Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Main(e) Event

Keoni DeRenne, Portland Sea Dogs infielder returns with teammate Dave Bacani during the 9 o'clock hour. They will be joined by Mike Antonellis, Sea Dogs' young, up-and-coming play-by-play announcer, and from Brunswick, Chris Cameron, Sea Dogs' Director of Communications. We'll learn how each of these young people are living their dream and honing their skills in the Red Sox AA affiliate, each with the hope of "getting to the show."

I'll ask them how they got started, what it takes to get to this level, what life is like as a young professional, and how they handle traveling by bus throughout the Eastern League.

In the first hour of the show, we'll be reviewing headlines from across the country that are expressing disappointment and outrage about the just-concluded Little League World Series Presented by Kellogg's. (New official name!) Since we interviewed Charlie Euchner, author of Little League, Big Dreams, The Hope, The Hype, and The Glory, commentators and editors from every small town and big city have been picking up on the ugly underside of this "stage managed," televised reality show involving 11 and 12 year old boys.

We'll also get DJ Abisalih's thoughts about what his summer internship taught him, as well as his High School Sports Review. DJ returns to school next week for his second year at the New England School of Broadcasting at Husson College in Bangor. He'll be showing up on a regular basis and continuing to help with the production of future shows.

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. 2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will NOT be about learning a game.

Regis' Rant

No Rant this week, but you can read my weekly blog on the on-line edition of the Portland Press Herald at www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily I'll cover many of the same topics and issues we discuss on The Kids FIRST Radio Show. Be sure to check it out and don't hesitate to add your comments. That's what makes blogging such a rich and fun activity.

The Parent Trap

This week's blog on http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/ will be my thoughts about the Parent Trap. I hope you will visit and add your comments.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org