On the front page of your [Nov. 13] issue you ran a sizable color photo of a “Women of Faith” conference held at BankAtlantic Center. What is “news” like this doing on the front page of our Deerfield Beach local weekly? Last I heard, BankAtlantic Center is in Sunrise. Also, including the “report” that “Just over 1,000 gave their lives to Christ,” made me very queasy. I’d expect to find that bit of news in a church organ or newspaper, not our local news weekly. The uncomfortable inference is that your newspaper positions this as, not only news, but a “positive” and significant event. How do you know that all of those women really did “accept Christ”? And is that really part of your responsibility to infer to your readers that that particular outcome indicates the “success” of the gathering — on top of its attracting 8,000 women? To a religious gathering far outside Deerfield Beach? If nothing else, running that photo and cutline was of questionable value to your local Deerfield readers. Worse, it was bad journalism.

Richard Cooke

Deerfield Beach, FL

Dear Mr. Cooke:

We found that more than 250 women from our area churches attended. That was the local connection to this simple photo-cutline and why we deemed it newsworthy.

David Volz

Editor

Veterans Day coverage makes reader proud

Dear Editor:

Hey! Nice story on the Vets ... Who is that photographer … Lisa Congemi?

Frank Congemi

Deerfield Beach, FL

First family-elect raises consciousness for adopting a pet

Dear Editor:

The Obama family is to be congratulated for expressing interest in adopting a homeless dog from an animal shelter. With shelters across the country overflowing with animals, the Obama’s would be saving a life as well as fulfilling a campaign promise to their girls. The Obama’s have said that they are looking for a “hypoallergenic” dog. While no breed can be guaranteed not to cause an allergic reaction, many dogs — especially those with short fur or long hair that doesn’t have an undercoat — could potentially fit the bill. The key is to let their daughters interact with the potential adoptee and watch for signs of an allergic reaction.

Regardless of what kind of dog the Obama’s choose, they’ll likely be doing their daughters a favor. According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, children who grow up around cats and dogs are less likely to be allergic to them — and anything else — later in life.

There are a variety of ways to battle animal allergens, including the following:

• Bathe animals and their bedding regularly.

• Clean carpets with a solution containing nontoxic tannic acid.

• Buy vinyl cases for your mattresses and box springs, and minimize the use of carpet and upholstered furniture in your home. They’re all reservoirs of allergens.

• Use an air purifier and keep ducts and air-conditioner filters clean.

Marge Peppercorn, M.D.

Sanibel, FL

11-20-08