Comments for Michael Patrick Shiels

Comment on INSIDE COMMUNIST CUBA – The Forbidden Fruits of Havana by Fred Grasman

Fred Grasman — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:35:47 +0000

Michael Patrick:

A very pleasant and professional recount of your visit to Cuba. Well done.

I recall, in paraphrase, the comment made by our local guide. “Do not speak highly of me in public or reward me in any way. There are many ears nearby and they may think I am trying to be your friend. I am just doing my job.”

This was an interesting trip. We were able to see there is a dark side to Cuba; but the people live with the hope for a better life.

Comment on INSIDE COMMUNIST CUBA – The Forbidden Fruits of Havana by Don Horton

Don Horton — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:46:58 +0000

MPS, Just a line to say I enjoyed the Cuba article. I’ll bet that was quite the adventure! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, and extend my wishes to you and your family for a very prosperious New Year,

Warm regards,

Don Horton

Comment on GOLF DIGEST LIST IS SHORTSIGHTED – SO-CALLED “RATERS” OUT OF TOUCH by Western Golf Alliance

Western Golf Alliance — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:54:29 +0000

Mr. Shiels NAILS it on this article. We too produce a golf resort ranking (which I will NOT link to directly to respect the fact this is not a self-promo), and we explicitly addressed this issue in our selection criteria … to even qualify as a “golf resort”, the location must have 36 holes on premise. Maybe that’s extreme, but a 5 star resort that is somewhere near a golf course is NOT a golf resort.

Comment on GOLF DIGEST LIST IS SHORTSIGHTED – SO-CALLED “RATERS” OUT OF TOUCH by Janina Jacobs

Janina Jacobs — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:27:44 +0000

Hi Michael,

I can understand why you believe the ratings are a bit skewed. As you may know, I have been a Golf Digest rater since the early 80′s and have also been through a number of ratings and panelist changes over the years. Things are done a bit differently now; we have always given only our individual ratings – never seeing the final product before its debut in the magazine. Perhaps the reason these ratings seem odd is because our parameters were very narrow: resorts we’ve personally visited in the last 3 years. I travel a lot but cannot possibly be at all of the great resorts within that time; by limiting our selections in this way, our hands are tied. I’ve visited many of the nominated resorts but could not honestly rate them as if I’d been there since 2008. Maybe the thing to do is for me to contact the magazine and relay your thoughts and ask that we broaden the time line. Of course, things do change and resorts fall out of favor due to outdated courses or amenities so I can agree that some sort of time limit should apply.

Regarding the quality and credibility of the 1000 panelists, well, as you know with every other occupation, some are better than others. But I have never met any of them who don’t take seriously the services they perform. We do have an interactive website where much is discussed, though no collaboration on ratings takes place. We also have periodic summits on what constitutes proper course ratings and are required to attend one at least every 3 years. And yes, people do get thrown off the panel by violating the Code of Conduct or by not performing the tasks needed.

Comment on MEET JUSTIN BIEBER AT A HOTEL NEAR YOU by macy storey

macy storey — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 11:12:56 +0000

i would love to meet u justin bieber. i nerly now everything about u. U were born March 1st 1994 in stratford ontario in canada. your dad got re-married and he had 2 kids with her jaxon and jasmine which would be your half brother and sister. Do u have a papillon breed dog named sammy.

Comment on The Osprey Beaver Creek Colorado by Emil pulick tour guide

Emil pulick tour guide — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:46:14 +0000

Dear Michael,
Becky, Lupe\’s sister, forwarded the article to me. Great stuff, almost all true.
Don\’t think I really saw Joe Biden in a compromising position, but then he\’s fair game for anyone.
Hope you had a great time at Beaver Creek and come back again.

Emil Pulick

Comment on Amelia Island Plantation by angaga island resort

angaga island resort — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:28:37 +0000

Snorkeling as good as diving have been the prominence of the activities. Snorkeling area have been located in the south easterly (opposite-facing the Lombok Golf Kosaido) as good as along to the north east).

Comment on The Sanctuary by Political Gifts

Political Gifts — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:03:43 +0000

Absorbing piece. I know I’m a little late in posting my comment but the article was to the point and just the information I was looking for. I can’t say that I agree with all that you said but it was decidedly absorbing! It’s amazing how America just keeps getting better and better in spite of our current difficulties. BTW…I found your site through a Bing search. I’m a returning visitor to your blog and will return again soon. Thanks again for a great article!

Comment on State of Bliss in Stateline, Nevada by RedMango

RedMango — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:55:28 +0000

Very nice post!

Comment on I’d like to hear from you. by Viktoria Berlin

Viktoria Berlin — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:08:52 +0000

Interesting post. For me as an traveler from overseas germany, berlin it is importend to watch out what´s going on in the states. best regards