What’s in a name? Well, if you’re named Jay Cutler, a lot.

Everyone’s familiar with the Chicago Bears quarterback. You know — 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, threw five interceptions last week, fined $20K for abusive conduct toward a game official. If this were VH1, we might just say he had the worst week ever and leave it at that. But, alas, it gets worse.

Despite being the starting quarterback on football’s grandest stage, it’s debatable whether or not Jay Cutler is even the most successful Jay Cutler in the sporting world. Confused yet? Here’s the breakdown:

Bodybuilding’s version: International Federation of Bodybuilders champion and reigning Mr. Olympia.
NFL’s version: INT leader (and that doesn’t stand for international).

Bodybuilding’s version: Born to pump iron.
NFL’s version: Born in Santa Claus, Indiana. I was trying to brainstorm some creative quip, but you can’t make that stuff up. And I don’t want coal for Christmas.

Bodybuilding’s version: 19.5 (inches around his neck).
NFL’s version: 17 (number of interceptions thrown this year).

Bodybuilding’s version: Competes for titles against the likes of Dexter “The Blade” Jackson and eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
NFL’s version: Competes for his job against the slightly-less-intimidating Caleb Hanie.

Bodybuilding’s version: Endorses MuscleTech supplements.
NFL’s version: Endorses press conference pouting.

Bodybuilding’s version: Appears in several bodybuilding DVDs, including “Ripped To Shreds” and “From Jay to Z.”
NFL’s version: Gets prophetic perspective from Stan in an episode of “South Park.”

(November 13, 2009 – Oxnard, California) Iron Man Magazine Publisher John Balik reported today that the Pro Fight Supplements Iron Man Pro bodybuilding contest, originally slated to take place on Saturday, January 23, 2010, is being rescheduled for an as of yet undetermined date. The contest, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2009, is one of the longest running IFBB Pro shows in the world.

For the last six years, the Iron Man Pro has been held in conjunction with The Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo, produced by National Fitness Productions. With over 20,000 attendees, 250 exhibitors, and an incredible line-up of fitness, physique, martial arts and strength contests, it is one of the country’s largest and fastest growing consumer fitness expos.

“The Expo has been a huge success and is growing every year” said Balik. “But when it was held in late February, two weeks before the Arnold Classic to accommodate the Iron Man Pro, some companies just couldn’t exhibit at it. Shipping their booths coast-to-coast and asking their staff to work back-to-back expos was just too much for some of them.”

So when National Fitness Productions elected to move the Expo to the third weekend in January last year, dozens more companies were able to come out from the Midwest and East Coast to exhibit. However, as Balik noted, “for the pro bodybuilders, it meant having to train and diet through the holiday season and then try to peak again six weeks later for the Arnold and other IFBB contests that follow it.”

“And in spite of the huge crowds that attend the Expo and the myriad of sponsors that support it, ticket sales to the Iron Man Pro continue to decline, making it a challenge to produce the contest profitably.”

Balik added, “The quality of the athletes is the cornerstone of any events success. The rich twenty year history of the Iron Man Pro is the direct result of the wonderful IFBB athletes who have supported it. From the first winner, Shawn Ray, to the 20th, Silvio Samuel, and the current Mr. Olympia, Jay Cutler, the list of champions is a who’s who of IFBB Pro Bodybuilding.”

Balik went on to say he is investigating alternative dates and venues at which to hold the Iron Man Pro, either in late February just prior to the Arnold Classic, or perhaps in May around the time of the New York Pro Show.

Moving the Contest to either of these time slots would mean the bodybuilders could gear their training and dieting for multiple shows on back-to-back weekends, giving them chances for multiple paydays and Mr. Olympia qualifying finishes. In turn, the deeper line-ups will hopefully draw more fans to the contests which would be good for the promoters, the sponsors and the sport.

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The Pro Fight Supplements Iron Man Pro is produced by Iron Man Magazine and presented by Gaspari Nutrition.

The Bodybuilding.com Los Angeles Fitness Expo, produced by National Fitness Productions and presented by Gaspari Nutrition, will be held Saturday and Sunday, January 23-24, 2010 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa Street, South Halls G & H. It will feature the Gaspari Nutrition All-American Strongman Contest, the Con Cret USPF American Cup Powerlifting Meet, Scot Mendelson’s Bench Press Classic, the Champion Nutrition MaxReps Contests, the Gracie National Jiu Jitsu Championships and the Bodyspace Spokesmodel Search. For a complete schedule and ticket information visit www.thefitexpo.com.

Here are the results for the 2009 IFBB Kentucky Pro Figure:

1- Cheryl Brown
2- Julie Ann Kulla
3- Teresa Anthony
4- Patricia Mello
5- Terri Turner
6- Sherlyn Roy
7- Ann Titone
8- Rosa Marie Romero
9- Cristiana Casoni
10- Valerie Haines
11- Stephanie Billings
12- Tivisay Briceno
13- Natalie Calland
14- Stephanie Togrul
15- Rachel Cammon
16- Jessica Clay
16- Amy Lee Martin
16- Liane Siewald
16- Laura Sutter
16- Jennifer Toth

For scorecard results, click below

The Fit Expo, which is usually in the same expo hall, and weekend, will continue, which has over 150-200 booths, as well as a myriad of other events. But for the pro bodybuilding community, the loss of the beloved Ironman Pro contest will hurt. It would have been my 15th Ironman contest, and not having it start the pro season, in my own hometown, is going to be quite distressing.

There are a lot of rumors and speculation as to why the contest was postponed, but we will wait until the press release comes out.

HOLLYWOOD, Fla.– (BUSINESS WIRE) –The big guns are loaded and the bombshells will be out in full force! The NPC Nationals returns to South Florida – this time at one of the classiest resorts in Florida – the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood! With more than 500 of the ultimate bodybuilding, figure and bikini athletes from 50 states competing, it looks like the 2009 Nationals will be the biggest one ever!

This pro qualifier – each class winner qualifies for the professional Grand Prix tour – will be held right in the host hotel in the Westin’s Great Hall and is billed as the “BATTLE AT THE BEACH 2009” – where the best of the nation’s NPC athletes vie for their pro status, at the one event that sets the standard – the event that features the best from across America…and is the road to the Olympia! The sanctioning body, the National Physique Committee of the USA (NPC), the NCAA of competitive amateur bodybuilding, sanctions more than 1,000 events around the country, which lead up to this – its “crown jewel” and premier championship event.

Show hours are:

Men’s Bodybuilding and Women’s Bikini Preliminaries – Friday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. (Tickets $50 – General Admission)

Women’s Bodybuilding and Women’s Figure Preliminaries – Saturday, November 21, 8:30 a.m. (Tickets $35 – General Admission)

Finals for all Bodybuilding, Figure and Bikini – Saturday, November 21, 6:30 p.m. (Tickets $125 & $75 – All Seats Reserved)

Tickets are available at www.nationalbodybuilding.com or at the door.

And the Expo – More than 60 of the country’s most popular sports related companies will exhibit their products right there in the Great Hall where the competition takes place. Many of the current IFBB pro bodybuilders, fitness and figure athletes, along with many other sports celebrities will be in attendance

SALT LAKE CITY, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire/ — GLG-Weider Sweet Naturals (”Sweet Naturals”) is a joint venture between GLG Life Tech Corporation (”GLG”) and Weider Global Nutrition (”Weider”), combining GLG’s knowledge of stevia and Weider’s expertise in marketing, sales and distribution of health and nutritional products. In their Shareholders’ Agreement, GLG and Weider stated their intention was to maximize stevia-based product sales through Sweet Naturals throughout the world. On October 14, 2009, however, GLG announced that it formed its own sales team for stevia-based products. On November 4, 2009, Weider filed a Statement of Claim against GLG with the Supreme Court of British Columbia in Canada, stating claims for breach of the Shareholders’ Agreement, misrepresentations by GLG and its Chairman/CEO, and for breach of fiduciary duties. The Statement of Claim is a public court record.

Weider remains committed to supporting Sweet Naturals, which continues to market stevia-based products, and GLG has represented that it will continue to supply Sweet Naturals. Although Weider is hopeful it can resolve its dispute with GLG — and improve Sweet Naturals’ service to its customers — Weider intends to maintain the lawsuit to protect and enforce its interests.

Kraft Foods will continue to distribute, provide HQ/retail coverage and manage the Balance Bar business for an extended period of time post-closing through a transition services agreement with Brynwood Partners. Kraft Foods will provide these services using either the Kraft Foods sales organization or Acosta Marketing and Sales, as we currently do, to ensure no interruption to the business.

Toney Freeman was the favorite, and Toney Freeman won the show, but not without a fight by Craig Richardson, who in many people’s opinion, almost took the title from Toney. Robert Portrokowics from Poland qualified too for the 2010 Olympia here, with Kris Dim and Ed Nunn just missing it. Here for the results for the 2009 IFBB Sacramento Pro Men’s Bodybuilding.

1. Toney Freeman
2. Craig Richardson
3. Robert Piotrkowicz
4. Kris Dim
5. Edward Nunn
6. Mark Dugdale
7. Grigori Atoyan
8. Darrem Charles
9. Martin Kjellstrom
10. Khalid Almohsinawi
11. Adorthus Cherry
12. Frederic Sauvage
13. Marcus Becht
14. Emmanouil Karamanlakis
15. Pavol Jablonicky
16. Serdar Aktolga
16. JoJo Ntiforo
16. Aiman Faour
16. Rob Churchill
16. Eric Castagnet
16. Heinz Senior

The 2009 IFBB Sacramento Pro Figure competition was the closest I have ever seen a contest go, with only 2 points difference between 1st and 4th. It was just close, with, as I predicted, Kristi Tauti taking first place after placing second at the IFBB Border States a few weeks ago. What is surprising is Cheryl Brown, jumping into second place over defending champion Huong Arcinas, who looked amazing. Some people had Julie Ann Kulla winning this contest, it was that close. Here is the results.

1. Kristi Tauti
2. Cheryl Brown
3. Huong Arcinas
4. Julie Ann Kulla
5. Akane Nigro-Ismeal
6. Kristin Nunn
7. Meriza DeGuzman
8. Carin Hawkins
9. Amy ONeil
10. Raechelle Chase
11. Danielle Kifer
12. Allison Jones-Williams
13. Terri Turner
14. Sherlyn Roy
15. Natalie Waples
16. Jeni Briscoe
16. Alexandra Tothova
16. Waleska Valle
16. Nancy Georges
16. Elvimar Sanchez
16. April Rountree
16. Ann Pratt
16. Andrea Dumon
16. Valerie Gangi
16. Serena Cooper
16. Karly Woodle

No less than 14 countries will be represented in the IFBB Men’s Pro Sacramento this weekend, with a chance for three of the competitors to qualify for the 2010 IFBB Olympia. There are some standout competitors who are competing, including Toney Freeman, Mark Dugdale, Kris Dim, and Darrem Charles who have a good chance into early qualify. Here is the current IFBB Pro Men’s competitor list.

1. Serdar Aktolga (Turkey)
2. Khalid Almohsinawi (Netherland)
3. Grigori Atoyan (USA)
4. Jorge Barrios (Spain)
5. Markus Becht (Germany)
6. Eric Castagnet (France)
7. Darrem Charles (Trinidad)
8. AD Cherry (USA)
9. Rob Churchill (Canada)
10. Kris Dim (USA)
11. Mark Dugdale (USA)
12. Aiman Faour (Lebanon)
13. Toney Freeman (USA)
14. Pavol Jablonicky (Czech)
15. Emmanouil Karamanlakis (Greece)
16. Martin Kjellstrom (Sweden)
17. Jo Jo Ntiforo (USA)
18. Ed Nunn (USA)
19. Robert Piotrkowicz (Poland)
20. Craig Richardson (USA)
21. Frederic Sauvage (France)
22. Heinz Senior (Venezuela)

Wow – the IFBB Pro Figure Sacramento lineup is going to be a tough one, with 26 competitors currently on the list. Kristi Tauti, who was 2nd at the IFBB Border States a few weeks ago, is a favorite coming into this contest, but as we all know, anything can happen when the competitors get on stage. Here is the current IFBB Pro Figure competitor list for Sacaramento.

1. Huong Arcinas (USA)
2. Jeni Briscoe (Canada)
3. Cheryl Brown (USA)
4. Raechelle Chase (New Zealand)
5. Serena Cooper (Canada)
6. Merzia Deguzman (USA)
7. Andrea Dumon (USA)
8. Valerie Gangi (USA)
9. Nancy Georges (USA)
10. Carin Hawkins (USA)
11. Allison Jones-Williams (USA)
12. Danielle Kifer (USA)
13. Julie Ann Kulla (USA)
14. Akane Nigro-Ismeal (USA)
15. Kristin Nunn (USA)
16. Amy O’Neil (USA)
17. Ann Pratt (USA)
18. Sheryln Roy (USA)
19. April Rountree (USA)
20. Elvimar Sanchez (Venezuela)
21. Kristi Tauti (USA)
22. Alexandra Tothova (Czech)
23. Terri Turner (USA)
24. Waleska Valle (USA)
25. Natalie Waples (Canada)
26. Karly Woodle (USA)

Along with the IFBB pro contests, the NPC Sacramento is also being held, with currently around 150 competitors, including 90+ figure and bikini competitors. Hardbody.com, Getbig.com and Bodybuilding.com will be heading to Sacramento to cover the competition. See you there.

BODYBUILDING.COM Is Conducting a Voluntary Nationwide and International Recall of 65 Dietary Supplements That May Contain Steroids
Company Contact:
1-866-236-8417
service@bodybuilding.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Boise, ID – November 3, 2009 – As part of its ongoing cooperation with the Food and Drug Administration (”FDA”), Bodybuilding.com, LLC (the “Company”) announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide and international recall of all lots and expiration dates of 65 dietary supplement products (the “Recalled Products”) described on the attached list, that were sold through the Company’s website, www.bodybuilding.com.

The FDA has informed the Company that it believes that the Recalled Products contain ingredients that are steroids. Specifically, the FDA has advised the Company of its concern that the Recalled Products may contain the following ingredients that are currently classified, or the FDA believes should be classified, as steroids: “Superdrol,” “Madol,” “Tren,” “Androstenedione,” and/or “Turinabol.” While the Company has not had an opportunity to independently confirm the FDA’s concerns that the Recalled Products in fact contain these ingredients, the Company is undertaking this voluntary recall in an abundance of caution.

Acute liver injury is known to be a possible harmful effect of using steroid-containing products. In addition, steroids may cause other serious long-term adverse health consequences in men, women, and children. These include shrinkage of the testes and male infertility, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in males, short stature in children, a higher predilection to misuse other drugs and alcohol, adverse effects on blood lipid levels, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

The Company has not received to date any reports of adverse events in connection with the Recalled Products. Because of the possible harmful effects of using products containing steroids, the Company is cooperating with the FDA to conduct a recall of the products the FDA has identified as containing steroids. Prior to agreeing to carry the Recalled Products, the Company received assurances from all of the manufacturers of the Recalled Products that these products were properly classified as dietary supplements in compliance with federal law, meaning that these products did not contain any unlawful ingredient. Customers who have any of the Recalled Products in their possession should stop using them immediately and contact their physician if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking one or more of the ingredients listed above.

Any adverse events that may be related to the use of the Recalled Products should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm], by phone [1-800-FDA-1088], or by returning the postagepaid FDA form 3500 [which may be downloaded from www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm] by mail [to MedWatch, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787] or fax [1-800-FDA- 0178].

The Company is committed to providing accurate information about its products. The Company is working voluntarily with the FDA in this recall process.

Consumers should return any unused products purchased on the Company’s site to the Company. For instructions on how to return Recalled Products please call (1-866-236-8417) or e-mail (service@bodybuilding.com) the Company.

RECALLED PRODUCT LIST
Brand Name
4Ever Fit D-Drol
Advanced Muscle Science Dienedrone
Advanced Muscle Science Liquidrone UTT
Anabolic Xtreme Hyperdrol X2
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Mastavol
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Revamp
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ultra Mass Stack
APS (aka Advanced Muscle Science) Ripped Stack
Better Body Sports Finadex
Black China Labs Straight Drol
Black China Labs Straight Phlexed
Body Conditioning Solutions TestraFLEX
Bjorklund Methyldrostanolone
BOSC Enterprises Epi-Tren
BOSC Enterprises Magna Drol
Chaparral Labs Epivol
Chaparral Labs Pheravol-V
Competitive Edge Labs M-Drol
Competitive Edge Labs P-Plex
Competitive Edge Labs X-tren
Diabolic Labs Epio-Plex
Diabolic Labs Finabolic 50
Diabolic Labs Revenge
Ergopharm 6-OXO
Ergopharm 6-OXO Extreme
EST (aka Engineered Sports Technology) MethAnstance
Extreme Labs Susto-Test Depot
Fizogen ON Cycle II Hardcore
G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) SUS-500
G.E.T/ (Genetic Edge Technologies) Tren-250
Hardcore Formulations T-Roid
I Force Nutrition 1,4 AD Bold 200
I Force Dymethazine/Reversitol Combo Pack
I Force Reversitol
I Force Nutrition 17a PheraFLEX
I Force Nutrition Dymethazine
I Force Nutrition Methadrol
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Bromodrol
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Grow Tabs TR
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Mass Tabs
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Oxodrol Pro
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Ripped Tabs TR
IDS (aka Innovative Delivery Systems) Rapid Release
Ripped Tabs
Kilo Sports Massdrol
Kilo Sports Phera-Mass
Kilo Sports Trenadrol
Monster Caps Monster Caps
Myogenix Spawn
Nutra Coastal D-Stianozol
Nutra Coastal H-Drol
Nutra Coastal MDIT
Nutra Coastal S-Drol
Nutra Coastal Trena
Performance Anabolics Methastadrol
Performance Anabolics Tri-Methyl X
Purus Labs E-pol Inslinsified
Purus Labs Nasty Mass
Rage RV2
Rage RV3
Rage RV4
Rage RV5
Redefine Nutrition Finaflex 550-XD
Redefine Nutrition Finaflex Ripped
Transform Supplements Forged Extreme Mass
Transform Supplements Forged Lean Mass

“Despite his recent outing at the 2009 Olympia, we still feel Dennis is one of the top competitors in the world,” Donnelly said. “We feel his consecutive top-five finishes in 2007 and 2008 are more indicative of his enormous potential than the aberration this year. We are confident that Dennis will re-establish himself as one of the elite and as a legitimate Olympia contender in 2010.”

- Read the Full story here.

The venue is the Stafford Centre’ ( http://www.staffordcentre.com ). The contest hotel, Marriott Residence Inn (Marriott Courtyard for overflow) in Stafford has small kitchenettes and is beautiful. Food and shopping within walking distance. Stay tuned for updates.