Dr. Keith Report – July 3 2007

Dr. Keith Report – July 3 2007 – Dr. Keith Lipinski of www.drkeithshow.com

A complete listing of upcoming big shows…and whacky hijinx…

Happy July 4th…Recap of my show and then all the Benoit you can take (and if you are like me, its just too boggling to keep on looking at this)

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Dr. Keith Lipinski Show Recap:  Hyrda, UltraMantis Black, Jimmy Rave

By Brian Cooper, www.BigVanVader.com

CHIKARA’S UltraMantis Black and Hydra Recap

Dr. Keith is immediately impressed that his two guests have dressed for the occasion of the Dr. Keith interview. Keith asks Hydra about the Young Lions Cup. UltraMantis states that Hydra had been ‘pumping the proverbial iron’. Keith questions UltraMantis’ faith in Hydra, UltraMantis claims he has ‘renewed belief’ in Hydra and for him to ignore the good Doctor’s comments.

Keith drools over the prospects of Hydra being in the same ring as the great Buddha Beefcake (one of the many possibilities for the Create A Wrestler contest held in CHIKARA). Keith then comments on a recent DVD acquisition (CHIKARA’s awesome May 26, 2007 “Anniversario ?” show from Hellertown, PA – www.smartmarkvideo.com) where Hydra appeared to be trapped within a paper bag, UltraMantis Black states that Hydra was merely trying to look for inner strength which he presumed resided inside a paper bag.

UltraMantis Black declares that he will shortly reveal new members of the Neo Solar Temple. Keith responds that any new members will mean Hydra will be lost in the Neo Solar Temple shuffle. UltraMantis reputes this claim. Keith asks Hydra his thoughts on the Little Mermaid and Aqua Man which illicits a ‘WOW’ fro the man-monster. UltraMantis Black informs Hydra that his urges towards the Little Mermaid are unnatural.

Keith asks Hydra his inspirations in becoming a pro-wrestler. UltraMantis lists such luminaries as Oz and Giant Haystacks. Onto Bryan Alvarez, Hydra says that Bryan is the Barry Bonds of the wrestling media world as he is that disgraceful. The good Doctor asks if the Ugandan Giant Kamala is going to be invited to join the Neo Solar Temple. UltraMantis unfortunately doesn’t speak Ugandan. Keith states that a team of Hydra and Kamala could be a team of the decade not just for their moves, but for their awesome cross talk.

The Doctor then asks about dabbling in MySpace and Hydra professing online his love for the Triple H bodybuilding book. Hydra doesn’t hold the Hunter Hearst Helmsley in as high esteem as the Ken Patera.

Hydra doesn’t have any interest in the internet other than MySpace dabblings. UltraMantis Black then shoots on one Dr. Keith. Keith keeps his composure and asks if Hydra considered a pose down with Buff Bagwell? UltraMantis says it has been discussed and there will be a pose off in the near future. UltraMantis Black finishes by announcing that an announcement will be announced shortly regarding the future of the Neo-Solar Temple and the Far East. Splendid interview. Check out http://www.myspace.com/deejayhydra

Jimmy Rave Recap

Keith asks about Jimmy Rave’s old Mr. XTC gimmick. Jimmy says an old promoter claimed that his face was unmarketable and he became a masked man. Jimmy was a fan of Mr Perfect, Shawn Michaels and Bret Hart in his early days as a pro-wrestling fan and was training within six months of attending his first indie show. Keith asks more about the mask. Jimmy claims the promoter was a mark and a retard but he wasn’t too upset as he wore it for the payday.

The Doctor asks about Combat Zone Wrestling. Jimmy says he had fun there but no longer watches the product. He considers his spell there a learning curve. He is no longer bitter about leaving although he was at the time. Keith asks about older guys resenting Jimmy Rave. Jimmy claims there is a lot of resentment over him leaving. Jimmy puts over the talent pool in Ring Of Honor.

Keith asks what it was like working with TNA and with Chris Masters in WWE. Jimmy says he had a lot of fun whilst in TNA and the match with Chris Masters was a blast. Jimmy puts over Chris Benoit, Fit Finlay, Steven Regal, David Taylor and Ricky Steamboat for giving him advice.  The best advice he was given was ‘throw more punches’ from Arn Anderson. Jimmy talks about teaming with Prince Nana and how the two clicked when teaming.

Toilet paper talk. Jimmy says it started with one lone guy throwing a roll and got hurt once when a roll was thrown at his NUTS. He was hit in the eye once in Japan but ‘they don’t throw as hard in Japan.’ Dr. Keith talks about the times he gets hit in the back of the head due to being a ‘big tall dufus.’ The good Doctor reminisces over Abyss not knowing what to do with the toilet roll.

On the issue of TNA contracted talent no longer appearing on ROH shows, Jimmy feels there is enough talent for ROH to sustain their fan interest. Keith asks the whereabouts of Prince Nana, Jimmy says he is back in his homeland of Ghana. Keith then asks about the time Jimmy chased a fan for throwing a toilet roll and owns up as a one-time thrower of the hallowed bum wipes. Injury talk. Jimmy says he has had seven staples to his head, tore his shoulder, broke his jaw against Samoa Joe.

On Takeshi Morishima, Jimmy complains that he has had only two title shots. He states that Morishima winning the title on only his second appearance shows how tough he is although he doesn’t think he can resist the heel hook. Jimmy talks about the origins of the said manouver. Japan talk next. The two then talk about Jimmy’s upcoming match with Bryan Danielson. Jimmy says he has nothing but respect for Danielson. Jimmy then goes onto the differences between Jimmy Rave in ROH and Jimmy Rave in FIP before going onto WARN Roderick Strong about what to expect in their forthcoming encounter.

Keith asks what we can expect from Jimmy Rave in the next five years.  Jimmy says he expects to defeat Morishima for the ROH Heavyweight Championship of the World. Jimmy Rave finishes the interview by encouraging all listeners to go to the ROH website for details of how to order the first ROH PPV. Check out http://www.jimmyrave.com

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http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0702071benoit1.html – Smoking gun on Benoit

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http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/fayette/stories/2007/07/02/0703domestic.html

Control issues cited instead of ‘roid rage’ in Benoit killings

By KEVIN DUFFY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/03/07

Domestic violence experts downplay the possible role of steroids in the Chris Benoit killings, saying the tragedy was more about Benoit’s anger over control issues at home.

Steroid usage has been linked to angry outbursts called “roid rage,” and depression when usage stops.

But in the case of Benoit, who apparently killed his wife and 7-year-old son during the weekend of June 24 before committing suicide, “that was a premeditated act and that’s not rage,” said Dr. Gary Wadler of New York, who studies the use of drugs in sports.

“I would wonder whether there was some underlying psychiatric abnormality that was unmasked by being on steroids,” he said.

Kirsten Rambo, executive director of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, said “it’s exactly all about power and control. He was paid to be violent and he took that violence home with him. This is a guy who made a conscious choice to take three lives.”

Whether Benoit, 40, had recently taken steroids when he killed his wife, Nancy, 43, and son Daniel, who was mentally impaired, is not yet known. A toxicology report due in a few weeks should answer that question.

Steroids were found at their Fayette County house near Peachtree City. World Wrestling Entertainment, his employer, said Benoit tested negative for steroids in April.

Law enforcement officials twice last week searched the Carrollton office of Benoit’s doctor, Phil Astin, who was charged in a federal indictment Monday with selling excessive amounts of prescription drugs, but not steroids. Astin acknowledged he had prescribed testosterone, a steroid, for Benoit. Steroid use can enhance athletic performance.

The killings at the Benoit home occurred over an entire weekend, which does not point to rage, experts said.

“It’s sort of counterintuitive that he’s raging for three days straight,” said Nancy Grigsby, executive director of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “Unfortunately, it looks like a garden variety domestic violence incident to me. It’s a decision, and they’re actually typically quite calm when they give themselves permission to do what they want to do.”

Nancy Benoit filed for divorce in 2003 and sought court protection from her husband. In the protective order petition, she said her husband “lost his temper and threatened to strike the petitioner and cause extensive damage to the home.” They reconciled later that year and the divorce action was dismissed.

“He wants control over the spouse and the children. When he doesn’t get what he wants, he does the killing,” DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger said. Seeliger is former chairman of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence.

“It’s a question of disappointment in not being able to dominate his partner,” Seeliger said. “He’s a murderer. He killed two people. I don’t see why he’s getting sympathy.”

‘Medication is a vehicle’

Penn State University epidemiologist Charles Yesalis, who has studied steroids for 30 years, said “anabolic steroid rage is a spontaneous behavior. From what I’ve read, the death of Benoit and his family wasn’t spontaneous. I don’t see steroids had much, if anything, to do with this.”

“The outside medication is a vehicle, it is not the cause,” said Dick Bathrick of Atlanta-based Men Stopping Violence. “He takes the drug. He knows the effect that it has. And he’s making the choice to stay with that.

“There’s a way in which the culture kind of excuses him — actually idolizes him — for his use of violence,” Bathrick continued. “He’s not been required to look at himself in the way he uses his power, particularly in terms of this relationship.”

Bathrick said in 75 percent of domestic violence cases resulting in death, the victim was threatening to leave.

Benoit will have a private service in Alberta, Canada, in his hometown of Ardrossan, where his parents and ex-wife and two children live.

A memorial service for Nancy Benoit and Daniel is scheduled for July 14 in Daytona Beach, Fla., where her parents, Maureen and Paul Toffoloni, live.

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http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/fayette/stories/2007/07/02/0703benoit.html

Benoit doctor prescribed ‘drugs like candy’

By KEVIN DUFFY

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/02/07

The chiseled professional wrestler suspected of last week’s murder-suicide was prescribed a 10-month supply of steroids at least every four weeks, according to a federal indictment Monday of his Carrollton doctor.

Dr. Phillipe Astin III dispensed potentially dangerous drugs “like candy,” said U.S. Attorney David Nahmias.

RELATED:

• Feds: Benoit was prescribed excessive steroids

• Control issues cited instead of ‘roid rage’

• Physician’s past: Profile | Suspended, fined (PDF)

• Lex Luger believes old pal was in a ‘dark place’

• Benoit e-mails tell of spiritual guidance

• Wikipedia entry revealed death before bodies found

Though he wasn’t charged with putting steroids into the hands of wrestler Chris Benoit, Astin was indicted on seven counts of distributing excessive amounts of pain and anxiety medicine and an amphetamine to two people in Carrollton. The recipients were not identified beyond their initials, M.J. and O.G.

Over two years, Nahmias said the doctor prescribed more than 1 million doses of drugs such as steroids, painkillers and anxiety medicine. Many of the prescriptions were undated, a violation of federal law.

Astin pleaded not guilty. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

If he makes his $125,000 bond, Astin will be confined to his home and will be required to wear an electronic monitor.

The investigation of the Benoit family deaths led to the federal charges. Police say the wrestling star killed his wife, his 7-year-old son and himself on the weekend of June 24 at their Fayette County home.

Injectable steroids were found at the crime scene. Nahmias said Astin was indicted quickly so pharmacists will stop filling his prescriptions.

Last week, Astin’s office and home in Carrollton were raided by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local investigators.

Law enforcement was aware of Astin even before the Benoit deaths, the federal government said.

“Dr. Astin has been the subject of concern for excessive and/or suspicious prescribing activity by the Carrollton, Georgia [State] Police Department and local area pharmacies,” the federal search warrant says.

The search warrant says Astin prescribed an excessive amount of steroids to Benoit.

“Dr. Astin has been identified as prescribing, on average, a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids to Mr. Benoit every three to four weeks from May 4, 2006 through May 9, 2007,” the warrant says. The information was gleaned through prescription records from Jones Pharmacy in Fayetteville.

Steroids can help athletes improve their performance. But they can also trigger violent outbursts known as “‘roid rage.”

“Dr. Astin allegedy prescribed such drugs like candy, with little regard for appropriate medical practice or the recipients’ health,” Nahmias said. Benoit’s name also surfaced in a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation of a weight-loss company the feds are now prosecuting.

“In a DEA investigation of Rx Weight Loss … Mr. Benoit was previously identified as an excessive purchaser of injectable steroids,” the search warrant says.

The indictment says Astin prescribed unusually large amounts of Percocet, Vicoprofen, Xanax and Lorcet between April 2004 and September 2005 in Carrollton. The drugs are used in the treatment of pain or anxiety.

Many of Astin’s friends, patients and relatives showed up for the hearing, and some had to stand outside the small courtroom.

“We love you Doc Astin,” a woman cried as Astin was led away in shackles.

Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballarde said Monday he has no plans to file criminal charges against anyone in the case.

Astin prescribed testosterone for Benoit, a longtime friend, in the past but has not said what, if any, medications he prescribed when Benoit visited his office June 22, the start of the weekend when the killings occurred.

Toxicology tests on Benoit’s body have not been completed, Ballard said.

Staff writer Rhonda Cook contributed to this article.

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http://www.etonline.com/celebrities/news/48867/

Benoit Bought “Excessive” Amount of Steroids

July 03, 2007 05:45 AM PDT

               

                                               

                                               

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© 2007 Peter Kramer / Getty Images

Chris Benoit and his family were found dead in their home last week.

               

New DEA report says WWE star Chris Benoit was an “excessive purchaser of injectable steroids.”

CHRIS BENOIT bought a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids every three to four weeks for the past year, the Drug Enforcement Administration says in a new affidavit.

new details began to emerge just yesterday when the WWE wrestler’s personal doctor, DR. PHIL ASTIN, was indicted on seven counts for allegedly dispensing pain killers and other drugs to his patients.

The indictment states that Dr. Astin distributed drugs including Percocet, Xanax and Lorcet between April of 2004 and September of 2005. The claimed recipients were identified in the indictment by their initials.

Federal drug agents have taken over the probe into whether Dr. Astin also prescribed testosterone and other drugs to Benoit before he strangled his wife and smothered their son and hanged himself in his weight room of their suburban Atlanta home.

In other developments, Benoit’s family and Fayette County District Attorney SCOTT BALLARD are attempting to set the record straight about reports that Benoit’s 7-year-old son DANIEL was suffering from a rare medical condition.

The DA’s office recently released the following statement to ET: “There are additional reports that contradict the earlier information that suggested that Daniel Benoit may have suffered from Dwarf Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome. Daniel’s family denies that he suffered from either condition. As a result of the family’s concerns, the Fayette County Sheriff’s investigators and the District Attorney’s Office have inquired into this matter. A source having access to certain of Daniel’s medical reports reviewed those reports and they do not mention any pre-existing mental or physical impairment. Reports from Daniel’s educators likewise contradict the claims that Daniel was physically undersized. The educators report that Daniel graduated kindergarten and was prepared to enter the first grade on par with the other students.”

Meanwhile, the wrestler’s dad MICHAEL talked about his family tragedy on Friday, revealing he has “no understanding” of what happened.

In a phone interview with AP, Benoit’s father says he and the rest of the family are in shock and are seeking answers: “There’s still more information that’s going to come out from toxicology tests that will give us some understanding of why this happened.”

Stay tuned to ET for the latest on this developing story.

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http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=48304

Too Many Pro Wrestlers Die Young

ATLANTA (AP) — Everything is planned. The high-flying moves. The outlandish story lines. The crackpot characters.

One thing isn’t in the script: the staggering number of pro wrestlers who die young.

Chris Benoit was the latest, taking his own life at age 40 after killing his wife and son in a grisly case that might be the blackest eye yet for the pseudo-sport already ridiculed as nothing more than comic books come to life, a cult-like outlet for testosterone-ragin’ young males to cheer on their freakishly bulked-up heroes.

But the tenacious, grim-faced grappler known as the “Canadian Crippler” was hardly alone in heading to an early grave.

The very same weekend Benoit killed his family, the body of old tag-team partner Biff Wellington (real name: Shayne Bower) was found in his bed, dead at 42. A couple of weeks ago, former women’s champion “Sensational” Sherri Martel passed away at her mother’s home in Alabama. She was 49.

And on it goes.

Mike Awesome (Michael Lee Alfonso in real life) was found hanged in his Florida home in February, the apparent victim of a suicide at 42. “Bam Bam” Bigelow was 45 when a lethal cocktail of cocaine and benzodiazepine, an anti-anxiety drug, stopped his already ailing heart in January.

And on it goes, dozens and dozens of wrestlers meeting a similar fate over the past two decades. Some died with drugs flowing through their veins. Others tried to clean up but belatedly paid the price for their long-term abuse of steroids, painkillers, alcohol, cocaine and other illicit substances.

How many more must pass through the morgue before everyone stands up and shouts: Enough’s enough?

“From my 17 years in the business, I know probably 40 to 45 wrestlers who dropped dead before they were 50,” said Lance Evers, a semiretired wrestler who goes by “Lance Storm” when he’s in the ring. “It’s an astronomical number.”

Then, he added in a voice tinged with anger and sadness, “I’m sick and tired of it.”

Over the years, there are been numerous proposals to put wrestling under some sort of oversight, be it at the state or federal level. Those ideas usually have fallen on deaf ears, largely because the powers-that-be, be it the old-time regional promoters or WWE owner Vince McMahon, the guy who largely controls the sport today, don’t want the government telling them how to run their business.

Jim Wilson, who parlayed pro football into a ring career, says he was blackballed when he began pushing for a wrestler’s union. Since then, he has written a book about his experiences and kept up the push to rein in those who govern the sport.

Although Wilson‘s battle often has been a lonely one, he says Benoit’s death might reinvigorate the cause.

A union could be a useful tool for cleaning up the sport. It might lead to a pension plan, improved benefits, more stringent health and safety guidelines and a revamped pay structure that would allow wrestlers to spend more time at home without risking a pay cut.

Now, most top wrestlers get a guaranteed salary, but the bulk of their income is based on how often they compete. That leads some to feel they must get in the ring while injured, often with the aid of painkillers and other numbing chemicals.

And much like rock stars, plenty of wrestlers have fallen victim to excessive partying, alcohol and drug dependency, and marital problems during grueling stints on the road.

“My longest run was 79 days in a row without a day off,” said Joe Laurinaitis, the wrestler known as Road Warrior Animal and father of Ohio State football star James Laurinaitis. “It’s not as bad now. They’ve got good guys running the WWE. Still, we need to take a look at it when things like this (the Benoit murder-suicide) are happening. Guys are still overworked.”

That’s why Wilson’s calling for Congress to hold hearings on the wrestling industry, much like it investigated doping in professional sports and just this past week heard from ex-NFL players who believe they’re being shortchanged on their pensions.

“In those other sports, they aren’t dropping like flies like they are in the wrestling business,” Wilson said. “Now is the time to push for legislation nationally.”

He’s already spoken with U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), who instructed his staff to begin gathering information on the issue to determine if a hearing before the Health Committee might be warranted.

Isakson said his main concern is steroid abuse.

“I’m not going to start speculating on federal regulation of wrestling,” he said. “The issue is anabolic steroids, which are a significant problem and are known to cause significant difficulties. It’s a health issue that’s appropriate for us to discuss, regardless of the profession.”

Steroids and other muscle-building drugs long have been an accepted part of the wrestling culture, allowing the biggest names to pump up to ungodly proportions that wouldn’t be possible through natural means.

Granted, nobody comes right out and tells a wrestler he or she should take steroids. But all one has to do is attend a match in person or watch one on TV to realize some of these physiques just aren’t plausible without help from a syringe.

“Somebody says you need to put 25 pounds on your upper body,” said Larry DeGaris, who teaches sports marketing at the University of Indianapolis and moonlights on the independent wrestling circuit as “The Professor” Larry Brisco. “Well, if you have an athletic background and have been around sports for a while, you know there’s only one way to do that. Nobody needs to tell you. It’s just a tacit understanding.”

Steroids were found in Benoit’s home, though investigators haven’t determined if they played any role in the brutal killings of his wife, Nancy, and their 7 year old son.

World Wrestling Entertainment, which employed Benoit and holds a virtual monopoly grip on the industry, was quick to point out that this tragedy, apparently carried out over an entire weekend, doesn’t come with the classic signs of ‘roid rage, the violent, unpredictable outbursts that can be caused by someone who abuses steroids.

A top anti-doping expert agreed but said it’s too early in the investigation to draw any firm conclusions.

“I can paint any number of scenarios that explain this without invoking ‘roid rage,” said Dr. Gary Wadler, a member of the World Anti-Doping Agency. “‘Roid rage tends to be impulse control. This event happened over two or three days. It has the earmarks of some calculation.”

The WWE also was quick to announce Benoit had passed his last drug test in April, part of the organization’s “Wellness Program” that was put in place after the death of star Eddie Guerrero two years ago.

But Wadler doesn’t sound all that impressed with the WWE’s testing procedures. He’s especially troubled that the WWE refuses to discuss the program in any detail.

Both Evers and wrestling journalist Bryan Alvarez, who’ve seen guidelines for the program, found two major loopholes:

— A wrestler can pass the doping test with a testosterone to epitestosterone ratio of 10:1, more than double the WADA standard. Under WADA rules, athletes are in violation starting at 4:1; the average ratio is 1:1.

— A wrestler who tests positive can be excused if he produces a doctor’s prescription and a medically justified reason for taking the drug in question.

There’s no justifying that happened at the Benoits’ suburban Atlanta home last weekend.

Alvarez, who covers the sport extensively for the Web site www.wrestlingobserver.com, has some inkling of the demons that might have overtaken the wrestler.

He said Benoit never got over the 2005 death of Guerrero, a former WWE champion and four-time tag-team titleholder who was 38 when he died of a heart attack, perhaps caused by the alcohol and drug abuses that friends thought he had beaten.

“Chris’ closest friend in the world was Eddie Guerrero,” Alvarez said. “He could cry to him. He could tell him everything. After Eddie died, I talked to Chris. He was broken man.”

Last year, another of Benoit’s wrestling buddies, 263-pound Mike Durham (known in the business as Johnny Grunge), died at 39 from complications cause by sleep apnea, a condition that often affects larger people such as wrestlers and football players.

“It was about this period of time that people started noticing weird behavior, paranoid behavior, which would indicate (Benoit) was using a lot of drugs,” Alvarez said. “He was alone. He was on the road a lot, having to perform at a high level, having to look a certain way. I think the drug use escalated, and his whole world basically fell apart.”

Laurinaitis knows what a lethal potion it all can be.

His friend since childhood and longtime tag partner, Road Warrior Hawk (Michael Hegstrand), died from a heart attack in 2003. Just 46, Hegstrand had battled alcohol and drugs, in addition to using steroids, Laurinaitis said.

“I used to watch him sometimes and just shake my head. I would think, ‘Oh my God, what in the world is he doing? Why is he doing that?”‘ Laurinaitis said. “I saw quite a few guys go down that path.”

Now, they’re all gone.

Benoit. Guerrero. Hawk.

Martel. Bigelow. Awesome.

Not to mention Curt “Mr. Perfect” Hennig, Big Boss Man, Hercules, Crash Holly, Davey Boy Smith, Miss Elizabeth, Terry Gordy, “Gentleman” Chris Adams, Yokozuna, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Owen Hart, Louie Spiccoli, Brian Pillman, Eddie Gilbert, Buzz Sawyer, “Quick Draw” Rick McGraw, Gino Hernandez and much of the Von Erich clan.

All dead before they were 50 — and that’s just a sampling of an ever-growing list.

It doesn’t take someone who can distinguish between a full nelson and a sleeper hold to know that’s far too many wrestlers dying far too young.

“It’s gotten to the point that just about every show in the country is starting with a ten-bell salute,” said DeGaris, the professor and wrestler, referring to the traditional farewell to a fallen competitor. “You kind of look at some of the old pictures, and you’re the last man standing.”

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http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-wrestler3jul03,1,3341276.story?coll=la-headlines-sports&track=crosspromo

Doctor linked to Chris Benoit charged with illegally distributing drugs

The federal filing stems from records on two other patients that allegedly show he gave painkillers for non-legitimate purposes. Astin’s office had been raided following interview he gave after wrestl

By Lance Pugmire, Times Staff Writer

July 3, 2007

Phil Astin III, who was the doctor of pro wrestling star Chris Benoit, was charged in federal court in Atlanta on Monday with seven counts of illegal distribution of painkillers and other drugs.

Astin came under scrutiny by the Drug Enforcement Administration after injectable anabolic steroids and other drugs were found inside Benoit’s Fayetteville, Ga., home after he and his family were found dead June 25.

However, the charges against Astin stem from the records of two other patients — identified in court records only by the initials M.J. and O.G. — showing Astin gave them painkillers and other drugs for medical purposes that prosecutors say aren’t legitimate.

Astin is charged with wrongly prescribing drugs, including Percocet, Xanax and amphetamine-containing Adderall. He pleaded not guilty and was under house arrest until he could post $125,000 bond.

M.J. and O.G. received a combined 3,650 tablets from April 2004 to September 2005, court records showed.

Astin told investigators he wrongly provided undated prescriptions for drugs that Assistant U.S. Atty. John Horn wrote “have a high potential for abuse that can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.”

An investigator with the DEA reported in a sworn statement accompanying the indictment against Astin that a Fayetteville pharmacist said the Carrollton, Ga,. doctor provided Benoit with a 10-month supply of anabolic steroids every three to four weeks in the year that led up to the pro wrestling star killing his wife, son and himself late last month.

The DEA raided Astin’s office after the doctor told a reporter he provided Benoit testosterone and met with the 40-year-old World Wrestling Entertainment performer hours before Benoit killed his wife, Nancy, and 7-year-old son, Daniel, by asphyxiation, and then hanged himself.

DEA investigator Anissa Jones wrote that a preliminary review of Astin’s prescription writing showed he authorized “approximately 1 million dosage units of various pharmaceutical controlled substances in the last two years, [including] significant quantities of injectable testosterone cypionate, an anabolic steroid.”

Jones also wrote that Benoit has been identified in a separate DEA investigation of a company, RX Weight Loss, “as an excessive purchaser of injectable steroids.”

[email protected]

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http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2007/7/3/funeral_arrangements_set_for_benoit39s_wife_son.html

Funeral Arrangements Set For Benoit’s Wife, Son

Funeral arrangements have been announced for the wife and son of professional wrestler Chris Benoit.

Police said that the two were killed by the World Wrestling Entertainment star before he took his own life just over a week ago.

Nancy Benoit grew up in Volusia County and graduated from DeLand High School.  She and her son Daniel will be memorialized next Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. at the Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Daytona Beach.

All three bodies were found in the Benoit’s home in suburban Atlanta last Monday.

While a motive for the deaths hasn’t been released, Benoit’s physician was arrested Monday after federal investigators said Dr. Phil Astin prescribed 10 months worth of steroids to Benoit every three to four weeks for just over a year.

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http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=739a80bc-9873-4bd4-99f2-fae18ff3d8bb&entry=index

Benoit’s Doctor Charged

by Josh Grossberg

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 03:41:27 PM PDT

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Chris Benoit’s doctor has some serious explaining to do.

The wrestling superstar’s personal physician surrendered to authorities in Atlanta on Monday to face federal charges of improperly dispensing painkillers. The feds launched a probe of Dr. Phil Astin last week after Benoit murdered his wife and seven-year-old son and then committed suicide in the family’s Fayetteville, Georgia, home.

Astin was indicted on seven counts of prescribing drugs—including Percocet, Xanax, Lorcet and Vicoprofen—without medical need. The prescriptions were made out to two individuals, with the initials O.G. and M.J., between April 2004 and September 2005, U.S. Attorney spokesman Patrick Crosby confirmed to E! Online.

He was arraigned this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Walker and released on $120,000 secured bond, which included surrendering his medical license.

“Federal law requires medical practitioners to sign and date a prescription for a controlled substance on the date the prescription is issued,” U.S. Attorney David Nahmias said at an afternoon press conference.

While Benoit’s name did not appear on the list of recipients in the indictment, a separate criminal complaint was also made public.

According to the prosecutor, Astin wrote prescriptions for approximately 1 million doses of controlled substances during the past two years, including “significant quantities” of the injectable testosterone cypionate, an anabolic steroid. Drug agents called that amount above and beyond the norm for a doctor whose practice is located in a rural area.

While identified as supplying the controlled substances, the feds did not charge Astin with providing Benoit with steroids—yet.

“Our investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible,” said Nahmias.

But the second complaint details some startling revelations involving the World Wrestling Entertainment star.

Specifically, court documents show that Astin gave Benoit a 10-month supply of steroids every three to four weeks between May 2006 and May 2007. The pro grappler was also apparently a big purchaser of steroids from a company called RX Weight Loss.

Detectives found legally obtained steroids among the prescription medication in Benoit’s home. It will be at least a week before results are in from toxicology tests on the wrestler.

WWE officials, including head honcho Vince McMahan, have gone to great lengths to smack down the connection between steroids and Benoit’s actions. Authorities say he strangled his 44-year-old wife, Nancy, to death the night of June 22, smothered his son, Daniel, the next day, and then hanged himself in basement gym on the 24th.

The Fayetteville Sheriff’s Department and state prosecutors are overseeing the death investigation, but haven’t given any indication whether they plan to file criminal charges.

But the large volume of medications prompted the Drug Enforcement Administration in Atlanta to launch its own investigation, which immediately focused on Astin’s role as Benoit’s physician.

Astin admitted last week that Benoit paid him shortly before the slayings. The doctor also said he had been treating the wrestler for low testosterone levels likely resulting from prior steroid use.

Federal drug agents raided the physician’s Carrolton, Georgia, offices late last Wednesday and also executed a search warrant Friday evening on Astin’s mother’s home, where he resides. Medical records were reportedly seized, but federal officials refuse to disclose exactly what was found.

Astin’s attorney, Manny Aurora, did not return phone calls seeking comment. Should Astin be convicted of the charges, the feds could seek the forfeiture of all property and profit made from the illegal activity.

Georgia authorities have also been investigating whether the Web-based MedXLife and Signature Pharmacy sold Benoit steroids, testosterone and human growth hormone over the Internet.

Prosecutors in upstate New York, who had initiated their own probe into the online drug purveyors, said that steroid shipments had indeed been sent to Benoit.

Jerry McDevitt, an attorney for the WWE, has claimed that Daniel suffered various genetic ailments and that his parents were giving him human growth hormone because they were concerned about his stunted growth. However, Nancy Benoit’s parents have since disputed those assertions.

“There are additional reports that contradict the earlier information that suggested that Daniel Benoit may have suffered from Dwarf Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome,” Fayette D.A. Scott Ballard said in a statement Monday. “Daniel’s family denies that he suffered from either condition.

“As a result of the family’s concerns, the Fayette County Sheriff’s investigators and the District Attorney’s Office have inquired into this matter. A source having access to certain of Daniel’s medical reports reviewed those reports, and they do not mention any pre-existing mental or physical impairment. Reports from Daniel’s educators likewise contradict the claims that Daniel was physically undersized,” Ballard continued.

“The educators report that Daniel graduated kindergarten and was prepared to enter the first grade on par with the other students.”

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http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2007300586,00.html

‘Doc prescribed drug like candy’

July 03, 2007

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

KILLER Chris Benoit was a systematic abuser of anabolic steroids with a ‘dirty doctor’ prescribing him a 10-month supply every three to four weeks, drug enforcement cops in the States have revealed.

While authorities have not yet determined whether the murder of wife Nancy and seven-year-old son Daniel was due to an extended period of ‘Roid Rage’, it is clear that Chris’s addiction played a large role in his mental breakdown.

Unbelievably, while receiving the huge quantities of steroids, Benoit, 40, PASSED a drugs test conducted on behalf of his employers at the WWE.

His physician, Dr Phil Astin, has been arrested and charged on seven counts of distributing drugs illegally to others.

At a press conference announcing the arrest, an investigating cop said: “Dr Astin allegedly prescribed these drugs like candy.

“Dirty doctors should be on notice that they face federal prosecution and federal prison time.”

Benoit’s decades of steroid abuse was combined with heavy consumption of painkillers, anti-depressants and other medication.

Police say the ‘Canadian Crippler’ was getting 10 months of steroids every three to four weeks from Dr Astin between May 4 2006 and May 9 2007.

Last week the wrestling company released a statement saying: “On the last test by WWE’s independently administered drug testing program, done on April 10 2007, he tested negative.”

Insiders estimate Benoit would have been tested on at least FOUR other occasions in the period in which his drug use was out of control.

They say the problem with the WWE’s drugs testing procedure is that it allows for steroids and painkillers if they have “valid prescription from a licensed and treating physician”.

It is also clear to those in the industry that Benoit found other easy ways to get around the company’s ‘Wellness Policy’ and escape detection.

Disturbingly, many other wrestling groups in the US and UK don’t test at all.

Former WWE intercontinental champion Lance Storm said: “I think one thing is clear, regardless of the role drugs played in Chris Benoit’s state of mind, the wrestling industry has some serious drug issues that are going to have to be dealt with very soon.

“We have seen deaths in this industry due to drug overdoses, drug-related heart attacks, suicides due to possible drug-related depression, and now perhaps even drug-related murder.

“Something needs to be done and it needs to be done now!”

‘DIRTY DOCTOR’ … Phil Astin

‘DIRTY DOCTOR’ … Phil Astin

Abuse of steroids, painkillers and recreational drugs has played a part in the deaths of many of the estimated 60 wrestlers who have passed away before the age of 45 in the last decade.

Some of Benoit’s friends, including Eddie Guerrero (38), British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith (39) and Brian Pillman (35), are already on the list of premature deaths.

On the day after Benoit murdered his family, an old tag team partner of his, Shane ‘Biff Wellington’ Bower, was found dead in his home at the age of just 42.

In another blow for the WWE, police are now disputing their lawyer’s claim that Chris and Nancy argued over what to do with Daniel, who they said suffered from Fragile X Syndrome.

Jerry McDevitt last week claimed that Daniel — who was injected with growth hormone by Benoit — had the condition which can cause autism and mental retardation.

But District Attorney Scott Ballard said: “There are additional reports that contradict the earlier information suggesting that Daniel Benoit may have suffered from Dwarf Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome.

“Daniel’s family denies that he suffered from either condition.

“As a result of the family’s concerns, the Fayette County Sheriff’s investigators and the District Attorney’s Office have inquired into this matter.

“A source reviewed Daniel’s medical reports and they do not mention any pre-existing mental or physical impairment.

“Reports from Daniel’s educators likewise contradict the claims that Daniel was physically undersized.

“They report that Daniel graduated kindergarten and was prepared to enter the first grade on par with the other students.”

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Sunday, July 1, 2007 (DISH Network)

Sunday, July 8, 2007 (TVN)

Friday, July 20, 2007 (in-Demand)

ROH Respect Is Earned PPV, Manhattan Center, New York, NY

1.       Takeshi Morishima & Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness & KENTA

2.       ROH World Tag Team Title Match:  Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Claudio Castagnoli & Matt Sydal

3.       Roderick Strong vs. Delirious

4.       Rocky Romero vs. Naomichi Marufuji

5.       ROH World Title Match:  Takeshi Morishima vs. BJ Whitmer

UFC 73 – Stacked – Saturday July 7, 2007 – ARCO Arena, Sacramento CA

1.       UFC Middleweight Championship Bout:  Nate Marquardt vs. Anderson Silva

2.       UFC Lightweight Championship Bout:  Hermes Franca vs. Sean Sherk

3.       Rashad Evans vs. Tito Ortiz

4.       Alvin Robinson vs. Kenny Florian

5.       Heath Herring vs. Minotauro Nogueira

6.       Mike Nickels vs. Stephan Bonnar (Dark)

7.       Diego Saraiva vs. Jorge Gurgel (Dark)

8.       Drew Fickett vs. Chris Lytle (Dark)

9.       Mark Bocek vs. Frank Edgar (Dark)

TNA Victory Road 2007 – Sunday July 15, 2007 – iMPACT! Zone, Orlando FL

1.       All titles on the line:  TNA World Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle & TNA X-Division Champion Samoa Joe vs. TNA World Team Champions Team 3-D (Brother Ray & Devon)

2.       Rhino vs. James Storm

3.       Christian Cage vs. Chris Harris

4.       Abyss & Sting vs. Tomko & AJ Styles

5.       Ultimate X:  Kaz vs. TBA?

WWE Great American Bash 2007 – Sunday July 22, 2007 – H.P. Pavilion, San Jose, CA

1.       WWE Championship Match:  John Cena vs. Bobby Lashley

2.       World Heavyweight Championship Match:  Edge vs. Kane

3.       Batista vs. The Great Khali

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ROH (Ring Of Honor – www.rohwrestling.com)

July 3rd: ROH “Respect Is Earned” PPV aired last Sunday on the DISH Network and has already received rave reviews, especially from first time ROH viewers. There will be replays on the DISH all week including today, July 5th, July 7th and July 9th. If you are on the DISH check your listings for channel and time. “Respect Is Earned” hits cable this Sunday, July 8th with the debut on TVN. There are free teasers at www.ROHvideos.com and on rohvideos.com. Here is what one first time watcher and new ROH fan had to say about the PPV over at PWInsiderXTRA.com: “They (ROH) reminded me why I was a wrestling fan, and that is the fun and excitement of watching a real wrestling match. ROH saved wrestling for me and truly earned my respect.” – Kevin Buckler

July 3rd: In case you missed it on the main page of ROHwrestling.com, the 7/27 Long Island event will now be held in Deer Park, NY on Long Island. Tickets already purchased for Lake Grove will be honored at the door. The event will feature the eight first round matches of the “Race To The Top” tournament and a big main event has also been signed. It will be ROH World Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Bryan Danielson & Nigel McGuinness. If The Briscoes make it back from Japan with the belts they will put them on the line here. For more information check the article on the main page of ROHwrestling.com. All 16 participants are listed below including a big return.

July 3rd: A huge match has been signed for “Death Before Dishonor V: Night 2” in Philadelphia on August 11th. It will be a dream match for many Philly area fans as Bryan Danielson goes one-on-one against Mike Quackenbush. You can get tickets now for only $10 as part of the The Big 10 Sale at ROHwrestling.com. Act now because the $10 sale ends Thursday night. This match will be worth $10 alone!!!

July 3rd: The Big 10 Sale is back at www.ROHwrestling.com where you can get ROH tickets & DVDs for only $10 each!!! Tickets for 7/28 in Edison, 8/10 in Boston, 8/11 in Philadelphia and 8/24 in Hartford are now only $10 to give you the most bang for your entertainment dollar this summer. You can now get ROH show, Best Of, Straight Shootin’ and Secrets Of The Ring DVDs for only $10 too including 6/17/06 “In Your Face” (Samoa Joe vs. KENTA vs. Bryan Danielson), 6/23/06 “Throwdown” (KENTA vs. Roderick Strong), 6/24/06 “Chi-Town Struggle” (KENTA vs. Austin Aries), Best Of Samoa Joe “ROH World Champion” (one time only offer at $10), Straight Shootin’ with Percy Pringle Vol. 1 & 2 plus more including FIP DVDs like “Heatstroke ’06: Night 1” (Homicide vs. Shingo). Act now because this sale ends on Thursday morning at ROHwrestling.com!!! Check the main page of ROHwrestling.com for a complete list of $10 DVDs and new releases.

Monday July 16, 2007

Tokyo Differ Ariake (1-3-25 Ariake, Koto-Ku Tokyo, Japan  135-0063)

Co-Promotional show with Pro Wrestling NOAH

1.       ROH World Title Match:  Takeshi Morishima vs. Nigel McGuinness

2.       Jay & Mark Briscoe & Naomichi Marufuji vs. KENTA, Ricky Marvin & Matt Sydal

3.       FIGHT WITHOUT HONOR~!~!~!: Delirious vs. Roderick Strong

4.       Jack Evans & Kotaro Suzuki vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero

5.       Bryan Danielson vs. Go Shiosaki

6.       Jimmy Rave vs. BJ Whitmer

Tuesday July 17, 2007

Osaka Furitsu Taiikukan (3-4-36, Nanba Naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Japan 06-6331-0121)

06-6331-0121Co-Promotional show with Dragon Gate

1.       ROH World Tag Team Titles Match: Shingo Takagi & YAMATO vs. Jay & Mark Briscoe

2.       CIMA & KENTA  vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero

3.       Delirious, Masato Yoshino & Naruki Doi vs. Matt Sydal, Dragon Kid & Ryo Saito

4.       Nigel McGuiness vs. BJ Whitmer

5.       Bryan Danielson vs. Jimmy Rave

6.       Jack Evans vs. Roderick Strong

Friday July 27, 2007

Deer Park Community Center (41 Homer Avenue Deer Park, NY 11729 moved from Sports Plus Entertainment Center)

8:00pm

Race To The Top Tournament – Night One

1.       ROH World Tag Team Titles Match:  Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Bryan Danielson & Nigel McGuinness

2.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

3.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

4.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

5.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

6.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

7.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

8.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

9.       Race To The Top Tournament – First Round Match:  TBA vs. TBA

Race to the Top Tournament participants: 

1.       Jack Evans

2.       BJ Whitmer

3.       Brent Albright

4.       Chris Hero

5.       Claudio Castagnoli

6.       Davey Richards

7.       Delirious

8.       El Generico

9.       Erick Stevens

10.    Hallowicked

11.    Jigsaw

12.    Kevin Steen

13.    Matt Cross

14.    Matt Sydal

15.    Mike Quackenbush

16.    Pelle Primeau

Already signed:  Roderick Strong, Austin Aries, Jimmy Rave, Gran Akuma, Daizee Haze and more!!!

Saturday July 28, 2007

Inman Sports Club (990 Inman Avenue Edison; NJ)

7:30pm

Race To The Top Tournament – Night Two

Already signed:  Jay & Mark Briscoe; Bryan Danielson; Nigel McGuinness; Roderick Strong; Matt Cross; Erick Stevens; Jimmy Rave; Larry Sweeney; Matt Sydal; Delirious; Claudio Castagnoli; Jigsaw; Gran Akuma; Hallowicked

Friday August 10, 2007

Roxbury Community College – Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Ctr (1350 Tremont St Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120)

8:00pm

Death Before Dishonor V – Night One

1.       ROH World Title Match:  Claudio Castagnoli vs. ROH World Champion

2.       ROH World Tag Team Title Match – Boston Street Fight:  Jay & Mark Briscoe vs. Kevin Steen & El Generico in a Boston Street Fight

Already signed: Nigel McGuinness; Roderick Strong; Rocky Romero; Davey Richards; Chris Hero; Larry Sweeney; Tank Toland; Bobby Dempsey; Erick Stevens; Brent Albright; Jimmy Rave; BJ Whitmer; Matt Sydal; Daizee Haze

Saturday August 11, 2007

Pennsylvania National Guard Armory (2700 Southampton Rd, Philadelphia, PA)

7:30pm

Death Before Dishonor V – Night Two

1.       ROH World Title Match:  Brent Albright vs. ROH World Champion

2.       Philadelphia Street Fight:  No Remorse Corps (Roderick Strong, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero) vs. Delirious, Erick Stevens & Matt Cross

3.       Bryan Danielson vs. Mike Quackenbush

Already signed: Jay & Mark Briscoe; Nigel McGuinness; Chris Hero; Larry Sweeney; Tank Toland; Bobby Dempsey; El Generico; Kevin Steen; Jimmy Rave; BJ Whitmer; Matt Sydal; Daizee Haze; Claudio Castagnoli

Friday August 24, 2007

Connecticut Expo Center (265 Reverend Moody Overpass, Hartford, CT)

8:00pm

Saturday August 25, 2007

Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom (311 West 34th St. New York, NY)

7:30pm

Friday September 14, 2007

Michigan State Fairgrounds & Expo Center (1120 W. State Fair Ave, Detroit, MI)

8:00pm

Saturday September 15, 2007

Frontier Park Field House (9807 S. Sayre Avenue Chicago Ridge, IL)

7:30pm

PPV Taping #3

Friday November 30, 2007

Montgomery County Fairgrounds (1043 S. Main St, Dayton, OH)

8:00pm

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PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerrilla – http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com)

PWG Presents “Giant-Size Annual #4” on Sunday, July 29!

By Silverback, PWG Staff Writer

Ventucopa, CA – As Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com) enters the month of July and celebrates its fourth anniversary, it’s easy to think back upon what has transpired to bring PWG to this point. Too easy, in fact, which is why we are looking to the future. But not at the 2007 Battle of Los Angeles, that’s too far into the future. No, we are looking forward just far enough to see July 29, 2007, when at the Burbank Armory, shockingly located in Burbank, California, PWG will celebrate our fourth anniversary with “Giant-Size Annual #4!”

What kind of show is big enough to be named “Giant-Size?” You’ll be glad you asked, because scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 29 at 5:00PM is:

PWG World Championship Match:  El Generico (c) vs. “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson

– To tell the story of this match, we will have to look to the past, which is what we weren’t going to do, but this wouldn’t be very interesting and we wouldn’t have a lot to talk about if it weren’t for the past. Last month at “Roger Dorn Night,” Bryan Danielson was slated to challenge El Generico for the PWG World Championship in a singles match until Davey Richards and “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen backed PWG Commissioner of Wrestling Dino Winwood into a corner, demanding their own shots at the belt. Commissioner Winwood relented, granting Richards & Steen a shot at the title in the form of a 4-Way Match with El Generico and Bryan Danielson, which PWG Champ El Generico went on to win.

This did not sit well with PWG Commissioner of Food & Beverage Excalibur who, at the time, was away on international beverage business, touring a Horchata factory in Mexico, and insisted that Danielson receive a fair shot at the title. That is why on July 29 at “Giant-Size Annual #4” El Generico will once again put the PWG World Championship on the line against Bryan Danielson, but this time there will be no outside factors in play. One on one, mano-a-mano, may the best man win.

And drink his fill of Horchata, no matter his ethnic origin, in celebration of a hard fought victory.

PWG World Tag Team Championship Match – Best 2 out of 3 Falls:  “The Man That Gravity Forgot” PAC & Roderick Strong (c) vs. The Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark Briscoe)

– Once again, we are forced to look at the not-too-distant past to learn the story of this budding rivalry, and this important title match. At PWG’s DDT4 in May, Commissioner of Food & Beverage Excalibur picked the Briscoe Brothers as the first team to be entered in the tournament, and forsaking neutrality, his favorites to win. Excalibur would later attempt to enter the team of Davey Richards & Roderick Strong in the tournament as well, but was first flatly rejected by Richards, and then by Jack Evans, who was to replace Richards. Writing Roderick Strong off as a pariah, Excalibur gave Dino Winwood control of the team, and in what turned out to be a brilliant strategic move, Winwood brought in PAC to team with Roderick Strong.

PAC & Strong were a true dark horse team if there ever was one. In a tournament filled with experienced tag teams, these two men had barely spoken to one another before, let alone teamed together. But they made the most out of the opportunity, growing as a team over the course of the tournament and most importantly, winning matches, ultimately defeating the Briscoe Brothers in the tournament finals. Then last month at “Roger Dorn Night,” the Havana Pitbulls received a shot at PAC & Strong’s newly won titles, which Excalibur considered to be a “gross oversight.” Remarking that the Pitbulls were defeated by the Briscoes in the DDT4 semi-finals, but the Pitbulls were still first in line for a title shot was “inconceivable,” Excalibur harassed Dino Winwood with a series of off-hour (read: 3AM-6AM) phone calls demanding that the Briscoe Brothers receive their fair shot.

With no love loss between Winwood and the Bricoes, it was a tough decision to make, but ultimately Dino sided with his need to sleep, granting the Bricoes a shot at the title, and to leave no doubt which is the better team, a best 2 out of 3 falls match. This strategy may stop the late night phone calls for now, but will it be any better if the late night harassing is replaced with gloating?

Unsanctioned Street Fight For Scorpio Sky’s Reinstatement:  Joey Ryan vs. Scorpio Sky

– We must, yet again, return to the past, this time at “Roger Dorn Night,” where the rivalry between Joey Ryan and Scorpio Sky came to ahead. In the months since Scorpio Sky’s banishment from PWG, Joey Ryan has done many things to help fill the void left by Sky in The Dynasty. First, he trotted out a fake Scorpio Sky, not even attempting to fool the fans or management that this was the same man who was an integral part of The Dynasty’s roster, hoping just to capitalize on the name. Then, he brought Karl Anderson into the fold, stating privately that Anderson was better than Sky could ever wish to be, though it is unclear if that is in the wrestling or friendship department. Each move only served to anger Sky further, until finally he was pushed past his breaking point and, posing as a fan, attacked Joey Ryan. This is when PWG Commissioner Dino Winwood intervened, saying that he wished he could let his friend Sky back into PWG, but rules are rules, and Sky was out.

Unless, that is, Scorpio Sky were to defeat a former PWG Champion at a PWG event, then consideration could be given to Sky’s reinstatement since he has proven himself a worthy competitor to a man that formerly held PWG’s highest individual title. But if he isn’t allowed to compete on PWG shows, how could this happen? What if at a PWG show, during “intermission,” a fight were to break out, and a PWG referee, on his way to the restroom, were to witness the fight and declare a winner, but it wouldn’t actually count as a match, since it happened during “intermission?” Then Scorpio Sky could face Joey Ryan during a PWG event, get a shot at reinstatement, and prove himself a worthy competitor to a man who formerly held PWG’s highest individual title.

When reached for comment, Joey Ryan had nothing to stay, instead referring to Commissioner of Food & Beverage Excalibur’s comments; “How can an unofficial match have bearing on the decision of a governing body in this promotion? It’s ludicrous! Dino Winwood is drunk with power! Though if such a “fight” were to happen, I would hate to see what The Dynasty would do to a “fan” who laid his hands on Joey Ryan. Strike that, I would love to see what happens. But make sure Sky signs a waiver first.”

The Butcher Is Back! Non-Unsanctioned Street Fight:  “Mr. Wrestling” Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher

– What happens if you speak out against PWG management in public? You are asked politely not to. What happens if you continue to do so? Kevin Steen is about to find out. If we were to look into the past, well before PWG was created, to the days of medieval Europe, and imagine PWG as a fiefdom, and Kevin Steen as a vassal, the solution to this problem would be simple. Kevin Steen would be stuffed into a wooden barrel and rolled down a hill. On fire. The barrel, not him. But times have changed, and the ruling class is much more civil that they were in those times. That is why both Excalibur and Dino Winwood agreed that if Kevin Steen were to be taught a lesson, the Commissioners were not the men to do it. Hence, the PWG return of Necro Butcher, who may not bring any flaming barrels with him (they’re against TSA regulations), but he will be bringing plenty of fight directly to “Mr. Wrestling.”

Another “Giant-Size” Return!:  Austin Aries vs. Rocky “Azucar” Romero

– When Austin Aries last appeared in PWG, it was in the second round of the 2006 Battle of Los Angeles, making it further than half of the people entered, where he was derailed by eventual tournament winner Davey Richards. This is why when the newly liberated star asked PWG management for a chance to prove he hasn’t lost a step since the last time he appeared in PWG, the management was more than oblige. Though as always seems to be the case in PWG, it won’t be easy for Aries, because standing across the ring will be Rocky Romero, who by all accounts is still bitter about not being one half of the PWG World Tag Team Champions. It’s a tough road ahead of Austin Aries, but from this point on his successes and failures depend more on his ability to win matches than anything else.

Third PWG Return Match!:  Fergal Devitt vs. Davey Richards

– Since making his PWG debut in 2005, Davey Richards has seen quite a few people come and go while he has been able to stick around, but one face he never thought he’d see again was Fergal Devitt’s. Devitt appeared in PWG only once in early 2006, and was on the losing side of a six-man match, but since then his career has taken an upswing. In Japan, where he is known as Prince Devitt, Fergal joined the New Japan dojo, he worked his way up the ladder to earn a spot in the 2007 Best of the Super Junior tournament. Unfortunately for him, his tournament was cut short by injury, but now that he is healed, Devitt is looking for a way to prove himself yet again. And what better way than to defeat the man who won the 2006 Battle of Los Angeles in single competition? Devitt may have hopes of impressing his teachers at the dojo with a victory in PWG, but Davey Richards wants to have momentum going into the 2007 Battle of Los Angeles, and if that means breaking Devitt’s other knee, then that’s exactly what he’ll do.

Human Tornado (w/ Candice LeRae) vs. Tony Kozina

– Last month at “Roger Dorn Night,” Tony Kozina made his return to PWG after an extended tour of the Southeast United States, and though he was defeated, he turned a lot of heads with the lengths he was willing to go to win. That dedication to winning ended up costing Kozina the match, and very nearly ended his career, but it did earn him an invitation back to PWG. And after all, that’s what is important in life, not full usage of all of your limbs. Another person who also very nearly ended up in a wheelchair at “Roger Dorn Night” was Candice LeRae. Finally seeming to take steps toward freeing herself from Human Tornado, Candice underestimated the resilience of Tornado, and unfortunately for her, was forced to pay the price. Now that Tornado has once again restored order to his stable, he has turned his focus back to the ring, where Tony Kozina is waiting. Waiting not only for Human Tornado, but waiting to beat him in a way that will make Tony Kozina’s stock skyrocket in PWG.

The Dynasty (Karl “Machine Gun” Anderson, “Photogenic” Chris Bosh, & “The Professional” Scott Lost) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt “Mr. Instant Replay” Jackson & “Slick” Nick Jackson) & TJ Perkins

– After very nearly missing their match at “Roger Dorn Night” due to flight delays, Chris Bosh and Scott Lost very nearly lost their pride as well at the hands of The Young Bucks. The debuting brothers turned a lot of heads with their agility and will to win, but at the end of the day, it seemed like Arrogance’s experience is what gave them the win. This time, the Bucks have joined forces with “The Youngest Old Timer In Wrestling” TJ Perkins, who despite being only a year or so older than the brothers, he has roughly five more years of experience than they do. Will Perkins be able to unite the brothers and work together like a well oiled machine, or will the unified front of Arrogance and the “Machine Gun” prove to be too much for the youngsters?

Plus Ronin, Top Gun Talwar, PWG Commissioner of Food & Beverage Excalibur, Commissioner of Wrestling Dino Winwood, and more!

Also on July 29, 2007 at “Giant-Size Annual #4,” it will be your first opportunity to buy tickets for the 2007 Battle of Los Angeles! Seating and price information will be announced soon.

Pro Wrestling Guerrilla’s “Giant-Size Annual #4” takes place at the Burbank Armory on Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 5:00PM. The Burbank Armory is located at 3800 W. Valhalla Dr., Burbank, CA, 91505. General Admission tickets are $20 and will be available at the door. For more information, please visit http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com. Card subject to change.

Sunday July 29, 2007

Burbank Armory (3800 W. Valhalla Dr., Burbank, CA, 91505)

5:00pm

Giant Sized Annual #4 – Fourth Anniversary Show

1.       PWG World Championship Match:  El Generico vs.  Bryan Danielson

2.       PWG World Tag Team Championship Match – Best 2 out of 3 Falls: .PAC & Roderick Strong vs. The Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark Briscoe)

3.       Unsanctioned Street Fight For Scorpio Sky’s Reinstatement:  Joey Ryan vs. Scorpio Sky

4.       Non-Unsanctioned Street Fight:  . Kevin Steen vs. Necro Butcher

5.       Fergal Devitt vs. Davey Richards

6.       Austin Aries vs. Rocky “Azucar” Romero

7.       Human Tornado vs. Tony Kozina

8.       The Dynasty (Karl Anderson, Chris Bosh, & Scott Lost) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt “Mr. Instant Replay” Jackson & “Slick” Nick Jackson) & TJ Perkins

Plus Ronin, Top Gun Talwar, PWG Commissioner of Food & Beverage Excalibur, Commissioner of Wrestling Dino Winwood, and more!

Friday August 31, 2007

2007 Battle of Los Angeles – Night One

Saturday September 1, 2007

2007 Battle of Los Angeles – Night Two

Sunday September 2, 2007

2007 Battle of Los Angeles – Night Three

24 2007 BOLA Participants

1.       Joey Ryan

2.       Doug Williams

3.       Susumu Yokosuka

4.       Dragon Kid

5.       “Photogenic” Chris Bosh

6.       Davey Richards

7.       Jimmy Rave

8.       Chris Hero

9.       Human Tornado

10.    Jack Evans

11.    Tyler Black

12.    El Generico

13.    Pac

14.    Roderick Strong

15.    Matt Sydal

16.    Scott Lost

17.    Claudio Castagnoli

18.    SHINGO

19.    Kevin Steen

20.    Bryan Danielson

21.    Super Dragon

22.    Rocky Romero

23.    Nigel McGuinness

24.    CIMA

*** *** ***

FIP (Full Impact Pro – http://www.fullimpactpro.com)

Friday, August 18th, 2007

National Guard Armory (8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River, FL)

8:00pm

Upcoming FIP shows

August 19 – Arcadia, FL

September 28 – Inverness, FL

September 29 – Crystal River, FL

November 16 – Crystal River, FL

November 17 – Arcadia, FL

December 7 – Melbourne, FL

December 8 – Crystal River, FL

*** *** ***

CZW (Combat Zone Wrestling – www.czwrestling.com)

Saturday July 14, 2007

New Alhambra Sports & Entertainment Center (7 Ritner Street Philadelphia, PA)

8:00pm

Best of the Best VII – Leave It All….In The Ring

1.       Necro Butcher, Toby Klein and Danny Havoc vs. Mitch Ryder, DJ Hyde and Brain Damage

2.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  “The Black Jesus” Sabian vs. Jigsaw

3.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  “New Age Punisher” B-Boy vs. Cheech

4.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  Chuck Taylor vs. Ricochet

5.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  Brandon Thomaselli vs. Vito Thomaselli

6.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  “The Pyscho Shooter” Drake Younger vs. Maven’s choice

7.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  Ruckus vs. The Human Tornado

8.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  Sal Thomaselli vs. Maven’s choice

9.       Best of the Best VII – First Round Match:  Scotty Vortekz vs. Cloudy

10.    Best of the Best VII – Four Way Elimination – Semi-Final Match: 

11.    Best of the Best VII – Four Way Elimination – Semi-Final Match: 

12.    Best of the Best VII – Finals: 

Already signed:  Team Andrew, C.J. O’Doyle, Jon Dahmer and much more!

Upcoming CZW Shows

August 11, 2007

September 8, 2007

October 13, 2007

November 10, 2007

December 8, 2007

*** *** ***

JAPW (Jersey All Pro Wrestling – www.japw.net)

Saturday July 21, 2007

St. Joseph‘s School Gymnasium (865 Roosevelt Ave Carteret, NJ)

7:30 pm

ULTIMATE RUMBLE II

1.       2007 JAPW Ultimate Rumble Match:  Monsta Mac, The Grim Reefer, Danny Demanto, Archadia, Deranged, Bandido Jr.

2.       JAPW Championship:  Low Ki vs. winner of the Ultimate Rumble

3.       Gail Kim vs. Alicia

4.       NJ State Championship Match: The Grim Reefer vs. TBA

Also signed; Style and Finesse (Donovan & Vegas), Mo Sexton

*** *** ***

IWA-MS (IWA Mid South – www.iwamidsouthwrestling.com)

Saturday July 21, 2007

Hartman Rec Center (511 Collins Street Joliet, IL)

8pm

Saturday July 28, 2007

Don Preston Rec Center (14500 Kostner Avenue Midlothian, IL)

7:30pm

Saturday August 4, 2007

Capital Sports Center (1915 Gladden Road Plainfield, IN)

8pm

1.       Anything goes, fans bring the weapons:  Ian Rotten, Corporal Robinson & Drake Younger vs. Insane Lane, Freak  Show & Tank

Sunday August 19, 2007

The Venue (800 Lexington Ave. San Antonio, TX)

1.       Low Ki & Hotstuff Hernandez vs. Necro Butcher & Masada

2.       Mickie Knuckles vs. Jazz

Saturday September 8, 2007

Capital Sports Center (1915 Gladden Road Plainfield, IN)

8pm

Kings of Extreme

Friday September 28, 2007

Don Preston Rec Center (14500 Kostner Avenue Midlothian, IL)

Ted Petty Invitational 2007 – Night One

1.       2007 TPI – Round One:  Samoa Joe vs. Low Ki

24 Participants: 

1.       Chris Hero

2.       Mike Quackenbush

3.       Claudio Castagnoli

4.       Matt Sydal

5.       Davey Richards

6.       Alex Shelley

7.       Low Ki

8.       Samoa Joe

9.       Eddie Kingston

10.    BJ Whitmer

11.    Nigel McGuinness

12.    Joey Ryan

13.    Drake Younger

14.    Billy Roc

15.    Human Tornado

Saturday September 29, 2007

Don Preston Rec Center (14500 Kostner Avenue Midlothian, IL)

Ted Petty Invitational 2007 – Night Two

*** *** ***

IWC (International Wrestling Cartel – www.IWCwrestling.com)

Saturday July 7, 2007

Court Time Sports Cener (95 Enterprise St., Elizabeth, PA 15037)

7:30pm

Summer Sizzler 4

1.       Samoa Joe vs. Raymond Rowe

2.       IWC World Heavyweight Title Match:  Dennis Gregory vs. Ricky Reyes

3.       Babyface Fire (Shiima Xion & Jason Gory) vs. Ernie Osirus & Alex SUGARFOOT~! Payne

4.       No Rules Match:  Jon Bolen vs. Brent Albright

5.       IWC Super Indy Championship Match:  “Sweet N Sour” Larry Sweeney vs. “Fabulous” John McChesney

6.       IWC World Tag Team Titles:  Michael “The Bomber” Facade & Johnny Gargano vs. Mickey & Marshall Gambino

7.       Jason Gory vs. Troy Lords

8.       Sexual Harassment (“The Aerial Icon” Justin Idol & “The Sexual Icon” Eric Xtasy )vs. Hollywood Balds (Vendetta & “DeeeeeLicious” Jimmy DeMarco)

Saturday July 21, 2007

Ellsworth Ballfied (Ellsworth, PA 15331)

6:00pm

Basebrawl 2007

Already signed: Abyss, Eric Young

*** *** ***

CHIKARA (Chikara Pro Wrestling – www.chikarapro.com)

Saturday July 21, 2007

Knights of Columbus Hall (279 Quinnipiac St.  Wallingford, CT)

Showdown in CrisisLand!

1.       NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament – Quarter Final:  Claudio Castagnoli vs. Sicodelico, Jr.

2.       Lince Dorado vs. Chris Hero

3.       The Colony (Soldier Ant, Fire Ant & Worker Ant) vs. The Kings Of Wrestling (Icarus, Gran Akuma, Maxime Boyer)

4.       Los Ice Creams (El Hijo del Ice Cream & Ice Cream, Jr.) vs. The Olsen Twins

5.       Eddie Kingston vs. Tim Donst

6.       Cheech & Cloudy & Hallowicked vs. The Order Of The Neo-Solar Temple (UltraMantis Black & the man monster Hydra & Crossbones)

Sunday August 5, 2007

New Alhambra Sports & Entertainment Center (7 Ritner Street Philadelphia, PA)

4pm

Maximum Overdraft

1.       F.I.S.T (Gran Akuma & Icarus) vs. The Briscoe Brothers (Jay & Mark)

2.       NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title Match:  Mike Quackenbush vs. TBA

3.       Best 2 out of 3 falls:  Sara Del Ray vs. Daizee Haze

Friday August 17, 2007

Riverside Beneficial Assoc. (1742 Pear Street Reading, PA)

Here Come the International Invaders: 1st Stage – Attack of the Phantom Sith

Saturday August 18th, 2007

American Legion Hall (935 Main St. Hellertown, PA)

Here Come the International Invaders: 2nd Stage – Revenge of the Clone Menace

*** *** ***

UWA Hardcore (UWA Hardcore Pro Wrestling – www.uwahardcorewrestling.com)

*** *** ***

SHIMMER (SHIMMER Women Athletes – www.shimmerwrestling.com)

Saturday, October 13th, 2007

Eagles Club (6309 26th Street Berwyn, IL)

4pm

*** *** ***

UWF (United Wrestling Federation – www.uwfusa.com)

THE ORIGINAL ROCK AND ROLL EXPRESS CONFIRMED TO COMPETE IN THE UPCOMING UWF “ROCK AND ROLL EXPRESS” TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

July 2, 2007

The United Wrestling Federation announced today that the original Rock and Roll Express, Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, have accepted an invitation to compete in the tag team championship that honors the legacy of their glory years.  “We are pleased to have the Rock and Roll Express in this exciting weekend of action”, stated UWF president Hermie Sadler.  “They will bring a lot of tradition in the Mid Atlantic area to the shows, and they should end up in some very interesting matches against teams they have never faced.”

The first round brackets will be announced next Monday on www.uwfusa.com.

Teams in the touranament:

The Steiner Brother (Rick & Scott <editors note:  I doubt Scott will be wrestling on these shows>)

LAX (Homicide y Hernandez)

Too Cool (Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor)

Team Macktion (Kirby & TJ Mack)

The Naturals (Andy Douglas & Chase Stevens)

Diamonds in the Rough (David Young & Elix Skipper)

The Extreme Horsemen (Steve Corino & CW Anderson)

The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson)

The three day tournament will be held at the following locations:

Thursday, July 19 2007

Rick Hendrick Jeep Chrysler (8333 Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC)

Friday, July 20 2007

NASCAR Sports Grille (1808 21st North Ave. Myrtle Beach, SC)

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Township Auditorium (1703 Taylor Street Columbia, SC)

Friday August 3, 2007

Fayetteville, NC

Saturday August 4, 2007

Jacksonville, NC

Friday September 21, 2007

Capital Punishment II

Richmond, VA

Saturday September 22, 2007

Spotsylvania, VA

*** *** ***

OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling – http://www.ovwrestling.com)

Friday July 6, 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

1.       Non-Sanctioned Lights-Out Match:  Jay Bradley vs. CM Punk

2.       Idol Stevens & Colt BOOM BOOM~! Cabana vs. Michael W. Kruel & Vladimir Kozlov

3.       Divalympics Pie-Eating Contest

4.       Handicap Match:  Paul Burchall vs. Los Locos (Raul & Ramon)

5.       The James Boys (KC & Kassidy James) vs. TBA

6.       $2,500 Bodyslam Challenge:  Antoni Polaski vs. Chet The Jett

Friday July 13 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

Special Guest: Cryme Tyme

Friday July 20 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

Special Guest:  Jerry Lawler

Friday July 27 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

Special Guest:  John Cena

Friday August 3 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

Special Guest:  Finlay

Friday August 10 2007

Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom

Special Guest:  Matt & Jeff Hardy

*** *** ***

Dragon Gate WrestleJam lineups (courdsey of Jae at http://dgusa.puroresufan.com/)

Sunday July 15, 2007

Hakata Star Lanes (Fukuoka, Japan)

1.       Gamma, Genki Horiguchi, Jimmy Rave vs. Masaaki Mochizuki, Lupin Matsutani, Jorge Rivera

2.       Dragon Gate vs. Sekai Senbatsu Special Single Match: Taku Iwasa vs. Austin Aries

3.       SHINGO, YAMATO, BxB Hulk, El Generico vs. CIMA, Susumu Yokosuka, Dragon Kid, PAC

Monday July 16, 2007

Takamatsu Symbol Tower 1st Floor Hall (Kagawa, Japan)

1.       SHINGO, YAMATO, BxB Hulk vs. Masaaki Mochizuki, Yasushi Kanda, Austin Aries

2.       Open the Brave Gate & PWG Double Title Match: Genki Horiguchi vs. El Generico

3.       Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, Gamma, Muscle Gang vs. CIMA, Ryo Saito, Susumu Yokosuka, PAC

Wednesday July 18, 2007

Yokohama Red Brick (Kanagawa, Japan)

1.       Genki Horiguchi, Gamma, Jimmy Rave vs. Susumu Yokosuka, Dragon Kid, PAC

2.       Dragon Gate vs. Sekai Senbatsu: CIMA vs. El Generico

3.       SHINGO, Cyber Kong, BxB Hulk, Jack Evans vs. Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, Muscle Gang, Dr. Muscle

Thursday July 19, 2007

Korakuen Hall (Tokyo, Japan)

1.       BxB Hulk, Delirous vs. Ryo Saito, PAC

2.       Dragon Gate vs. Sekai Senbatsu: SHINGO vs. Austin Aries

3.       JAM CUP 2007 Naniwa-shiki Elimination 3 Way 8 Man Tag Match:  CIMA, Dragon Kid, Susumu Yokosuka, Matt Sydal vs. Naruki Doi, Masato Yoshino, Muscle Gang, Jimmy Rave vs. YAMATO, Cyber Kong, Jack Evans, El Generico

Saturday July 21, 2007

Gifu Chamber of Commerce (Gifu, Japan)

1.       Challenge Match: Akira Tozawa vs. Jorge Rivera

2.       Dragon Gate vs. Sekai Senbatsu: Masaaki Mochizuki vs. Jimmy Rave

3.       SHINGO, BxB Hulk, El Generico, Delirous vs.Ryo Saito, Dragon Kid, Matt Sydal, PAC

Sunday July 22, 2007

Kobe Sambo Hall (Hyogo, Japan)

1.       Akira Tozawa, Taku Iwasa, Keni’chiro Arai vs. YAMATO, Jack Evans, El Generico

2.       Dragon Gate vs. Sekai Senbatsu: Yasushi Kanda vs. Jorge Rivera

3.       Masato Yoshino, Gamma, Jimmy Rave vs. Ryo Saito, Dragon Kid, Anthony W. Mori

*** *** ***
Dr. Keith Lipinski

Host Of The Dr. Keith Lipinski Show http://www.f4wonline.com
Head Of Talent Scouting – Wrestling Society X http://WSX.MTV.COM
MySpace http://www.myspace.com/vivalipinski