress consumers and retailers alike. The results are going to be spectacular! We hope you share our excitement about this great news, and we will be presenting more indepth information very soon. We also ask for your support…