Wish You Didn't Have Belly Fat?

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Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here to view the web version. Refer a Friend US Sports Strength and Conditioning News 9 July, 2012 Get this week's workouts "Take calculated risks.  That is quite different from being rash." George S. Patton US Sports Strength and Conditioning Is Powered By WorkoutEngine Try our new service for 30 days FREE! Click Here Many of you have been asking about sharing the new online service with friends, family, and neighbors. It's easy. Simply forward this link to anyone interested: http://www.workoutengine.com/a/418.html If they sign up via your referral, I will have a free gift for you. Thanks so much! Existing Premium Members: Do you need a new batch of workouts? Never received your weekly update? Never received any workouts after signing up? Please contact me Want to know more about how the new US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning System works? Check out this demo video created by one of our trainers. Click Here To Watch Gluten Free. Is it For Real? This Gluten-Free meal planing is not just a fad. It can change or even save your life. Get the Free Report Here Get Your Special Performance Meal Plan Delivered to you now! Click Here To 'smoke' the competition Do You Believe This Belly Fat Lie? So you want to get rid of some belly fat. And you can't help but be on the lookout for that magical exercise that will give you flat abs once-and-for-all. I'm sorry to burst your bubble of hope... But all the ab crunches in the world won't make a dent in your muffin top, as long as you continue with your unhealthy lifestyle. This isn't a cutting edge discovery. In fact, by now it's common knowledge that spot reduction is a myth. And yet, time after time, I'm asked to reveal the exercise, or exercise machine, that gets rid of stomach fat. There is no such magical exercise. The magic is found in altering your diet and exercise routine to promote fat loss from your overall body, including - but not limited to - your midsection. Here's how to really get rid of that belly fat: Flat Belly Tip #1: Cut Out Processed Foods You know how Disneyland has the FastPass tickets that allow you to cut to the front of the ride lines? Consider processed foods as a FastPass ticket to belly fat. I wouldn't be surprised if future studies show that the over-processing, chemical additives and high fructose corn syrup that are pumped into processed food specifically adds fat around your belly. If you want to lose pounds then stay away from sugars, sodas, chemically altered fats, processed, packaged, fried and preserved foods. Flat Belly Tip #2: Eat Fresh, Whole Foods Once you've cut the garbage out of your diet, fill in the void with fresh foods such as: Green veggies Whole fruit Lean, high quality meat Colorful veggies Whole grains, in moderation While these foods may seem boring at first, stick with it long enough and you'll grow to love the unadulterated flavor of real food. Eating a diet filled with the foods listed above will give your body all the nutrients it needs to shed pounds and lean out. Flat Belly Tip #3: A Consistent, Challenging Exercise Program The absolute best way to fight the battle of the muffin top is with a consistent, challenging exercise program. Consistent: You should exercise 3-5 times each week. Challenging: If you want to see results then keep your body guessing with new exercises and varied intensity. My exercise programs are specifically crafted to get you into the best shape of your life. I'd love to hear from you. Call or email today to get started. This Week's Feature Exercise: Jump and Land On Bosu  This is a great Exercise/Drill to develop agility and body control applicable to any sport. Not to mention a great way to incinerate bodyfat.  This exercise is a part of programs available to premium members of US Sports Online Strength and Conditioning.* #541   Jump and Land on BOSU Plyometrics (lower body) Quads (BOSU) Exercise Description: Jump and Land on BOSU Classification: Plyometrics (lower body) Instructions: Start by placing BOSU ball with the flat part facing the ceiling. In a standing position with a parallel stance jump up onto the BOSU ball and stabilize yourself with stepping off the BOSU ball. Return to the starting position. *These exercises videos and descriptions are a part of programs available to Premium Members . Write a Comment Best Ab Exercises Just because those crunches won't reduce your body fat, that doesn't mean you shouldn't strengthen your abdominal muscles. Regular ab exercises are an essential part of your strength and conditioning – necessary in order to get that fit physique you want. Plank: Lie face down on mat resting on the forearms, palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows. Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, lower and repeat for 3-5 reps. Knee Tucks: Start on your back, bend your knees into your chest, point your toes together, and open knees out to the sides, keeping toes touching. Extend both arms overhead on either side of your ears, palms facing up. Lift your hips off the floor and bring your knees up towards your armpits. Slowly lower your hips back down to start position. Repeat for 12-15 reps. One-Arm Full Sit Ups: Start lying on your back with your right knee bent, foot flat on the floor, and left leg extended straight out on the floor. Extend your right arm to the ceiling and reach your left arm towards your left foot. Sit all the way up, rolling through your back, keeping your right foot on the floor, and your right arm up over your shoulder and your left arm reaching in front of you all the way up. Slowly roll back down to the floor. That's one rep. Repeat 15 times on one side, 15 times on the other. For an extra challenge hold a dumbbell in your extended arm. Olive-Stuffed Turkey Meatballs Lean, ground turkey paired with Italian seasoning and tender olives, make these meatballs something special. The key to keeping this savory meal healthy is to pair it with a side of vegetables, rather than starchy pasta. Servings: 5 Here's what you need... 20 oz Italian Seasoned Lean Ground Turkey 30 pitted olives 1 teaspoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, finely minced Take one tablespoon of ground turkey at a time; flatten it in your hand and form around an olive to create a ball. Repeat with all of the turkey and olives. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and spread around the pan. Add the meatballs. Turn the meatballs every 3 minutes for 20 minutes of cooking. Remove once all sides are browned and the meatballs are cooked through. Serve on a platter with any remaining olives. Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 205 calories, 12g fat, 800mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate, 0g fiber, and 20g protein. Motivate your friends, family and co-workers! Use the "refer a friend" link below to forward this newsletter and subscribe your friends. Forward This Newsletter - Refer a Friend Click Here for a FREE Body Diagnostic Consultation US Sports Strength and Conditioning Partners   Nathan Lewis US Sports Strength and Conditioning 4105 Duke Street  Alexandria, VA 22304 571-501-5306 US Sports Strength and Conditioning Email: ussportsradio@gmail.com Phone: 571-501-5306 Web: US Sports Strength and Conditioning

Protect yourself from cell phone radiation?

New Way to Protect Yourself
From Cell Phone Radiation

    The people at Flowww International in the Netherlands say they've got something to protect us from cell phone radiation, which may be a cause of brain cancer. Are their devices worth a shot? Let's take a look. . .


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    The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) created some media buzz last year when it declared that regular exposure to mobile phone radiation was a "possible" carcinogen (see Issue #90).


    The group based their statement on hundreds of scientific articles that suggest a link between cell phone radiation exposure and brain cancer.


    The study raised doubts about the safety of extended cell phone use-although the results weren't absolutely conclusive. But no matter: Even the threat of brain cancer hasn't been enough to slow the sale and use of cell phones.


    Seeing that all the nifty gadgets are here to stay, some folks with an entrepreneurial spirit got busy developing ways to protect us from the potentially damaging radiation these devices give off.


    One company called Floww International has developed a wide range of radiation-protection products. They claim to have products that protect the natural human energy from being disrupted by exposure to radiation from cell phones, televisions, computer screens and other electronic devices.


    Before I tell you more about how these radiation shields supposedly work—let's take a moment to clarify the type of radiation we're talking about...

You mean there's more than one kind of radiation?

    According to the American Cancer Society, radiation is the emission of energy from anysource.

    Sunlight is one type of radiation—while the x-ray exams you get in a doctor's office are another sort altogether. ACS says even the heat coming from your body is a form of radiation (technically true, but nothing to worry about).

    Ranked from highest to lowest energy, ACS lists the main forms of radiation as follows:

• Gamma rays
• X-rays
• Ultraviolet (UV) rays
• Visible light
• Infrared rays
• Microwaves
• Radiofrequency (radio) waves
• Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation

    The group said the most important distinction in terms of health risks from radiation is whether the energy is ionizing—that is, whether it contains enough high-frequencyenergy to damage cell DNA—or non-ionizing (low frequency).

    The antenna on your cell phone emits radio waves and microwaves that are a form of radiofrequency (RF) energy or radiation. Although ACS claims that the energy they put out is too weak to damage cell DNA, they do acknowledge concerns that it could affect cells in other ways that could be harmful.

    Here's how companies like Floww International say they can help...

A force field of protection—or a farce?

    You might be familiar with the lead aprons and glasses that some medical professionals wear to protect themselves from frequent exposure to x-ray radiation. Or think of the lead vest a dental technician drapes you in before x-raying your teeth.

    Well, Floww doesn't offer a lead helmet to wear while you talk on your cell phone. Instead, the company says its products can "convert harmful radiation frequencies into body-friendly radiation frequencies."

    One of their gadgets can be attached to your cell phone to protect you from close and frequent exposure to radiation.

    There's another small device you can put in your pocket to create a "Floww field" around your body (I bet Superman would have snapped one up to protect himself from kryptonite!).

    They even have a set of products for both home and office to help balance the energy flow and counteract harmful radiation waves.

    So you might be wondering 'how these products work?' Well, Floww International spokesmen say they developed their products according to the principle of resonance. The WHAT?!

    They say their products are built with circuits of electronic components that respond to radiation emitted by various sources. They claim these components create a "Floww field" that can block the distorted radiation waves coming from your television, tablets, cell phones and other devices.

    The factsheet for their computer screen protector said it's not uncommon for some people to experience 'withdrawal symptoms', such as mild headaches or nausea in the first weeks of use. They said this is probably because your body is no longer being exposed to distorted RF frequencies it has gotten used to.

    While this could be true—an argument could be made that one of the electronic components in their product is causing the problems!

    But Floww International isn't the only purveyor of radiation protection products.

    Another U.S. company, Research Center for Wireless Technology based in Hawaii, also provides products to help counteract harmful radiation frequencies.

    They claim that balancing these RF waves can help protect your nervous system and even shield you from arthritis, depression and Alzheimer's disease!

    Now all these claims might sound a little fantastic. And it's hard to know for sure if these products truly work. Some satisfied users confirm they do. At Cancer Defeatedwe're not technical people, nor do we have the resources to conduct the lab tests that would be needed to verify the claims.

How worried should you be?

    We DO know for sure the radiation problem is for real. We just can't gauge the scope and intensity of it. Cell phone usage, for example, may pose a small risk or a big risk. In twenty years we'll know, too late for tens of millions of people.

    And it's not just phones. People absorb daily doses of RF waves from a wide array of electronic devices and household gadgets. Prior to, oh, 1920, no one was exposed to this stuff. It's another experiment that modern industrial society created without planning or forethought.

    Where government and industry are concerned, if something doesn't kill you fast it's considered safe. The idea of long-term damage hardly comes into play.

    There are some things you can do to minimize your exposure to this form of radiation without buying another gadget. For example, Floww International suggests you can minimize RF waves in your bedroom by:

• Charging your cell phone outside your bedroom.
• Watching television in other rooms.
• Moving your clock radio away from the head of the bed.
• Removing plugs from sockets in the bedroom.
• Removing electric blankets from the room.

    All this may sound crazy, but there's significant evidence that being bathed in electromagnetic radiation day and night really is NOT a good idea. I've seen enough evidence for the effects of magnetism on health to dissuade me from ever using electric blankets, heating pads or heated car seats. You don't want to be closely wrapped in an electric field.

    At the last conference of the Cancer Control Society, I heard a speaker discuss evidence that wireless routers — so-called "hot spots" -- have introduced yet another danger. Her results were not conclusive, but they were worrying.

    I have a wireless router in my home to enable my computers and mobile devices anywhere in the house. Millions of other people have them as well, as do most restaurants and coffeehouses and many other businesses.

    These devices create a fairly strong radio field in a small area, and you're in it ALL the time. The speaker at CCS recommended turning wireless routers off when they're not in use, such as when you're sleeping.

    Do I do this? No. I'm already surrounded by a "worry field" that can't hold one more item at this time. Like Scarlett O'Hara, I'll worry about it tomorrow.

    As for cell phones usage—you can always use the speaker function when possible and keep calls short to minimize your exposure to the RF waves from the antenna.

    The most sensible idea is to use your cell phone less than a half hour a day, for things you really need, rather than chatter away on it for hours on end. But this is probably beyond most people. The need to be in touch 24/7 is yet another addiction that's seized our society.

    But if you want to reduce your risks, these are simple solutions that could help protect you from the modern "radiation bath."

9 Life Lessons From Summer Olympic Athletes

       

Light your torches and go for the gold — it’s almost time for the Summer Olympics. The Olympics means a time where we talk about things that matter: world peace, teamwork, and setting aside our differences for the ancient love of sports. While the Olympics teaches the importance of international literacy and cultural etiquette, there are other things to be learned from the glorious games. You may not ever take home the gold, but take home these nine life lessons from some Summer Olympic greats.

1. If you’re annoying Hitler, you’re doing something right:

   
   "Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust." — Jesse Owens
   Track and field superstar Jesse Owens blew everyone out of the water at Berlin’s 1936 Olympic games. He won four gold medals in track and field events, and catapulted himself to international fame. The victory was made sweeter still, as Jesse Owens was an African-American, and Adolf Hitler was hoping to use the ‘36 Berlin games to proffer ideas of Aryan superiority. According to friend-of-the-devil Albert Speer, the Nazi leader was "highly annoyed by the series of triumphs by the marvelous colored [sic] American runner, Jesse Owens." But Owens didn’t seem to mind. He just kept on running. (Bonus: He was also slighted by Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. "Although I wasn’t invited to shake hands with Hitler, I wasn’t invited to the White House to shake hands with the President either," the legend said.)

2. Age is just a number:

   
   Some summer Olympians will win medals before they can legally drive, vote, or drink alcohol. Does younger equal better? Birgit Fischer flips the script on that claim. The German sportswoman was both the youngest and oldest reigning Olympic canoeing champion, winning gold medals in the sport at the ages of 18 and 42. She’s won eight gold medals spanning six different games and was rightfully named Germany’s sportswoman of the year in 2004. The 50-year-old athlete still actively competes, and while she doesn’t deal with numbers, she certainly knows how to cope. "Without some stress, I cannot really run well," says the ageless champion.

3. "Life is about timing.":

   
   It’s a nugget of wisdom from one of the world’s best athletes, mega Olympian Carl Lewis. Lewis was the most prominent figure in track and field since Jesse Owens, and he’s still a living legend. But timing is everything, they say, and nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis is living proof. The vegan who competed and broke world records until the age of 30 attempted to run for the New Jersey Senate last year, but was removed from the Democratic ballot. Bad timing this time, King Carl.

4. Being a loner is fine:

   
   Also known as: do you. Michael Phelps has been described by trainer Bob Bowman as "a solitary man," although he’s often praised for caring about his charitable foundation and his family. The 16-time medalist proves that doing your own thing can lead to success. Especially if doing your own thing involves years of disciplined practice and swimming faster than anyone’s ever swam before. Although it’s true that no one’s an island, there’s considerable evidence from this summer Olympian that being a lone wolf can place you at the head of the pack.

5. Everyone idolizes their big sister:

   
   Sometimes, commonalities run in the blood. In Dominique Moceanu’s memoirOff Balance, she tells of receiving a letter from Jennifer Bricker, her long-lost biological sister. Bricker was born without legs and given up for adoption, but both girls were gymnasts. Before knowing that Moceanu was her sister, Bricker idolized the Olympian from afar. Says Bricker’s adoptive mother, "Nature is so much more dominant than you could ever made me believe before."

6. Mustaches were always cool:

   
   If you get tired of looking at kids these days with their Fumanchus and handlebars, you have bad ’70s porno and Mark Spitz to thank. The Olympian swimmer who held the gold-medal record (until Michael Phelps) wouldn’t shave his mustache during the 1972 games — even though his competitors were shoring all their body hair. The mustache was a conversation piece and an Olympic icon, and Spitz’s satiric comments to a Russian coach spread the fad for years to come. In one interview, Spitz tells the tale. "I had some fun with a Russian coach who asked me if my mustache slowed me down. I said, ‘No, as a matter of fact, it deflects water away from my mouth, allows my rear end to rise and make me bullet-shaped in the water, and that’s what had allowed me to swim so great.’ He’s translating as fast as he can for the other coaches, and the following year every Russian male swimmer had a mustache."

7. Love conquers all:

   
   Nadia Comaneci was the first Olympic gymnast to earn a perfect "10." She mastered her sport and did it so well that she (literally) broke the scoreboard. The Romanian gymnast also had to flee from her motherland in 1989. But seeking political asylum during a revolution and being the finest person on the planet at her trade isn’t enough for the superstar — she credits her romantic life as the most important thing. "My marriage to my husband, [fellow gymnast] Bart Conner in 1996," she says, "is my proudest personal moment."

8. Be versatile:

   
   "You, sir, are the greatest athlete in the world. I would consider it an honor to shake your hand." — King Gustav V, 1912, Stockholm
   The best thing you can do to have a great career? Be good at everything. Multi-event winner Jim Thorpe is known as one of the most versatile athletes of all time. Winning gold medals in the 1912 Olympics for the pentathlon and decathlon, the sports star also played a host of other sports. Another lesson we can learn from Jim Thorpe? Wait ‘em out. Although he violated the amateurism rules of the Olympic Games and was stripped of his medals, the sportsman’s glory was restored — 30 years after he died.

9. Be great:

   
   "It’s important to push yourself further than you think you can go each and every day — as that is what separates the good from the great." — Kerri Strug
   Kerri Strug was the pensive, blonde counterpart to Moceanu’s brunette spunk. The teammates are both members of the Magnificent Seven, but Kerri Strug is a true champion. The gymnast finished a vault routine at the 1996 Atlanta games with an injured ankle. Though sweat and pain showed on her face, Strug shrugged it off and persevered. A great sportswoman with a great attitude and the determination to go for the gold.

This entry was posted on Monday, July 9th, 2012 at 9:50 pm and is filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

10 College Students Going for Gold at the 2012 Olympics

Posted on Monday July 9, 2012by Staff Writers

It’s easy to assume Olympic athletes spend all their waking hours training and practicing (andeating). It seems they would have to, in order to be literally one of the best in the world at their chosen sport. Yet for a select class of Olympians, knocking out exams in the morning and training in the afternoon are all in a day’s work. Here are 10 athletes from around the country and internationally who are headed to London this summer to make college students everywhere proud.

1. KRISTIAN IPSEN, STANFORD UNIVERSITY:

   
   With this summer making diving partner Troy Dumais’ fourth Olympics, Kristian Ipsen will have that world competition experience to lean on as the two chase their first Olympic medals. However, Ipsen has been making his own (tiny) waves diving at Stanford as a freshman. In the 2011-2012 season, he became the first Cardinal to win a NCAA title in 82 years, with his victory in the 3-meter dive. Dumais and Ipsen recently took silver in the 3-meter synchronized dive at the AT&T USA Diving Grand Prix, hopefully a sign of good things to come at the Summer Games.

2. DEREK DROUIN, INDIANA UNIVERSITY:

   
   IU has its first Olympic high jumper in Derek Drouin, although they’ll have to wait to see one waving the red, white, and blue. With a 2.31 meter (7.5 feet) leap at the Olympic Trials in Calgary, the Hoosier junior earned the right to represent his native Canada in London. The feat made him only the second person in the world to clear the height this season. Expectations are high for this former high school track and field star who’s brought Indiana its first national titles in high jump and been named indoor and outdoor Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year.

3. SAM MIKULAK, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN:

   
   After breaking both ankles during competition last year, this Wolverine junior had to sit out five of six events at the recent Olympic trials when one of the ankles swelled up. But the 2012 NCAA High Bar champ’s work on the pommel horse was good enough to earn him the nod, joining another college student, Oklahoma’s Jake Dalton, on the team. When he heard he’d qualified, Mikulak summed up his thoughts on Twitter by saying, “YESSSSSS!!! I love today. Thank you everyone, friends, fans, and my great family! Olympics and London bound here I come.”

4. EMMANUEL NARTY, WESTON COLLEGE:

   
   This business management student is one of 7,500 at Weston College in North Somerset, United Kingdom. But he’s also the top black belt in all of Africa and 23rd in the world. He started studying judo at the age of 9 and earned his black belt at 17. Now 29, he will stand and fight for his home nation of Ghana at the Olympics. Narty is also a tank trooper in the British Army; he says both the school and the Army are giving him time off to pursue his dream of winning a gold medal.

5. ALISE POST, SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY:

   
   As she says on her Twitter page, this 21-year-old college student races kids’ BMX bikes around dirt obstacle courses for a living … and it’s fun. BMX Super Cross Racing, or Bicycle Motocross, is one of the most exciting events in the Summer Games, and Post is one of the most exciting racers to watch. She recently showed off her skills at the 2012 UCI BMX SX Papendal, taking first by launching over a triple jump combo. She left her native Minnesota for college in sunny California, and she says her favorite place to ride is Chula Vista BMX.

6. EMMA COBURN, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO:

   
   Coburn has racked up awards during her time on the track team at CU, including being only the second woman ever to win the women’s USA steeplechase while still a college student. She redshirted during the 2012 season to train for London, and on June 29 the 21-year-old proved it was worth it, earning a bid to the Olympics by winning the women’s 3,000 meters steeplechase final. Her teammate, Shalaya Kipp, finished third in the race and secured her own ticket to the Games. After winning, Coburn turned around and hugged Kipp as she crossed the finish line.

7. LEE KEIFER, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME:

   
   It’s not uncommon for high school grads to take a trip in the summer before they head off to college. For this soon-to-be Notre Dame freshman, the destination is London. At just 17, Keifer is ranked seventh in the world and already has two world championship titles in fencing under her belt, and she’d love to add an Olympic medal to her trophy case before heading back to school. Her father fenced at Duke, and her sister won an NCAA title in fencing at Harvard, but Lee says they didn’t do a good enough job recruiting her to sway her from becoming a Fighting Irish.

8. ANDREW CHETCUTI, GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY:

   
   At a school assembly, 10-year-old Andrew Chetcuti informed his classmates he would one day swim in the Olympics for his mother country of Malta. Now, nine years later, his Georgia Tech classmates will be cheering him on as he goes for the gold in men’s 100 meter freestyle. He got the bid through an Olympic rule that allows athletes from smaller countries to compete in events in which they hold their home country’s fastest time. Chetcuti is an all-around athlete, excelling in water polo and setting records in cross country. And as he is studying biomedical engineering at GT, he’s clearly not your average jock.

9. SHOTA IIZUKA, TETSUYA TATENO, AND CHIAKI ISHIBASHI, CHUO UNIVERSITY:

   
   This school in Tokyo has three first-time Olympians in attendance. In July 2010, law student Shota Iizuka brought home Japan’s first World Junior Championships gold medal in the men’s 200 meter dash. He’ll be joined on the track team by teammate Tetsuya Tateno, an accounting major and 400 meter runner. And 21-year-old Chiaki Ishibashi rounds out the trio, seeking victory for Japan in men’s freestyle swimming. Speaking of his chances, Ishibashi probably spoke for all three when he said, “Everyone there will be really good, but I think I have what it takes to hang in all the way to the end.”

10. HALEY ISHIMATSU, DUKE UNIVERSITY:

    
    Before an elbow fracture ended her career, this Blue Devil had been a gymnast for eight years. Her sister had been a diver at USC and no doubt influenced Haley to try the sport out. The result was an Olympic berth in 2008, where she managed a fifth place finish in 10 meter synchronized diving. A top finish at the USA Diving Winter National Championships this year makes her one of the favorites in London, so keep an eye on her. You may be treated to a three-and-a-half somersault pike dive, a move only a handful of female divers can pull off.

CRCBL All-Star Festivities at Povich; Big Train Beat T-Bolts Again

CRCBL All-Star Festivities Full of Big Train Participation

This year's CRCBL All-Star festivities are loaded with Big Train. From the location (Shirley Povich Field) to the manger (Sal Colangelo), and from the roster (a league-high seven players) to the Home Run Derby (Hunter Renfroe is the favorite), the Big Train are sure to have a great time during their short break. Here is the list of Big Train players selected to the All-Star team: Cameron Cuneo (Pitcher - UC Santa Barbara) Ben Griset (Pitcher - St. Mary's (CA)) Brendan Hendriks (Third Base - San Francisco)    Colin Kish (Rightfield - Florida Southern) Bo Logan (Pitcher - Florida Atlantic) Cole Norton (Leftfield - St. Mary's (CA)) Hunter Renfroe (Centerfield - Mississippi State) Big Train Manager Sal Colangelo will manage the "National" team in the game. To see the full rosters, click here. Come out to Povich Field on Wednesday to support your Big Train representatives. The Home Run Derby, featuring CRCBL home run record-holder Hunter Renfroe, will take place at 5:00, followed by the All-Star Game itself at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Big Train season pass holders may use their season passes to attend the game. And remember, you can still buy Big Train season passes now for just $65. Click here to get yours now or buy one at the gate.

Big Train Finish Home-and-Home Sweep of T-Bolts

Mike Miedzianowski three-run double paced the Big Train in Silver Spring. The Big Train were able to stay hot heading into this week's All-Star break as they beat the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts 9-4 in Silver Spring on Monday night. Bo Logan (Florida Atlantic) took the mound and earned his third win in his last three starts as he went five innings, giving up only four hits and striking out three. Ryan Doran (San Diego State) pitched the last four innings of the game and gave up no runs and struck out three. As for the hitting, the Big Train fell behind early but quickly battled out of those circumstances. In the top of the fourth, Hunter Renfroe(Mississippi State), Colin Kish (Florida Southern), and Avondre Bollar(San Diego State) loaded up the bases with one out. Mike Miedzianowski (High Point) hit a ball that was just short of a grand slam. When the dust settled, it was a three-run double. Justin McCullough (El Camino) followed Miedzianowski's clutch double with a walk and brought first Adam Barry (Cal State Northridge) up with two on and one out. Barry singled to score both Miedzianowski and McCullough. The Big Train offense would strike for two more runs in the top of the fifth. Kish and Tucker Tobin (George Mason) reached base to lead off the inning and both scored on a double by Bollar to pad the lead and make the score 8-3. The Big Train and Thunderbolts each tacked on one more run later but it did not affect the outcome as the Big Train won 9-4. Click here to see the play-by-play and box score of last night's game. ANNOUNCEMENT: THE CONTINUATION OF THE GAME AGAINST THE BALTIMORE REDBIRDS WILL NOT BE PLAYED TODAY AND HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 7/24 AT 5:00 AT POVICH FIELD.

Berry reduces colon cancer up to 60%

Berry Reduces Colon Tumors
As Much as 60 Percent

    Here's a seasonal idea for you during these summer days. Studies show black raspberries can be another potent tool in your cancer-prevention toolbox. In fact, they appear to be very effective against the second leading cause of cancer deaths in America, according to the National Cancer Institute.¹


    While strawberries, red raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries are generally regarded as cancer-fighting and healthy, the neglected black raspberry may be even more powerful, especially against colon cancer and esophageal cancer. Keep reading for more details on how food really can be a medicine. . .


Continued below...

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    Black raspberries are not as widely eaten as red raspberries, or even the similar-looking blackberry. The black raspberry is more seedy and less juicy than its red counterpart, which may explain why it's less popular.


    Based on some new findings, you may want to take a second look. The black raspberry's darker skin means it contains significantly higher levels of cancer-fighting anthocyanins than do red raspberries — plus a host of other cancer-fighting phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and acids.


    Black raspberries boast a high antioxidant value — essential for reversing free radical damage — and especially valuable for preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.


    In addition, the black raspberry has anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective benefits. As you'll see in the next couple of minutes, the best advice is run, don't walk, to make these berries part of your diet.


    The most exciting benefits identified so far involve colorectal cancer and esophageal cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most common types in the U.S. — and one of the most deadly. Among cancers it ranks second for the number of people killed. An estimated 143,000 people will learn they have colon cancer in 2012.


    Early findings suggest that black raspberries may be a potent way of preventing this disease.

Kept mice from developing cancer

    Researchers at University of Illinois-Chicago and Ohio State University genetically engineered mice to develop either: (1) intestinal tumors outright, or (2) colitis, an inflammatory colon disease known to increase your risk of colorectal cancer.²

    Then for 12 weeks they fed all the mice a high-risk diet low in calcium and vitamin D, and high in saturated fat. Some of the mice were also randomly assigned to receive a large part of their calories, about 10 percent, from freeze-dried black raspberry powder.

    The results were astounding.

    Of the mice engineered to get tumors, the black raspberry powder slashed the number of new tumors by 45 percent, and the number of total tumors by 60 percent.

    Among the mice engineered to get colitis, black raspberry powder significantly reduced the number of new and total tumors by 50 percent.

    This is especially significant considering these mice were engineered to become diseased.

    This study began with the premise that raspberries, black raspberries and blueberries all contain varying amounts of special antioxidants believed to have cancer-fighting characteristics, as well as strong anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective qualities.

    But these researchers also suspect that the black raspberry's ability to fight inflammation through your whole body may be linked to its specific ability to fight cancer, and perhaps also other diseases of aging as well.

    As you probably know, ongoing inflammation can wreak havoc on your body.

    In the case of colitis, the prolonged irritation can permanently damage sensitive digestive tissue — causing it to mutate and become cancerous.

    A different study, in 2001, showed that freeze-dried berries stopped cellular changes that can lead to cancer. That study used animal cells grown in lab dishes.

Benefits for esophageal cancer, too

    Two studies conducted in 2009 — one in cells in lab dishes and one with mice — found that the compounds in black raspberries can prevent and stop the proliferation of esophageal tumor cells. The esophagus is the tube that leads from your throat down to your stomach.

    The findings appear to confirm a 2007 pilot study on patients with Barrett's esophagus. Barrett's esophagus is a complication of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It's a pre-malignant condition linked to a 30- to 40-fold increased risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma — a particularly deadly cancer that few people survive. The five-year survival rate is 15%.

    When the drug companies try to scare you into taking acid reflux drugs, they often mention that acid reflux (GERD) can lead to cancer. They're right about that much, although they've got the wrong answer.

    Barrett's esophagus results in chronic injury to the esophagus… and can lead to key changes in the lipids, proteins, and genes of these tissues.

    Laura Kresty, PhD, the study's author, chose black raspberries for three reasons:

1. Several studies suggest black raspberries protect against a number of cancers.
2. Black raspberries are known to have especially high levels of several compounds with potential anticancer properties (antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and anthocyanins)
3. Black raspberries are among the most extensively studied fruits in animal-based studies.

    Every day for six months, twenty patients received either 32g (females) or 45g (males) of freeze-dried black raspberries. Forty-five grams is equivalent to about 2 cups of whole black raspberries. But the freeze-dried form is concentrated and packs a bigger punch in a smaller volume, plus you can mix it with water.

    Biopsies, urine, and blood samples were evaluated at the beginning of the study, at 12 weeks and at 26 weeks. Dramatic changes occurred in two urinary markers for global oxidative stress, a measure of the body's total oxidative stress.

    In addition, the black raspberry treatment increased a protein important in tissue detoxification, GST-π, in 37% of these patients. This is especially promising, given the increased oxidative damage patients with Barrett's esophagus experience in their esophageal tissue.

    The one downside was that these patients gained an average 3.9 pounds during the six months, which could be connected to the additional 200 calories per day of the fruit in their diet.

    The researchers were quick to point out that this could also be normal weight gain. Don't take a chance. You should pair the additional 200 calories with additional exercise or reduced intake of other foods, to ensure weight gain doesn't turn the raspberry powder into a net loser for your health.

    I want to make clear that black raspberries aren't a treatment for acid reflux as such. That's another topic. But they may be an important way to reduce the damage it does.

    Next question...

Can you tell a black raspberry from a blackberry?

    Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) share their genus Rubus with both red raspberries and blackberries. Collectively, they're often called brambles.

    In the wild, black raspberries create extensive thorny thickets, which is why they're sometimes considered weeds. They grow like crazy where I live, and can be a nuisance.

    Especially if you're eating your black raspberries fresh, you may need a little help differentiating blackberries from black raspberries. They look similar, so it's hard to tell unless you're a horticulturist. These tips may help…

    The botanical distinction between raspberry (either red or black) is really in the fruit.

    Raspberries leave a little white core behind when you pull the fruit off the bush. Blackberry cores come off with the fruit.

    Why not try some today? Pop them into your mouth fresh. Or add them to a smoothie.

For greater convenience...

    I think the whole, fresh fruit should be eaten when practical. But black raspberries aren't found all that often in stores. Besides that, they're not in season all year long. And eating a therapeutic amount of them — about two cups — every single day is out of the question.

    A quick search of the Internet provides you with two other options, which incidentally get rid of the seediness problem too, if you're sensitive to that.

    One option that addresses both calories and convenience is to take a black raspberry supplement. Secondly, you can take it in freeze-dried powder form, like the one the researchers used in the studies above.

    Both options allow you to take more concentrated amounts, but supplements will generally contain less fructose than the powder, and therefore fewer calories.

    Our knowledge of black raspberries is in its early stages, and I'm sure we'll learn more as time goes by. But already it seems clear you can't go wrong by adding them to your diet, as long as you watch out for the weight-gain angle.

    All the most common and popular berries — strawberries, blueberries and blackberries as well as raspberries — have tremendous health benefits. Eat each one while it's in season -- and during the off-season, too, if they're available and you can afford them. While almost no one can eat two cups of black raspberries a day, many people should be able to eat at least ONE of these fruits almost every day.

    It's essential to buy organic because large amounts of chemicals are used in growing berries the conventional way. I wish I could tell you better news, but it's a fact that the conventional form of these fruits is likely to be laden with poisons.

Star Wars Night is TONIGHT vs T-Bolts! Big Train Fall to Rockville; BT Help Raise over 2 Tons of Food for Manna

TONIGHT is Star Wars Night! Come Out Early for a Meet-And-Greet Picnic

This game isn't a long, long time ago or in a galaxy far, far away. It's TONIGHT right down the street at Povich Field. Come to the first Star Wars Night at tonight's game against the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts to see characters both good and evil roaming the grounds! Be there at 6:00 when the gates open and buy a ticket to the Davis Family Picnic Pavilion! You don't need to be part of a big group to use the pavilion! You can buy tickets for you and your family that will allow you to meet Darth Vader and more! Tickets include meeting the characters, admission to the game, and a voucher good for one hot dog, one bag of chips, and one drink at the Home Run Cafe. Make sure you show up early as Disney Night and Super Hero Night, our first events of this kind, were a huge success! If you would like to reserve your spot now, click here!

Late Rally Not Enough as Big Train Fall 8-7

Michael Bass went 2-for-3 while raising his on base percentage to over .400. A late rally was not enough last night as the Big Train lost to the Rockville Express 8-7. The loss was the team's second in their last 10 contests. Cameron Cuneo (UC Santa Barbara) took the mound for the Big Train and kept the Express bats quiet for the first two innings, allowing the Big Train to take a 2-0 lead on base knocks from Hunter Renfroe (first inning, Mississippi State) and Michael Bass (second inning, UNC Wilmington). The heat and humidity forced Cuneo to exit early, though he gave up only two earned runs while striking out five over 3.2 innings. Cuneoturned the game over to Jordan Gross (Tulane) in the fourth, andGross did his best to keep clean in a sticky situation. Despite giving up no earned runs, Gross found himself down 7-2 by the end of the fourth due to miscues by the Big Train defense. However,Gross would buckle down over the next two innings, giving only an unearned run. Gross's persistence paid off, as the offense was able to propel the team back within striking distance in the sixth, as Avondre Bollar (San Diego State) and Bass picked up RBIs on a home run and a single, respectively.  Cole Norton (St. Mary's (CA)) crossing the plate on Bass'ssingle pulled the team back within three, and the offense wasn't done just yet. Colin Kish (Florida Southern) would drive in two more runs in the eighth inning to bring the Big Train back to within one run, hammering a double deep to left field. Though the rest of the lineup couldn't bring home Kishfrom third base, the team still had one last shot at tying the game headed into the ninth inning. After drawing a leadoff walk, Norton would work his way around the bases in the top of the ninth, eventually scoring with two outs to tie the game at seven. However, the bullpen would not be able to force the game into extra innings, as the Express walked off on a bases-loaded groundball that managed to sneak through the infield winning the game 8-7. Look for the Big Train to bounce back tomorrow night against the Takoma-Silver Spring Thunderbolts as they host the first game of a home-road split. The Big Train will look to improve their season record to 3-0 against the T-Bolts. Be sure to come to the park early for Star Wars Night Game Notes:     - Last night's box score and play-by-play can be viewed here. - After drawing two walks last night, leadoff hitter Michael Bass now has an on-base percentage over .400. Bass's production out of the 1-hole has paid huge dividends for the Big Train this season as he's scored 12 times in the last 10 games. - Hunter Renfroe made his second start this season behind the plate last night, giving Cole Norton a chance to get the start in center field.Norton responded to the role well, scoring two key runs in the Big Train's rally. - Despite the loss the Big Train still sit one game ahead of the Alexandria Aces for fourth place in the standings. The team will look to gain ground on the third-place River Dogs tomorrow night in their home game against the Thunderbolts.

Big Train Help Raise Two Tons of Food for Manna!

Big Train players participating in yesterday's challenge. The Bethesda Big Train, Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts and Rockville Express were at six Giant Food locations yesterday collecting nonperishable food items for Manna Food in the 3rd Annual Feed the Hungry Challenge! The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts raised 1,863 pounds, Rockville Express 1,621 pounds and Bethesda Big Train 1,356 pounds, totaling 4,840 pounds of food our neighbors in need. Congratulations to the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts! Ed Drijas will be presenting the Thunderbolts a trophy at tonight's Big Train home game at Povich Field. Thanks to everyone for your support!