Charlie Sheen hasn't been the most spoken about person of late because he has been behaving like an altar boy. The train wreck that has been his party of a life seems to be around every corner and on every web page. But that's because the masses flame the fires by wanting more of him.
The reason? When things start to go bad, then people give a shit. Waiting for the explosion and watching it get there has become them mantra of many a media outlet and they haven't exactly filed for bankruptcy, either.
Taking the hint, we here at MuscleSport Mag would be foolish to not catch lightning in a bottle. We did it last year with the entire Christian Darrow underground MMA fiasco and saw another chance with the Mets/Spanish players issue. Why? Because it gave our site a shitload of new web hits...the name of the game when you're in this business.
A lot of places will try to justify their actions by making up some crap and giving their readers a song and a dance. We don't. How do we justify our actions? By telling you the truth - in the articles and why we chose to run them.
There have been a few antagonists on various forums on the Internet that have a problem with us being so up front and having the balls to run a story like that. Fortunately, these people have been in the minority and are nary a hinderance to us. We'll keep having fun and their anger is just another part of that.
And because we have chosen to run these stories, that doesn't make us a 'follower.' Quite the contrary, we feel that our platform is one in the 'leader' category. Bringing bodybuilding and sports together the correct way (not just putting a football player on the cover and asking him what exercises he does) the way we have is unprecedented in the industry.
MuscleSport Mag
Monday, March 21, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Arnold Expo - What Is and What Was
You can never have a bad time at the Arnold Expo, only a good time that was equal to or better than previous days walking the hallowed halls of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The opportunity to see the most beautiful bodies in the world for hours on end can be enough eye candy even for the most desperate. Guys like me love the attention the scantily clad women give us while handing out the free samples and I'm sure that the cougars are drooling over the men doing all they can to take up as much room as possible.
With that said, was I the only one that noticed a stripped down version - and not in a good way - of the booths? VPX usually has one of the largest in the hall with their team of amazing ladies wearing that recognizable blue, but they were either hiding from me or not there at all.
Less gorgeous ass handing out samples that were 1/4 of what they were only a few years ago made it a bit lonely. I actually saw a few companies have their T&A help cut protein bars into slivers that barely had any taste left they were so thin. Kind of like the thickness of the onions cut with a razor blade by Vinny in the jail scene in "Goodfellas."
And I used to leave there with a large bag or two bursting with free goodies, without even trying. I know I'm there to work and don't walk around with an agenda for swag, but my luggage had no problem taking in the 'extras' I came away with this year. T-shirts used to be all over the place, but now you have to work for one.
Sure, the economy has effected everyone, including the supplement companies. I'm not that stupid. But it makes one yearn for the 'good ol' days' from not that long ago when you had more silicone throwing out full protein bars than you can handle.
With that said, was I the only one that noticed a stripped down version - and not in a good way - of the booths? VPX usually has one of the largest in the hall with their team of amazing ladies wearing that recognizable blue, but they were either hiding from me or not there at all.
Less gorgeous ass handing out samples that were 1/4 of what they were only a few years ago made it a bit lonely. I actually saw a few companies have their T&A help cut protein bars into slivers that barely had any taste left they were so thin. Kind of like the thickness of the onions cut with a razor blade by Vinny in the jail scene in "Goodfellas."
And I used to leave there with a large bag or two bursting with free goodies, without even trying. I know I'm there to work and don't walk around with an agenda for swag, but my luggage had no problem taking in the 'extras' I came away with this year. T-shirts used to be all over the place, but now you have to work for one.
Sure, the economy has effected everyone, including the supplement companies. I'm not that stupid. But it makes one yearn for the 'good ol' days' from not that long ago when you had more silicone throwing out full protein bars than you can handle.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Some Thoughts With the 2011 Arnold Classic Behind Us
Another great weekend in Columbus has come and go and now it's time to reflect on all of the events that took place over the last few days. The weather sucked with constant rain and even some snow last night, but we knew that we weren't going to Hawaii.
Branch Warren looked amazing and deserved to win his first 2011 Arnold Classic and fifth Most Muscular Award. He brought an unbeatable package with him from Texas and even joked that he needs to build another mantel over his fireplace to house all of the new hardware.
Runner-up Dennis Wolf came in strong and better than his FLEX Pro appearance two weeks ago. Since he has trained himself gain last summer, the Big Bad Wolf is back and in a big way. Victor Martinez was a mild surprise at third, but he did appear much improved since his eighth place finish at the Olympia. A former Arnold Classic champion, the Dominican Dominator was not spoken about as being a threat but proved his critics wrong.
If the first call outs at the pre-judging were any indication, Evan Centopani was headed for the top three. But the winner of the FLEX Pro took fourth, not bad when you also factor in that this was only his third pro show and first Arnold.
It appeared that experience and reputation were the deciding factors in Dexter Jackson finishing ahead of Ronny Rockel. The German could have easily finished as high as fourth, but took home his second consecutive sixth place check from Ohio.
Places seven, eight and nine could have gone many different ways, but Johnnie Jackson came in better than Roelly Winklaar and Toney Freeman and deserved to place just out of the top six. Ben Pakulski looked as serious as a corpse during his posing routine and (surprisingly) squeaked into the top 10 in his maiden Arnold.
Two minor head scratchers were Fouad Abiad finishing in 12th place and Robert Piotrkowitz 14th. Abiad did lose some of his sharpness in the 14 days following his third place finish at the FLEX, but still had enough to fare one or two spots higher. And Piotrkowitz should not have fallen all the way to last, even behind Essa Obiad and the smooth looking Pakulski.
Branch Warren looked amazing and deserved to win his first 2011 Arnold Classic and fifth Most Muscular Award. He brought an unbeatable package with him from Texas and even joked that he needs to build another mantel over his fireplace to house all of the new hardware.
Runner-up Dennis Wolf came in strong and better than his FLEX Pro appearance two weeks ago. Since he has trained himself gain last summer, the Big Bad Wolf is back and in a big way. Victor Martinez was a mild surprise at third, but he did appear much improved since his eighth place finish at the Olympia. A former Arnold Classic champion, the Dominican Dominator was not spoken about as being a threat but proved his critics wrong.
If the first call outs at the pre-judging were any indication, Evan Centopani was headed for the top three. But the winner of the FLEX Pro took fourth, not bad when you also factor in that this was only his third pro show and first Arnold.
It appeared that experience and reputation were the deciding factors in Dexter Jackson finishing ahead of Ronny Rockel. The German could have easily finished as high as fourth, but took home his second consecutive sixth place check from Ohio.
Places seven, eight and nine could have gone many different ways, but Johnnie Jackson came in better than Roelly Winklaar and Toney Freeman and deserved to place just out of the top six. Ben Pakulski looked as serious as a corpse during his posing routine and (surprisingly) squeaked into the top 10 in his maiden Arnold.
Two minor head scratchers were Fouad Abiad finishing in 12th place and Robert Piotrkowitz 14th. Abiad did lose some of his sharpness in the 14 days following his third place finish at the FLEX, but still had enough to fare one or two spots higher. And Piotrkowitz should not have fallen all the way to last, even behind Essa Obiad and the smooth looking Pakulski.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Ms. International (Arnold Classic) Pre-Judging Report
Is it too late to change our prediction for the Ms. International? On paper, we liked Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia to end Iris Kyle’s reign, but the pre-judging on Friday afternoon dictated otherwise. Oriquen-Garcia looked smaller and much smoother than she did at the Ms. Olympia last September, while Kyle seems to have added a little to her physique.
Kyle looked unbeatable from the rear, as usual. And her new hairstyle looks great. (Don’t want to sound like a sissy, but it does count for something with the women.) She did come in what was described as “a little under the weather” by MD’s Shawn Ray and it showed when she was on the side during the second call-outs. Kyle was being attended to by the show personnel and appeared to be dehydrating. Just goes to show you what a great champion she is.
The other three women in the first call-out were Debi Laszewski, Alina Popa and Betty Viana-Adkins. Laszewski looks as if she will either take third or even have a shot at the runner-up position if the judges agree that Oriquen-Garcia is off. Popa may be the surprise of the night and brings a much more streamlined look to the stage that is much needed in the sport. Viana-Adkins took a year off and that appears to have been the right move.
The finals will be here soon, so stay tuned with MSM, our Facebook and Twitter pages for updates and analysis.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
MSM Arnold Classic Predictions: Branch Warren & Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia
So, here we are checking the clock to head off to the airport for 'sunny' Columbus, Ohio. Here in NY, the weather was great yesterday and freezing today. Go figure.
I have been doing great in my predictions the past few years in men's bodybuilding, but off a bit when it comes to the women. Let's hope that I continue one trend and break the other - and that can go one of two ways.
I like Branch Warren to win his first Arnold on Saturday night. The guy has been knocking at the door for some time on both Ohio and Vegas, so with Phil and Kai sitting this one out, that proverbial door s wide open for the Texas Rattlesnake. Let's not overlook Dexter and Evan, who both looked to be in great shape a few weeks ago at the FLEX Pro.
The judges in Ohio obviously love Branch and he always is right up there, as well as winning the Most Muscular Award. So it seems as if he has a great shot at this if he comes in on point.
Now to the ladies. Some folks may get the impression that I dislike Iris Kyle because I pick against her often. That couldn't be further from the truth. She is a great person (very gracious when I interviewed her after last year's Arnold) and an exceptional athlete. Her accomplishments cannot ever be taken for ranted.
With that said, I honestly feel that the sport of women's bodybuilding needs a shot in the arm and a change at the top to recover. It has declined greatly the past few years and that may not totally be Kyle's fault, mind you. It is circumstances.
Since 1990 when Lenda Murray's streak began, the competitors have been bigger and more muscular and have gotten further away from what Rachel McClish and Cory Everson set in the beginning. Kyle has taken what Murray did to another level. Only the most hardcore fans have been following the sport and that is not enough to keep it going.
'Going commercial' to rock bands can be tragic to their rabid fan base, but it opens them up to an entire new audience. Take Metallica, for example. The heaviest of the heavy metal bands from the 80s slowed it down a bit (and even cut their long hair) a decade or so later and now are considered one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Was it the right decision? That's debatable, but they have become super rich and a part of pop culture when they would never have attained that status by staying a speed metal cult group.
So should Iris get a crew cut? Obviously not, but a smaller, more streamlined woman with better symmetry may bring in some much-needed mainstream attention. That is why I was predicting that Heather Armbrust could and should be the new face of women's BBing. Unfortunately, her personal issues have taken her out of the mix for now.
Yaxeni has been a champion in the past and very may well again. She has a different look than Iris, but is still fairly muscular. But she is certainly a step in the right direction.
Some people may forget how popular women's BBing was at one time in the early to mid-80s. They had their own night and venue and not grouped in as part of Olympia Weekend. Ms. Olympia was televised on network and cable and Everson graced the cover of the premier issue of FLEX Magazine.
Today, there are only a few pro contests for women to compete in and the line-ups have grown smaller and smaller, number wise. The BBing publications (except us) have barely covered the sport, too. If that's not an indication that something needs to be done, then I don't now what is.
I have been doing great in my predictions the past few years in men's bodybuilding, but off a bit when it comes to the women. Let's hope that I continue one trend and break the other - and that can go one of two ways.
I like Branch Warren to win his first Arnold on Saturday night. The guy has been knocking at the door for some time on both Ohio and Vegas, so with Phil and Kai sitting this one out, that proverbial door s wide open for the Texas Rattlesnake. Let's not overlook Dexter and Evan, who both looked to be in great shape a few weeks ago at the FLEX Pro.
The judges in Ohio obviously love Branch and he always is right up there, as well as winning the Most Muscular Award. So it seems as if he has a great shot at this if he comes in on point.
Now to the ladies. Some folks may get the impression that I dislike Iris Kyle because I pick against her often. That couldn't be further from the truth. She is a great person (very gracious when I interviewed her after last year's Arnold) and an exceptional athlete. Her accomplishments cannot ever be taken for ranted.
With that said, I honestly feel that the sport of women's bodybuilding needs a shot in the arm and a change at the top to recover. It has declined greatly the past few years and that may not totally be Kyle's fault, mind you. It is circumstances.
Since 1990 when Lenda Murray's streak began, the competitors have been bigger and more muscular and have gotten further away from what Rachel McClish and Cory Everson set in the beginning. Kyle has taken what Murray did to another level. Only the most hardcore fans have been following the sport and that is not enough to keep it going.
'Going commercial' to rock bands can be tragic to their rabid fan base, but it opens them up to an entire new audience. Take Metallica, for example. The heaviest of the heavy metal bands from the 80s slowed it down a bit (and even cut their long hair) a decade or so later and now are considered one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Was it the right decision? That's debatable, but they have become super rich and a part of pop culture when they would never have attained that status by staying a speed metal cult group.
So should Iris get a crew cut? Obviously not, but a smaller, more streamlined woman with better symmetry may bring in some much-needed mainstream attention. That is why I was predicting that Heather Armbrust could and should be the new face of women's BBing. Unfortunately, her personal issues have taken her out of the mix for now.
Yaxeni has been a champion in the past and very may well again. She has a different look than Iris, but is still fairly muscular. But she is certainly a step in the right direction.
Some people may forget how popular women's BBing was at one time in the early to mid-80s. They had their own night and venue and not grouped in as part of Olympia Weekend. Ms. Olympia was televised on network and cable and Everson graced the cover of the premier issue of FLEX Magazine.
Today, there are only a few pro contests for women to compete in and the line-ups have grown smaller and smaller, number wise. The BBing publications (except us) have barely covered the sport, too. If that's not an indication that something needs to be done, then I don't now what is.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sandra Blackie, Former IFBB Bodybuilder, on MuscleSport Radio 3/1
Do yourself a favor and be sure to check out the replay of today's episode of MucleSport Radio. Former IFBB pro bodybuilder (and MSM staff writer) Sandra Blackie did a fantastic job on the show. We spoke about her career and today's sport, as well.
Sandra competed in the first ever Ms. International (Arnold Classic) in 1986 and also in three consecutive Ms. Olympias, beginning with the historic 1990 show. That was when the torch was passed from Cory Everson to Lenda Murray and the sport began to take on new 'size,' if you will, from then on.
You can listen to every episode for free either live, download, or the media player on the home pae of MuscleSport Mag. We have had on some exciting guests such as 8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
Sandra competed in the first ever Ms. International (Arnold Classic) in 1986 and also in three consecutive Ms. Olympias, beginning with the historic 1990 show. That was when the torch was passed from Cory Everson to Lenda Murray and the sport began to take on new 'size,' if you will, from then on.
You can listen to every episode for free either live, download, or the media player on the home pae of MuscleSport Mag. We have had on some exciting guests such as 8-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman and NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)