Racism and Friendship From My Personal View

(You're stlll at the right place for Women's fitness information. But once and awhile, it's good to shake up the routine. )

I created this "vlog" (video-blog) to deal with and talk about a problem I've had with certain friends.

Perhaps you've had the same problem where some of your, in my case, friends who are White (or the reverse or generally interracial) don't give you proper "consideration" in your friendship, where consideration is a kind of contract that all friendships have -- a contract of basic expectations of treatment.

In other words, while you call them, they don't call you, or if you are dealing with someone who's racist, they tell you that you "see racism" rather than coming to your aide.

Or they are your friends as long as they're able to take advantage of you or get information from you, but when they get around their friends, you suddenly don't exist.

I'd like to know your response to my video and your view.

Thanks.

Amanda Dunbar's Sister Alledgedly Killed By Husband, Darnell Patrick Lauture

Darnell Patrick Lauture Alledgedly Killed Amanda Dunbar's Sister Stacey Lauture, His Wife

I got an email from my friend, IFBB pro female bodybuilder Amanda Dunbar. I've gotten a lot of emails from Amanda over the many years, but this one is the first to totally shock him and it hits me, too. This is what she wrote:

I'm not sure if anyone has heard about this yet, but my sister, 21 year old, Stacey Lauture, was murdered by her husband, Darnell Lauture on Tuesday early evening.

She was beaten, then shot in the head, while her 2 year old beautiful angel, Amiyah, watched. Darnell then took off with Amiyah, and drove from their home in GA to his parents house in Cape Coral, Florida. It hhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifas been 4 days since Amiyah has spoken to or seen anyone in her family and she needs to be returned. She is in protective foster care and I am fearful of her mental well-being at this point.

The poor child is only 2. Please, if you see Darnell or have seen him, contact the police immediately. He is an ex-truck driver and "I suspect" he is hitch-hiking on the interstate. Taking showers, eating, sleeping at truck stops. He was in South Florida the last thing we knew, but could be ANYWHERE by now. He has under $1000 on him with no credit available. He was driving my sisters blue, 2004, 4-door Hyundai sonata. We have to catch this killer. He is armed and dangerous. Please.... if you know anything or have seen him, contact the police immediately.

According to this Times Herald article, ..

Police have begun a several state manhunt for 24-year-old Darnell Patrick Lauture who is wanted in connection with the shooting death of his wife, 21-year-old Stacey Lauture, according to local authorities.

The incident happened overnight Tuesday at Stacey Lauture’s townhouse in Lakeside Apartments, located at 3405 Lakeside Way in Newnan, according to Major James Yarbrough of the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office.

Stacey and Darnell Lauture were in the process of a divorce, and police had been called to the residence in the past to investigate domestic issues.


From what members of the sheriff’s office have gathered, Stacey was last seen alive around noon on Tuesday. Sometime after that, Darnell Lauture allegedly shot her once, fatally wounding her, according to Yarbrough.

This is shocking. I'm sending this email to every news media person I know, please pass this blog post on and write about it, too if you're a blogger.

I will give periodic updates here and at our main blog, Zennie's Zeitgeist.

Thanks,

Aleesha Young Flexes In Dress At NPC Jr. Nationals

102_0383, originally uploaded by petechons.

Petechons, whoever that is, features rising star fbb Aleesha Young at the 2008 NPC Nationals flexing her bicep in a killer dress. With her almost perfect combination of approachable beauty, and strong woman sexiness, Aleesha Young's becoming a regular here and around the FBB Fan Community.

The video below is from HDPhysiques and shows Aleesha's incredibly cut and buffed figure in a smoking bikini. And of course we have that great smile.

Heather Bayer Shows Super Biceps and Legs at www.ftvideo.com

Heather Bayer at www.ftvideo.com, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Heather Bayer is not just one of my favorite top female bodybuilders, she's one of my favorite people, too. Photoged by GeneX, Heather took the middleweight competition in the 2008 Junior Nationals, and has done very well in every contest she's been in, and it's only a matter of time before she gets her pro-card. Plus, as I explained up top, she's a nice person.

The only problem is that Heather's not yet done a movie or commercial. It's mind-numbing to think that someone with her presence has not been promoted or discovered for the movies or even a video show. Get thee an agent!

Here's a video introduction by Heather herself.

Heather Bayer - this girl has muscles

Kira Neuman's Abs, Breats And Biceps Stand Out

Kira Neuman, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Here's another awesome photo of Kira Neuman by our favorite shutterbug, GeneX. Here's Newman shows the great cut and sexy body she's becoming an FBB star for. And that smile! Oh, and the hat? Frank Sinatra would be proud.

Amber Lee Ettinger As Obama Girl v. Collete Nelson as "The McCain She-Hulk"

Collette Nelson God Bless America, originally uploaded by Natureboi.

This is a totally funny movie video by Barely Political and shows both Amber Lee Ettinger as Obama Girl and IFBB Pro Female Bodybuilder Collete Nelson as "The McCain She-Hulk".

To see what Amber Lee Ettinger looks like, click here.

Nikki Fuller at nikkifuller.com Shows Super Woman Pose

nikkifuller.com, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Nikki Fuller clip39
Uploaded by strong51

Nikki Fuller is one of the few fbb pros that has a Wikipedia listing. She's a well-known female bodybuilder and actress.

Terra Walther Double Biceps In Costume For Trick or Treat

Terra Walther, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Terra Walther is dressed for the party on Halloween, and decides to show her muscles. She no slouch at all. Terra Walther was a star track and field athlete in Ashland. While not a competing fbb, she could be one. But the photo just shows us how common and popular being a strong woman has become.

Kira Neuman At 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals - GeneX

Kira Neuman, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

GeneX does his commonly masterful work of capturing the best beauty in a female bodybuilder. In this case, it's Kira Neuman, who was the 2007 college champ and this year was in the 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals.

Kira Neuman is profiled by "Modelobserver" -- I'll be they were -- here:

Kira Neuman: No problem, it's my pleasure! Thank you! I would define myself as a very outgoing, energetic, funny person. I am very outgoing and personable.

* How was it like growing up in Greenwood, Indiana?

Kira Neuman: Growing up in Greenwood Indiana was definitely great. I don't think I would have rather grown up anywhere else. Well maybe somewhere warmer in the winter!!! I have three brothers so that was an experience in and of itself! I was always a tomboy and got into sports at a very young age.

* How did you first get started into bodybuilding? Did you have a role model that influenced you to get into bodybuilding?

Kira Neuman: I went to Ball State University for four years and in my third year there I attended an amateur bodybuilding show they put on. I saw it, was interested and went for it the next year. I was hooked ever since! My biggest role model who has influenced me to get into bodybuilding has been my father. He used to compete and has always been my number one fan.

* Throughout your life you were so active in sports: participating in gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, softball and even tennis. How is bodybuilding different from other sports?
Kira Neuman Gallery
Pohotographer: Gene X Hwang - GeneX Magazine.



Kira Neuman: Bodybuilding is so different from any sport I have ever played. I was always very athletic and participated in sports year round, but I didn't have to diet!! With bodybuilding I learned very quickly how much of a commitment the sport really is. It is a lifestyle and it has taught me a lot of discipline. So I think the biggest difference is the serious dedication and discipline the sport requires in order to be successful!

* You are the winner of 2007 NPC Teen & Collegiate National Championships! How do you feel as the 2007 Collegiate Bodybuilding National Champion? Was it easy for you to win the contest?

Kira Neuman: Winning the 2007 NPC Collegiate Nationals was awesome! It's a pretty cool title to have and I am very proud! I don't think it's really ever easy to win a contest because of all the hard work that goes into the contest prep. It is a very rewarding feeling to win something that I worked so hard for!

* How do you manage the muscle building process so well? Do you set timeline and specific tasks such as desired weight, level of body fat and measurements, or you just train your muscles as hard as you can?

Kira Neuman: I am someone who is not concerned with numbers. So, I don't pay close attention to what the scale says because I don't want to overstress or become obsessed with it. I train hard every day and I just try to make improvements on my lifts and in my physique and I don't limit myself to a certain timeline. I just do my best and whatever I end up with in the end is what I end up with! I just have to rock it no matter what!

* Bodybuilders are judged on the overall quality of their muscular development. Judging is based upon the presentation of: Muscles Mass, Definition, Proportion, Symmetry and Stage Presence. How ready is your body in each field? Where do you plan to improve?

Kira Neuman: I feel confident in saying that I my stage presence, symmetry and proportion are all on point. I definitely feel that there is always a need for improvement so the one thing I really want to work on this year is my conditioning which will in turn improve my definition. I also want to add a little more muscle to my entire physique.

* What weight lifting equipment is best for you and which weight lifting program do you use?

Kira Neuman: I love a combination of both free weights and machines. Using both gives me the best results and allows me to vary my workouts. I also use a combination of powerlifting training and low weight, high repetition training. For me, the most important thing is that I change my routine regularly!

* How did you find your bodybuilding diet that helps you to gain muscle mass fast?

Kira Neuman: My trainer, Jon Pedigo, has been a huge help with my contest diet and my offseason diet. He has guided me through my training and given me some great advice which has helped me make a lot of improvements!

Amber Defrancesco Flexes Thighs at 2008 NPC Jr. Nationals

Amber Defrancesco, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Amber Defrancesco was the overall winner of the 2008 NPC Nationals., In this video she flexes her hard and sexy thighs. Amber has placed first in every contest she's been in:

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest1st2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2008 NPC Junior National Bodybuilding, Fitness & Figure Championships - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

2007 NPC Pittsburgh Bodybuilding, Fitness And Figure Contest - 1st

Annie Rivieccio's One Pound Burger At the NPC Junior Nationals

Annie's one pound burger, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

You can't do a lift and carry like Annie Rivieccio's lift and carry without an incredible level of energy. To get that power, Annie Rivieccio lifts weights and hamburgers, like this one pounder. Come to think of it, it looks pretty good to me.

Aleesha Young Flexes Sexy Muscles In Wow Photo

Aleesha Young, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Here's another wower of an Aleesha Young photo by GeneX.

This one shows the FBB up-and-comer in a cowgirl halter top and blue jeans, flexing. With that smile and page-style hairdo, Aleesha Young presents the best combination of "girl-next-door" approachability, arresting beauty, and super-muscular / sexy female muscle one can see today. It's no wonder folks are going litterally nuts over her.

Lisa Aranda Female Bodybuilder Flexes Biceps; Shows Legs

Lisa Aranda, originally uploaded by genexmagazine.

Lisa Aranda
Uploaded by sololoymania

(I hate the music in the video, but that's me.)

Lisa Aranda is one to watch. Her early photos on AMG were cool and athletic, but this country girl's got a bod now! Check out the thigh definition. Here's more about her from AMG:

My Dad always said I was the first at the table & the last to leave, so you can see that I have a long history of appreciating food!!!! I graduated from high school where I played varsity basketball and ran track, lettered in both. I have always loved music, and I love to dance. My husband Jim calls me the dancin' Queen!! Speaking of Jim he's the one who got me into bodybuilding in 1998, just shortly before we were married in June 1999. He had been at it for several years and had done some competing, so he really encouraged me to go for it. But without pushing it on me.Of course I loved it right from the start!!!! I did my first show The World Gym Classis in May 2000 in Columbus OH and placed 2nd by a point. However in October 2000 I won the overall at the Monster Mash show in Cincinnati, OH - that was quite a thrill!! In September 2001 I did the World Gym Classic again, an placed 2nd again - the same girl beat me by a point again!! In November 2001 I won the Columbus Bodybuiilding Championship overall, and Jim and I won the Mixed Pairs as well. I took some time off, and then did my next show in April 2004 in Lakewood OH and placed 3rd. In June 2004 I won the overall at the Mountaineer Cup in Chester W Va. In September 2004 I placed 3rd at the Ohio State Bobybuilding Championship in Columbus OH.

Oh yeah you wanted to know about competing - well I have been athletic all my life, but bodybuilding was new to me so I think it grew on me to the point where I thought let's do a show & see how it feels. If it's fun maybe we'll do more. I have found such positive feedback and support from the fans that it has motivated me to keep going & do more, even when the judging has been frustrating!!!!

A typical day???? well let's see - when the kids are in school I get up at 630 and take Zachary school at 730. then I come home and fix breakfast for Jim and Heidi and Natalee, also myself of course. i take the girls to school at 9 and then I head to the gym. I spend 2 hours at the gym about 5 days a week, I take Thursday and Sunday off. I have a precontest training schedule that I follow pretty religiously when I am preparing for a show; otherwise I might go a little heavier, and just have some fun trying to hit a Personal Best or whatever. I leave and go home for lunch and a shower. I do my housework and stuff before 230 when I go pick up Zachary; I have an hour to kill before I go get the girls at 330. We come home and I get them a snack, and help them with homework. Grocery shopping and other errands are usually done between 430 and 630, then it's time to start thinking about dinner. In bed by 11 most days. when I have to work during the day, I go to the gym after I fix dinner for the family, so that puts me there at about 7 PM and I work out until about 8:30 - 9:00. When I get home the first thing I do is eat!!!! then I can relax a bit with Jim, and see how his day has gone ( he is a lawyer, and one of the owners of his Firm ). I find that you can't always get everything done that you want to, but you establish your priorities and go for it!!!! So every day is a balancing act: children, husband, household needs, training. Somehow it all comes together.

Well. I'm really looking forward to 2005. I haven't yet decided what shows I'll do, it depends on a couple of things. Have to keep my priorities straight. But you're at a show and I'm onstage, I sure hope you'll shout your loudest for me, that will mean a lot to me.