I rarely take a public position/opinion on things I read or hear. It was my father who always told me "believe nothing of what you read and half of what you hear". I always thought this was a good principal to follow especially in this day and age.

Let’s take for example "steroid "use in sports. Baseball and many of it’s players here of recent seem to be spotlighted the most relating to this topic. Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, and who else knows. All superstars in their own right, but tainted now by allegations of steroid use. So we erase all their accomplishments, scorn them in the media (what we read) and listen to so called inside information that confirms these allegations (what we hear). As far as I’m concerned, if they took steroids, then they should be banned from the sport. Drugs used to enhance performance are a testimonial by those using, that they suck unless they do drugs. But right now everyone is pointing fingers and quite frankly as I believe in what my father taught me in fore-mentioned, he also told me there was always two sides to every story, and right now I don’t know what to believe.

There is one sport in this world that does allow for the use of performance enhancing drugs. I have searched and searched but amazingly enough its true! Care to Guess??

This centuries-old blood sport in which two or more specially bred birds are forced to fight has the sole purpose to entertain people. Although it has been banned in many countries, it is still very popular around the globe. According to the Wall Street Journal, The Philippines has five million roosters used for cockfighting. There is even a power chicken feed (introduced by Ralston Purina from its subsidiary Purina Philippines), designed to help the roosters build bigger and stronger muscles for cockfighting. I was as shocked as you!

Thought I would end this weeks offering with some facts about this subject. I need to take my Flintstone vitamin and do a cardio-workout…

Until 2002, Major League Baseball never tested players for steroid use and players were not penalized for steroid use until 2004. Many players have admitted using the steroid, Androstenedione, including former homerun champion, Mark McGuire. Some players have also been accused of using THG - a human growth hormone that works like a steroid, building muscle mass and helping athletes recover from training. Standard drug tests are unable to detect it, but scientists are working to develop a reliable test. In March 2005, the US Government will begin investigating the use of steroids by baseball players. Many are now questioning whether Barry Bonds' homerun record was aided by steroids and other muscle supplements. If Bonds' hit a bunch of dingers, while getting help from an extra dose of illegal Miracle Muscle, should his records still count?

Using steroids and other muscle building concoctions is a major health risk and more kids are now taking these substances to improve their performance in sports. A recent survey by Blue Cross - Blue Shield found that nearly one-million kids

In America are using steroids and other substances to improve their sports performance. There's also been a big increase in the number of girls taking steroids, with up to 7 percent of girls in middle school saying they've taken steroids at least once.

So, what are they? Steroids are basically like fake hormones. Hormones are things that make a guy's voice get deeper and help grow hair on his body. Athletes sometimes take steroids because it can help muscles get bigger and stronger. Steroids usually come in the form of pills, powders, or a liquid that can be injected into the body. "Roids" can make an athlete stronger and faster - but they can't improve athletic skill.

Vosito’s Top Ten Reasons Not to Be a Juice Monkey

If you're using steroids or thinking about it, here's a pretty good list of reasons not to.
1. Gives you zits.
2. Gives you bad breath, which equals no kisses.
3. Makes you go bald sooner, which equals looking like your Dad when your 16.
4. For Girls: it makes you grow a moustache - totally gross!
5. For Girls: it makes your boobies shrink.
6. For Guys: it makes your nuts shrink - do you really need another reason?
7. For Guys: it makes it hurt when you go to the bathroom - again, do you really need another reason?
8. For Guys: it makes you grow breasts - once again, see above.
9. Impotence: that means you can't get an erection.
10. Roid Rage: it makes you get all wacko and violent.

So, the best bet for being a better athlete is to train hard, eat healthy foods and develop good practice habits.

By Vosito