Little League honors, Major League dramas

Talk about a weird coincidence: The day after Maui native and Philadelphia Phillies centerfielder Shane Victorino was the focal point of a highly entertaining, clear-the-benches rumble Friday between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants (he was beaned while at bat by the pitcher), his parents — Jocelyn and Mike Victorino of Wailuku — were featured in the Star-Advertiser for being named the Little League Parents of the Year.

If anything, it demonstrates that no matter how wonderful parents might be, their kids still might get into a scuffle down the road.

But, back to the award: It will be presented to Shane’s parents later this month at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., and they very much deserve it. Shane and his brother, Mike Jr., played in the Central Maui Little League in Wailuku, and their parents were actively involved as umpires, coaches, team parents and treasurer.

Who could be against early learning for children?

Final proof of Capitol Hill dysfunction may be if H.R. 2794, the Continuum of Learning Act of 2011, fails to pass.

It doesn’t cost a dime, says one of its sponsors, U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono — which may be the only way to be bipartisan these days. The bill "updates the Elementary and Secondary Act by integrating early learning considerations within states’ and school districts’ existing K-12 plans," according to the release from Hirono’s office.

If the R’s and D’s can’t agree on even this — that early education is important and should be part of the plan — then, man, we’re really sunk.