Well, it's almost time for the season to begin and I can't wait. It's been a great summer, so I can't complain. I just got back from L.A. to do an episode of Family Feud. The theme of the show was NBA Players against their mothers.

It was me Dwight Howard, David Lee, Cutino Mobley, Grant Hill and Richard Jefferson. Of course we won and we were able to raise money for a couple of children's charities. I also got a chance to go and see Senator Hilary Clinton speak at an event at Magic Johnson's house. It was really interesting being there because it was a very big event and there were a lot of important people there.

Afterwards my girlfriend and I got the chance to sit down and talk with Senator Clinton and Magic. She actually knew who I was because she said her husband, President Bill Clinton, is a big fan of basketball. Seeing Magic Johnson's house was pretty crazy too. He has the most trophies I've ever seen in one place! Everybody knows he has some NBA, MVP trophies on his mantle, but he has a Grammy too. I couldn't believe that.

Since then, I've been running hard to get in the best shape possible for camp. I'm feeling pretty confident in my conditioning and my game so I'm right where I wanna be. Right before I have to report back to Toronto, I'm going to Little Rock, Arkansas to attend a program honoring the Little Rock Nine's 50th Anniversary. In case you didn't know, the Little Rock Nine were one of the first groups of African American students to attend an integrated school (Little Rock Central High School). This is a very important event because they paved the way for many African Americans, such as myself. I feel it is important to be there and show my gratitude because of the determination they had for themselves and our people. It takes a strong person to go through what they went through, but I'm glad they did. Without people like that, the world would be a different place.

Here is a video which explains in depth about the "Little Rock Nine"