Joe Valdez

For those who do not know the face, this is Joe Valdez. The man who took 90% of all the bodybuildings that you will ever see of me. Joe was not only a great inspiration, but was also a Father Figure. And to those were lucky enough to have known him, he is and will always be part of my and your lives. I will be writing more about Joe as time marches on....

New Year's Catch Of The Day

Well for those of you who are wondering what Glen looks like, he's the one on the left. Over the years we've become the best of friends, from trainee to workout partner. I congratulate Glen this New Year for not only losing well over 100 pounds of unwanted walrus meat, and allowing me to be a part of his life.

Thought you all might like to know- my favorite hobby is Fishing. It's not catching the fish- it's just catching the moments of deep thoughts and serenity. DAMMIT! But when they're not BITING, I'll try ANYTHING to catch the Big One! If that means dropping my trousers- well then- ok- whatever bait works!!

A 2009 NEW YEAR QUOTE

Shoot for the moon. Even if you don't get there, you can still become a star. To all you up-and-coming stars, may your New Year shine brightly!

Rory

Hey- I just got a REALLY nice email from a big fan of mine named Nito Gomez. I'd like to share his letter with you guys- and let you see his photos, too. It's awesome to hear from fans that I have touched in a positive way. Thanks again, Nito! Great work- IT SHOWS!

Nito

Nito

Nito

Nito

Hi Rory, Just wanted to say hello and wish you well! I was an unknown "clone" of yours starting in the early '80's (and still am today). I lived in the small town of Salinas, Ca., and had to travel from there to enter shows. I was in my teen years when I began to admire your size, symmetry, posing, knowledge, and personality. I once sent John Zenda a letter asking him to please forward it to you, because I think it had come out in a magazine that you trained in his gym or he managed you, or something like that. Anyhow, here's some pics of when I entered a show in Fresno taking 3rd place in the '84 Mr. Latino USA. I also met a guy named Mark there who said he was trained by you. He's in one of the photos. Do you remember him? He didn't tell me his last name. I was 19 then, and I got 3rd to Mark that day. I got to talk to him and he mentioned some good training advice to me. Just a couple questions: What song did you pose to at the '81 America in Las Vegas? Also, are there any copies of that show floating around anywhere? I saw the '83 Nationals in San Jose and your routine was the best of all time I have ever seen. The standing ovation was the first and only one I have ever seen in the sport, and when I watch it on DVD I still get chills when I see it! That is the one and only greatest posing routine of all time. I imagine your '81 Las Vegas routine was of the same quality, which is why I'd like to see it. I competed up until 2003 and now at 44 my knees can't take the poundages much anymore and leg size will never match my upper body again. I also saw you guest pose in Stockton in '84 for Mitch Renz at his show, and you were phenomenal then, too. Mitch is judging the natural shows now, I saw him a few weeks ago. Anyhow Rory, thanks for all the great years, and hopefully many more to come for you and for us followers of yours! ------Nito Gomez

Naughty or Nice?

BEATS ME!

Gobble Gobble!

I had to use a chain. My turkey weighed 120 pounds! Sorry, folks- there were no leftovers. Don't let the turkey chain YOU down. Looking forward to the New Year to come. I'll be sending you a Christmas picture soon.
With Love,
Rory

BACK To The Future

And this was before Chemical Warfare! Hard work, proper nutrition and knowing how to train. And an eye for symmetry, proportion and aesthestics. That's what you're looking for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone!
Rory

The Modern Hercules!

What do you think? Is this really the Modern Hercules? I had a great time shooting this cover. I was muy popular in Mexico!! I did many seminars/lectures and guest posing there- and the Mexican people were very kind to me. I really like this cover- as you can see I'm SMILING.
I'll be showing you more magazine covers from around the world (that haven't been seen in America) so STAY TUNED!