NEW YORK (6nobacon.com) — A few weeks ago it was LeBron James playing pick-up basketball at a Jewish community center, in Cleveland, trying to stay sharp during the NBA lockout. This week, with the lockout about to end, it was Kobe Bryant’s turn to show off his skills to the chosen people.
TMZ reported that the “Black Mamba” showed up at a JCC in Irvine, Calif., and asked to borrow the court for a private training session with a personal trainer. According to TMZ, the people at the JCC said that Kobe “couldn’t have been nicer.”
Judging from the video, Kobe looks pretty good. His Los Angeles Lakers are expected to play James’ Miami Heat twice this year. Might Kobe and LeBron be exchanging their Jewish basketball experiences?
Stoudemire opening a Hebrew school?
According to the New York Daily News gossip page, Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks “is interested in opening a Hebrew school, which would focus on teaching the language and Jewish history. The insider says the idea appears to be on the back burner for the time being but that Stoudemire has discussed it seriously.”
Another source told the Daily News that Amar’e is “always looking for ways to improve education and resources for all children,” but “no school of any kind is currently in the works.”
A Stoudemire Hebrew school wouldn’t be as surprising as it sounds. Amar’e visited Israel last summer, has a Star of David tattoo and dressed up as King Solomon for Halloween this year.
Portman on a postage stamp
PETA strives to gain attention by showing how many famous people don’t eat animals or wear fur. This time, the group chose a form of communication used daily: postage stamps.
A new campaign launched this week by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals features famous vegetarians throughout history, including da Vinci, Tolstoy, Paul McCartney, TV host Bob Barker and many others. Among them is Natalie Portman, a well-known animal rights activist and vegan.
“Eating for me is how you proclaim your beliefs three times a day,” Portman said.
The stamps can be purchased throughout December at PETA’s website.
Stiller’s Southern swing
Yee-haw! Ben Stiller is heading south, and one of y’all might get a chance to meet him and act with him.
The Stiller Foundation is auctioning off a role in the film “Neighborhood Watch,” which stars Vince Vaughn and Jonah Hill and is shooting in and around Atlanta through Dec. 6. The current bidding is at $23,000, and bumps up in $1,000 increments.
The role is a walk-on, which means you probably won’t get to say a word and you’ll just be serving Ben or Vince a bagel at a restaurant or something. Also, you have to find your own way there. Still, the foundation has a record of good deeds. Its primary focus is on providing educational opportunities for children in Haiti through the construction of schools.
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