'Snowboarding With Shaun White' auction open on EBay; proceeds go to charity

Shaun White is up for auction on EBay -- well, the opportunity to snowboard with the Olympic gold medalist is.

Bidding is open through Friday for the chance to win a snowboarding session with Shaun and one-day VIP passes to the Burton U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships on March 16-21 at Stratton Mountain in Vermont.

The auction winner will also enjoy lunch with Shaun; a complete set-up from "The White Collection" by Burton including board, boots, bindings and outerwear; and one night's accommodation at a four-star hotel on March 20. Plus, the auction winner can bring a friend (but all travel to and from Stratton Mountain is the responsibility of the winning bidder and his or her guest).

Bidding closes at 7 p.m. PST Friday and is restricted to preapproved buyers only, which means those interested must e-mail the seller to be placed on the preapproved list.

All auction proceeds will benefit Right to Play, an organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health and develop life skills for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

The video above shows Shaun teaching children how to skateboard at Right to Play programs in Rwanda. Their smiles and cheers speak volumes about the value of Shaun's involvement with the charity.

-- Kelly Burgess

Video credit: auctioncause via YouTube

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Coyote attack on musician Taylor Mitchell puts critters in new perspective

One of my favorite day hikes is to a series of vast meadows atop Point Mugu State Park, at the north end of the Santa Monica Mountains.

I've preferred making this uphill sojourn in late afternoon, alone, when there are few or no people on the meadow trails, because that's when coyotes emerge from their daytime slumber. If you're stealthy enough, you might get close enough for a decent photo opportunity.

But after reading about the fatal mauling by coyotes of singer Taylor Mitchell in Nova Scotia, Canada, I probably will be more leery next time I make that trip, even if the coyotes there try their best to avoid people.

The first time I encountered one of the rangy critters was on a remote side trail surrounded by tall brush. I'd seen mountain lion tracks and was spooked when a coyote bolted from the brush across the trail 30 yards in front of me. It stopped and gazed at me, and I wondered whether it had companions hiding in the brush.

To see how it'd react, I took a few steps toward the predator. To my relief, it looped swiftly to the other side of the meadow, then turned and kept an eye on me.

The Mitchell incident was bizarre and unusual, but not unbelievable, given there are so many coyotes living in proximity to people.

Tony Hawk to bring star-studded skatepark benefit act to Las Vegas

What happens in Las Vegas on Nov. 7, when Tony Hawk and his cast of high-flying action sports stars begin to soar and spin on their skateboards and bikes, will leave families thoroughly entertained and feeling charitable.

The legendary skateboarder is bringing his personal vert ramp to the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel, with numerous celebrities in tow, for a benefit called "Tony Hawk: RIDE Presents Stand Up for Skateparks." Among athletes scheduled to perform are Bucky Lasek, Simon Tabron, Mat Hoffman, Andy MacDonald, Kevin Staab, Shaun White, Jamie Bestwick, Bob Burnquist, Ryan Sheckler and Dennis McCoy.

In its sixth year, but for the first time in Las Vegas, the gala will raise funds for the Tony Hawk Foundation's national skatepark program. Hawk believes skateparks afford kids a healthy alternative to hanging out on the streets, and, as a millionaire entrepreneur who gained his fame and fortune through skateboarding, he should know. His foundation has awarded nearly $3 million to 448 communities that so far have opened 341 skateparks.

The benefit is a red-carpet affair expected to include such celebrities as Lance Armstrong, Andre Agassi, Elaine Wynn, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jamie Lee Curtis, Mia Hamm, Jon Favreau, Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III, Robin Greenspan, George Maloof, Andrew Pascal, Mat Hoffman, Shaun White, Robert Kotick and Ron Burkle. Rancid will provide the live music. [Updated 8:23 a.m.: An earlier version of this post incorrectly identified Frank Fertitta III as Frank Fertitta II.]

The benefit is pricey: Individual tickets are $350 and family packages range from $2,000 to $20,000. Guests will receive various goodies and the package prices include signed skateboard decks and, in some cases, a VIP reception with Hawk and other celebrities, and hotel accommodations. 

The event also will include a pledge drive to  fund improvements at a specific skatepark in Las Vegas. Similar pledge drives have benefited skateparks in Compton, New York City and the military community of Tierrasanta in San Diego.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available on the Stand Up for Skateparks website or by calling C.C. Hafner at (760) 477-2479.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Tony Hawk spins his signature 900 while Fred Durst checks the action from the ramp earlier this month in Beverly Hills. Credit: Jody Morris

Pamela Anderson joins PETA in anti-seal hunt ad campaign

Pamela Anderson is in Canada today to help launch a new anti-seal hunting ad campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Anderson will be making an appearance at the Ontario legislature in Toronto to call for an end to the annual hunt, which takes place every spring on the eastern coast of Canada.

"I can only hope that by bringing attention to the slaughter, the international outcry will force the Canadian government to end this shameful practice," Anderson said in a statement.

The advertising campaign will feature the Canadian native as well as other celebrities wearing PETA's "Save the Seals" T-shirts.

Ads will appear in entertainment magazines and on blogs beginning this fall, to focus attention on the hunt and to keep pressure on the government year-round instead of just during the hunting season, when protests are expected.

--Kelly Burgess

Photo: Pamela Anderson poses in the new PETA T-shirt. Credit: Gabriel Bouys / AFP/Getty Images

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Louie Vito footloose but stiff as a board on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The website Stomp and Flow writes: "While Louie Vito has no trouble spinning threes, sevens and nines in both directions on a snowboard in the halfpipe, he has his hands full in spinning The Foxtrot with his dance partner, Chelsie Hightower, on ABC’s smash hit television show, 'Dancing With The Stars.'

"We will keep our fingers crossed for Louie to make it another week."

Outposts would like to add that footloose Louie, in the accompanying video, looks as though he's merely trying not to trip up his partner as he goes through the motions. Relief seems to pour from the athlete when the dance is over.

You've got to hand it to him, though. He's trying his best, just as he always does in the halfpipe. But Louie has never looked that stiff in the halfpipe. Maybe it's the suit.

The three-night season premiere episode concludes tonight. We'll see if Louie makes the cut.

-- Pete Thomas

Video courtesy of YouTube

Kelly Slater talks about supermodels, G-strings and shrinkage on NPR

*Updates to reflect that "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me" is a live show.

Kelly Slater, who has been elusive and evasive recently because all anyone seems to want to talk to him about is a controversial pro surfing tour he's helping to organize, was featured on NPR on Saturday. He spoke candidly and even cracked jokes.

That's because the questions were not about the so-called rebel tour but about Slater the nine-time ASP World Tour champion and cool guy who has dated supermodels. He was even questioned about bowling during a corny but amusing NPR game called "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me."

Slater, who like most pro surfers is articulate and possesses an impressive vocabulary, was asked before the game why he doesn't fit the stereotype of surfers and constantly use the term "dude."

Playing along, Slater confessed, "I'm sure that in my life I have said, 'Dude, that was so gnarly.'"

Asked to translate that phrase he said, "Hello, man. That was difficult ... or cool."

One of the guest hosts asked if jellyfish or sharks are an occupational hazard. Slater replied: "G-strings." Why G-strings? "They're a distraction," he said.

Asked by the host how to best combat "pruning to the fingers" during long periods in the water, Slater quipped: "It's the fingers you're worried about?" And laughter roared.

You can hear it all by clicking the NPR link above. If you're a Slater fan, it will make you smile.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Kelly Slater in action during the U.S. Open of Surfing at Huntington Beach earlier this summer. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times

Snowboarder Louie Vito to debut tonight on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Louie Vito has great moves. I've watched him snowboard and his craziness above the halfpipe walls is awe-inspiring. It will not be surprising if he makes the U.S. Olympic team bound for the 2010 Vancouver Games.

But can he dance?

The world will find out beginning tonight as the U.S. Snowboarding athlete, who is well-liked and clearly not shy, teams with professional dancer Chelsie Hightower for the season premier of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars."

Vito, like all snowboarders, is an individualist, though. He explains: "They really try to push you to have some color, but spray-tanning is not my thing. I'm going to try to keep it true to myself."

Of learning the ballroom dance steps, he says it's harder than it was trying to land his first double-cork 1080; fans will see this progressive trick at the Olympics.

Though Vito is an individualist, he confesses: "I dressed up for my salsa Latin-themed dances and you know what? I'm not going to lie, I felt like a salsa dancer when I was wearing that getup.

"That's kind of what's funny 'cause I know I would never wear that ever in my life."

Win or lose, he will entertain.

--Pete Thomas

Top photo: Louie Vito executes a 1080 above Copper Mountain's halfpipe. Credit: Eric Drummond / Summit Daily

Bottom photo: Vito poses for a portrait during the recent 2010 U.S. Olympic Team Media Summit in Chicago. Credit: Harry How / Getty Images

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brent Leach to co-host fishing trip on Thursday

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brent Leach will co-host a fishing trip this Thursday, as part of the DodgerLife program.

The inaugural Dodger Fishing Adventure will depart from Long Beach Sportfishing, Berth 55, at 10 a.m. (check-in is at 9 a.m.)

Joining Leach will be sportfishing and TV personality Dan Hernandez, author and host of the weekly television program "Sport Fishing with Dan Hernandez."

The cost to attend is $200, which includes the four-hour trip, lunch, a chance to fish with Leach, and angling instruction by Hernandez.  For $35 more, the package includes a fishing license and tackle rental.

Reservations can be made by calling (323) 224-2646 or visiting www.dodgers.com/fishing.

The DodgerLife series of programs was started this season as an opportunity for fans to interact with Dodger players and enjoy activities both baseball- and non-baseball-related. Fans can participate in baseball clinics, batting practice, yoga, movie nights and stadium sleepovers.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brent Leach and pro angler Dan Hernandez show off a sculpin. Credit: Amber Matsumoto / Los Angeles Dodgers

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Jeremy Lusk Legacy Foundation gala, poker tournament tonight

The shock that reverberated throughout and beyond the global freestyle motocross community after Jeremy Lusk died days after sustaining head injuries during an early-February crash has ebbed and life, as they say, goes on.

But tonight it goes on in the beloved Lusk's memory.

The Lusk Legacy Foundation's Gala and Poker Tournament is tonight from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, and if you cannot attend the star-studded event it will be broadcast live for two hours beginning at 7 p.m.

Those scheduled to attend include FMX stars Brian Deegan, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Taka Higashino, Robbie Maddison and many others. Also slated to participate: skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, supercross pros Donny Hansen and Rick Johnson and snowboarder Keir Dillon.

Celebrities from film, fashion, music and TV also are expected to show. Tickets are $150 per person and $300 for the poker buy-in (grand prize is 10% of the total buy-in). Five-star dining and live music (San Diego's Dynamite Walls) are included.

Proceeds will support the Lusk foundation, which will strive to improve FMX safety on the pro and recreational level. For more information, check out the Metal Mulisha website.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Lusk. Credit: Metal Mulisha

Natasha Richardson ski accident underscores importance of wearing helmets

To wear a helmet and feel a little goofy, as skiers and boarders often feel when they don protective head gear for the first time? Or to appear cool and feel free while skiing or riding without one?

Actress Natasha Richardson may have answered this question for a lot of people. Her condition is grave, according to some reports, and her fall Monday at Mont Tremblant ski resort near Quebec was not violent and did not seem serious.

She was not wearing a helmet but was on a beginner slope, where many falls occur but very few turn out to be serious. Richardson, 45, appeared fine but an hour later complained of headaches. She remains hospitalized and doctors have not revealed her condition. At least one media report described her as being brain dead.

More people wear helmets these days. I recently skied at Aspen, Colo., and at Northstar-at-Tahoe in Truckee, Calif. I did not wear a helmet but felt out of place.

It seemed as though at least 50% of skiers and riders wore them. I felt like some old dude clinging to the past.

At some resorts, such as Wrightwood's Mountain High, which caters largely to young snowboarders, the percentage of people wearing helmets is even higher. They know there are careless riders on the hill. And they know what it feels like to catch an edge and slam head-first onto an icy snowpack.

I won't go so far as to say helmets should be required, but I will say they ought to be seriously considered by anyone visiting the slopes -- even if it's only the bunny hill.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: A snowboarder wears a helmet while taking a jump at Bear Mountain resort in Big Bear. Credit: Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times

Carrie Underwood's pledge to Humane Society riles hunting groups

Fans of "American Idol" probably are aware that Carrie Underwood has recorded a rendition of Motley Crue's  hit song, "Home Sweet Home." It's being used as a farewell theme each week for contestants leaving the show.

Also, the song is being released as a digital single and partial proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of the United States.

"I’ve always loved this song, and besides being very fitting for `Idol,' to me, the title is also very fitting with animal rescue and finding animals their own homes," Underwood said on her website.

Very well, but hunters across America, many of them country folks and fans of Underwood, might turn against her because hunters and the Humane Society are not on good terms.

"Carrie Underwood has decided to use her talents to benefit an organization dedicated to destroying the rights of thousands of her fans," Rick Story, vice president of the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, said in a news release. "HSUS does not operate or oversee animal shelters; it is a radical organization that seeks to end hunting and other responsible uses of animals in America."

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, a lobbying and hunters rights group, urges sportsmen to contact executives at "American Idol's" parent company, Fox Broadcasting, and "demand that Underwood's song not be given a stage to raise money for HSUS."

We'll have to wait and see if Underwood changes her tune.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Carrie Underwood's plan to donate proceeds to Humane Society of the United States has drawn criticism of hunting groups. Credit: Associated Press