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Teen in foster care has earned our praise, 12/30

I read your article about Shane Sheil. To me, this kid is a hero, someone to be admired and highly respected.

With all the kids we have running around with cell phones and spoiled-rotten attitudes, here's a kid with nothing but himself and his will to succeed. He has a 3.4 GPA, plays football, wants to serve his country. He has every reason to fail but refuses to.

Our community should applaud him, and I know there's some family out there that would be proud to adopt him. If I was younger I would adopt him in a heartbeat.

Carl Schirg, Gulfport

A food critic reviews his career Dec. 27, story

This food critic will be irreplaceable

I'm sorry, but I am certain that neither this paper, nor any other in the country, will ever have as erudite a food critic as Chris Sherman, who announced his retirement from this position on your Wednesday front page. He knows food, he knows wine, and he knows all about the restaurant business. What a loss, especially to what is basically an occupational injury.

As a writer, Chris expressed himself in a manner that was clever but not cute, informative but not pedantic, and always with humor. Shakespeare? Maybe not, but P.J. O'Rourke, certainly.

Readers relied upon his judgement regarding eateries and were rarely disappointed. His loyal following is going to be very critical of whoever takes his place. The Tampa Bay area is not a hotbed of independent, innovative restaurants, although it is full of those that eventually morph into popular chains. He has given the chains their due, even regarding one of them (Roy's) as the area's best restaurant last year (that by itself is a bit tragic, actually). He has not shied away from critically reviewing even our local icons (Bern's).

His insights will be missed. (Full disclosure: Chris is a fraternity brother of mine from the '60s, at radical William and Mary, where he once bit my hand while we were abducting him on a hazing trip. I knew then that he would find great success as a food critic, or as Hannibal Lecter, and that I would never be a surgeon).

Reed Murtagh, M.D., Tampa

A food critic reviews his career Dec. 27, story

The writing's always fresh

Okay, I just ate my oatmeal! For someone who has a good relationship with change, to the point of encouraging it, I stepped on the brakes when I read the story about Chris, by Chris. I've been a fan of his reviews for six years. I like his turn of phrase, his clips, and yes, the way he could be flip, although few would pick up on it. Because, gad, how do you write about seafood, 400 ways, for example, when you live in the bay area and everybody cooks it?

At times the food may not have been fresh but his writing was. Once at a SideBern's wine tasting I asked a geography question of a chef standing nearby and a voice to my left answered, "That's Malabar Farm in Ohio." I did a double take and asked him if he'd please join our table. As dining experiences go, the next hour or two couldn't be topped. Not only was the food and wine sensational, but I hung on every "pearl of wisdom," that fell from my rock-star food critic's lips.

This gig may be up, Chris, but go ahead and refine your diet, and come back and write once a month, or so, about some of the wonderful health food restaurants in the area.

Anita Shumway, Clearwater

A veteran's gratitude

During recent days, I was a resident at the Bay Pines Nursing Home, and during the Christmas holidays we were reached by many members of veterans organizations (including those who brought their children). They were from the Pinellas Park American Legion Auxiliary and VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary, plus the Boy Scouts and others. It was a marvelous gift and gave "the old-timers" a real lift.

I wish to commend these groups for their consideration in remembering all of us, and to thank them all for their visits, their cards, the Christmas goodies, and all the kind words.

As a former combat Marine (Aug. 7, 1942, original Guadalcanal landing) it was heartwarming to see the families and various choral groups who came entertain the many vets who had been seriously wounded. They also helped to make us feel comfortable and "at home."

The entire staff at the nursing home went above and beyond the call of duty in providing first-class service and food for all of the veteran residents there during this holiday season, and I wish to thank them all from the bottom of my heart for the kind consideration, and to all the veterans groups, for remembering us and making us feel comfortable. It was especially heartwarming to hear the little children thanking us "For our service to our country." What great parental training!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, semper fi, and God bless America.

Robert W. Fincher , Palm Harbor

String of area E. coli cases stirs concern Dec. 21, story

Combating E. coli

This article highlighted how challenging detecting a source of infection can be, but did not share prevention tips to help Floridians avoid E. coli infections.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potent member of the E. coli family that can cause severe illness following fecal-oral exposure. Most people suffer a bout of diarrhea and recover without the need for medical intervention. However, in some rare cases that are usually seen in our young and elderly populations, there can be serious and sometime life-threatening complications. The following are some easy but important steps that we should all follow to try to avoid E. coli infections:

- Cook all ground beef and hamburgers thoroughly.

- Avoid spreading bacteria in your kitchen. Wash hands, keep raw meat separate from other foods, and wipe down counters, faucets, handles and other surfaces.

- Wash your hands throughout the day, after using the restroom, after changing diapers, after contact with animals and before eating to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

- Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

- Drink only pasteurized milk, juice or cider.

- Wash fruits and vegetables under running water, especially those that will not be cooked.

- Drink water from tested and approved water systems.

- Avoid swallowing lake or pool water while swimming.

By following these preventive strategies, you are being proactive in avoiding E. coli O157:H7 and other diseases. We should all take the extra time to follow food and hygiene safety tips to ensure a pleasant and healthy holiday season.

M. Rony Franois, M.D., secretary, Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee

Promises turn to rubble Dec. 25, commentary by Bob Herbert

Undeserving New Orleans

Why does Bob Herbert and everybody else in the media blame the federal government for the mess in New Orleans? New Orleans has received plenty of money over the years to improve its flood control system. It all went to other projects or into someone's pockets. I don't know anyone who doesn't agree that Louisiana has the most corrupt politicians at every level of any state in the union.

If Louisiana, including New Orleans, were run with a minimum of efficiency and honesty, the hurricane flooding probably wouldn't have occurred in the first place and, if it had occurred, they would be well on the way to recovery by now.

Peter H. Wilford, Holiday

A person worth rescuing

This young man's story goes straight to your heart. I sincerely hope that there is someone out there to hear his plea. He is doing all right in school, staying out of trouble, has such hope for a better future and life. He is worth rescuing while there is still time.

And to Shane Sheil (I hope he is reading this), I wish you good luck. Continue to do well in school and graduate, stay out of trouble, seek advice and help whenever possible, show that you would not disappoint someone's efforts to help you. You still have a lot of growing up to do, but stay your course and determine to make it. All the best wishes to you.

Anne Schoeneck, Sun City Center

Pity party

I'm sure you will get a lot of "poor thing" offers of sympathy for Shane Sheil, but before pity completely consumes me, I'd like to hear from his "stepdad," "the Hixes," "the Spicers," "Ms. Carol" and "Scott's mom," all of whom he admits opened their hearts and doors to him in the past only to have him (in his words) "mess up."

What about the problems, the stresses, and sleepless nights he caused them and theirs? I'm truly sorry for his situation and could have joined your "pity, pity, pity" effort if your story had reported (just a little) on how much sorrier he is for the problems he caused them than he, (and you) obviously are for himself.

The article says he has decided against joining the Marines because, "they'd put me right in that war." Poor baby! The Marines would not only teach him how to live with rules, but they'd also give him purpose and perhaps even a trade. Most important, they'd make a man out of him. I sincerely hope he joins; others in his shoes have gotten themselves on track that way and so can he! I wish him nothing but luck!

Leon G. Atkinson, Brooksville

Facing the challenges

Our heartfelt thanks to Lane Degregory for her story about Shane Sheil. It is wonderful that Lane had the sensitivity to let Shane tell his story in his own words and style, providing insight into the challenges faced by older foster children awaiting forever families.

I am writing on behalf of the Progress Energy Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, an organization dedicated to finding permanent families for the hundreds of foster children available for adoption in Pinellas and Pasco counties. Since Shane's story ran, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community. As a result, we are working hard to respond to your readers' interest and generosity.

Of the three items Shane wished for - an Xbox game system, a skateboard and a family - he has already received the first two. And if the number of inquiries about Shane is any indication, it is quite likely his third and most important wish may also come true.

Many of your readers contacted Lane Degregory or called the Heart Gallery and may not have heard back from us yet. We ask that they please be patient. Meanwhile, readers interested in adoption information may contact the Safe Children Coalition at (727) 456-0600.

Again, thank you for helping spread the word about the thousands of children living in foster care in Pinellas and Pasco counties.

Heidi Akers, vice president, Progress Energy Heart Gallery of Pinellas & Pasco, Seminole

Gerald R. Ford 1913-2006

The nation has lost an exemplary leader

The country owes a debt of gratitude to Gerald Ford, our 38th president. In 1974, when he pardoned Richard Nixon, he saved the country from a quagmire of trials and derisiveness. He allowed the country to move forward and to heal. In doing this, he essentially committed political suicide.

President Ford obviously understood the ramifications of his decision, but knew it was in the best interest of the country. Though he was the only man to serve this office without being elected either president or vice president, his purpose, compassion and love of country, are to be remembered always. We have lost an exemplary leader.

Paul S. Denker, Clearwater

A different Republican

I'm very happy to see that Gerald Ford is now being praised highly by the media. Maybe his good qualities will be held up in comparison with the members of our current national nightmare administration. Ford was a Republican too. Not the kind of Republican now running our country.

Susan Ham, Lutz

He deserved election

President Gerald Ford has sadly left us. Talk about a man of integrity! Ford was a fine gentleman and in retrospect deserved to have been elected president - particularly since we now know the historical facts as well as we do:

Democrat Jimmy Carter, who beat Ford in 1976, did a terrible job in office. Carter ran our country into the ground with 21 percent interest rates, our hostages held in captivity for a year, gas lines stretching around the block and our great nation receiving zero respect around the globe.

It's fair to say that our country was in decent shape until Ford and his wife, Betty, left Washington. Now we mourn the loss of this great American who healed our nation when it most needed it following the disaster of Watergate.

Kevin B. Kamen, Palm Harbor

Unpardonable pardon

Gerald Ford: a good president? Emphatically: No.

Why? He pardoned an undeserving Richard Nixon.

George Bush could do the same for Jack Abramoff or Mark Foley and many other scalawags who do not deserve it.

Bill Burgin, Spring Hill

Candor and kindness

Much has been said and written about how open and honest Gerald Ford was as a congressman, vice president, and finally, president. Here's a personal recollection from the spring of 1974, early in Gerald Ford's vice presidency and half a year from when he would succeed President Richard Nixon:

Vice President Ford had just spoken to a luncheon meeting of a Washington trade association. Afterward, a few business magazine writers (I among them) along with reporters from the newswire services gathered for an impromptu press conference with him.

For openers, the vice president asked us what we expected him to say. His talk really had broken no new political ground, he candidly admitted. For a minute or two there was silence. Then one of the news-wire guys noted how it was a very, very slow news day in Washington. "And, Gerry," he added, "you're the only game in town."

Vice President Ford grinned. And then patiently took our questions, giving each of us some sort of a story for our readers.

Tom Feare, Land O'Lakes

Hanging out with Jerry

I agree wholeheartedly with the many media comments that President Ford provided the country with the perfect "everyman" balance to Richard Nixon's imperial presidency, given my own treasured opportunity to meet Gerald Ford.

It was January 1979, and I was a young American diplomat serving in Jerusalem. President Ford, two years out of office, was visiting Jerusalem on personal business, and the Consulate General staff invited him to our Super Bowl party (held in the middle of the night, given the time difference) through his Secret Service detachment. We were surprised and thrilled when Ford accepted.

That night, we were all a little nervous, as for most of us this was our "first" president to meet up close. President Ford entered the room, shook hands all around while greeting us like old friends, popped a brew, grabbed a handful of potato chips, and started talking - very knowledgeably - about the point spread.

Out of respect for both the man and the office, we gave him the best seat in the house, and during the game he cheered and screamed and yelled at the television with the rest of us. I couldn't tell you who was playing in the Super Bowl that day, but I sure remember hanging out with Jerry Ford in the middle of the night, knocking back a few and watching the Super Bowl in, of all places, Jerusalem.

Thanks, Mr. President, for bringing us back from the brink in 1974. Rest in peace.

Wayne Griffith, St. Petersburg

Ford fares well

Many chuckled at Saturday Night Live's portrayal of President Ford as bumbling lightweight; history will be kinder.

Compared to the Existing Occupant, he'll loom large intellectually and go down as a man of peace and long-lost honesty. I hope that America won't elect future presidents who'll make the lesser President Bush seem as restrained as was Gerald Ford. The USA would then be lost.

Bruce H. Alexander, St. Petersburg

President forever linked to "SNL" pratfalls Dec. 28, column by Bill Adair

A tasteless view of Ford

What a pity that Page 9A on Thursday led with this column by your Washington Bureau chief. Was this the appropriate way to pay tribute to a president who just died?

This column was in the poorest of taste. President Ford was probably our fittest and most athletic president. Ford himself said that Saturday Night Live "helped create the public perception of me as a stumbler. And that wasn't funny."

I'll tell you what a real "stumble" is - receiving oral sex by a young intern in the Oval Office. That, of course, couldn't be re-enacted on SNL. I am personally outraged at the timing of this column. Keep in mind that good taste is priceless; good writing can be bought by the pound.

Frank Thoubboron, Belleair

Principle not politics Dec. 28, story

Unheralded principles

Your front page states, "President Ford is remembered as a man who cared more about doing what was right, than was popular." Why is President Bush not lauded while alive by your paper for the same thing?

It seems to me that Bush is not doing what is popular, but what he thinks is right for the country and the world. Yet you give him no credit for sticking by his principles. Your editorial page consistently denigrates him for his principles, which you clearly disagree with.

Lawrence Flannagan, Dunedin

[Last modified December 29, 2006, 22:17:02]