Many fitness enthusiasts tout the phrase, “functional training” but few exemplify the concept better than a Russian self-described professional sumo wrestler who yanked a 200 lb ATM machine off the wall, hoisted it to his shoulder and made off with the equivalent of $850 US.

The sumo guy and his accomplices were described as “rascals”.

Joe Rollino at 103rd birthday party-NYT photo

Famous Coney Island strongman, Joe Rollino died unexpectedly at 104, At that age, not too many people die unexpectedly but Joe was hit by a minivan in Brooklyn and died from his injuries. This confirms what I have already suspected; that minivans are detrimental to your health. To get to 104, Mighty Joe eschewed meat, cigarettes and booze, illustrating that life is full of trade-offs.

At 5′5″ and between 125 and 150 lbs at the height of his career he wasn’t the strongest guy around, but he sure might have been the strongest pound for pound.

RIP, Mighty Joe.

Hat Tip: Mike Covert

Some things have just one function that justifies their existence; an umbrella for instance. Scuba gear is another that comes to mind. Since most of us are weight lifters in one manner or another, we have all run into barbell collars. They have no other apparent use. Sure, you could use the ones pictured above at the dinner table to hold nice linen napkins, but I doubt any of us would actually do that. So are we in agreement that barbell collars have only one function?

Ah, yes, the lone dissenter. There’s always at least one. Read about the Chief of His Tribe in our OC Register fish wrap and first “scooped” by the local Daily Pilot newspaper. (And who says print media is dead)?

Hat tips go to Toby Taylor and Jim Morales for this gem. Since it occurred in my stomping grounds, it should be easy to find out what local gym this idiot belongs to.

My favorite comment comes from “thebig9e”r: “Interesting. I put a ring on my ex wife’s finger and she grew about 5 times her normal size too”. Ouch!

This is the time of the year southern Californians dread; wildfire season. With at least 4 wildfires raging along with triple-digit temperatures and low humidity, this is a very challenging time for the firefighters doing what they do best, but not without big problems, including casualties and injuries.

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I cannot wait for the game between Green Bay and Minnesota. Monday, October 5th on ESPN. Mark your calendar. It is the 4th game of the regular season and in the NFL, a lot can happen. I hope Favre lines up against our new 3-4 defense and they make him regret ever coming out of retirement. He wanted to get back at the Packers and it appears he will get his chance. Bring it!

Steroids? Huh? Never heard of them.

The Belgian Bodybuilding Championships have been cancelled due to doping officials showing up and attempting to force the 20 competitors to inject anabolic steroids into their clean, pure and healthy bodies. Visibly shaken, the competitors, still in their posing trunks, grabbed their gear and all ran out the door, terrified at the thought of putting these bad, bad chemicals into their bodies. The 20 were last seen headed for the French border.

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From bbc.com:

American soldier Spl Taylor Jordan lifts weights in the rain at his platoon’s base in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province.

Hat tip: goheavy.com and Brooks Kubik

Just some tidbits, lying around looking for a place to go. Let’s start with some motivation from the tv program, “Scrubs”, courtesy Justin Lebel.

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Get him some Kettlebells!

Three year old Liam Hoekstra of Roosevelt Park, Michigan is one strong little dude. He has a rare genetic condition called myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy which is characterized by large muscles and low body fat, but the best part is he is very strong and gets to eat whatever he wants-6 times a day! Doctors says there are no negative side effects. Looks like this kid has a major gift.

In the picture he is lifting a pair of 5 lb dumbbells and is also pretty good at cranking out sit-ups and chin-ups with ease.

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Just like the last day of 2007, I finished my 2008 training with a solid heavy lifting workout by hitting personal best lifts, this time in the overhead press, the push press and the push jerk.

Always a nice way to close out the year with a late rally! Read the rest of this entry