Check out David Gonzalez’ The Encore shoes at globe.tv. It’s included in the Globe’s Puzzle Series. Also check Globe’s Skate Team in action in their United by Fate series.

Supplements giant General Nutrition Center (GNC), distributor of the popular weight-loss goods Hydroxycut in the Philippines, pulled out the said products after Philippines’ Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) released BFAD Advisory 2009-2005. Hydroxycut, whose main components are composed of hydroxagen and L-Carnitine, are manufactured by Ontario-based Iovate Health Sciences Inc. was pulled out of the market due to reported cases of liver damage. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also ordered product recall last May of 2009 due to the same issue. FDA warned consumers to stop using 14 Hydroxycut products to avoid the health risks—FDA declared that adverse effects are rare but it does exist.

Hydroxycut’s main components are from herbal extracts–Garcinia Cambogia, caffeine and green tea. The drug enhances metabolism, reduced cravings, burns fat and enhances energy. According to FDA’s report, there are 23 cases of reported liver-related deaths over the period of seven years. Iovate Health Sciences Inc. voluntarily recalled the products when FDA ordered it. A summary of frequently asked questions were detailed in a webpage published by manufacturer.

In Philippines, US FDA issued pull out of Hydroxycut products last May 1, 2009 but the link in BFAD’s website became only active recently—they have published it last May 25, 2009 (GMANews.TV). The following products were called from the shelves:

• Hydroxycut Regular Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Rapid Release Caplets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Max Liquid Capsules
• Hydroxycut Regular Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Caffeine-Free Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Hardcore Drink Packets (Ignition Stix)
• Hydroxycut Max Drink Packets
• Hydroxycut Liquid Shots
• Hydroxycut Hardcore RTDs (Ready-to-Drink)
• Hydroxycut Max Aqua Shed
• Hydroxycut 24
• Hydroxycut Carb Control
• Hydroxycut Natural

photo courtesy of lawyersforclients.com

Spain can be defeated and is destructible. This ain’t basketball or baseball, this is Football. The US Football team, who was almost eliminated in the league, defeated the Spaniards 2-0 in Confederations Cup—thanks for the goals by Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey. The upset was the first loss of Spain since November 2006 and Team USA will move to the finals against South Africa or the defending champ Brazil. Altidore was challenged by his Villarreal teammate Joan Capdevila who claimed he was fouled by Altidore. Ikar Casillas’ superb goal keeping skills did not emerge or is it Team’s USA team effort should have the credits?

The US was defeated by shut-out by Brazil, 3-0 and by the Italians, 3-1, but they earned the elimination spot over Italy because of most number of total goals. Their luck started there. In their next game against Brazil or South Africa, Midfielder Michael Bradley miss will the game after getting a red card by a late challenge in the 87th minute—USA’s third ejection of the league.

photo courtesy of Getty Images and yahoo.com

Aside from the newly-remodeled centre court, Wimbledon Open is full of surprises. The Swiss who will try to grab his 15th record-breaking major championship fashioned a good game and a new look. The second seeded Roger Federer defeated the Taiwanese Yen-Hsu Lu in three sets after trailing by a break in the set number one— 7-5, 6-2,6-3. His performance in the centre court is not the talk of the town—his new look perhaps. Federer paraded with British military-inspired tuxedo vest with white and gold lining. Wimbledon 2009 is Federer’s first grass court appearance since his loss to Rafael Nadal 50 weeks ago, in Wimbledon 2008.

Move over Paris Hilton. The hot Russian Maria Sharapova also paraded with her own version of new fashion statement. The 24th seeded Russian beauty showcased her talent and demonstrated how eager she is to be on top again. She defeated the Ukraine native Viktoria Kutuzova in two sets, 7-5, 6-4. Sharapova stumbled two times and told the public the grass was damp and longer than the grasses on the other courts. Sharapova wore a similar white military-inspired coat carrying a classy oversized bag from Nike. The bag has cute and sporty design—it suited her very well.

photo courtesy of yahoo.com and Associated Press

Check Peace Frogs’ Llama T-Shirt, as seen on the hit TV Show The OC. Try to check it out here!