Triathlon Trend ?

Don't look now...but this triathlon thing that we and our friends have immersed ourselves in just might become the next trendy thing in Hollywood. A little over a week ago...some A-list celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, and others completed in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon to challenge themselves and raise funds for their charity.



Source: People.com

Jennifer Lopez had the support of several important men in her life as she successfully competed in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon on Sunday, finishing the ½-mile swim, 18-mile bike ride and 4-mile run in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 28 seconds.

The singer-actress was cheered on from the sidelines by husband Marc Anthony, who escorted her to a VIP area with his arm securely around her after she crossed the finish line, exhausted, but with her fists pumped in victory.

In the VIP area, Lopez met up with Matthew McConaughey, who also competed in the triathlon at Zuma Beach. The actor, who finished in 1 hour, 43 minutes and 48 seconds, greeted his former Wedding Planner costar with a big hug. And Lopez was accompanied along the way by her trainer Gunnar Peterson, who was not racing himself, but was there to help out.

Lopez, 39, has been training for the event – her first ever triathlon – with Peterson and Self magazine editor-in-chief Lucy Danziger. In August, she appeared on Good Morning America, boasting a positive attitude about her workout regimen. "I feel great," she said on the show. "I have more energy – [and] I'm proud of myself." She also revealed that she would be raising money for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

Wearing forest green Juicy sweats when she arrived Sunday morning, Lopez changed quickly into her wetsuit before the swim portion as Peterson and a bodyguard held up towels to shield her from the paparazzi. Also watching: Her fans, who offered their love. As Lopez and her entourage – including her sister, an assistant and several bodyguards – made its way to the beach, fans yelled, "I love you J.Lo."

She clearly appreciated the support, smiling and waving back.


But for McConaughey, the event was all business. The actor (and fitness buff) had his game face on before the race as he stretched.

Still, the actor broke his serious demeanor for a moment, though, when he spotted girlfriend Camila Alves – who spent some of the race time in the VIP area, holding son Levi in a baby sling. McConaughey left the line to give her a kiss and rub Levi before the swim began.


Other notables who competed in the celebrity charity event, dubbed the Entertainment Industry Challenge, were Jamie Lee Curtis, Felicity Huffman and her husband William H. Macy.

The Power of 12

Why is so much of our culture based on the number twelve? In no particular order, there were twelve apostles, twelve labours of Hercules, are twelve houses of the zodiac, twelve months in a year (but, mathematically, thirteen lunar months fits 365 days a lot better - twelve months of 28 days and a thirteenth of 29), and those pre-metric oldies among us will remember twelve inches to a foot, twelve pence to a shilling, and twelve shillings to a pound. Why not 10? If you think about it logically, ten of everything makes a lot more sense as we have ten fingers: the reason why counting and primitive mathematics developed on base of ten.

Speaking of counting, last night we counted our 12th year as a couple. We have learned so much about each other over the years. We are practically conjoined twins...finishing each other's sentences, even thinking the same thoughts at the same moments! It truly is the power of 12! It was a Monday, so we decided to enjoy a nice quiet dinner at our local Outback Steakhouse.

Jo ordered some awesome "Bushman's 'Shrooms". A delectable concoction of battered deep-fried mushrooms paired with a spicy ranch dressing. This appetizer is to die for!






















And the main course was shared by us as usual. Jo opted for the "Slow-Roasted Sirloin Medley", roasted slices of sirloin drizzled with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil and lemon all surrounded by grape tomatoes and asparagus, served atop sautéed spinach. Marvin added surf to the turf with a 1/2 pound of Alaskan king crab legs. Deeee-licious!

Time to Play Catchup...

Hey there folks...

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, and thanks for humoring us with all of our past musings. The truth is, ever since that last olympic-distance triathlon in Folsom a couple weeks back, Marvin's training has ramped up considerably. It's not a Phelpsian regimen by any stretch...but it's definitely enough to tire out even the most fit person!

This is a "rest/recovery" week in the program, so we're hoping to do some more blogging very soon(including some post-race coverage of Folsom). In the meantime, we hope your week is off to a great start!

Here's a random morsel of news to share. Maybe you can share it with someone who is contemplating a marriage proposal, or is in need of an ultimate apology gift.

Enjoy!

By Luke Baker
Source: Reuters, Inc.
updated 2 hours, 1 minute ago

LONDON - Miners in the southern African kingdom of Lesotho have found one of the world's largest diamonds, a near-flawless white gem weighing nearly 500 carats, mining group Gem Diamonds said on Sunday.

The diamond was discovered in the Letseng Mine on September 8, the company said in a statement. It has been analyzed by experts in Antwerp and found to weigh 478 carats, with very few inclusions and of outstanding color and clarity.

"It has the potential to yield one of the largest flawless D color round polished diamonds in history," the company said. Video of this amazing discovery below.

Team Marv.n.Jo Spotted on NBC's Olympic Zone!

We hope you've all enjoyed the Olympic games. These past two weeks have been incredible! Records have been broken, major upsets have happened, but all in all this has probably been one of the most memorable summer games ever. The games themselves have even broken records as far as coverage and exposure to worldwide audiences.

Speaking of coverage...Team Marv.n.Jo were spotted Thursday, August 14th on the nightly segment aired live by NBC11 called "The Olympic Zone".



We happened to be in the area to get work done on our bikes, and had heard that hosts Raj Mathai and Diane Dwyer would be broadcasting live from downtown Walnut Creek. So we hammed it up a bit with them, and shared the spotlight with some future olympic swimmers from the local swim club!






Click the picture below to see video of our 5 seconds of fame!
video clip courtesy of proud parents Andy and Daisy Paras. Thanks Mom and Dad!