Jim and Steve Dodson’s stints as sports reporters for Kidzette, a Florida kids’ newspaper, was a dream job to be sure. Their press passes gave the brothers access to high-profile athletes in just about every sport. They got face-to-face interviews with the likes of Miami Dolphin Dan Marino and the Orlando Magic’s Shaquille O’Neal.
Life couldn’t get much better, they thought.
And then it did.
The two teenagers have published a book of advice from celebs. It’s called “Kids’ Little Instruction ($5 paperback, Troll). And it’s becoming quite a hit — to the amazement of both guys, Steve, 15 and a high school sophomore, and 18-year-old Jim, a freshman at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Their humble yet exciting beginning as sports reporters for Kidzette has become a most excellent adventure. And it’s all because of one question they asked celebs: What advice would you give kids growing up in the world today?
“Everyone seemed eager to share their advice with kids,” Jim said.
The pocket-sized book is organized in alphabetical order from baseball legend Hank Aaron to actor Robert Young from TV’s “Father Knows Best.” The way the boys see it, kids are more likely to take advice from celebrities than from their parents.
Ask Jim and Steve for their favorite quote out of the book’s 275 and they’ll tell you to turn to the one from U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns from Montana:
“In life you are given two ends, one to think with and the other to sit on. Your success in life depends on which end you use most. Heads you win, tails you lose!”
Apparently the Dodson brothers are using the winning end.
WORDS TO LIVE BY: Link the stars to their advice (Answers are at bottom right)……..
DAVE BARRY
Humor columnist
Find something that you’re really interested in doing in your life. Pursue it, set goals and commit yourself to excellence. Do the best you can.
CHRIS EVERT
Tennis Hall of Famer
Whatever you want to do with your life, whatever you strive to do, be the best you can be at it, whether it’s a doctor, a garbage collector or a baseball player.
LARRY HOLMES
Champion heavyweight boxer
Do NOT spit gum in the drinking fountains.
ROSA PARKS
Civil rights champion
There is a price to be paid for whatever you do in life, whether it is good or it is bad. Before you do something, ask yourself, is it worth the price you have to pay?
DAVE JUSTICE
Cleveland Indians ballplayer
Everyone living together in peace and harmony and love is the goal we should all seek.
SHARON STONE
Actress
Be true to yourself.
Answers: Dave Barry, C; Chris Evert, A; Larry Holmes, D,; Rosa Parks, E; Dave Justice, B; Sharon Stone, F.
