LOOK TO THE STARS
Just wanted to post a quick update on what I’ve been doing aside from blogging about the pro’s and their exceptional humanitarian efforts combined with a bit of objectification…there’s a link on the right, under category’s, titled ‘contributing pieces.’ It takes you to a site called Look to the Stars (looktothestars.org). The site covers celebrities and their charitable efforts, complete with a database of celebrity supported causes and events. Of course, I noticed a lack of athletes being covered on LTS and quickly secured a spot as a ‘special correspondent.’ Yesterday, I attended a conference for LTS, which focused on athletes, fundraisers, and foundations. Let me just say- it was the bomb. It reinforced my belief that there are endless ways for our hotties to give back to society and people are indeed interested. Its refreshing to see so many others intent on guiding the off-field focus towards giving. In the upcoming months, I’ll be covering some awesome events for LTS (as well as Athlebrities)…this upcoming weekend, for example, I’ll be hitting up the World Poker Tour Invitational at Commerce Casino in L.A., where poker pros and celebrities will be playing for various charities…LTS also has me going out to Phoenix on April 5th for Celebrity Fight Night honoring Mohammad Ali, and the Magic Johnson Hollywood Hero Award in May…I try to list all upcoming events on my Athlete Charity Event Calender, but some events do get by me, so please let me know if there’s one I need to mention!

ECKO SENDS KIDS TO NETS GAME

After fashion designer Marc Ecko rocked the sports world by buying and branding Bonds’ record setting homerun ball, I wasn’t too keen on him. But Ecko may not be so bad after all…Ecko purchased 5,000 tickets for tonight’s Magic-Nets game and donated them to Newark-area children through various recreational centers. “Every kid should have an opportunity to go to a Nets game and I want to help make that happen.”

MIGHTY-MIGHT FINE HALL O FAMER

You know what’s a shame about this story? Its not headline news…in fact, its barely mentioned anywhere on the web…in any case, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas and his wife have adopted the Cinelli family in efforts to raise money for 6 year-old Jon-Jon Cinelli’s medical expenses and to help find a cure. Jon-Jon was diagnosed in December with Intrinsic Pontillar Glioma, a tumor that wraps around the brain stem, which controls body functions. Thomas, learned about Jon-Jon’s situation through a mutual friend of the Cinelli family, and he and his wife are planning to host a fundraiser for Jon-Jon. Check out jonjonsjourney.com for more info.

23/501

Today, Jordan Brand and Levi Strauss & Co. announced that their limited edition co-designed collection, known as 23 / 501 will be available in 23 markets starting March 1, 2008. Doug Sweeny, Levi’s® Director of Marketing: “What makes the 23 / 501 collection so special is that it represents the harmonious union of these two iconic and innovative brands.” The limited-edition collection pairs exclusive co-branded Air Jordan Retro 1 style sneakers with a pair of Levi’s Original, Button-Fly 501 jeans and a signature tee shirt. All three pieces will be sold together as a set for a retail price of $395, and no doubt will be on Ebay for triple that price after they sell-out in about ten-seconds. For information on specific locations, please visit www.levi.com or www.Jumpman23.com. And keep in mind if you do shell out the $395 bucks, Jordan Brand remains active in the community by donating a portion of its proceeds to Jordan Fundamentals.

THE NFL DISSES WOMAN

Oddly enough, this story is spreading like wildfire…hold your breath people, because player weigh-ins at the NFL Scouting Combine will no longer be broadcast on NFL Network’s coverage of the event. Combine Dir Jeff Foster said, “There was concern from current NFL players that the participants would be more comfortable if they were not paraded around without their shirts on.” He added that any drills “that would potentially involve a shirtless player also are off-limits to NFL Network.” Oh pa-lease, these guys love parading around with their shirts off…I think its more likely that by airing coverage of our topless hotties, one too many homophobic male viewers felt “uncomfortable” and ruined it for the rest of us.

BECKHAM AND THE BOYS

Golden Balls and his posse arrived in South Korea today as part of the 3-match Asian Tour. Thankfully, Beckham made no comment on arrival at Incheon International Airport outside the South Korean capital, but does plan to hold a news conference Wednesday. Hopefully, he will introduce his teammates by name, as they’ve routinely become referred to as “other players” in recent days.

POULTERIZED

The Johnnie Walker Classic tees off at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, about 30 kms from the Indian capital from February 28 to March 2. Ian Poulter and Johnny Walker? Kill me now….

As always, thanks for reading.
delinda@athlebrities.