"An unlikely source of hope in Newark, NJ"

Inspiring coach. Wonderful story.

The Heart Association names its price - $1.5 million

Oatmeal is good. Tofu is healthy. But if you're looking to do your heart a real favor, buy a Nintendo Wii.

The American Heart Association seems to be saying that. This week, it announced it has joined forces with Nintendo. It is endorsing Wii (even Wii bowling?) as legitimate exercise. Its logo will be displayed on Wii boxes.

The heart association gets $1.5 million over three years from Nintendo. It make you wonder about a lot of things including this: Shouldn't the reputation of an iconic wellness organization be worth more than that?

Thanks Dirk

Little League World Series moves to prime time

Just announced: ABC is moving this year's Little League World Series (US title game) to prime time. Good for the network, which undoubtedly will pull in a sizable audience. But good for the kid players?

I like what sports psychologist Richard Ginsburg has written:

"I have a hard time watching 11 and 12 year-old boys playing baseball on national television. In fact, I just change the channel. Don't get me wrong. I love the kids, but are they ready for that kind of exposure? Aren't we exploiting the trials and tribulations of children for adult entertainment?"

Four years old and training three hours a day

Take special note of this exchange in last night's ABC News piece about 4-year-old tennis player Mia Lines.

ABC News Correspondent:
"We hear about so many parents in sport, pushing their children, wanting them to be the best."

Glenn Lines:
"People might say three hours [of practice each day for a four-year-old], that's too long. A lot of parents [are] letting their kids play six hours of Play Station. Eating junk food. Drinking cans of soda."

Not sure what this establishes. Maybe that playing tennis excessively is less harmful than playing Play Station excessively.

Here's another TV piece on young Mia. (Thank you, Dirk Buikema).