‘The Diesel’ Is Going Green

Former Lakers Center Shaquille O’Neal Visits Palisades to Endorse MicroFueler

Throughout his storied pro basketball career, Shaquille O’Neal has referred to himself by so many nicknames he can hardly keep track of them all. Some of his favorites are “Superman,” “The Diesel,” “Shaq Fu,” “The Big Elvis” and “The Big Aristotle.” Now he’s adding one more to the list. “The Big Ethanol,” he joked after witnessing the new MicroFueler in action last Thursday in Pacific Palisades. “I heard about this through a friend of a friend and the more I found out about it, the more I knew I wanted to get involved and learn how it works. I asked ‘If we can take waste and do something good with it–show me!’ And they did.” Yes, O’Neal has officially gone green as one of the first investors in the revolutionary in-home micro-refinery system that turns organic waste into a high-performance ethanol fuel for cars. O’Neal was unable to attend the initial public introduction July 30 but wanted to appear in person for the “encore” at Chris Ursitti’s house in the Alphabet streets. Ursitti is the CEO of GreenHouse, the San Diego-based energy company serving as exclusive distributor of the MicroFueler in California and Arizona. GreenHouse plans to begin commercial distribution in late October. “This isn’t about me, it’s about this baby right here,” O’Neal said, playfully tapping the refrigerator-sized MicroFueler unit as he pumped ethanol into a truck parked in the driveway. “Now I’m part of yet another winning team. I’m getting one of these installed at my house, too.” A model for sustainable energy, the MicroFueler produces 100 percent ethanol using carbohydrate waste products from plentiful sources like spent beer yeast, algae and cellulose–and for about two-thirds the cost of gasoline. Using patented semiconductor technology, it produces the fuel from a liquid feedstock and pumps it into your car right at your residence. GreenHouse delivers the raw materials and maintains your home-based unit as part of its service package. “We’re delighted to have Shaq on board,” Ursitti said. “He cares about our environment and our future. Sure, he’s got all the money he could ever want, but he’s taking the lead to ensure that his children–all of our children–will live safer, cleaner lives and be more environmentally responsible.” A 15-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Finals MVP, the 7-1, 325-pound center currently resides in Florida but was in Los Angeles to shoot an episode of his reality TV series called “Shaq Vs.,” which premieres next Tuesday on ABC. Shaq will compete against other star athletes in their sports–like Olympic gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps, grand slam tennis champion Serena Williams, boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya, baseball slugger Albert Pujols and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. “I think it’s a show America will want to watch,” he said. “I’m up for the challenge, I want to win, and it’s getting me in shape for the season, too.” Proving that the kid in him has never really left his giant body, the self-proclaimed MDE (“Most Dominant Ever”) flagged down an ice cream truck smack dab in the middle of an interview and bought ice cream sandwiches for Ursitti’s daughters, Amanda (10) and Layla (7). “I saw this huge guy waving and I couldn’t believe it was him,” said Jamal Bell, the 29-year-old ice cream vendor who admitted he is a longtime fan of both O’Neal and the Lakers. “He paid for it all and gave me a tip–a huge tip!” So what did Shaq order for himself? “He got the Big Dipper,” Bell said, laughing. “It’s the biggest one!” O’Neal, 37, was traded from Phoenix to Cleveland in June and is looking forward to playing alongside reigning league MVP LeBron James. “I can’t wait,” he said. “Look how many games they won last year without me, what 63? (Actually, Cleveland won a league-best 66 games). I should be able to get them another five at least.” When asked which team he considered the favorite to win the title next season, however, “Shaq Daddy” didn’t mince words. “The Lakers, no doubt,” he said, speaking candidly. “Re-signing Lamar [Odom] was huge and they brought in [Ron] Artest. They’re the champs until they get beat, but I really think we [Cleveland] can give them a run for their money.” Appearing as relaxed and fun-loving as ever, O’Neal cracked jokes to reporters and insisted he harbors no resentment toward the Lakers–the team he powered to three consecutive NBA championships from 2000-02. O’Neal was traded to Miami after the Lakers lost to Detroit in the 2004 Finals and, two years later, helped the Heat win their first title in franchise history. “Yeah, I’m happy for Kobe [Bryant], I’m happy for [Coach] Phil Jackson,” O’Neal said, grinning from ear to ear. “And I’m happy for L.A.–one of my favorite cities in the world.” Enjoying his last few weeks of vacation before reporting to Cavaliers’ training camp September 15, O’Neal is one happy dude. Happy with his new team, his new show and his new nickname. To learn more about the MicroFueler, read the “Fueling for the Future” story in this week’s Real Estate section.