Karl:
  Tell your cynical cousin to "get bent".  Stuart Roberts has several
books.  He publishes a monthly called the "Hard Gainer"  He advocates
all natural (no drugs) body building.  Just take it easy, for heaven's
sake.  If you injure yourself - and believe me it is easy to do - you
will be laid up and discouraged.  Go slow and have fun watching yourself
change. P.S. don't get get too cocky :-) but I really like seeing your
new confidence and enthusiasm.
Beverle