Great Deal on 1GB USB Pen Drive - $22 + S/H

There's a great deal going on now for a USB pen drive made by KingMax. It's 1GB and is running for only $22 (plus shipping) at newegg.com. The drive is tiny, about an inch long and comes with a small key chain and wrist band.

Comparable USB flash drives often cost close to $100 for this size so get it while you can! It was available on another vendor last week for only $20 but they raised the price to $30 before I had a chance to buy it.

This drive works on any computer (PC/Mac) with a USB port and is 2.0 compatible. Just plug it in and the system will detect it. Great for school, work or just about anything. Get it while you can!

KINGMAX 1GB Flash Drive (USB2.0 Portable) - Retail at Newegg.com

If you're looking for a secure USB flash drive check out StealthSurfer. It's has a built in browser and email client, along with Anonymizer and other features so you can safely surf and check your email on public computers without having to worry about wireless eavesdropping or keyloggers.

MLB player Jason Grimsley rolls on hGH source

The Smoking Gun is reporting that MLB player Jason Grimsley turned informant after receiving a controlled delivery for a kit of human growth hormone. He apparently not only turned in the person who sold him the kit, but some players he knew of that used hGH, anabolic steroids and amphetamines.

The report is in the form of an affidavit filed by IRS agent Jeff Novitzky who also headed the BALCO investigation. In it, Grimsley details how he had used steroids, GH and amphetamines throughout his career. He is said to have used Deca Durabolin (nandrolone deconate) for recovery after surgery, the same reason he claims to have used GH on multiple occasions.

Grimsley also discusses how purportedly all major league club houses had pots of coffee for players labeled as "leaded" and "unleaded" with the "leaded" coffee being laced with amphetamines.

In the affidavit he also discusses his use of Clenbuterol and prohormone 1-AD. It is an interesting read to learn how authorities busted him because he was apparently paying for the drugs by check through his own checking account and intercepted his most recent purchase of a growth hormone kit of Serostim. Growth hormone itself is not on the federal list of scheduled anabolic steroids, but it is scheduled in some states as such. However, it is against the law to possess, purchase, or sell it without a prescription and can also be considered an adulterated drug, apparently according to the affidavit. Most amateur bodybuilders don't use growth hormone because of it's high cost and low value as a muscle builder, although it has some benefits as a topical fat loss agent.

Pitcher Spills Steroid, Speed Secrets - June 7, 2006

FTC takes action against Klein Becker again - makers of Leptoprin & Cutting Gel

Klein Becker, et al. has been fined by the FTC $3 million for "making questionable weight-loss and fat-loss claims to peddle skin gels and diet supplements". Klein Becker is run by three individuals, Dennis Gay, Daniel B. Mowrey and Mitchell K. Friedlander, under a variety of different company names. They are well known for selling their bogus supplements such as the infamous "Cutting Gel" which claims to be a topical fat loss product and contains little more than caffeine, and their outrageous overpriced $150 Leptoprin which is compromised of low doses of Guggulsterones, HCA, L-Tyrosine, Aspirin and some other minerals and herbs.

The FTC has obtained a $3 million dollar settlement with sellers who allegedly violated federal law by making questionable weight-loss and fat-loss claims for skin gels and diet supplements. The settlement bars the marketers from making unsubstantiated claims in the future and from misrepresenting studies or endorsements.

This is not the first time the company(s) have come under scrutiny by government agencies. Action has been taken by them in the past by the FTC for make unsubstantiated claims against their supplement line.

On June 15, 2004, the Commission filed the Complaint in this matter, alleging, inter alia,
that Basic Research LLC and other related individuals and companies (collectively, "Respondents") marketed numerous dietary supplements with unsubstantiated claims for fat loss and/or weight loss, and falsely represented that some of these products were clinically proven to be effective, in violation of Sections 5(a) and 12 of the Federal Trade Commission Act ("FTC Act"), 15 U.S.C. §§ 45(a) and (52). The facts pertinent to this Motion for Summary Decision are set forth in the attached Statement of Material Facts as to which There is No Genuine Dispute. Source

Dr. Stephen Barrett of Quackwatch comments:

The case is especially significant because Friedlander is one of the most egregious mail-order health scammers of all time. During the early 1980s, doing business as the Robertson-Taylor Company and at least six other companies, he took in tens of millions of dollars for fraudulent weight-loss aids, hair restorers, sexual stimulants, impotence cures, arthritis remedies, and other vitamin products. [Shearing the suckers. Consumer Reports Feb 1986, pp 87-92] The U.S. Postal service ended these promotions with a series of cease-and-desist orders. http://www.casewatch.org/usps/rt.shtml

Unfortunately, this action is merely a settlement on the part of the company and doesn't mean that they admit to have violated any laws, so their fraudulent advertisements will still be shown on TV and all the other mediums that were used previously. This is extremely common with companies who promote bogus health care and supplement products and does not seem to hinder them in the slightest way. I believe that the television stations who air these ads should take a stand on their own and stop allowing blatantlytently fraudulent ads to be displayed on their channels. Laws should be enacted that allow agencies like the FTC to pursue action against the parties that display these ads as well as for the ads themselves. In situations such as this, it is hard to boycott such companies such as television networks, who determine ratings based on only a certain category of people (i.e.: people who have Nielsen boxes installed in their homes). Perhaps a petition of some kind should be created or letters written to legislative representatives to help further this cause.

Major Weight-Loss Marketers Pay $3 Million

Texas Attorney General Shuts Down Bogus "Gas Pills" Scam

A new scam product making it's way through the channels of MLM was called BioPerformance, a new "gas pill" that claims to increase gas mileage by altering the hydrocarbons of fuel to change the flash point and make it burn more efficiently. This product is sold as pills and powder to be added to an automobiles gas tank during fillups. The claims made by this company about the product are outrageous and fraudulent. I first learned of this product through a posting on a message board by an individual who was a "reseller" or downline for the product and was trying to promote individuals to join in under him. After this, I reported the company to the National Fraud Information Center. Now, just recently, the Attorney General of Texas has filed a lawsuit and brought a restraining order against the company for operating as a pyramid scheme and selling a bogus product using false advertising.

After looking at the claims made by the company I determined that the product is potentially dangerous and can even cause damage to your cars engine and fuel lines, as admitted by the company in their disclaimer, which stated "BioPerformance, Inc. does not guarantee that the product works whatsoever and does not guarantee that you will earn any income whatsoever. BioPerformance, Inc. makes no income or product claims whatsoever."

The claims that were made by the company were completely bogus and meant to sound scientific to fool consumers into believing that the product is capable of doing what it claims to do by relying on a lack of knowledge. The original description of the product read the following:

How do the gas pills work?

The gas pills have the property of modifying the fuel'’s molecular structure and liberating the energy contained within.

* This is achieved by Brownian motion which consists on the molecular movement of the components of the polymeric chains contained in hydrocarbons.

Because the gas pills are a catalyst, they are capable of speeding or retarding a chemical reaction, without breaking down or changing the chemical reaction and producing a transformation which modifies the molecules. The result is the liberation of the total energy contained within.

* The main property of fuels is the heat value, or the quantity of energy that the fuel liberates during combustion.

* The volatility or evaporation of a liquid fuel is determined by the air/vapor ratio that can be achieved at a given temperature. This is the result of the FLASH POINT (the temperature at which the quantity of vapor is enough to form a mixture of air and flammable fuel). Each type of combustible has a different flammable point according to the norm ASTM D92-52 and D93.

* Now, when lowering the flash point temperature, one can obtain a dew point, with more evaporation, achieving an air and fuel mix with a bigger energy saturation. This produces more heat value with less combustible and a better and more complete combustion mix. The effect of the gas pills allows to diminish the combustion point increasing the concrete characteristics of evaporation that all fuels have at normal pressure and temperature. This is why we obtain a flash point at a lower temperature, increasing the amount of burning gases.

* The enzymatic catalyst has countless applications in the food, textile, paper, alcohol, organic, chemical and other industries. Its manufacturing is especially designed for liquid petroleum-based fuels.

* The gas pills have the property of modifying the physical state of these fuels, accelerating the breaking of molecular connections.

Of course, there is no chemical on earth that could do what this company claimed their product could do. And the main ingredient? Naphthalene - an ingredient found in moth balls and lighter fluid. Napthalene, also known as Naphtha, is commonly used as a stain cleaner and the main ingredient in Ronsonol Lighter Fluid. If you have ever had a Zippo lighter, you have probably seen the yellow Ronsonol bottle. Naphthalene is also listed as a possible carcinogen.

The company who sells the product is run out of Irving, Texas - a suburb of Dallas. But, their domain registration lists a P.O. Box. Now on their website, however, they are advising anyone to only contact them by email, and the BBB (see below) has reported that their listed phone number does not work.

Domain Registration Info For:
http://www.mybpbiz.com/

Owner, Billing Contact:
Gustavo Romero / Lowell Mims (ID00219213)
P.O. Box 612503
Dallas, TX 75261
United States
Phone: +1.2147647917
Email: gus@bioperformance.net
Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
e-advisors Inc.
Francisco Borja (ID00045362)
1580 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway
Suite 130
Sunrise, FL 33323
United States
Phone: +1.9548398255
Email: fborja@eadvisors.net

The web page has now changed since the action taken by the Texas AG, but you can see the original page through the Google Cache of the Original BioPerformance Page.

In addition to the dubious claims the company made about the product, the Texas AG states that BioPerformance is simply a pyramid scheme and the ingredients in the product are harmful to humans.

According to the Texas State Attorney General:

The Attorney GeneralÂ’s lawsuit alleges violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act and the promotion of an illegal pyramid scheme, which can result in penalties of $20,000 per violation. The suit requests restitution to consumers who have been financially harmed by the false promises of this operation. These false income promotions include slick Web site come-ons for new sports cars, mansions and exclusive vacations "just for helping Americans save money on gas."

The Attorney General'’s scientific expert also found that the chemical compound used in these pills can be harmful to humans. Short-term exposure to naphthalene by humans via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact can result in anemia and neurological or liver damage.

The company also has a poor record with the BBB who states:

Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to its failure to substantiate or modify advertising claims.

Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record with the Bureau due to failure to respond to a complaint. However the business has resolved most complaints presented to the bureau.

The Bureau has received complaints alleging that the product, BioPerformance Fuel gas pills, does not work as advertised. Complaints also allege non-delivery of product; difficulties in cancelling auto-ship orders; and difficulties getting in touch with the company.

On May 5, 2006, a company representative told the BBB that the company does not have a telephone number for customer service. The company requests that customers write to the company at the address above, and that distributors contact the company through the customer service module of the distributor's Web site.

Advertising Review

On the Web site, and in the "Product Presentation", BioPerformance, Inc., makes claims that the product BioPerformance Fuel provides fuel savings and reduced smoke and gas emissions, among other claims.

On March 15, 2006, and March 29, 2006, the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Dallas sent requests to BioPerformance, Inc., for substantiation of the product claims. The company provided information, including unidentified tests, that did not substantiate the claims. On April 26, 2006, and on May 8, 2006, the BBB sent requests to the company to stop unsubstantiated claims.

On May 10, 2006, the company provided a summary of a test done in Mexico at the company's request at the Vehicular Emissions Laboratory of the DGCENICA, the Head Office of the National Center for Environmental Research and Training of Mexico.

The summary shows that only one vehicle was evaluated, a 1985 Volkwagen with standard transmission. The first evaluation showed the starting measurements. The second evaluation, three months later, showed the measurements after the product was added, with no significant increase of the "yield in fuel". At the request of the company, a third evaluation was done the same day, and according to the summary, showed "a 25% increase in fuel yield".

However, the laboratory states, "... the tests performed are not sufficient to provide results with regards to the performance of the product called Bio Plus Fuel. We recommend performing additional tests by first establishing a statistical plan in order to confirm the product's effectiveness." Among other recommendations, the laboratory recommended testing "at least 50 vehicles, different makes and models, and up to 10 years old, selected at random .."

The information provided by BioPerformance, Inc., does not substantiate the product claims and the company continues to make the product claims.

In addition, the BBB notes that on its Web site, the company states: "In accordance with American Legislation, this product is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency ... "

The BBB asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about this statement. The EPA advised: "An additive by the name of BioPerformance was recently registered. Registration involves providing a chemical description of the additive ... Registration does not involve verification of performance claims made for an additive. You should ask the manufacturer for the data that support any claims of improved fuel economy, etc."

Government Actions

On May 17, 2006, the Texas Attorney General's office filed suit and obtained a temporary restraining order and asset freeze against BioPeformance, Inc. The suit alleges that the company is organized as an illegal pyramid scheme and that the company falsely claims that its product will boost gas mileage and save consumers money. According to the Attorney General's office, tests show the product is mainly napthalene, the chemical found in mothballs, and the product could decrease engine performance. A hearing for a Temporary Injunction is set for May 30, 2006.

For now, BioPerformance is telling its representatives the following:

DO NOT MAKE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS:
1. Will reduce the emission of gasoline or diesel powered vehicles;
2. Improve gasoline efficiency or fuel economy of gasoline or diesel powered vehicles, or
3. Are safe and non-toxic;

[...]

No BioPerformance IBO should be giving interviews to the media. If accosted to the press, simply decline to respond. If they follow after you, decline. If they insist: DECLINE! You may confidently say: "All media inquiries are being answered by Advent Communications which you can reach at 214.378.6280 x1192. Or you may contact Dr. Jolley, President of Advent Communications, at clifton@adventcommunications.com."

Since I originally heard about these fuel saving pills, I have seen several others pop up. This isn't the first time in history though that people have attempted to sell such a product. During the oil crisis in the late 70s, similar bunk products were sold to consumers looking for any way possible to save on gasoline. According to the FTC, the EPA has tested many devices and products that claim to save fuel mileage and "very few" had any benefits.

Watch NBC4 of LA's Report on BioPerformance:

New NIH Report on Vitamin Supplements

A new report on Multivitamins by the NIH suggests that most people who take multivitamins already consume sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals and do not need to supplement with additional amounts of them. They have also suggested that taking vitamins and minerals in excess (beyond the RDA level) can be problematic.

However, the report did point out some positive aspects of vitamin supplementation, specifically that of folic acid.

Dr. Stephen Barrett's newsletter summarized the report in the following manner.

Comprehensive dietary supplement reports issued.

The National Institutes of Health has drafted a
"state-of-the-science" report about whether multivitamin/mineral
supplements (MVMs) and certain single nutrient supplements can
prevent chronic disease. The conclusions expressed by the report's
authors include:

**More than half of American adults take MVMs with the belief that
they will feel better, have greater energy, improve health, and/or
prevent and treat disease.

**Compared with nonusers, supplements takers tend to have a better
diet, less need for supplements, and more risk of exceeding the safe
upper limit (UL) of some nutrients.

**There is insufficient evidence to recommend either for or against
the use of MVMs by the American public to prevent chronic disease.

**Few high-quality studies have addressed whether one or a few
nutrients can prevent chronic disease in American adults, and only a
few such studies have yielded positive results.

**With few exceptions, neither beta-carotene nor vitamin E had
benefits for preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataract, and
age-related macular degeneration. Beta-carotene supplementation
increased lung cancer risk in smokers and persons exposed to asbestos.

**Folic acid alone or combined with vitamin B12 and/or vitamin B6 had
no significant effect on cognitive function.

**Selenium may confer benefit for cancer prevention but not
cardiovascular disease prevention.

**Calcium may prevent bone mineral density loss in postmenopausal
women and may reduce vertebral fractures, but not non-vertebral
fractures. The evidence suggests dose-dependent benefits of vitamin D
with or without calcium for retaining bone mineral density and
preventing hip and other nonvertebral fractures.

**The FDA lacks the resources to collect adequate data and lacks the
legal authority to safely regulate the dosage of individual
ingredients.

**Additional research and a mandatory adverse-event reporting system
are needed for dietary supplements.

The draft statement
http://consensus.nih.gov/2006/MVMDRAFT051706.pdf
was accompanied by a 321-page evidence report.

A final statement is expected in July.

So, what is the solution? In the past, scientists have advised adding certain essential vitamins and minerals to food products, such as folic acid to breakfast cereals and iodine in salt, to solve chronic deficiencies which have been very successful. However, if most people who take multivitamin supplements don't need to be, as the NIH indicates, then what is the solution for those who aren't? Perhaps schools could give out vitamin and mineral supplements with school food programs which are already subsidized. Or possibly enriching more foods is the answer. For now, it is hard to say, but for those of us who already take a multivitamin supplement, we may want to rethink the levels and ingredients of products we take.

CNN.com - Vitamin overload a risk, NIH says - May 18, 2006

Lack of Updates

I just wanted to make a post letting everyone know I haven't forgotten or stopped writing my blog. I've been very busy with other things and so I haven't had a chance to finish some of the articles I've started and I've been having computer issues, so I haven't had access to the site in awhile. However, here are some of my upcoming articles that are in the works or I'm planning on writing.

• Basic Overview of Steroids - Similar to my article on Supplements for Beginners, this will be a primer on steroids for newbies since I see a lot of the same questions posted over and over in the forums.
• Credit Card Reviews - A review of credit card companies and what features they offer, how their customer service is, their rates, and more.
• Free Software Picks - My picks of some of the best free software available.
• Increasing Wireless Network Range - If you have a home wireless network, this will give you some ideas on how to expand your range and get better reception.
• Air Cleaning Product Reviews - A look at air filters and products that clean the air and kill airborne germs
• The Impact of Blogging - How blogging can effect peoples viewpoints and get results you wouldn't expect
• Libido & Sexual Enhancement Supplements - An overview of supplements for sexual enhancement for men and women
• Information on Financial Services and Various other ways to make money online
• Ben Franklin: Our "Open Source" Founding Father
• MUTE Records and their lack of support for US fans
• Teeth Whitening Products Overview - a look at some of the products that whiten your teeth and how they work
• Drug Testing - How drug testing works, the social implications of them and how to beat them
• Insomnia Help - a look at things to help with insomnia
• Working at Home - Can you really work at home? I'll look at some of the options
• Patrick Arnold and his legal woes - The career of Patrick Arnold and his involvement with the BALCO scandal
• Post Cycle Therapy - my recommendations
• HYIPs/Auto-surfs - a look at them from both sides of the spectrum
• Saving on Gas Mileage

And more... I'm also thinking about starting a podcast to be broadcast here where I would talk with people, like gimp, about various topics and have guests and Q&A sessions. If anyone has any feedback or suggestions, let me know.

More news on the elusive Charis Johnson

In my last post regarding the legality of Charis Johnson's new company, StartUp Street, she (or someone pretending to be her) left some comments for me indicating I was out to get her and somehow supporting the auto-surf industry that she herself helped to create.

The next day, a news reporter from her home town of Charlotte, NC was almost run down in Ms. Johnson's brand new Chrysler PT Cruiser trying to interview her about the pending case against her from the SEC and the investigation by the FBI.

Since 12DailyPro was shut down by the SEC, Charis Johnson has been trying to start a new business called Startup Street, and an online "institute" to educate people about the dangers of auto-surfs and HYIPs.

So are these just efforts to make herself look remorseful during the sentencing phase of her upcoming hearing? Or has Ms. Johnson legitimately turned the other cheek and has seen the light. Only time will tell. But, on her blog, she has refuted the claims that there was an another accomplice behind 12 Daily Pro, which ABC4 was hinting at.

You can watch the news stories below. The first is from Charlotte NC's WSOC, and the second is from ABC4.

As I posted in my follow up comments to Charis's inquiry about me and my intentions, I still invite her to be interviewed by me on whatever topic she so chooses. As a member of the Society of Professional Journalists, I have a set of ethics that I follow as a journalist. So, I encourage you to contact me if you're reading this Charis. I have nothing against you and would just like to help you spread your message and intentions, whatever they may be, without any bias or distortions.

Otherwise, stay tuned to Pogue's Blog for the latest news on 12DP, Charis Johnson and anything and everything related to it.