Introducing 'Metta World Peace'

If the world felt a little calmer and gentler this morning, it must be because World Peace has officially arrived. A judge yesterday approved the bid of Los Angeles Lakers player Ron Artest to change his name to Metta World Peace, notes AP. It's been in the works awhile, but World Peace had to take care of some parking tickets first. Metta is a Buddhist word that means love and kindness toward all, and World Peace means ... probably increased jersey sales.

"Changing my name was meant to inspire and bring youth together all around the world," World Peace said in a statement. "After this short delay, my tickets have been paid and I'm glad that it is now official." WP is tweeting, too. His 8-year-old daughter, Diamond, is preparing to legally take her dad's new last name, according to TMZ. (More Ron Artest stories.)