California commission halts TRT exemptions, though existing users still eligible

The California State Athletic Commission has put exemptions for testosterone-replacement therapy on hold until it can update its bylaws with a policy that could make the permission slip difficult to acquire.

CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster today told MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com) that he won’t outright reject fighters who’ve previously received an exemption to use prescribed testosterone in California, but said new applications will be shelved until the regulations are changed.

“I’m not going to say no (to those who previously have been approved), but no new ones will be given out,” he said.

The policy, which was presented during a commission meeting on Monday in Los Angeles, outlaws TRT exemptions except for applicants with “irreversible, structural/organic hypogonadism.” In both the primary and secondary forms of the medical condition, the body fails to produce normal levels of testosterone.

However, the policy draws a line between the physiological changes in the body produced by an “organic” deficiency and “functional” forms that produce none.

Causes of primary and secondary organic testosterone deficiency include genetic, developmental and metabolic abnormalities; deficiencies caused by infections or disease; pituitary disorders; and traumatic brain injuries where the endocrine system is damaged, the policy states.

Functional causes of deficiency include emotional distress, obesity, overtraining, aging and alcohol excess.

“Organic defects are usually long lasting or permanent while functional defects are potentially reversible,” the policy states.

Among MMA fighters, there are at least eight documented users of TRT, one of whom headlines a major UFC pay-per-view this weekend. UFC 161’s Dan Henderson, who’s twice fought in the Golden State, has received an exemption.

Henderson recently advocated for Olympic-style drug testing in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.

The CSAC’s new policy also forbids women from receiving exemptions, except for female-to-male transgender fighters who follow a recently drafted transgender policy that’s also is in the process of being implemented. Earlier this year, the CSAC found itself in new territory with the case of transgender fighter Fallon Fox, who takes hormones as part of a sexual reassignment that took place in 2006.

All applications for TRT therapeutic-use exemptions are required to submit extensive medical documentation supporting their condition as well as undergo additional monitoring of testosterone levels before, during and after competition.

The CSAC has asked the state for an emergency option to be exercised so both the exemption and transgender policies could be implemented as soon as possible, Foster said.

Going for gold

I’ve spent the past six years advising Hodinkee readers to err on the side of reserve and always to choose the subtleties of refinement and the intelligence of design over decoration. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dissuaded them from buying a gold watch in favor of a steel one. But no more. I am declaring – along with a few of my equally idiotic friends – that this summer, the summer of 2014, will be golden!

It’s true. I’ve been buying and wearing more colored gold (yellow or rose) than I’ve ever done in my life. And it began because, well, I’m 31 now and I think that’s a really great age to start going gold.

However, I haven’t been buying your average yellow-gold watch from the corner retailer. I’ve been hunting and choosing vintage chronographs from the likes of Zenith and Universal Genève on eBay for less than £3,000. I bought a very rare Amagnetic Patek Philippe from 1957 (pictured) for less than a steel, quartz-powered ladies’ Patek might cost brand new. I even bought a 14ct yellow-gold Rolex Daytona dating back to 1975, which I have since declared to be the single best looking wristwatch ever made.

A solid gold vintage watch provides an entirely different sensation on the wrist, with its brazed edges and warm, rich patina that dulls the often yellow sheen of new gold. It also expresses an entirely different sentiment to those around you – in particular when they find out how well-priced some vintage gold watches are, in many cases, less than their steel counterparts.

I also believe, as someone who observes the fluctuations of collectible watch markets, that it’s time the prices of vintage gold watches correct and rise to where the rest of the market sits. So now is the time to buy solid gold vintage wristwatches. They look fantastic against tanned skin, offer incredible intrinsic value and often great design heritage, and they’re poised to climb in value. Can you afford not to wear a golden glow this summer?

To-Dos When Starting a Part-Time Business

So you’re not ready to quit your “day job,” but you want to start a business? Many entrepreneurs dip their toes to test the waters by launching their businesses part-time. In some ways, it’s the best of both worlds; you pursue your dream of business ownership while still bringing home a steady paycheck.

Although there are some considerations unique to starting a business part-time, you’ll find other aspects are the same as when starting a company full-time.

For example, you have to take the necessary steps to operate your business legally.

Make sure you can legally use your business name.

Either check your state’s Secretary of State database or do a corporate name search to see if anyone else has registered the name you want. I also advise using CorpNet’s free trademark search tool to see if someone has already filed for a trademark on the name.
Select a business structure.

By default, your business will be considered a sole proprietor unless you file for a different legal structure. Operating as a sole proprietorship offers simplicity, but it does not separate your personal and business finances and liabilities. That means if your business is sued, your personal assets might be in jeopardy.

Should You Buy A Business Or Start One From Scratch?

Hope your New Year is off to a great start! As you’re looking to make 2017 a year of prosperity, have you set your sights on becoming a business owner? If so, you’re probably wondering whether buying an existing business or starting your own company will offer the best chances of success.

Both have their advantages and challenges, so how do you choose? I wish there were an easy answer, but I’m afraid you’ll need to do some research and put some serious thought into your decision. As you explore your options, consider the following pros and cons of starting a business from scratch and buying an established one.

Pros Of Starting From Scratch

• You begin with a squeaky clean slate, establishing and building your brand reputation from Day 1.
• You build your team fresh and new, selecting the right people for the right positions.
• You create your workflows to maximize productivity, without having any inefficient past processes to “fix.”
• You choose and develop the products, services, and packages you’ll offer to your customers.
• You establish your pricing to ensure profitability from the start.
• You choose your business’s legal structure to ensure the degree of liability protection you need and the most favorable tax situation.