The human body is capable of amazing things. From sprinting at super speed or running a marathon to pushing an incredible amount of weight during a squat or a bench pres, there seems to be no limit to what people can
do if they put their minds to it. Of course, these amazing feats of physical prowess aren’t just a result of mental focus or concentration – dedicated diet and training are required.

Consistently paying attention to the tiniest details in your diet and training routine as well as making the correct choices in bigger matters are both required to maximize results. It may seem slightly obsessive, but achieving one’s maximum potential in terms of optimal performance, increasing muscular size and strength, or reducing body fat and revealing a six pack takes a combination of mental drive and physical effort.

And just as one single effort alone can’t optimize results on its own, one single supplement isn’t going to make the most of your training. So while some products can have dramatic effects on their own – you’d be hard pressed to find a strength athlete that doesn’t boost protein intake through whey or another protein powder – a combination of supplements can unleash explosive advantages. For instance, research has shown that stacking whey protein powder and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leads to significant gains in strength and muscle mass (1).

One lesser-known but just as potent combination is that of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and the amino acid Arginine. But don’t get the wrong idea – both CLA and Arginine are very effective when used by themselves; CLA is sometimes referred to a “fat-burning fat” because it has been shown to reduce body fat. Arginine, meanwhile, is a powerful supplement that increases blood flow and widens blood vessels, allowing for superior delivery of oxygen to working muscles – possibly encourage superior strength and muscle gain.

New research, though, has shown that using both of these supplements at the same time provides significant benefits. A study from Texas A&M University compared the supplementation of Arginine with either Canola oil or CLA. Based on the research, the advantage was clear – the CLA and Arginine group had around 30 percent less fat tissue at the end of the study than the Canola oil and Arginine group. But that’s not all; even while reducing body fat, the CLA and Arginine combination also enabled that group to increase muscle mass (2).

This may come as a surprise, as one of the most commonly repeated mantras in fitness is that you can’t lose fat and build muscle at the same time. This may be true if the effort is being made with just your body and mind alone; but a powerful combination of supplements such as CLA and Arginine can be a game-changer, as this research shows.

You can find Arginine supplements here and CLA supplements here.

SOURCES:

1. Kerksick, C.M., et al. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 20(3): 643-653, 2006.

2. Nall, Jennifer, et al. Journal of Nutrition. 139(7):1279-1285

Once again, the Google logo has caused a stir.  Visitors to the Google homepage today, September 7, were greeted with a doodle created by moving balls that, if left alone, form the Google logo.  However, the bouncy spheres also move relative to where your cursor points.

Unlike past Google logos, today’s Google homepage doodle does not link to a search that explains its significance, and so far, Google officials have not solved the Google mystery.

“We will leave the mystery to you,” said a Google spokeswoman, who declined to explain further.

In an official statement from Google, the company mentioned that the Google homepage was intended to be amusing, but didn’t elaborate further on the meaning of the Google logo design of colored balls.

“Today’s doodle is fast, fun and interactive, just the way we think search should be.”

The meaning behind today’s Google logo mystery may be that it is a celebration of Google’s birthday.  The company was officially incorporated September 4, but the search engine was not launched until September 7.

What do you think?  We’ll be commenting when we’re not playing with the Google homepage.

Google Homepage Logo Mystery Pictures – September 7

The new Google Doodle for September 7th is Google’s new funky logo which is made out of HTML5. We aren’t sure what’s the idea behind the logo but we’ve already seen the capability of HTML5 earlier this month with The Wilderness Downtown video, http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com/ after watching that video we really started to understand where the internet is moving and what are just very few of the future abilities we are going to see within the next 5 years.

The Wilderness Machine is a postcard which was created by an analog signal: you. This site takes that postcard and converts it to digital. The Wilderness Machine brings it back to analog. Look for it on tour with the band in North America. If you’re lucky enough to get someone’s postcard from it, plant it. A tree will grow out of it. Visit The Wilderness Machine and while you’ve got nothing better to do today head over to Google.com and start playing with those HTML5 balls.

When the iPhone came out, there was a constant rush of supposed “iPhone killers” offered by Verizon and the other competitors of AT&T .  Now, it looks as though the iPad is getting the same treatment, with the Samsung Galaxy Tab being the first device to enter the ring.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab sports a 7-inch screen, 3G internet, up to 32GB of storage, a 1.0 GHz processor, and Flash-enabled internet, among other impressive features.

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Tab seems to have taken a cue from the iPhone 4, as it also offers a front-facing camera for face-to-face video chats.  But you can also take pictures with the 3MP camera on the back, providing the opportunity for stunning photos.

In the Samsung Galaxy Tab pictures below, you can see the device in action, complete with its augmented-reality feature. If you’re not impressed, you can still pick up an Apple iPad right here.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pictures

In the magazine’s continuing attempt to recycle material, Men’s Health has reproduced yet another list:  the drunkest cities in America.  The magazine calculated the drunkest cities based upon a number of factors, such as deaths from liver disease (which isn’t necessarily linked to alcohol), harsh DUI laws, DUI arrests, and deaths in DUI crashes (creepy).

Although I’m not sure this is one of those awards you’d want to win, the number one spot on the list of America’s Drunkest Cities goes to Fresno, CA.  Congratulations?

Rounding out the top five were: Reno, NV; Billings, MT; Riverside, CA; and Austin, TX.  The top 25 is below.  Texas and California managed to fill out a significant portion of the list, way to represent.

If you’re impressed with this investigative journalism, you can get a deal on a Men’s Health subscription – 65 percent off – right here.

Top 25 Drunkest Cities in America

1. Fresno, CA
2. Reno, NV
3. Billings, MT
4. Riverside, CA
5. Austin TX
6. St. Louis, MO
7. San Antonio, TX
8. Lubbock, TX
9. Tucson, AZ
10. Bakersfield, CA
11. Las Vegas, NV
12. Modesto, CA
13. Columbia, SC
14. Nashville, TN
15. Madison, WI
16. Colorado Springs, CO
17. Denver, CO
18. Phoenix, AZ
19. Cheyenne, WY
20. Sacramento, CA
21. New Orleans, LA
22. Toledo, OH
23. Aurora, CA
24. El Paso, TX
25. Corpus Christi, TX

The Samsung Galaxy Tab looks like it may threaten the Apple iPad‘s position on the throne of the tablet PC world.  The 3G, WiFi-enabled device has an impressive array of features, including a 3MP camera, Adobe Flash-enhanced internet browsing, up to 32 GB built-in storage, a 1.0 GHz processor, full HD video playback and much more.

You can get a glimpse at some of the more impressive features of the Samsung Galaxy Tab in the video below.  As you can see, the Samsung Galaxy Tab looks as though it may provide some competition for the Apple iPad, which is currently available right here.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Features Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPfCZC4VHnE

Apple‘s iPad was undoubtedly an innovative product, but as with most innovative products, it’s going to be tested by other similar products that come through the door it opened.  The first – the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a tablet device from one of the world’s leading cell phone manufacturers. The Samsung Galaxy Tab features a seven-inch screen, but is quite slim and weighs just 380 grams.

The Galaxy Tab should be quick and impressive, with the Android 2.2 Operating System, and should provide an impressive browsing experience, with Adobe Flash capabilities and 3G HSPA connectivity, WiFi and Bluetooth 3.0.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab should serve as a comprehensive media hub, with a 1.0 GHz processor, a Micro SD card slot, 512 MB RAM and 16 or 32 GB of RAM.

In addition, the Samsung Galaxy Tab will provide video conferencing capabilities and opportunities for stunning photos, with a 3 MP camera featuring auto-focus and flash, and a 1.3 MP front-facing camera.

You’ll get full HD video playback, Swype and many more features.  You can see more features in the Samsung Galaxy Tab video right here.

So will the Samsung Galaxy Tab rival the iPad? I guess we’ll have to wait and see.  If not, you can still pick up an iPad right here.

Samsung Galaxy Tab Pictures

It seems as though every day, we discover something new that iPods, iPads and iPhones can do.  Today, it’s controlling the Parrot AR Drone, a unique quadricopter, also known as the Drone missile.

The AR Drone‘s release is highly anticipated, but the wait won’t be long – the AR Drone release date is September 9.  The iPhone-controlled device was estimated to cost $500, but you can purchase it for just $299 right here.

The AR Drone features two fixed cameras so you can get a Drone’s-eye view right on the screen of your iPod, iPhone or iPad.  This is a revolutionary device, as it is controlled via Wi-Fi and is stabilized by onboard computers, which makes it easier to maneuver than radio-controlled devices.

In addition, the AR Drone has a virtual game mode that will show enemies on the screen of your iPod, iPhone or iPad so you can take out fake fighters rather than your family members.  You can check out more AR Drone action in the video below.

The Parrot AR Drone costs $299 and you can order it right here.

Parrot AR Drone Video

Enter any gym in America and you’re bound to see two things, regardless of location – sweaty people and sports drinks. Beverages such as Gatorade and Powerade are everywhere, boosted by celebrity endorsements from the
likes of Tiger Woods, Vince Carter and Michael Jordan. While an infusion of simple carbohydrates is undoubtedly helpful for athletes engaging in long bouts of high-intensity exercise, are sports drinks effective, or even appropriate, for the average gym-goer? Studies seem to be split on the matter.

Recently, a study indicated that the most maligned ingredients in most sports drinks, simple sugars (such as glucose and maltodextrin), were actually a key to their effectiveness, regardless of whether they were digested or not. Researchers prepared beverages containing glucose, maltodextrin or neither, so that they tasted identical, and gave them to athletes, who rinsed the drinks around in their mouths before spitting them out during exercise. Despite not reaping the energizing effects of the carbohydrates in the drinks, the rinsing of the simple sugar mixes were shown to “significantly reduce the time to complete the cycle time trial,” while the placebo drinks had no such effect. The data was so impressive that the researchers concluded that “much of the benefit from carbohydrate in sports drinks is provided by signalling directly from mouth to brain rather than providing energy for the working muscle” (1).

However, simple sugars carry concerns as well, such as the risk of tooth decay. But it’s not just the sugars in sports drinks that increase this risk, researchers recently concluded. The New York University School of Dentistry found that citric acid, commonly found in sports drinks, ate away at the enamel coating on teeth. As a result, the drinks could easily leak into the bone-like material underneath, causing a weakening and softening of the tooth that could “result in severe tooth damage and even tooth loss if left untreated” (2).

So should you be drinking a carbohydrate-containing beverage during your workout? There’s no clear yes or no answer. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s probably not the best idea, as liquid calories are unlikely to leave you sated and may negate the caloric deficit created by the exercise during which they were consumed. But even those in mass-gaining phases may find them unnecessary. Research indicates that the most important consideration may be the length of exercise.

According to researchers at the University of New Mexico, “unless a person is going to exercise for at least 90 minutes, consuming the carbohydrates is self-defeating.” While sports drinks containing carbohydrates may aid the body in absorbing water, there is no evidence that the body actually retains the water more effectively than if water were consumed on its own, and therefore is not more effective at battling dehydration (3).

If you do want to use sports drinks, you may want to consider Gatorade’s new Performance Series recovery drinks with protein right here, or grab some Vitamin Water here.

SOURCES:

1. Chambers, E.S. Carbohydrate sensing in the human mouth: effects on exercise performance and brain activity. The Journal of Physiology, 2009; 587: 1779-1794.

2. NYUCD Study Finds Sports Drink Consumption Can Cause Tooth Erosion. NYU Office of Public Affairs; April 7, 2009.

3. Felicia Fonseca. Study: Gatorade No Better Than Water. New Mexico Daily Lobo; March 4, 2004.

Hey – got a second? If you’re like most people these days, you probably don’t. Between work, friends, family and every other commitment you have, there’s barely enough time to eat and sleep, much less work out. Obviously, this is a big problem, because progress in the gym means you actually have to be there, usually for extended periods of time. Well, it used to anyway.

But now, there’s Max-OT – an intense training protocol that will not only give you the most punishing workouts of your life, but will do so without long hours in the gym each day. The name says everything, as it stands for Maximum Overload Training. It’s almost like a short cut to unbelievable muscle gains and quick fat loss. Simply put, if you don’t put on mass with this program, you’re doing something wrong. So for all those hardgainers out there – grab a pencil, some paper and get ready to grow!

In addition to the almost ridiculous growth potential, what I like best about Max-OT is it’s a very flexible system. As long as you follow a few simple rules, you can mold the program to fit your needs and preferences.

First, aim for training only one or two muscle groups per day, and organize your split so that each muscle group is trained only once every week. This may seem like a lot of recovery time, but you’ll need it – you’ll be performing nine heavy sets per muscle group, with a heavy load. Pick a weight that you can only lift four to six times per set. In order to squeeze the most out of every set, rest about two minutes between sets…trust me, you’ll need it. If you follow this protocol, you should be in and out of the gym in less than an hour, usually about 40 minutes.

Beyond that, it’s up to you. Four and five day splits work best with Max-OT, and it’s recommended that you take a week off every eight to 10 weeks. I also like to make the most of my time by throwing in a few dropsets or rest-pauses to add even more intensity. If you want to do this, make sure you get plenty of sleep and plenty of protein for recovery.

To help you get started, here is a Max-OT split I have run in the past and have had success with. Remember, Max-OT is all about intensity, so be prepared to sweat and leave everything you have with the iron. This may very well be the most intense 40 minutes you’ve ever experienced.

Sunday: Chest and Shoulders
Monday: Legs
Tuesday: Biceps and Triceps
Wednesday: Cardio
Thursday: Back
Friday: Cardio
Saturday: Off

Good luck!  To make the most of your Max-OT training session, be sure to stretch, drink a lot of water and consume adequate levels of protein and carbohydrates. In addition, you may want to consider a recovery supplement to assist your progress.

The Apple announcement of September 1 proved to be an important one, with Steve Jobs announcing Apple would be putting more effort into the Apple TV platform.  Yesterday’s Apple announcement indicated that the company wants to help bring the success of the iPod, iPhone and iPad to Apple TV.

In order to do so, Apple is now offering TV episodes for 99 cents via iTunes, as well as $5 first run movies in high definition.  To clarify issues surrounding the new Apple TV features and downloadable episodes, the Apple announcement was followed with an iTunes TV Episode FAQ, which you can see below.

In honor of the Apple announcement, the new version of Apple TV is on sale for $99.  You can pick it up right here.

Apple iTunes TV Episode Rental FAQ – Apple TV

– What are the minimum system requirements to rent TV episodes?
iTunes 10 or later is required to rent TV episodes on your computer. iOS 4.1 is required to rent or view TV episodes on your iPhone or iPod touch.
– What types of TV episodes can I rent?
Choose episodes from current or past seasons with select shows available in HD. Watch your episode on your Mac or PC, iPhone, or iPod touch. Browse the iTunes Store and look for episodes with a Rent button, or check the Top Rentals Charts to find top sellers. Once you click Rent, your episode will begin to download immediately.
- How long do I have to watch a rented TV episode?
You have 30 days to watch your show and 48 hours to finish viewing the episode from the time you click Play.
– Where can I watch my rental?
You can watch your rental on your computer, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, or iPod touch. You can watch HD TV rentals on your computer, iPhone 4, or iPod touch (4th generation).
- How many times can I view the TV episode?
Once you start watching your rented TV episode you can view it as many times as you wish within the 48-hour window.
- What happens to my rented TV episode if don’t watch it?
If you don’t watch your rented episode it will expire in 30 days and disappear from your iTunes library. You will need to rent it again in order to watch it.
– Are rented TV shows available in HD?
Yes, select shows are available for rent in HD. You can rent and view HD TV episodes on your computer, iPhone 4, or iPod touch (4th generation).
- Can I use my iTunes Store credit to rent?
Yes, you can use your iTunes Store credit to rent movies and TV shows or to purchase movies, music, TV shows, audiobooks, apps, and more.
- How long will my TV episode take to download?
The download time depends on the speed of your Internet connection.
- Can I delete a rented TV episode before the expiration date?
You can delete the TV episode prior to the expiration date if you want to make more space on your hard drive, iPod, or iPhone. However, the episode will automatically disappear from your iTunes library 48 hours after you’ve begun viewing it.
– Can I play my rental on more than one device?
If you download a rented TV show on your computer: You can play it on your iPhone, or iPod touch if it’s a standard-definition episode (TV episodes in HD can be played on your iPhone 4 or iPod touch (4th generation)). iOS 4.1 or later is required. Once you move the episode from your computer to a device, the episode will disappear from your computer’s iTunes library. If you download a rented TV show on your iPhone 4, or iPod touch (4th generation): It is not transferable to any other device or computer.

Miranda Kerr hasn’t been trying to hide her baby bump, and we’re quite happy to say that Miranda looks beautiful, still, with that baby bump! In a recent video Miranda Kerr did for Kora Organic Skincare line she talks about her new organic life style saying that “Kora is about nurturing your core, your inner and outer self-your mind, your body and your spirit.”

The video of Miranda Kerr for Kora Organic Skincare can be seen below

Today isn’t just significant because your work week is half-finished, but also because Steve Jobs will be making a highly anticipated Apple announcement in San Francisco.  The Apple announcement will kick off at 10 a.m. local time, 1 p.m. eastern.

There is no expectation of a new product introduction at today’s Apple announcement, but many believe the focus will instead be on how Apple can balance its existing product lines.  Fans are eager to know whether Steve Jobs and company can keep the iPod evolution going by introducing new features to the music players, as their sizes couldn’t get much smaller.

In addition, there may be questions as to how to balance the iPad, Apple computers and the iPhone, as all perform similar functions, albeit with a number of differences, not limited to just size.  Steve Jobs may use today’s Apple announcement to explain why consumers should spend money on the iPad when they already have a computer and an iPhone.

While Apple sales continue to be strong (especially with the iPhone 4), the company’s stock has dropped seven percent through the last three months.  Jobs is unlikely to mention sliding stock prices, but we’ll have to wait and see when the Apple announcement begins at 1 p.m.

One definite part of the presentation will be Apple’s introduction of 99-cent TV show rentals via iTunes.

September 1 Apple Announcement Quick Facts

• 10 a.m. pacific, 1 p.m. eastern
• San Francisco, CA
• Streaming free on Macs, iPhones, iPads

For years, debate has raged between old-school and new-school muscle-building enthusiasts on how a proper bulking, or muscle-building, phase should be performed. The old-school approach often supports an ”all-or-nothing” approach, taking things to the extreme, such as eating as much as humanly possible in order to maximize muscle gains, not worrying about the fat gains that occur as well. The theory here is that the only thing holding most people back from gaining the amount of muscle they desire is an inadequate intake of calories, so simply going on a “see food” diet will be the cure. From this perspective, the inevitable fat gains are a small price to pay for big muscles, and fat can simply be burned off during a cutting cycle later on down the road.

This mindset is in opposition to a newer school of thought, one that promotes a “lean-bulking” system, in which fat gains are kept to a minimum but significant muscle is added to one’s frame. Obviously, this can be tricky business, or else the world would be filled with a lot more ripped individuals. Instead of a one-way ticket to Gorgeville, lean bulkers will keep an extremely watchful eye on their intake, making sure that a modest caloric surplus is reached. The theory is that this will provide the body enough fuel to build muscle but not so much that it will be stored as fat. Often, other nutritional strategies such as carbohydrate cycling are used as well.

But nutrition isn’t the only area in which there is conflict between the all-out bulk and lean bulk theorists. Another significant, hotly debated topic is that of the use of cardiovascular exercise during the muscle-building phase. To the most hardcore muscle-seekers, cardio isn’t a good thing – it burns valuable calories and doesn’t stimulate the muscles in a way that will spur significant hypertrophy. Lean bulkers, though, will argue that cardio is necessary, not only for long term health, but to keep fat gains to a minimum, and to some extent, to spur appetite. Despite those justifications, though, the question of whether cardio significantly detracted from muscular gains has remained unanswered…until now.

A recent study from the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research aimed to put an end to this debate. In the study, a group of men were split into three groups – one control, one performing just resistance training, and a third performing cardio and resistance training simultaneously. These groups were followed for 16 weeks. Contrary to what a hardcore, all-or-nothing bulking enthusiast might believe, the cardio didn’t hinder muscular gains – the researchers found no significant differences between the resistance training only and the resistance and cardio groups. Perhaps more surprising, though, is that the cardio and resistance training group experienced a bigger increase in lean mass than the resistance training only group (1).

And while there will always be debate raging between the hardcore and conservative bulking theorists, this study suggests that cardio will not impede strength or lean mass gains when one is consuming adequate calories. Of course, that tends to be where most fall short – not eating enough to support activity AND growth is why many believe that additional exercise outside of resistance training hinders muscle gains. However, an intelligent nutrition and training plan will take care of that.

Not a fan of running outside?  You can find low prices on treadmills and other exercise equipment here.

SOURCE:

1. Shaw, Brandon S1; Shaw, Ina2; Brown, Gregory A. Comparison of Resistance and Concurrent Resistance and Endurance Training Regimes in the Development of Strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2009; 23(9): 2507-2514

With so many people interested in fitness and health, new exercise programs and plans are constantly developing. Gone is the day when lack of variety can be used as an excuse for avoiding exercise. With so many alternatives to simply running on a treadmill available, you’d be hard pressed to find some form of physical activity that doesn’t interest you in the least. Think about it – the classic cardio-training area at nearly every gym across the country has expanded from just a few treadmills to a massive collection of different equipment. Now, it is common to find exercise bikes, ellipticals, rowing machines, arc trainers…the list goes on.

But you don’t need to limit your exercise selection to traditional modes of cardio, though. You can work your cardiovascular system by playing sports such as tennis, basketball or racquetball at many gyms, and some facilities even have pools available for underwater aerobics and swimming. And for those who still can’t find something enjoyable despite this massive selection of activities, there is always weight training.

While many people associate weight-training with the process of building a physique similar to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, that is inaccurate in the vast majority of cases. Unless one is training specifically to maximize hyptertrophy (muscular growth) and consistently consuming a surplus of calories, the body will not naturally expand into a big and bulky form. And just because you’re not running or jumping, that doesn’t mean weight training isn’t providing a cardiovascular workout. On the contrary, weight training offers a solid stimulus to the cardiovascular system. And for those who are exercising primarily for weight management, training with weights offers an additional benefit. The development of muscle raises one’s resting metabolic rate, meaning that even when you’re not exercising, you can still be burning calories.

Those interested in weight training for weight management may be particularly interested in a specific technique known as circuit training. Unlike a program that would be used by a bodybuilder, circuit training uses relatively light loads and short rest times between exercises. In circuit training, exercisers usually perform just one set per machine, but moves quickly to another machine, repeating the process on a number of machines in a pre-defined “circuit.”

Despite the fact that circuit training may have the reputation as being “too easy” or not useful for athletes, a study published in the latest issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that this is not the case. In the study, a group of healthy subjects participated in 10 weeks of circuit training, three times each week. The program consisted of three circuits of eight stations during each workout. After comparing pre- and post-training assessments, the researchers found that circuit training did indeed have applications for athletes.

Sprint agility times and anaerobic 2scores improved significantly in the circuit training, but not the control group, indicating that circuit training is useful outside of weight-management. The researchers also noted that manipulating resistance could help circuit training build muscular strength as well. In addition, circuit training was praised for its low cost and equipment requirements.

So if you’re trying to find an alternative to traditional forms of cardio, give circuit training a try – the benefits are nearly endless.

SOURCE:

Taskin, Halil. Effect of Circuit Training on the Sprint-Agility and Anaerobic Endurance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 2009; 23(6): 1803-1810.

Jamie Odell, Director of Product Management at Netflix hinted a new free Netflix App for the iPhone and iPod Touch back in April, 2010 and announced it publicly just about two months ago. We don’t want to break the news too quickly but if you watch Netflix already (instantly) you know the capabilities that are waiting for it. Yes, that is – a Netflix streaming to your iPhone & iPod Touch.

We test Netflix for iPhone today on the Long Island Rail Road on the way to the office, (New York City) and our Netflix for iPhone Review concludes: probably because of the millions of people downloading the App, and trying to test it at the same time it is why Netflix App was extremely slow. However we’re going to give it about a week for iPhone users to forget they have this app and we can fully test it and see what it’s worth. So in the meantime we’re going to enjoy our shiny iPhone 4 but stream Netflix to our iPad.

The Netflix App is free from the App Store at http://iTunes.com/apps/netflix and have a Netflix membership starting at $8.99 a month.

Here is a video streaming of the Netflix iPhone App:

There’s no question about it - Jersey Shore‘s Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino is out to make himself a brand in order to extend his 15 minutes of fame.  The club-hopping, grenade-grabbing partier has linked himself with a pre-workout supplement, an ab-training video (despite the fact that his abs aren’t even the most impressive on Jersey Shore), and now… a protein-infused vodka.

Perhaps someone read The Situation a bit of Alan Aragon’s guide to alcohol for athletes, because it seems that the star (?) now realizes that booze isn’t exactly the kind of juice that will pump your muscles up.  While alcohol does contain a lot of calories that could potentially fuel an eight-minute ab session, it can also inhibit protein synthesis, reduce testosterone levels and blunt fat-burning.  In other words, alcohol isn’t conducive to a favorable situation.

But in a strikingly bold, total-bro answer to this problem, Devotion Vodka is now offering protein-infused vodka.  Because if there’s a problem in the gym, the best answer is always to throw more protein at the issue!  Devotion contains casein protein, which is slowly absorbed by your body and can theoretically provide a sustained stream of amino acids to your muscles.

But The Situation is more likely excited about the $400,000 signing bonus he got for endorsing Devotion Vodka rather than the potential for mass building (because a good cycle is more effective than a few shots, right Ronnie?).

While Bloginity isn’t one to crash a party, we’d suggest trying an actual protein powder (alcohol-free) to compliment your fat loss or muscle gain plans.  You may want to check out our reviews of AllMax Nutrition AllWhey here or Cytosport Muscle Milk right here.

If you’re not ready to dive into Devotion Vodka but still want a piece of the Jersey Shore action, pick up a GTL shirt or DVD here.

The problem is that most of these products, workout programs and diet plans are designed – either intentionally or coincidentally – in a way that makes them effective for only a short period. A crash diet or a workout program that one can only struggle through for a few weeks may produce great results at first, but as these activities cannot be sustained over a number of years or even months in some cases, the eager dieter may eventually end up back at square one. Yo-yo dieting is all too common, and many people find that pounds lost through painstaking effort are quite simple to gain back. Often, this either discourages the dieter and the individual abandons all further attempts, or simply concludes that whatever method was used is an ineffective scam before moving on to another equally ineffective method.

The other issue is that many popular weight loss supplements – whether they work well or not – contain an enormous number of ingredients that may not be very good for the body in the long term. A lot of weight or fat loss supplement formulations rely on obscene amounts of caffeine to provide increases in resting metabolic rate, energy expenditure and a hunger-blunting effect. One problem with this is that after time, one will develop a tolerance to the caffeine and it will not be as effective. In addition, using strong stimulants for a long period can lead to adrenal fatigue. And even worse, research has shown that caffeine can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity, which can increase the risk of obesity (1).

So is there any weight loss supplement that actually works and doesn’t contain a large list of confusing, potentially deleterious ingredients? Sure – try a natural alternative, fenugreek extract. In the past, fenugreek seeds have been found to improve blood glucose levels and insulin responses, which provide long-term benefits in the fight against obesity (2). Additionally, fenugreek seeds have also been shown to improve HDL (good) cholesterol levels and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (3).

But that’s not all – brand new research, published by the journal Phytotherapy Research, has found other advantages in long-term weight management offered by fenugreek. This new study found that insulin response was not only improved with fenugreek supplementation, but that powder from fenugreek led to higher feelings of satiety, with participants feeling fuller for longer periods of time (4). This tends toward reduced food intake later on, and can also train one to recognize appropriate portion size, which will aid future weight-loss efforts.

Based on this research, fenugreek seems to be a viable alternative to potentially harmful weight-loss supplements or crash diets that offer limited, if any, results. You can find the lowest price on Fenugreek supplements right here; other weight loss supplements are here.

SOURCES:

1. Keijzers GB, De Galan, Tack CJ, Smits P: Caffeine can decrease insulin sensitivity in humans. Diabetes Care, 2002; 25:364-369

2. Sharma, R.D. Effect of fenugreek seeds and leaves on blood glucose and serum insulin responses in human subjects. Nutrition Research, 1986; 6(12): 1353-1364

3. Al-Habori, Molham and Raman, Amala. Antidiabetic and hypocholesterolaemic effects of fenugreek. Phytotherapy Research, 1998; 12(4): 233-242

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Signage on a bookshop is seen in the Soho area of the City of Westminster on August 19, 2010 in London, England. Soho is approximately one square mile in area and has been long established as an entertainment district of London. It has a high density of bars, cafés, nightclubs, restaurants, theatres as well as fashion outlets and media offices. It is the centre of London?s gay district and is also synonymous with the sex industry, containing several adult shops and strip clubs. Former residents of Soho include: Karl Marx, Casanova, Canaletto, William Blake, Isaac Newton, John Logie Baird and Mozart.

[via Zimbio]

T-Mobile is apparently trying to climb out of cell phone irrelevancy with a new phone – the T-Mobile G2.  The company unveiled the G2 via a promotional website, but then took most of the information down and replaced it with a page on which you can enter contact information to “stay in the loop.”

According to the website, the T-Mobile G2 will “continue the revolution” that the T-Mobile G1 started, as it was the first Android-based phone.  The T-Mobile G2 smartphone will have 4G speeds, according to the company, through the use of T-Mobile’s new HSPA+ network.

The network is big news in itself, as a PC World test found that the HSPA+ network delivered speeds of up to 3.5 mbps in New York City.  However, PC World claims that the network can support transfers of up to 21 mbps, in theory.  By the way, I have a doctorate, in theory, as well.

The HSPA+ network should help T-Mobile compete with Verizon, Sprint and AT&T, who are planning on implementing widespread 4G networks by 2011.  Sprint has already launched its high speed service in some areas.

If you can’t wait for the T-Mobile G2 to be released, you can check out other T-Mobile phones here.  The top smartphones are here.