Ted B. Kissell's story was humorous and truthful ("My Life in Jeopardy," April 6). I never laughed so much, and I enjoyed his honesty, especially about the comment his father made. I almost fell out of my chair!
Yes, contestant Robin was something else. I mean she kicked ass and took names! I saw the show and was upset with Ted. But now that I know the story behind it all, I admire him. Thanks for such a nice story.
Desmond Clark
Fort Lauderdale
We'll Take "Angry Readers" For $500, Alex
I'll take "Wastes of Time" for $300, Alex. And the correct question is: "What is a slow news week?"
Why were we unwillingly subjected to the drivel that was Ted B. Kissell's losing account of his life on Jeopardy? What's up, New Times? Were you really that hard up for news that you had to feature such a lame story? If Mr. Kissell had been on Who Wants to Marry a Journalist?, then maybe. But reading about Jeopardy! is as interesting as reading about what Elián ate for breakfast. Stick to the stories you're good at and leave the cheesy game-show stories for the other rags.
Samantha Lee
Miami Beach
Environmentalism Takes a Dive
Thank you for your accurate and honest article on the Broward proposed marine preserve ("A Fishy Bit of Environmentalism," Roger Williams, March 30). There is even more to the proposed preserve than many fishermen, swimmers, beachgoers, and residents realize. Many of the Marine Protected Area committee members are actively feeding and promoting shark-feeding dives in our waters. The shark-feeding dives currently are taking place as close as 200 yards off our beaches.
MPA committee members Linda Woodhouse, owner of Lighthouse Dive Center; Jeff Torode, local shark feeder and co-owner of South Florida Dive Headquarters; and shark-feeding promoter Neal Watson all stand to prosper from the proposed marine preserve. The idea is to create an area in which to concentrate dangerous marine predators; if they are concentrated in one area, they must be protected from the fishermen. Once the sharks are concentrated in one area, these people can promote diving in our beautiful protected reef and participate in our thrill-seeking shark dive. In essence they are creating an underwater circus.
Feeding wild marine life has serious safety and environmental impacts. It alters the natural ecosystem, is harmful to the animal being fed, and is dangerous to nearby swimmers and divers. It is comparable to feeding wild animals like bears.
A majority of the dive community is opposed to shark feeding and the reasons behind the proposed marine preserve. The promoters of this preserve are giving MPAs a black eye. They should at least call it what it is -- a "Shark Park."
David Earp
Pompano Beach
Malling Justice
While I agree in essence with your article, I disagree with the way you have painted [Jerry] Fadgen as the sole culprit ("There's Something About Jerry," Bob Norman, March 16).
I have lived for 36 years within a stone's throw of Vanella Plaza, and I quite honestly can't remember a time when that shopping center didn't look a mess. I can remember conversation after conversation with Mr. Vanella requesting him to clean up the trash because it would blow into my yard. Mr. Vanella was a very personable man, but the fact was he was not going to spend a dime on anything that didn't directly benefit him.
I don't see where Plantation Council people are unlike any other city. The only reason anyone becomes a politician is to line their pockets and their friends'.
What I don't care for is the hypocrisy. Plantation probably has more building and business ordinances than any other city around here, but the council constantly makes variances based on how influential the individual or group is. I don't see what the point is to have all of these ordinances to begin with if they are not applied fairly.
Karen Kirwan
Plantation
