ANOTHER HOT KAT
We got us another hot-love-spreading kat, this time in the form of a Bobcat. Making the world a better place, Charlotte Bobcat babe Emeka Okafor today, has announced the launch of his new One Million African Lives Initiative (”Million Lives Initiative”) in partnership with the Safe Blood for Africa Foundation (SBFA).

I could blog for days about how sincere, talented, charismatic and good hearted Emeka is, but I’ll let the press release and his statements speak for themselves…The goal of the initiative is to save 1 million lives in sub-Sahara Africa over the next 5 years by reducing the number of HIV-infected blood transfusions given to patients. “Sadly, as pregnant women and children receive the most blood transfusions they are the groups who most often receive the disease this way. Simply testing the blood from one person before it is given to another can help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS and save hundreds and thousands of African lives each year. Today, I ask my colleagues at the NBA, and celebrities and citizens around the globe, to join me in this mission,” Okafor said. “By coming together as people of all colors and nations, we have the ability to save lives by simply making a donation to support this effort. In the United States, it is a crime to knowingly spread HIV/AIDS infection, yet in Africa we are spreading HIV/AIDS to innocent victims through tainted blood transfusions every day. We need to stop this crime against humanity and save these innocent victims from a potential death sentence. Visit our website, and find out how you can be a part of the one the world’s best AIDS prevention initiatives.” Next year, Okafor and other NBA hotties will embark on a “Million Lives Tour” campaign through Nigeria, the Congo, and Angola in an effort to further raise public awareness of the tragic human conditions causing this crisis and the results of this initiative thus far.

LACK OF COVERAGE
So you know how I’m always bitching that we don’t get enough Camilo Villegas coverage, especially those sexy lawn-crawling images we all crave? Well, it looks like Im not the only one. Yesterday, more than 100 members of the media, tournament directors, equipment reps and player agents met with PGA Tour officials to discuss issues such as “media relations and functions, non-traditional media exposure for players, the effect of the Internet, satellite radio, blogs and player accessibility. (Florida Times-Union).

The discussion “began with the results of a survey conducted among members of the media that showed they believe agents have been whittling away at access, especially those representing the top players, and the PGA Tour is doing little to control them.” But, agents feel that the media frustrates our hotties by asking the same questions and writing the same ‘stale’ stories. Same questions? Stale stories? Maybe if some of these agents spent more time researching what it is we’re looking for, we’d get some fresh media blood covering the events. The problem lies in the fact that the PGA is run by men, old-school conservative types who don’t like their players objectified. Some of the finest and most talented men on the greens can sell the PGA in a single photo. Camilo. Adam Scott. Ian Poulter. Jesper. But why haven’t we seen Camilo on Leno? Or Scott on Kimmel? I was once told by an agent that his “player receives enough media attention already,” when in fact that hasn’t been the case. How can any player have enough media coverage? Either way, if you put me in a media room, I’ll never be accused of asking a boring question.

OPEN WIDE

So Michael Strahan opened his big mouth and spoon-fed the media a negative story. After he rightfully “lashed” out at a reporter, Subway has decided to fill his gaping hole with some meat. The NY Giants defensive beast has been added to the growing list of athletes being used by Subway as an endorser. Strahan recently shot a national spot in N.Y. with Subway ex-fatty Jared. The spot pushes Subway’s double meat sandwiches, and while Jared keeps pushing its healthy aspects, Strahan keeps relaying, “and its got double meat.” Look for the spot to break as early as this weekend. Lets just hope that double-meat doesn’t get caught in his gap…

CARL EDWARDS BACK 40
As NASCAR’s media tour through N.Y. continues, NASCAR driver Carl Edwards appeared on CBS’ “Late Late Show” last night, where he revealed that he has started a record label, Back40 Records, in Central Missouri. Edwards: “I spoke at the beginning (of the label’s new record). I did a little intro.” At this point, I would normally interject with a big Mensa reject star, but after checking out his site, I’m okay with it. Back40 was started by Carl and a friend in efforts to showcase artists in Missouri. I hate to admit it, but there are actually some really cool tracks available. Check it out at www.back40records.com.

JIMMIE JOHNSON

Now I will give Mensa reject points to NASCARS Nextel Cup champ Jimmie Johnson. Johnson has signed on with Elizabeth Arden to serve as a national spokesperson for the Daytona 500 Fragrance for Men. Dude will be featured in national ads, promotional packaging, in-store displays, sales promos at various department store counters and other embarrassing PR activities. Making it even worse, the TV campaign will feature both Johnson and his wife, Chandra.

WHY

Note to Mike Miller of the Memphis Grizzlies. That’s not hot.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“They’re using the headband in their marketing all over town, on billboards and everywhere. They’re being hypocrites about this” – Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti, on the Bulls benching C Ben Wallace for wearing a headband.

As always, thanks for reading. Delinda
delinda@athlebrities.com