Still, I have to be critical at times, and in those columns, I would like to accomplish two things: 1. Be entertaining. (Seems like critical articles are usually pretty boring to those who don't care about the subject.) and 2. Without being mean-spirited.

Well, I whiffed big-time on No. 2 last week in a column about the Fresno State quarterback situation, as many readers have let me know. And they were right.

Being critical isn't something I'm good at, necessarily, and when I have to be, or feel I should be, I worry too much about writing entertaining lines instead of remembering that the people I'm writing about are just people. They don't deserve to be torn down at the expense of, well, whatever it is I think I'm accomplishing.

So, in coincidental news, It was a week of positive columns around here, the stuff I enjoy writing about most, and here is some of the feedback ....

First, today's column about Teague Elementary School principal Ann Chavez and her wonderful idea called "Victory Medals." Sportsmanship will never be the same.

From Tom ...

"I have been involved in youth sports for many years. As a parent, coach and now as a grandparent. It was wonderful to read the story of Ann Chavez ... As I was reading the "blurry" print (leaky eyes), I was struck by how receptive our children are to direction. It was wonderful to see the power of positive direction and the response in an area where it is so sorely needed."

Thursday's column was about former Edison High football coach Ray Reyes and the bond he keeps with players years after having coached them. One, Utah State defensive back Joe Lindsay, graduates from college on Saturday.

From Mike ...

"I just received Joe's graduation announcement from Utah State last week and it made my week knowing that he is going to graduate."

And Sunday's column about Clovis High student Jerry Louie, who was the football team's manager this year and a cross country runner last year. He also happens to have cerebral palsy.

From the Soares Family ...

"My family really took to heart your Sunday article regarding Jerry Louie. Sometimes as parents and fans our perspectives can get skewed on what true accomplishment really is. His family must be extremely proud of him. He sounds like a wonderful young man."

From Efren ...

"What a heartwarming story. It reminded me of the another inspirational story earlier this year involving a disabled high school basketball player who entered a game and proceeded to make several 3-point baskets."

From Christina ...

"Larry Kellom is football through and through -- dedicated to Clovis High football. Anyone that knows a little about him knows this to be true. Yet, I don't know how many people know how protective, how dedicated, and how caring he is to our special needs kids that work with the team. In the midst of an intense, pressure packed and competitive season, he makes sure these guys are taken care of, treated right and part of the team in every way."

So there you go. A big heaping cup of feel-good, just in time for the holidays.