The United States is unique in that we may be the richest country on the planet, but have a system that fails to provide health care to many of our citizens. The Health Savings Account is one of many efforts to solve this problem.

Ah, the great healthcare debate. The medical profession has seen some absolutely stunning advances over the years. The advances have wiped out certain diseases that used to be catastrophic and a come up with solutions that mean formerly terminal health problems no longer are.

Unfortunately, these advancements have led to a catch-22 situation. The research and care costs money, so much so that many people cannot afford the cost of health care. Of the 300 million plus people in the country, some 240 million have some form of health care. Many of these forms are lacking and it still leaves us with 60 million or so people who have no coverage. That is pretty discouraging given the economic state of the country.

Both federal and state governments have had a go at the healthcare coverage issue. There has been no universal solution that has worked. Instead, the problem is now approached with a variety of programs in an effort to take chunks out of the problem. The Health Savings Account represents one such effort.

The Health Savings Account is an interesting approach to the problem. In simple terms, it works as follows. You contribute cash to a health savings account. At the same time, you buy a high deductible health insurance policy. The account can then be used to pay most of your health costs. If you run into something significant that is going to be expensive such as surgery or an extended hospital stay, the high deductible insurance policy kicks in.

There are a couple of advantages to the Health Savings Account. First, you cut the cost of insurance as the premiums for the high deductible policy will be significantly lower than a regular health insurance policy. Second, the money you contribute to the Health Savings Account is tax free. It also rolls over to the next calendar year without any tax consequences.

So, what can you contribute to your account? The numbers seem to change each year. For 2007, an individual can contribute up to $2,850. For families, the number is $5,650. The numbers change constantly, so make sure to speak with your financial advisor if you are interested in the program.

Is the Health Savings Account the answer to the healthcare coverage problems in the country? Unfortunately, no. It does, however, act as a small part of the solution and every little step helps.

Get California health insurance plans and quotes at UFCAmerica.com.

The Acai is a berry about which not many people have heard about. Despite being a little berry, the Acai is one of the most nutritious and powerful foods found in the world today. This is a high energy berry that comes from a special Amazon palm tree that is harvested in the rainforests of Brazil. Acai is a fruit having a short post harvest period, before it tends to deteriorate. That is why Acai is available only as juice fruit pulp outside Brazil. This juice and pulp is used in numerous juice blends, sodas, smoothies and other beverages. There are companies such as MonaVie International in Utah that have patents for a unique harvesting process that enables the highest yields the acai berry can provide.

The Acai has a combined taste of a blend of berries and chocolate and is royal purple colored. It is packed with antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Acai may not be available in the local supermarket, but is found in health and gourmet stores, in the juice form. You can also find its unsweetened pulp today which is a great form of acai. The Acai pulp has a high concentration of antioxidants, about ten times more than red grapes and about thirty times the anthocyanins of red wine. It is these antioxidants that prevent premature aging. Acai also has a synergy of dietary fiber, monounsaturated fats and phytosterols that promote cardiovascular and digestive health. It also has an amino acid complex with trace minerals that induce muscle contraction and regeneration. Acai has fatty acid content similar to that of olive oil and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. This oleic acid helps the penetration of the cell membrane by omega-3 fish oils with which it is possible to make cell membranes supple. A supple cell membrane helps in the efficient functioning of hormones, neurotransmitters and insulin receptors. The anti oxidant properties of Acai also helps in the prevention of heart and vascular disease. This is why Acai is used extensively in the production of dietary supplements and other products.

The antioxidants in Acai are known to improve eyesight and to fight and regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. Acai is also important in maintaining the cardiovascular system to promote better blood circulation. These antioxidants are effective in removing free radicals from the body and improving cell growth. With the damaging effects of free radicals removed from the body, the Acai berry boosts the body’s immune system and provides it with protection from free radical damage. Acai is used extensively as a powder extract, which is its most powerful form. There are also some supplements containing Acai like resveracine. This is a popular supplement for those wishing to lower their cholesterol levels and in improving their cardiovascular health. This is because Acai has fiber content equivalent to 44% of its total fruit mass; making it one of the most fiber rich fruits. Acai also has strong antibacterial properties, to make it useful for using as an astringent. It is because of all these nutrients and properties that Acai berry is considered to be one of the most concentrated forms of fruit nutrients.

The Acai is quickly becoming one of the most talked about naturally occuring fruits to aid in the fight of chronic illness around the world. Do a search on the berry and you will find that it has created quite the following. As time goes on we will continue to monitor the success of this wonderful addition to our daily supplements.

Irene has been servicing the Health and Wellness industry since graduating from Cal State Fullerton in 1982. Through her professional experiences in primarily the Physical Therapy field (presently working) she has gathered deep understandings on nutrition, exercise and overall healthy programs to share with her readers and clients of Planet Berry LLC. To learn more on Irene or Planet Berry please visit their corporate web site at http://www.planetberries.com or email at info@planetberries.com

The crime of violence against another person is called assault. While some jurisdictions consider assault to be actual violence some other jurisdictions refer to the threat of violence as assault while the actual act of violence is called battery. There is a difference between simple assaults and aggravated assaults. While simple assaults do not involve aggravation like use of deadly weapons etc. aggravated assaults do so. It may be noted that assault often includes not only violence but also any physical contact with some other person without their consent.

Usually assault is treated as a misdemeanor. However, aggravated assault may be treated as a felony. Assault involving a law enforcement officer is considered to be a felony. Under most of the jurisdictions in certain circumstances an assault occasioning grievous bodily harm or something equivalent may even amount to the crime of murder.

Under the American common law assault has been defined as an attempt to commit a battery. It is treated as a misdemeanor and felony respectively under similar conditions as aforementioned.

As per modern American statutes assault is defined as-

–Either an attempt for causing or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another, or,

–Causing bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon, owing to negligence.

In some states assault is also defined as an attempt to menace or actual menacing by placing another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. There is difference in viewpoint of states regarding whether it is actually possible to commit an attempted assault since this can be considered as a double inchoate offense. Again, in some states, consent is a complete defense to assault but in other states’ jurisdictions mutual consent is an incomplete defense. The misdemeanor in such case being treated as a petty misdemeanor. Moreover, the crime of assault usually requires that both the perpetrator of the assault and the victim of it are both human.

The range and precise application of defenses to assaults vary between jurisdictions. Consent, arrest and other official acts, punishment, self defense, prevention of crime and defense of property are the defenses that can apply to all levels of assault. It is the law offices that are concerned with handling these. Misdemeanor and felony, family violence assaults are commonly handled. It may be noted that an affirmative finding of family violence may mean a difference between a felony and misdemeanor. This can also establish whether or not you can legally possess a firearm for some purpose.

In case you are charged with any type of assault, say, family violence assault, then, the need for an aggressive and creative family violence lawyer to defend you is called for. A complete and full investigation of the allegation of assault is what is needed. This can only be taken care of justifiably by seeking the services of some competent lawyer. Such person can guide you all through with your legal matters.

Somdev Mukherjee is a Kolkata (India) based writer of articles, short stories, poems and web content related to finance, mortgage, debt consolidation, insurance, laws and other topics of interest. Somdev is presently associated with http://www.0001articleworld.com, http://www.jmcgarments.com and http://www.nathinfosolutions.com as a content developer and manager.

The Final Moments Backstage Then… Showtime

The frenzied pumping and posing then moved to the almost serene silence as our class was lined up in the backstage alcove. We waited anxiously in the darkness for the stagehand’s signal that would drive us out under the bright lights to the howls and screams of an unruly crowd desperate to cheer, jeer, or revere the latest crop of bodybuilding hopefuls.

My mind thought back to what it must been like thousands of years before as the Christians were flushed out into the Roman Colliseum to be gored and eaten by lions as blood thirsty crowd howled with glee. It appears after nearly 2000 years not a whole lot has changed.

The Contest and time onstage is an almost surreal. The depletion of dieting, dehydration, and diuretics, all combine to confuse the athletes onstage and the crowd noise muffles the commands of the Chief Judge as he calls out the various mandatory poses. The burning sensation in my muscle reaches almost unbearable levels as my muscles cramp, flex, and ripple under the blinding glare of the lights.

Time seemingly stands still as I hold each pose in a statue like stillness trying my best to keep from shaking form the intense muscular contractions. My chest heaves between poses as my lungs gasp for air and I taste my own blood in my parched mouth. I paint a well-practiced smile on my face, as I move from one skin splitting pose to another, making it look as if I am taking an enjoyable stroll on a cool spring morning for my morning paper.

Half of the crowd howls with delight while the other half tries to dampen their cheers with a chorus of boos as the judges make the selections. The stone-faced judges, all veteran competitors themselves, scan the line of bodybuilders with only the slightest move of their pencils as they decide the fate of few before them.

Before you know it the MC’s voice booms over the speakers and we are ushered off the stage gasping for air, staggering to and fro to find our gym bags where we hastily grab the tiniest swallow of water to tease our taste buds with a few measured drops of coolness.

The months of dieting, depletion and drug use are all compressed and crammed into a few fleeting minutes onstage but eventually after the last competitors walk off the stage the lights go dim, the music dies and the curtain closes.

The contest for the most part is over and the ensuing night show will more or less be a parade to hand out trophies, t-shirts and a few buckets of protein to the newly crowned champions. The victors pose reveling in the attention while the photographers scramble to get a few shots of each of the class winners. Perhaps one of the winners will be fortunate enough to have a deadline pressed magazine editor fill an empty 2×2 section in the back pages of a scripted account of the days happenings.

The defeated gather sheepishly with their friends and families nibbling on cookies, candy, and the most treasured “taboo treats” which have been avoided like the plague for the months leading up to the show. The faithful friends are quick to point out how each athlete was robbed, or how the call-outs were unfair. Almost everyone agrees that the show must have been rigged as they all murmur in agreement while suspiciously eyeing the promoters, judges and staff.

Bodybuilding’s Ultimate Irony

The irony for the most part is lost on the athletes who have spent countless years of training, straining, and untold uncertainty to get to this moment only to have it skip by the time it takes most people to eat a bag of Doritos.

The testosterone fueled bodies and minds filled with an unwavering drive to become as big as possible drive with an almost insane amount of effort, sacrifice, and discipline to build oneself into the latest version of Hercules are no match for Father Time.

The moment of Glory fades into history like all moments must and the hopes and dreams of most of the competitors are dashed upon the rocks of reality. These few are the lucky ones as often times it’s the winners who move on supported by the illusionary glory a temporary victory might bring.

Eventually, even the greatest bodybuilders will be reduced to a mere mortal before the grim reaper comes to call home their soul. Unfortunately it comes sooner and more swiftly for today’s bodybuilding competitors.

The Bodybuilding Side Show Unveiled

Of course outside the auditorium during the breaks and between the morning and the night show is the all too familiar “contest scene” at all the booths. All in all I get to see what the “real bodybuilding world is all about and it’s much like a circus side show filled with a hodge-podge of oddities that would flabbergast Mark Twain.

Bloated bellies, pimped out pretenders, in skin tight spandex flecked with a few ‘Glazed Eyed Pros” signing autographs at the various supplement booths. All the while crowds of onlookers with “Cartoon like proportions” strut and flex with lats flared, arms tensed, and chests pushed out to like bullfrogs ready to mate. It truly is a sight to behold as everyone struggles to gain the attention of everyone else.

After the contest, I met up with the overall winner outside the contest who was in a state of depression. As I congratulated him he said to me, “what now” how can I compete against the pros?

I had trained with this fellow during the last few weeks before the show and he confided in me the prodigious amount of drugs he had used for the last 3 years to “be in the winner circle”. Now that he had actually won he realized he didn’t have the heart, the genetics, or the funds to make the jump into the professional bodybuilding ranks.

Seeing him on the sidewalk that night was a powerful experience and his words echoed in my head for many months after the contest.

The Razor’s Edge

Today’s contest requirements can be a dangerous game that taken to extreme can spell disaster. Most of the public is unaware how many depleted bodybuilders are backstage on oxygen tanks or in worse cases rushed to emergency rooms because of drug overdoses and diuretic use. I call these practices the Razor’s Edge because at any moment the whole thing can result in disaster. Winning and losing seem to be determined by how much risk a competitor is willing to accept.

I was seemingly lucky, as I didn’t require medical attention although after the show I unwisely consumed too much Coca-cola water, juice, etc in my ultra dehydrated state. I spent about 2 hours lying on a bench on the boat cruise, trying to calm down my parents, as ‘knife-like” pains shot though my kidneys.

The best part of the show for me was the fact that I managed to get some business out of the show. During the intermission I made a deal to sell supplements for one of the suppliers who needed a west coast representative. Fortunately they were convinced by my energy and enthusiasm and I landed my first real business contract.

I didn’t win the show but in my mind I had a won a bigger prize as I was going West to make my “fame and fortune”. About 6 Weeks later I was at Scott’s residence discussing my next move. My blood work was A Ok and I would be able to start “really growing now”.

I Recognize The Futility of Chemical Warfare

But something happened, as I contemplated using a collage of drugs over the next few years so that I might become “Canada’s next pro… and worst Pro” I realized that I was fighting an uphill battle. Dorian Yates was ruling the sport at that point and the “Chemical Warfare Era” had begun.

I had a moment of clarity as I finally realized that nothing was going to make me Mr. Olympia and I needed to follow a different path than my boyhood Idol Arnold. I dropped out of the “Hardcore Bodybuilding Scene” as it’s called and I moved to the west coast.

The supplement contract led me to start several successful businesses and thought I had overcome the psychological demon of insecurity that drove me daily in my pursuit of the bodybuilding holy grail. Again, the “fly in my psychological ointment” led me to throw myself into business at a torrid rate.

I Descend Into A Deeper Darkness

I was a success but my need for approval set me up for an even deeper darkness. As the money began to roll in from my business I got introduced to the underground party scene… the defective psychological weakness that was hidden by my armor of muscles led me into a life of sex, drugs and rock and roll as they say which almost cost me my life. Of course that’s another story, which I will share in another article.

The Miracle And Transformation

In the pit of personal Hell, when I had nowhere else to turn, I had a profound moment whereby a series of inexplicable events transpired that too this days would baffle and amaze the most dour skeptic… An event so profound and transformation gave birth to a new awareness as to what I had been searching for all along.

I realize that I am more fortunate than most to have this “spiritual renaissance”. Over time and space, my spiritual teacher appeared to me. How or why this happened I cannot say but it happened and it’s more real than most of the experiences of my life.

The field of spirit finally obliterated my psychological, and sociological pathologies and I threw myself into meditation and a spiritual routine based around meditation, contemplation, and spiritual study of Eastern Philosophy.

My outlook on life, my personality, and just about everything improved. Even though I went through some heart wrenching challenges, my life had new meaning. Events were merely opportunities for growth. I regularly enjoyed blissful states for no apparent external reason even during trying personal circumstances.

In a couple of years I decided to compete again only as a vegetarian, and in drug tested shows. I contacted Scott Abel again and after 5 years of no contact we went on to win a National Title in just two years and a birth in the Mr. Universe contest.

What’s more even more exciting was the rigors of competing was a joy, I was relaxed enjoyed the process and felt at ease during the diet. IN 2003 for the Universe I went about 11 months with on the diet with only 3 pig-out days. Although I was spent physically, I had an incredible time at the Universe even though I did not place.

What’s even more remarkable is how the experience of competing that year led me to several breakthrough discoveries that I have went on to share with the bodybuilding community via my websites.

The Power Of Spirit

Competing was not the, “be and end all” it is for many competitors. In fact it was just something I simply enjoyed doing and I believe that I was able to enjoy this process so much because of my new found psychological perspective garnered by my spiritual base and the sociological influence of my “spiritual meditation group”. Again Dr. David Hawkins notes in AA, and in Power vs. Force this effect.

After the Universe I competed again, but my heart wasn’t in it. My inner path was more gratifying and I lost the “burning desire drive” that every athlete must possess to be there best. When I lost the next years national championship I felt relief instead of disappointment and I have not looked back ever since.

The Torch Is Passed To The Next Generation

I went on to pen a book aimed at Natural Bodybuilders as I felt there were many naive young men and women that might be drawn into the same self-destructive path I had been on, which by grace I escaped. Since thing the book has given the way to a series of courses, audios, videos, and nutritional supplements to improve health and performance.

My life could not be more fulfilling and I firmly believe it’s all because of the grace given to me by my spiritual journey. Even today in the throws of business pressures, personal relationships, social requirements, I feel a sense of center and balance that provides a constant state of well-being.

It’s my firm desire to help positively influence others about the benefits of building a bodybuilding without using harmful drugs. The feedback and results have been overwhelming and I feel truly grateful to positively affect so many lives. More importantly I hope to help others avoid the slippery slope I was on that leads to Bodybuilding Oblivion.

Too date it seems my wishes have come true.

A Final Note Of Interest

One more note: When I first began my spiritual journey I was reading a line on the power of spirit as written by my spiritual teacher Paramahansa Yogananda. He said that if one had a strong desire based in good intentions and even if the item desired did not exist it would be created by the universe for you. This sounded almost insane to me at the time I was barely on the road to recovery and competitive bodybuilding was just about the last thing on my mind.

Yet as soon as I read the words it flashed in mind the thought of realizing my dream of competing in the Mr. Universe without using performance-enhancing drugs, a desire I originally had when I was 15 years old and did not know drugs existed or that bodybuilders used them. Keep in mind that at the time my mind, and body were pretty much finished.

My Journey Final Reaches The Myth-Ster Universe

Less than 2 years later I won the Newly created “light middleweight division” in the Canadian National Championships World Qualifiers in Hamilton, Ontario. This qualified me to compete in the 2003 Mr. Universe in MUMBAI, INDIA, the home country of my spiritual teacher.

What is even more remarkable is the Mr. Universe was held exactly 3 years to the day that I was hospitalized for a drug overdose. Couple this with the fact that I stood onstage at the Mr. Universe in a division that had not existed in the previous 54 years.

The facts are simple: Had the new division not been created I surely would have lost the chance to go as the fellow that won the class above me would have beat me soundly as he had done so a year previous to the World Qualifiers.

Now some may say it’s a coincidence by I am certain that it is not. Considering the planets travel in a predictable sequence, the tide moves, the seasons come and go, and the sun and moon rise in perfect harmony it would seem that there is a rhythm and cycle to the universe that if only one can tap into and become aware all of life seems to flow…

Spirituality, psychology, sociology, and the pursuit of all mankind is really just an exercise in remembering that we are all part of this universal energy which guides, directs, and gives us all that we need, or could desire if we but become aware of it’s subtle yet all encompassing nature.

I thank God that I have been gifted with the opportunity to realize that in my lifetime and in my pursuits. I wish the same for all of you!

Wade McNutt is a Natural National Bodybuilding Champion and an IFBB Mr. Universe World Champion. He combined the secrets of Eastern Yoga Masters with, scientific, muscle building to produce a revolutionary new health system, called Freaky Big Naturally, find out more at http://www.freakybignatural.com

I have been into adventure sports for a long time. For me, I need some excitement if I am going to stay physically fit. I used to be very sedentary. I could not think of anything less interesting than biking around the neighborhood, jogging, or working on one of those exercise machines. Since I got into outdoor adventure sports, however, I have been much more fit. I have been happier too, since I get to go extreme mountain biking every weekend.

If you are a risk taker, adventure sports might just be for you. There are many different kinds of adventure sport. There is hang gliding, adventure rock climbing, downhill skiing, and many more. Some of the adventure sports actually get kind of silly and exotic. There is even one adventure sports company that specializes in sending people downhill in a giant inflatable sphere! To me, this sounds likes sure idiocy. I am sure that it is quite thrilling, but it is also ridiculous.

The best place to start is to pick up an adventure sports magazine. If you are not sure that you are quite up to the risk, it might be good to read about it. There are descriptions of all of the adventures sports enthusiasts can go on in the great outdoors, explanations of what to expect, and pictures showing all the fun that the reviewers had to trying them. Although it can downplay some of the dangers of these activities, it can still help you to get a good idea of what they are all about.

Nonetheless, eventually you will have to try it yourself. Everyone should at least try one adventure sport in their life. I am not saying that adventure sports are for everyone, because they are not. Many people just do not have the desire to be scared. They would rather do something more tame, such as basketball or jogging. Still, it is worth at least having that adrenaline rush once. You never feel so alive as when you are scared out of your mind!

The best way to get into adventure sports is to look and see what is around you. One of the easiest adventure sports to get into is mountain biking. Almost every area has some mountain somewhere nearby. If you do not, you might at least have a good river for kayaking, or perhaps a company that specializes in para gliding somewhere nearby.

Ian Botham runs his own online sports goods mail order business as well as several sports related websites. check out this great Outdoor Sports Gear site or this more general Sports Gear resources and info website.
http://www.sports-gear-world.info

Bodybuilding And Insecurity

My own journey into bodybuilding innocently started out as a way to overcome a common teenage insecurity. This need to be bigger, stronger, and thus “more masculine” was coupled with a new found confidence that I could produce a desirable outcome in my life by progressive weight training.

As a teenager and a young adult seeing changes in my body exerted an influence as powerful as any drug because there was so much in my life I could not control. The gym served a two-fold drive. One to overcome an insecurity: and two, to become SELF-Directed as previous mentioned.

But here is where things went awry if you will.

After my first bodybuilding contest and then after grinding out another 3 more years of intense effort I came to the realization that I would not be able to be “successful” in competitive bodybuilding unless I started to use steroids. Note this is not a commentary on whether steroid is good or bad etc. I am using this to illustrate the “changing psychology” and the rationalizations that sprung up within myself.

Even though I had built an impressive physique form my efforts I was not satisfied. You see, once I started competing, I began comparing myself to others, and it was this comparison that got me into the sport in the first place.

It appears my own insecurity was only masked by a few muscles and had allowed me to succumb to the bombardment of fabricated ideologies propagated in muscle magazines about the value of winning a bodybuilding show, or better yet, reaching the pinnacle of human development and winning the Mr. Universe.

Of course I would have to start out, and work through the ranks to become like my Idol Arnold. Basically, my mind finally took the bait and I bought in as my “value system had been compromised”.

My First Steroid Guru - Bill Phillips

I then set about “educating” myself about these drugs. I remember my excitement when I purchased my first copy of the “Underground Steroid Handbook 6th Edition” written by Bill Phillips. Yes the same Bill Phillips that brought us EAS and Body For Life.

To Bill’s credit the book was pretty good and certainly helped me understand the need to safely inject myself. It also provided numerous, graphs, charts, theories, and definitions as to what steroids did what, how to use them, side effects, counterfeits, and how to locate legitimate products at reasonable prices.

After hanging around the gym and “getting to know” some of the bigger guys who were competing I inquired about how I might obtain some of these drugs to enhance my own chances of bodybuilding success. It wasn’t long before I made friends with a local bodybuilding champion who took it upon himself to show me the ropes.

After the requisite exchange of cash, and the “duffel bag drop” off in the locker room I was in with the “Big Boys”. I went home in a state of euphoria and nervousness as I took my new found “magic potion” to my apartment. I fumbled with the vials nervously for almost an hour before I figured out how to get the drugs out of the tiny vial.

Before you know it I managed to take my first injection of “Primobolan”, Arnold’s favorite drug of choice according to our good friend and steroid advisor Bill Phillips. I also ingested a couple of “Dianabol” tablets a day for the next 8 weeks according to the diamond pattern recommended by the Guru.

I gained 25lbs on my first cycle drugs… it all seemed to easy. When I eventually came off the drugs I lost about 15 pounds and had a curious pain in my shoulder. The individual who sold me the drugs assured me this was normal. His reasoning I had just pushed to hard as my strength shot up so fast my tendons couldn’t keep up to my gains.

He advised me to be careful about lifting so heavy when I did my next cycle. Which came all too soon.

Drugs And My First Bodybuilding Championships

I took my first two cycles and experienced tremendous results with almost no apparent side effects other than a bit of acne, water retention, and some hardness under my nipples which of course was the dreaded “gynocomastia” commonly called “bitch tits”. I had a predisposition to the condition as I had gone to my doctor as a teenager with the budding condition. Since it’s common in adolescent males my doctor assured me that I was okay.

Still it wasn’t serious and I was gaining size at a rapid rate so it seemed well worth the risk. Besides the magazine writers stated most of the pros simply get the tumors cut out as they advance up the ranks. Some of my newfound bodybuilding friends assured me that it was not big deal and just part of the process of “Getting Huge”. I conceded to the opinions of my friends.

In just a year and a half my efforts were rewarded as I won my first ever Bodybuilding Show, which included the Heavyweight Title and The Overall Provincial Championships. My ego soared; “it was all working out as planned and I was on my way to becoming the next Arnold”. Boy, it’s amazing how delusional a person can become when fueled by the ego gratification of a cheering crowd.

Booze, Bars, And Babes -

Finally I Was Living The Bodybuilding Dream

During this time I worked as a Door Man at a local nightclub as this was one arena that my newfound brawn qualified me for. It was also a great place to vent my increasing testosterone fueled aggression on unruly patrons.

In between bouts with the local drunks I discovered my muscles gave me the confidence to approach even the “hottest girls” in the club who were seemingly impressed or amused as I alternated between throwing out cheesy one liners, and “out of line assholes” from the fine establishment I patrolled like a Spartan Sentinel on red alert.

I felt unstoppable as I experienced the all too familiar rush of testosterone fueled adrenaline coursing through my veins whether I was in the gym, the bar or out on the town with my latest sexual conquest.

I defended the use of steroids, and would openly discuss them to anyone willing to listen. I justified my position and spent time with those who agreed with me. I learned everything I could about drugs, dieting, and carefully saved my dollars diligently as I prepared for my next show.

My whole life revolved around becoming bigger, leaner, and more powerful and bodybuilding became the driving force in my life. What I didn’t realize is how the drugs, the muscles, and the titles only masked the insecurities of the scrawny teenager who first picked up the Weider weight set.

Like so many before me my unsuspecting spiral into the underground steroid subculture had begun and my growing ego began to envision bodybuilding stardom. Still I knew very little about what I was doing (all to true with most athletes and bodybuilders) but I then discovered you could hire a professional coach.

Fortunately, I hired the best in the business Scott Abel.

I Meet My Mentor Scott Abel

After attending the 97 Nationals and seeing that the athletes had achieved a greater level of physical conditioning and size then myself I decided to hire Scott, as his athletes seemed to better than all the others on stage.

Even today almost 10 years later I can still remember my first letter from Scott, hand written as he was in the middle of a move. I won’t get into the details but I will share the line that had the biggest impact on me:

Scott said, “Your training is amateurish, your diet is not doing your body justice, and your “Drug Stack” is a joke. Good thing you got with me because you’re really spinning your wheels.” I was Elated because after 10 years at grasping at straws I had now graduated to the “big leagues”.

I trained all year as always and followed Scott’s training to the tee although I could not afford “pharmaceuticals” until the last 14 weeks before the 98 Nationals. I worked three jobs, alienated my friends, and my family, and “sacrificed” everything for the ultimate… a pro card and a trip to fame and fortune… LOL Yep I was pretty naive.

Anyways the long grueling months of dieting, training, and endless posing sessions paid off as I achieved what then was my ideal condition. I remember specifically 3 days before the show posing in the basement of the then World’s gym on Yonge Street near Bloor in Toronto, Ontario.

I remember being filled with excitement as I stared at the rippling muscular body looking back at me in the mirror. I had finally achieved the look I had dreamed of for over 10 years. I secretly expected I just might be crowned the winner. The skinny teenager seeking the approval of others was still lurking behind the muscular shell I had created but I for one could not see him.

The Nationals - NOT What You Might Expect

Scott didn’t pull any punches when I went to see him the day before the show. He straight out told me that I might make top five in my class. He was right, I came something like 6th in the light-heavyweight division.

Backstage the show was a circus, and we were herded around like cattle set for slaughter.

Dye stained towels and half opened bottles of posing oil littered the floor along with the assorted bodybuilders lying around dehydrated, dazed and half dead, encased in several tracksuits while they listened to their posing music on headphones.

The smell of sweat, oil, and chocolate bars filled the air as one by one the classes are filed into the “pump room” at the regular and periodic cry of the stage hand stuck with job of organizing the motley crew of walking muscle zombies into some semblance of order.

The “pump room” might well have been a scene out of Gladiator. Bronzed men and women, with sunken cheeks and eyes, glanced nervously at each other while they pumped and flexed their muscles with reckless abandon. Hoping against hope to squeeze every ounce of potential improvement they could in these last seconds before they went onstage.

It was here in the few fleeting moments before there physique would be mercilessly pitted against the lights, their rivals, and most of all the critical eyes of the judges that the insecurities become exposed from beneath the mountains of muscle encasing the souls of the latest crew of “Arnold Hopefuls”.

Each athlete knew the potential retribution that would be rained upon him from the lips of the audience members who are all too quick to point out the smallest flaw in any competitors physique. Competitive bodybuilding can be a cruel and unforgiving world.

Wade McNutt is a Natural National Bodybuilding Champion and an IFBB Mr. Universe World Champion. He combined the secrets of Eastern Yoga Masters with, scientific, muscle building to produce a revolutionary new health system, called Freaky Big Naturally, find out more at http://www.freakybignatural.com

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: unable to connect to surl.cn:80 (php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known) in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: unable to connect to surl.cn:80 (php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known) in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Nothing is as un-nerving (and sometimes even scary) as not knowing who’s been calling your house - or your spouse!

So if you’ve managed to salvage the mystery number from either your call-display or your partner’s caller history, here’s how to find out who’s been calling…

1. Use the Reverse Phone Directory on WhitePages.com and AnyWho.com

That’s a fairly self explanatory step, but make sure that you run the search with and without the area code (if no results come up at first).

This method will pull up any registered, listed residential and business numbers.

2. Use Search Engines Like Google, Yahoo and MSN to Find Owner Information On Cellular, Unlisted, 1-800, and Pager Numbers.

In very basic terms, simply head over to Google.com, type in the phone number into the search box, and press search.

Use the following formats when entering the phone number…

“111-222-3333″

“1112223333″

“222-3333″

“2223333″

And so on. It’s important to include the quotation marks around the phone number so as to only include results that include that actual number, rather than fragments of it.

If you don’t have any luck with Google, make sure to repeat the process on MSN.com and Yahoo.com, as each of these search engines has unique and varied results - and reach.

3. Place an Official Lookup Investigation Through a Reputable Online Service.

As you’ve probably already discovered, cellular numbers, unlisted numbers, some business numbers and pager numbers are not listed in any public directories - and if they are, those directories will either be partial, outdated or both.

You’ll need to place an actual trace using an investigative firm or service. This will run you about $35 - $99 or so for anything that actually lives up to its claims (you get what you pay for).

Services abound - just make sure that they offer a guarantee (refund policy) in the event that they can’t find results on your number.

Some even offer a sample/partial search, so you can see if they have the number in their index or not before placing an order.

Better yet - find a service that offers both a sample search AND a reasonable guarantee or refund policy.

And, before you begin to worry - yes, it’s legal for you to place a search on someone else’s phone number if they’ve been calling you. And due to the nature of the internet, it’s also discreet in most cases.

That’s how to find out who’s been calling you, or someone you love.

Happy searching!

Chris Rempel recommends using this reverse phone search service for running searches on cellular, unlisted and pager phone numbers.

They offer a 56 day guarantee, as well as a sample search. Just type in your number, press “search” and see if it’s available.

For a more detailed tutorial on doing free reverse lookups, check out this blog article.

So I’m on a tight deadline and I get this guy’s voice mail, “Hi. I’m either on the phone or away from my desk. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.” I’m sure you’ve heard it. You probably have it on your machine or know someone who does. I hate it.

“I’m either on the phone, or away from my desk” is the same as saying, “Leave a message and have fun twisting in the wind until I call you back.” Even worse is, “I’m either out of the office or away from my desk.” Yep. That’s helpful. Reaaal helpful. About the only thing that overused, trite and cliche outgoing voice mail message tells me is that you’re not really sure where you are. And it certainly doesn’t give me any indication of when I can expect you to call me back. I’d like some predictability.

Today, the technology exists so that we don’t have to leave people twisting in the wind. Giving customers, clients and prospects some idea of when they’ll hear from you, shows them that you are mindful of their need or want to get a hold of you. Here’s how I handle it.

About 9 years ago I discovered a little thing called busy call forwarding. If I’m talking on the phone the call is forwarded to a message that says, “Thank you for calling. I’m in the office but I’m on the phone. Please leave a message and in most cases I’ll call you back in 20 minutes.” I get lots of compliments on my 20 -minute message. And, it impresses people when I do in fact, call them back in 20 minutes.

If I’m out of the office the call goes to my regular answering machine that says, “Thank you for calling. We’re out of the office, but please leave a message. We’ll call you back as soon as possible … most likely, today. If you need to reach me sooner, call my cell phone at xxx-xxx-xxxx.”

Either way, the caller has SOME idea of when I’ll call them back. They can also call my cell phone. If I’m not in a meeting, I answer it. I usually check my office messages about every hour when I’m away.

Now some people, mostly real estate types, are right on top of things with voice mail messages that say something such as, “Today is Friday (insert date) I’ll be out this morning but back in this afternoon after 2pm. Please leave a message … etc.” Ahhh, the sweet sound of predictability.

Marketing your business is more than ads, signs, press releases and business networking. Marketing encompasses everything you do to influence the decision of your client, prospect or inquiry. That includes your outgoing voice mail message.

Call yourself tonight. Listen to your outgoing message. If that voice-mail message is the first impression someone has of you, is that the impression you want them to have? Ask yourself, “Is that the best first impression I can make?”

Life is unpredictable enough. Any time you can add predictability to someone’s life - you’re telling them that you’re in control. You’re also telling them you care. What is your voice mail message telling your callers? If it does little more than tell the caller that you don’t know whether you’re on the phone or away from your desk… you might wanna change it.

Michael Merrick Crooks is a 23-year advertising veteran, copywriter and founder of Crooks Advertising Alliance. His firm, based near Lansing, Michigan (USA) is a creative strike-force that provides advertising, creative problem-solving and promotional marketing services to a diverse client base. His insightful, fresh thinking provokes thought and provides unique perspective on advertising and promotional marketing. From logo development and brochure writing, design and production to targeted, promotional concepts, Crooks has an uncanny ability to look at the same thing everyone else does and see something different. For more thought-provoking marketing articles and insights visit http://www.crooksadvertising.com or http://www.waterlesstattoos.com

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: unable to connect to surl.cn:80 (php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known) in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Warning: fsockopen() [function.fsockopen]: unable to connect to surl.cn:80 (php_network_getaddresses: getaddrinfo failed: Name or service not known) in /wwwroot/gphone-android.com/wp-includes/class-snoopy.php on line 1142

Pewter is an alloy consisting of mostly tin and it is the fourth most precious metal. It also has very small amounts of antimony and copper which is added mainly for strength and/or color. The percentage of tin can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but most often you will find at the least 91% tin and the rest in antimony and copper.

European pewter has a minimum tin content of 92% although many of these manufacturers raise this to 95% and some even to 97% tin. The higher the tin content, the more silver the final color.

Pewter dates back to the Roman days and was only something the rich and wealthy could afford.

Despite contrary beliefs todays pewter is perfectly safe to eat and drink from. Modern pewter contains no lead as it once did. How can you tell if your pewter items have lead in them? This is a question that gets asked quite often. Read on to find out…

The result of lead in pewter is a grayish-black patina on the surface of the item. The amount of darkening and type of oxidation can vary depending on the type of environment the items are left in.

Most often, people will leave this patina on because it creates an antique look that many manufacturers try to simulate today. If you should try to remove it, the layers underneath are then exposed which will in time once again corrode and the patina comes back. In all actuality, the patina layer that forms on lead based pewter acts as a protective layer and should really not be removed.

Lead free pewter can also oxidize over time, but it takes much longer and the color is usually more grayish compared to the lead based pewter which is a darker gray or black in color.

General Pewter Care Tips:

- Pewter can be pitted or stained from certain foods such as citrus juice, types of salad dressings etc., so please remember to wash your items immediately after use.

- Do not place in the oven on a hot plate or near hot flames because pewter melts easier than other types of metals. Pewter melts at only 450 degrees.

- Always hand wash rather than placing in a dishwasher.

Pewter Cleaning Tips:

Unlike silver, pewter doesn’t tarnish, so you will not need to clean it all that often.

There are generally three different types of finishes you will find in pewter items and each has a preferred method of cleaning.

Polished Pewter:

This type of finish is very shiny and smooth and only really needs to be cleaned a couple of times a year. The recommend method of cleaning this type of pewter is with a very soft cloth and some polish. You can try making your own paste of vinegar, salt and flour. Rub it in circular motions with a soft cloth gently to shine up your pewter. You can also find polishes at your local hardware store or auto parts store. Look for a polish that contains very fine grit if none at all.

For taking out fine scratches, we recommend using a polish called “Mothers”. You can find this at your local hardware store. It has a very small amount of very fine grit in the polish and this must be applied with care. Just apply a little bit to the affected area and rub with a soft cloth in circular motions. You will notice that your cloth will turn black. This is normal, as it is actually taking off a very fine layer of pewter to reveal the new shiny layer underneath. Just keep turning the cloth so you are always using a clean part and your pewter will once again shine. If you should notice that the now cleaned area is shinier than the rest of the area, you may have to do the entire area to get an even effect.

Another type of polish that works well is Rottenstone. You can find this at some hardware stores or lumberyards.

Satin Pewter:

This type of pewter has a little bit more of a rougher appearance. It is not shiny, but has almost a grain type of finish. You can use warm water and a mild soap to clean this type of pewter.

Every couple of years you may want to buff out or brush this kind of pewter using very fine steel wool. You can find this in any local hardware store. Always remember to rub in the direction of the grain and do not press very hard. It will not take much to return it back to it’s original appearance.

Oxidized Pewter:

Oxidized pewter usually has a darker finish and has an antique look to it. Just washing with warm water and a mild soap is all you really need to do with this type of pewter.

You should also note that pewter from earlier periods can oxidize easily because of the higher lead content.

Evelyn Whitaker writes articles for German Toasting Glasses http://www.german-toasting-glasses.com which specializes in custom engraved wedding gifts from Germany.

Recently I was asked about the psychological components or reasons behind my somewhat unusual journey in bodybuilding. Having competed at the Mr. Universe in 2003, in Mumbai India I feel I am somewhat qualified to share how I got to compete at Bodybuilding’s Biggest Event.

My journey was one full of twists, turns, triumphs, and tragedies but most of all it’s about the power of perseverance and about an unseen force that guides all of us whether we are aware of it or not.

As many of my readers know I follow a spiritual pathway that suits me best which has affected my choices in life and in sport. First I would whole-heartedly agree that my spiritual pursuits have given me a whole lease on life that I readily share with anyone. But it was not always this way!

In fact my own ignorance to universal principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness led me too the brink of oblivion. It was only there, at the point of no return did I fully come to realize how reckless my life had become. What’s even more remarkable is the turnaround that transpired after I hit bottom. But before we get to that let’s go back to see how this all transpired.

Early Life And High Performance Sports

Since bodybuilding is the context here I will use that as a reference point in my shared experiences. I would also like to cite that I have played sport at the high performance level most of my life, majored in exercise physiology at university, and had more than a few classes in sports psychology, coaching, and sociology of sport. Basically, I have been around sport my whole life and tend to look at it from a wide variety of angles.

I started out playing mostly team sports, which I enjoyed greatly. Mostly the thrill of improving my own skills and capacities was my primary motivation and secondly came winning. I mostly just enjoyed the thrill of training and playing and I approached every practice, game, or training session with an unusual level of intensity, determination, and focus.

My main sport of choice was Hockey and I played for about 12 years at the highest levels. While I loved the sport of hockey I grew frustrated that I was not able to overcome some of my teammates lack of work ethic or talent. In other words I could play my best game and we would lose, or I could play my worst game and we would win.

It became obvious to me that team sport had way too many variables I could not control and I began to gravitate to Bodybuilding, which seemed more self-directed. Considering I was smaller than most kids building muscles helped provide a boost for insecurities about my height and weight.

I Am Bitten By The Bodybuilding Bug

Bodybuilding was the perfect match for me and I was bitten by the bodybuilding bug as they say. I relished the fact that the outcome was based solely on my efforts, something that team sports didn’t offer.

I threw myself into bodybuilding with an even more intense determination then ever before as I began my quest to become Mr. Universe. A lofty ideal for sure but I was young, naïve, and full of vigor.

Even at the tender age of 15 I realized that it’s easiest to motivate myself when I have BIG GOALS and dreams. For me Realistic won’t cut it, I like unrealistic because it’s unrealistic dreams that stretch me the most and that’s where the fun is.

Directed by clear vision I would faithfully go out into my barn every night even in -40 C below to train in a snow suit with a gym that looked something of a cross between Rocky meets the Duke boys.

I had no trouble pushing myself to my absolute physical limits because I had the dream of being like “Arnold”. I am pretty sure I would be hard pressed to duplicate that training intensity or desire today because I am a very different person then I was then.

Nevertheless, day-by-day I grew bigger and stronger. I enjoyed the satisfaction of building my body so much that when I graduated from High School I enrolled in the University Of New Brunswick to study exercise physiology.

I wanted to learn everything I could about training and nutrition so I could one day write books like my hero Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold’s Encyclopedia Of Bodybuilding became my bible and I poured over the words and pictures almost daily.

The Naïve Bodybuilder

I was pretty naive at the time and it was about my second year of university when I saw the movie “Pumping Iron’ and I was completely horrified that Arnold was smoking a joint. My girlfriend at the time thought it quite funny as I was sent into the shock, denial, and utter disbelief, that Arnold, my idol at the time, used drugs. Up to that point I regularly defended Arnold and naively believed he never used any drugs.

Later on my belief’s would swing almost entirely in the opposite direction however the first time the image of one’s hero is smashed can be traumatic. Eventually, I recovered but I feel this event planted the future seeds that sprouted into the rationalization of my own use of drugs.

It was about 1 year later when I competed at my first bodybuilding show and I began to realize drugs were a part of the sport. At the same time I also had a professor who was on the Dubin enquiry sharing some eye openers for me about the use of performance enhancing drugs in sport.

The Sociology of Sport

I remember my professor citing a study explaining something like 95 percent of the Olympic athletes polled by the Dubin Inquiry said they would take a drug if it guaranteed them a gold medal despite the fact there would be a high probability that they would die in the next 5 years. (I am not sure of the exact numbers but it was very high).

Gradually it became clear to me that many High Performance athletes at the top levels of sport tend to have a more risk taking attitude then the general public. It became increasingly obvious to me as I studied sports psychology and sociology that many professional athletes are driven by a burning desire for success not possessed by most of mankind.

What ever the reasons for these desires there is an observable pattern of behavior, which in general contributes to a tendency of high performance athletes not to carefully consider the social, psychological, or physiological costs of performing at the world-class level.

This is evidence by the colossal amount of career ending injuries many of which create permanent disabilities in violent sports such as football at both the pro and collegiate ranks. Regardless of the dangers of many sports, extreme sports are increasing in popularity as our society demands, bigger, faster, or more dangerous forms of competitions.

Attractor Patterns And The Role Of Media

The media, in particular sports casters, emphasize physical sacrifice as some sort of “badge of honor”. This is just one example of the influence of the media pervasive in all sports including bodybuilding.

Slowly this attitude permeates into the thought patterns of anyone, including myself because the more one is exposed to subjective belief systems the more one tends to adopt them as their own.

Dr. David Hawkins author of Power vs. Force proves this model better than anyone to date using a terminology in physics called Non-Linear dynamics, this concept originated first in chaos theory, but is now provable through Quantum Mechanics. The concept of “Attractor patterns” was coined and used to explain how individuals gravitated to certain sociological and lifestyles based on predominate thought patterns programmed by one’s environment.

It seems in the past I was under the influence of some “Attractor Patterns”, only today, some 20 years later, I am only fully beginning to understand the influence the Media has on every athlete’s sociological and psychological motivators.

Since the advent of the Internet, satellites, and a dizzying array of communication, technology mainstream media has become increasingly more influential on people’s belief system. The old saying of “Caveat Emptor” or buyer beware is becoming increasingly important to the avoidance of becoming ensnared by the all too numerous pitfalls of choice that technology presents to athletes as well as all of humanity.

But let’s get back to the issue:

Wade McNutt is a Natural National Bodybuilding Champion and an IFBB Mr. Universe World Champion. He combined the secrets of Eastern Yoga Masters with, scientific, muscle building to produce a revolutionary new health system, called Freaky Big Naturally, find out more at http://www.freakybignatural.com