LIQUID LOVE

On September 5, professional surfers and surf industry executives will converge at the annual Liquid Nation Ball - a charity fundraiser benefiting social and humanitarian organizations. This years ‘humanitarian of the year’ award will be given to Dr. Dave Jenkins, who founded SurfAid International. SurfAid delivers critical medical aide, malaria relief and prevention programs to the Mentawai people, off the western coast of Sumatra (Indonesia).

If you go the event, you’ll mingle with hot surfers while enjoying live music and bidding on one-of-a-kind-items…last year, the event raised $250,000…this year’s proceeds will be donated to Boarding for Breast Cancer, Keep a Breast, Surfer’s Healing, Jimmy Miller Foundation, AccesSurf Hawaii, Outdoor Outreach, Get a Board Foundation, Ka Keikio Hawaii Foundation, Stoked Mentoring, L.A. Surf Bus, Life Rolls On, Project Wipeout, SurfAid International and Sumba Foundation. For more info and how to buy tickets to this very affordable and worthwhile event, (held in San Diego) please visit: Liquid Nation.

SURFERS HEAL
The reason I mention the Liquid Ball is not solely because its hot surfers raising money for charity, but because a week earlier, I went to the Surfers Healing Camp in San Diego. Surfers Healing is one of the beneficiaries of the Liquid Nations Ball…and they are doing remarkable things with children who suffer from autism.

Surfers Healing was founded by Israel (Izzy above) and Danielle Paskowitz after their 3-year-old son Isiah was diagnosed with autism. The ocean was the only place that seemed to calm Isaiah down, so, being a former competitive surfer, daddy Israel had the idea to paddle out with Isaiah on the front of his surfboard…after a day surfing together, the positive and profound impact on Isaiah was obvious, and Izzy and Danielle decided to share this unique therapy with other autistic children and have been hosting camps at various beaches ever since.

And let me just say, wow. I am not an expert on autism by a long shot, but I am an expert on noticing good-deeds being done by fine men. The Surfers Healing Camp was held in San Diego on August 20. This little event needs much more attention-apparently the one in Malibu is off the hook-but in any case, watching big, tan, strong, surfers hoist little kids onto a surfboard and paddle out to sea is something to be seen.

Most of the kids were beyond excited. Kicking up clumps of sand as they ran by and jumped into the waves while the ‘surfers’ tried to snatch ‘em up and paddle them out. Some kids grabbed surfboards and tried to head out on their own as the surfers scrambled to keep up with them.

Every child at camp was smiling. Every parent at camp was smiling. Every surfer, every random beach-goer who strolled by was smiling. And it wasn’t just because of the sunshine and warm ocean temperatures…we were witnessing the magical healing powers of the ocean combined with massive amounts of love from these surfers and it was, simply put, beautiful.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

GILBERT ARENAS REALITY SHOW
On August 19, Gilbert Arenas called into WJFK’s ‘Big O and Dukes’ show and spoke about the possibility of his own reality show: “Ya know, it’s funny. I got a — you ever seen the show, ‘Rob and Big?’ The producers want to do a reality show on me — the first NBA player to do a reality show. But then I thought about it — I was like, my life is really not that exciting. Ya know, so, I’m thinking about it, because, ya know, I have players like Nick [Young], who’s goofy, so we can do paintball shooting and see who can get hurt on the grotto jumping into the pool…”

And now…thanks to some unscrupulous member of the media…details of Agent Zero’s reality TV show has been leaked on the Internet. I actually don’t have a problem with this because I suspect the show wasn’t really “leaked” but was real-fake-leaked in a clever PR stunt…all six episode summaries below…I, for one, plan on watching the show just to see Gil’s million-dollar pool and the Vasectomy episode.

Season 1 | Episode 1: “The Bed and Breakfast”

Gilbert Arenas is determined to open a quaint Bed and Breakfast called ‘Nacho Pillows,’ except he has no money after installing a million-dollar poolside grotto. So after meeting with his financial consultant (Dominic McGuire in glasses), Gil decides to hold a big ol’ garage sale. Overwhelmed by the amount of miscellaneous junk he has in storage, Gil calls in his good friend Nick Young to help him sort through the mess. They attempt to catch a bullhead shark with BBQ tongs. Hijinx ensue.

Season 1 | Episode 2: “The Birthday”

Gil turns 27 and receives a Terra Wind Amphibious RV from all of his teammates. (Well, except for Pecherov — he opts out of the group gift to buy Gil a previously viewed “Avenging Angelo” DVD.) Darius Songaila tries to organize a secret post-shoot around party for Gil, but Coach Eddie Jordan quickly squashes those plans because they have a game later that night. Furious, Songaila quits the team, flies back to Lithuania, and gets into the hotel management business.

Season 1 | Episode 3: “The Big City”

The Wizards take a bite of the Big Apple when they travel to New York to play the Knicks. After an embarrassing loss to the hometown team, the Wiz try to relax with a dinner at Andray Blatche’s favorite haunt, the macabre Jekyll & Hyde Restaurant. But the good times are shortly interrupted when Brendan Haywood becomes convinced there is an evil spirit trapped in his pumpkin tortellini. Gil eats the meal to prove him wrong. The next day, they all go to a taping of The View.

Season 1 | Episode 4: “The Vasectomy”

Gil thinks about getting a vasectomy, but it proves to be a tougher decision than he initially thought. Pecherov has unsteady hands. Meanwhile, DeShawn Stevenson calls in sick to work on his own Wikipedia page. (”DeShawn Stevenson, born April 3, 1981 in Fresno, California, is a warrior, man, a true warrior.”)

Season 1 | Episode 5 | “The Race”

Gilbert and Nick head to a professional car race to check out the new Indy Car team Gil just bought a stake in (Team Phantom). Nick begs Gil to let him take the car for a spin, but Gil says no. (”You’re horrible at Mario Kart, Nick!”). Of course, that doesn’t stop young Nicholas. While Gil is busying singing the national anthem, Nick takes the car out onto the track and somehow ends up in the race. He finishes fourth.

Season 1 | Episode 6: “The Fast”

Can Caron go without Mountain Dew for an entire day? That’s what Gilbert wants to find out. Gil tells every Wizards player, coach, trainer and vendor one very simple message: “Don’t give Caron a Mountain Dew.” It’s a long day, but in the end the All-Star forward logs 24 extreme-beverage-free hours. Unfortunately, though, by the time the fast is over he’s addicted to crack. Caron fails a drug test and is suspended three years. The Wizards fail to make the playoffs. Gil hosts a progressive rock concert in his solarium.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

NO ENGLISH? NO PLAY
According to Golfweek magazine, all LPGA players must speak English by the end of the 2009 season or face the possibility of suspension from the tour. They also claim that of the 121 international LPGA players, 45 are South Koreans who were reportedly informed of the ‘new regulations’ during a meeting Aug. 20 at the Safeway Classic in Portland, Ore. The new guidelines will affect all players who have been on tour at least two years and…they will be evaluated via an oral test. “Hopefully, what we’re talking about is something that will not happen,” LPGA deputy commissioner Libba Galloway said of the suspensions, “If it does, we wouldn’t just say, ‘Come back next year.’ What we would do is work with them on where they fell short, provide them the resources they need, the tutoring — and when we feel like they need to be evaluated again, we would evaluate.”

Not that I’m a fan of women’s golf, but this seems a bit…ah, ridiculous? Are the hot male golf kats required to speak English? And what’s up with singling out South Koreans? Isn’t the beauty of sports the international flavor it sometimes brings to the table? I’m completely stumped here kids…if a player fails an ‘oral test’ she might be suspended? Who’s standard are they applying? Who ‘evaluates’? Do they need to speak ‘fluent’ English or enough to ‘get by’ ala Nadal with his sexy broken English, no? Is not the broken English so sexy from woman, no?

CANCER FOR COLLEGE
I do know one thing that is sexy…hot golfers who donate their time for charity. I’ve been trying to make sure you all are aware of the 15th Annual Cancer for College Golf Tournement hosted by Will Ferrell being held on September 19 in San Diego…they have just announced a great opportunity for those wanting to really get in on the action…

Cancer for College will be auctioning off (via E-Bay) a spot for two players in the sold out golf event. The winning bidder and a buddy will play along side John Merrick with his coach Jamie Mulligan riding along to provide tips to the players as they go. Bidding has began and 100% of the final bid goes to Cancer for College. “We are extremely honored to help such a deserving charity,” said Mulligan. “John is without a doubt the biggest Will Ferrell fan on the PGA Tour. For John to be able to help Will and Cancer for College raise money for these deserving kids is a great honor. We are certain the winning bidders with have a fantastic day with one of the games great rising stars,” Mulligan added.

Cancer for College was formed in 1993 by founder Craig Pollard as part of a senior project while attending business school at the University of Southern California. Pollard is a two-time survivor of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and a double amputee. Cancer for College was developed to provide hope and inspiration to cancer survivors and amputees by providing college scholarships to these deserving individuals. This year alone, with the help of his friend and fraternity brother Will Ferrell, Cancer for College will grant over $250,000 in scholarships to more than 350 deserving survivors. A total of 20 perpetual scholarship winners ($4,000 per year for four years) will be recognized at this year’s event.

Golf tickets for the event are sold out. Dinner reservations are available for $175 online at www.cancerforcollege.org and include the cocktail reception, the awards dinner with comedy from Sean Kent (Last Comic Standing), the live auction featuring Will Ferrell and the after-party with live music by the Mar Dels. For more details, call 760-599-5096 or visit www.cancerforcollege.org. If you live in So-Cal, love golf, and are a huge Will Ferrell fan, this event is a no-brainer…seriously, for a $175 bucks you can mingle with Ferrell and have an amazing night at the same time. Plus, I’ll be there…cocktails and charity-you gotta love it.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

GRID-SIDE MAGIC WITH PETER WINDSOR AS LEWIS HAMILTON TAKES SECOND

There are very few things that will get me outta bed at 4:30 AM, and Peter Windsor is one of them. My fearless grid-boy once again proved worthy of a early wake up call, as he worked the Formula One European Grand Prix from Valencia Spain like a true champ. Sticking his microphone where others only dare to go, interrupting racers without trepidation and asking whatever comes to mind…as always, Peter Windsor was flawless.

He began with one of my new favorites-Italian Jarno Trulli…one word for this on-the grid-interview: priceless…Windsor approaches Trulli who is in the midst of ‘doing some sort of warm-up.’ Windsor opens the conversation: “Jarno, it’s going to be a long hot day, it looks like?” Jarno laughs-with an accent: “Yesss, it look liiiikkkkke, it feel liiiiikkkkke…its going to be a tough race because anyway, its lonngggggg…its hotttttt, its harddddd…the circuittttt.” The long, hard, hot circuit Jarno refers to is the 3.4-mile path that runs through the streets of Valencia.

Windsor then tried to bust in on Nico Rosberg who wanted nothing to do with him cuz he was busy listening to ‘Three Doors Down’ on his iPod….Nick Heidfeld was happy to speak with Peter…there was a lot going on on the grid….Kazuki Nakajima was going off for a bathroom break and P-dogg let him be….Sebastian Bourdais (yawn)…Kazuki Nakajima comes outta the bathroom with an ice pack down the back of his shirt to ‘stay cool’…Windsor keeps yapping as he walks the grid and approaches…Nelson Piquet. Piquet is adorable, but even Peter couldn’t decipher what the hell he was trying to say: “Yeah, obviously I wanna qualify better and my goal is to be as close to the front as possible but ah, also close to Fernando is good if we’re in the back that means the cars no good, Fernando’s close to me and I think that’s a good reason, its not good when Fernando is qualifying in top five and I’m not even in Q2, tough weekend for us, but its a street race, lot of things happen around here so we have to have a bit of luck.” Huh? What? Windsor: “Thanks a lot Nelson, I think I got the gist of what he was trying to say anyway.”

The new track is very smooth, not a lot of grip, 25 crazy turns, narrow in parts, just under 3.4 miles, 122-mph average speed, hairpins, quick corners…all in all, according the experts, a ‘fantastic track.’

Lewis Hamilton and Felipe Massa started in row one. Massa held off Hamilton from the gate, while the drama that is Formula One unfolded harshly when Kimi Raikkonen sped outta his pit stop with the fuel hose still connected to his car, injuring several mechanics as he did so. A few minutes later, with only ten laps to go, his Ferrari engine blew up and he was smoked outta the race. But, the off-track story only adds to the drama…Felipe Massa’s engine failed during the race at Budapest, raising concerns over the Ferrari engines…

Kimi Raikkonen: “Not much to say after a day like this. It was definitely not the weekend I was hoping for but I do not believe that, despite this negative result, I am now out of the running for the title. There are still six races to go and sixty points up for grabs. We have seen that the situation change really quickly, even if I realize things are now more complicated. Today, I lost a place at the start and I was stuck in traffic for all of the first stint. Then, when I had a clear track ahead of me, I was able to push and was doing good lap times. At the second pit stop, I made a mistake and left before I should have done. Fortunately, Pietro (Timpini) is not too badly hurt. I wish him all the best and hope he gets better soon. In any case, it would not have changed anything as then the engine broke. Now we must concentrate on preparing for the next rounds and on improving our qualifying performance.”

Felipe Massa after winning: “It’s fantastic having won this race, especially after the disappointment of Budapest. The team did an amazing job in preparing for this Grand Prix and the benefits of that could be seen right from the very first day. Yesterday, I got pole and today the win, with the race fastest lap as the icing on the cake. You cannot ask for more especially at my one hundredth grand prix with every single one of them powered by a Ferrari engine.”

And Lewis Hamilton after placing second: “I can’t complain with second place today. This was a strong weekend for us despite my having a few problems health-wise, but we pulled through. The track was pretty difficult to overtake on, but I maintained the gap - our lap times showed that our overall pace was good, which was encouraging. Heikki and I scored 13 points today, which is very positive for the team, so I’d describe it as a satisfactory weekend for us.”

Adding to the satisfactory weekend was the appearance of ‘Grid Boys” as opposed to ‘Grid Girls”. The Grid Boys were added back in March in response to either the increase in female fans or in efforts to reach more female fans-depending on who you ask. In any case, I’d say the powers-in-charge have definitely gotten on the right track.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: BECKHAM STYLE
Beijing has officially “handed-off” the games to a new host city, London, as David Beckham adorned the top of a red double-decker bus before tossing out the ‘welcome ball’ during the closing ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

New host city London staged an eight-minute performance which included a kick from Sir Golden Balls as well as a performance and duet by Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page who impressed the crowd with a fresh version of the Led Zeppelin classic, “Whole Lotta Love.” The Beckham-topped bus had actually been transformed into a stage with the roof opening out into ‘petal-shaped sections.’ The interior reflects the greenness of the UK with “lush grass and a hedge” cut into the shape of the London skyline. Cycling behind the bus were three great ‘Team GB cyclists: Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade, who had “unprecedented success” and an “outstanding medal haul” at the games…but apparently not good enough to actually get on the bus.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

MEN TAKE THE GOLD IN BEIJING

Prior to the game, Dwayne Wade said: “It could be emotional. We’ve thought about. But at the same time we have to win this game… But I think everybody has thought about that moment where you lean down and put the gold medal around your neck and you hear your country’s song being played. That’s when your emotions really come out because you really reflect on the journey…”

“We talked about on the bus ride over (for Saturday’s practice at Beijing Normal University). We are not going to shy away from our sensitivity” said Wade,” We know Melo is going to cry. We’re not shying away from it. We know it’s going to be a great moment, but we know we still have a job to do to get that moment.”

And now the three-year effort to redeem themselves has culminated in a 118-107 victory for the Men’s USA Basketball team as they delivered a lil dose of karma to Spain to bring home the Gold…with, of course, David Beckham and his golden balls watching from the sidelines.

Prince(ess) Kobe Bryant finally got a gold around his neck, and he did it a day after turning 30-not a bad gift for the patient and wicked black mamba. After nibbling on his first taste of gold: “It is more important and more special than any championship that any of us will ever win,” Bryant said.

“I know that we had a tough road ahead of us. We knew that these guys (Spain) weren’t going to roll over and give up that easily,” U.S. forward Chris Bosh said. “So we had to be men, and that’s what it takes to win.” Damn straight! Men they are…teamwork, commitment, heart, soul, sweat and determination are what these men are made of. And for me, Bosh was impressive as hell. Talk about a friggen warrior. Bosh tears that court up with more soul than I’ve seen most ballers do in a lifetime. I could watch him play and never get bored of that hunger on his face.

Speaking of hunger…Carmelo Anthony. Oh my Melo, Melo, Melo. Damn. I mean, what can I say? His scored 13 luscious points? He proudly marched around with an American Flag wrapped around his waist as I tried to stay focused on his neck where that beautiful gold was hanging…that he lit Kobe’s cigar…that he drove me crazy…that I need to bite his medal, hard? I suspect if any ‘game worn’ Melo items turn up on the ‘Right to Play’ eBay auctions, my savings account will be drained.

Mad love to Jason Kidd for becoming the 13th U.S. player to win multiple gold medals-his first was in 2000. Mad love to the mighty-mighty-fine men of USA Basketball: Jason Kidd, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Michael Redd, and Deron Williams.

Go on with your bad selves and bite your medals, smoke those cigars, cuddle on the bus and party till next season. You did us all proud. Undefeated, uncompromised, united and unbelievable.

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

Olympic Treats Up for Bids for Charity
I haven’t seen Michael Phelps’ LZR listed yet…but ya never know what’s going to pop up on eBay. The good folks from Auction Cause have gotten their paws on some pretty amazing items from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And now, in their efforts to raise money for ‘Right to Play’ you can own a small piece of Olympic history that’s not going to cost you a small fortune. Trust me kids, this is one of the best-kept secrets around. There are at least 85 items listed from the 2008 Olympics, and most of the stuff has either been autographed or worn by the athletes themselves. Proceeds go to charity-so bid away…

Ever want the shirt off of Roger Federer’s back? Well, I don’t have that but you can bid on the ‘Roger Federer Signed Nike Personal Cap + 2 Tennis Balls’ which is only at $76.00 right now.

They got several uniforms that were worn during competition from Team Canada’s Rowing babes…including Adam Creeks and Ben Rutledges rowing jersey…

I know some of you guys might wanna get your hands on the signed 2008 Norway Beach Volleyball Sports Tops worn by the girls?

LOST YOUR PANTIES?

Next month, all you Evangeline Lilly lovers take note. The LOST star will be auctioning off approximately 2,000 new pieces of her lingerie intimates collection. All items are made in Brazil and will benefit the Brazilian Favelas. Each set will come with a signed photo from her as well. I’ll let ya know when the panties drop and the bidding opens.

CHECK OUT ALL THE ITEMS HERE!

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com

NOW CAN THE GUYS DO IT?

Lisa Leslie and the women’s USA basketball team have done us proud. The wonder women were once again too good for the lasses from Australia and took home the gold medal for hoops after a 92-65 victory. Leslie, who dropped in 14 points, now has an astonishing four straight gold medals. She, along with former teammate Teresa Edwards are now the only basketball players EVER to win four gold medals. “It’s a blessing for me to be out on this floor, now participating in my fourth Olympics and walking away with a fourth gold medal,” Leslie said.

‘Trailing 13-10 late in the first quarter, U.S. coach Anne Donovan inserted her second unit, led by Lawson. Once again, the bench delivered just as it had throughout the Olympics with Lawson scoring the first six points of a 12-2 run to close the quarter as the U.S. took a 22-15 lead. Then Parker, who has had a relatively quiet Olympics averaging only 8.7 points, took over. She scored eight of the Americans’ 10 points to open the second quarter, including two three-point plays. On her second, the 6-foot-4 forward took the ball from the top of the key, dribbled through her legs and drove to the basket for a layup—a play that thrilled the U.S. men’s basketball players in the stands and brought a standing ovation from LeBron James.’ (Sports.Yahoo)

This makes me wonder if they ever have any mixed-games. I’d like to see Leslie and the girls take on the ‘Redeem Team.’ (My money would be on the girls) And I also wonder why women’s basketball isnt being watched by more people?

They are THE dream team that everybody seems to be napping through. Wake up people- we don’t need no redemption. The ladies just did it for the fourth time!

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Delinda Lombardo
delinda@athlebrities.com