Letters to the Editor, fall 2004

From M, fall 2004

Daily makeover

Thank you for the trip down memory lane inspired by your article on the change of format of the Daily.

I was on the Daily staff when the change was made from the big 7-column size to the tabloid format. Two of the arguments for the change were that it would be easier, therefore faster, to put into the P.O. boxes (is the Daily still distributed that way?), and it would be easier to read on the trolley between the main and ag campuses (does anyone remember the trolley?).

It was also within a year or so of that change that the Daily moved from its old, over-crowded, distinctive quarters in Pillsbury Hall to the brand new Journalism Building. Lots of conveniences, but no character. I suppose Pillsbury Hall is long gone, and by now the Journalism Building is old and has acquired layers of character.

Phoebe Anderson Olson, '40

P.S. Is there still a Board of Pub dinner dance every spring?

Ed: Pillsbury Hall is alive and well. It has been sandblasted and tuck pointed and now shines on the U's list of historic buildings. These days, it's home to the Department of Geology and Geophysics. And yes, the Daily still has a party every spring.

H2O

I was very pleased to see your article "It's Crystal Clear." Water is an increasingly precious resource that should remain safe and accessible. Privatization and poor application of technology are an ongoing threat to not only our immediate health, but to the long-term well being on the planet.

Your article will go a long way in informing the U community of waters threats, and what's being done to protect our precious water resources. I appreciate the efforts of M and the University of Minnesota.

John Zanmiller

VP, St. Paul Regional Water Services

The cover article of the summer 2004 edition makes no mention of sea water conversion as a potential solution to the impending water shortage. If costal areas could get their fresh water from the sea, it would relieve pressures on inland sources such as Minnesota that are rich with abundant water. I have observed sea water conversion on the arid Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curagao, so the technology is apparently available, at least to the Dutch.

With bottled water exceeding the price of a gallon of gasoline, the time can't be too far off for sea water conversion to become economically viable.

Gerald Pickering, '57