4 minute read
Mailbox
STEAM, not STEM
Editor:
Humboldt State University is at the beginning of an exciting new path to establish a polytechnic university right here in Arcata. A very large sum of money is earmarked to make this transition.
In reading Barry Evans’ article (“Cal Poly Humboldt?” Aug. 26) he describes his own educational path as being an either/or situation regarding science or arts. It doesn’t sound like the most desirable kind of education.
Our university seems to be looking at a similar separation of “left” and “right” brain education for the next generation of students. I don’t see why the establishment of Cal Poly Humboldt needs to follow this line of thinking.
STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. To me this kind of education sounds very dry and dull, sort of like a saltine cracker without the salt. A newer, more complete approach to education is called STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, ARTS, and Math). Saltine with cheese and salsa!
STEAM and a polytechnic university complement each other. Mr. Evans says, “The polytechnic approach emphasizes handson, experiential learning ….” Precisely what arts education is all about! He further says, “… humanities and arts … the counterpoint to STEM.” I say, not so! STEAM education is complete education!
In my travels as a musician and music educator, I have met and made music with doctors, lawyers, computer engineers — even a NASA scientist!
HSU already has top-notch programs in music, theater, dance and art. They must be incorporated into any future for HSU and our next generation.
Fred Tempas, Arcata
Editor:
I have hiked and biked many trails and roads in northern Humboldt and have noticed lately, much to my dismay and frankly disgust, how trashy our environment has become. Plastic bags, disposable and recyclable containers, PPE, fast food cups, and those plastic or glass hard alcohol bottles are everywhere.
This seemingly infinite assortment of intentionally and unintentionally discarded junk just keeps piling up and most of us do not seem at all concerned. But, I for one am, actually, quite disturbed and embarrassed by it. What does it imply when a community of humans casually defiles their environment and then does almost nothing to clean it up? This is an especially important question since we live by the Pacific Ocean. A lot of this detritus blows out to sea to poison and kill its creatures. Wake up Humboldt Citizens! We and the rest of our species are destroying Mother Earth in many ways. If we do not correct our transgressions, we and many other species will cease to survive.
In response to this, I propose that governmental and private groups organize, collectively and cooperatively, weekly volunteer clean-up projects all over the county. Sure, every now and then we hear about a beach clean-up. That’s great, but the problem has gotten far too immense for occasional efforts to have any significant impact. We need weekly, year-round volunteer clean-up events and we need them now! Martin Smukler, McKinleyville
Editor:
So enthused about your Aug. 18 issue, I had to write a letter after many years: Starting page-by-page with the Letters to the Editor, from Avis, Rogers and Jeff Knapp: Right on you three! Except Bill Morris, who said: “if the petulant children of ‘pro-Trump America’ hadn’t decided to embrace vaccine refusal.” Doesn’t he look at the stats? It is the young 20-to-30-year-old deniers who choose to deny, and they certainly weren’t pro-Trump. The Donald blame-game is soooo old.
On to “CRV Buy-Back Returning to Humboldt,” thanks, Hambro! Why can’t Jill Duffy buy a truck, if that’s the answer?
Wow!! The open letter from our doctors encouraging vaccinations “Please Get Vaccinated.” Such an important message from the medical community.
Next: “HSU foresees doubling Enrollment” (NCJ Daily). Can’t wait to see how city of Arcata handles this wonderful opportunity. The following cover story about HSU (“‘Beacons of Hope’”) excels again, lauding Project Rebound.
Continuing success: Jefferson Community Center (“The Jefferson Community Center is Turning Up the Heat”). Thank you, Heidi Benzonelli, and all your lets.buy.jefferson@ gmail.com supporters, including my 1992 councilmember son Jeff, who pushed for the EHS sale to them.
And finally, for the well-spoken words (“To Choke”) from Ron Kausen, our local youth’s sports hero. What a newspaper: Thank you!
Don Leonard, Eureka
Divine Intervention
Editor:
In the debate over vaccinations (“‘Felt Severely,’” Aug. 26), I’ve read quotes from people declining to be vaccinated because “they believe in God.”
Which makes me wonder, to which God are they referring?
I know that, during the early months of the pandemic, millions of people around the world prayed that a vaccine would be developed. I know many, if not all, scientists and researchers of faith prayed that God would guide their hand as they devoted countless hours, days, months to develop a vaccine. I know that even non-believers would agree that the successful development of the vaccines in record time was nothing short of miraculous!
So, I have to ask: Why would any pious person decline a vaccine that is clearly a godsend?
Terry Torgerson
Richard Salzman, Arcata
Unvaccinated House Calls
Editor:
When the tech from Suddenlink appeared at our front door, masked, I put on my mask and welcomed him in. I led him through the front room, down the hall, and into the room with the desk and Wi-Fi equipment.
A few minutes later, I asked if he had been vaccinated (Mailbox, Aug. 26). He said, “No.” It then occurred to me that I should have asked before admitting him. I hope that, had my great grandchildren been in the
Continued on next page »
Cutten Realty
Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty Property Management handles hundreds of listings in Eureka, Arcata, and throughout Humboldt County.
Suzanne Tibbles
Property Manager | Realtor® 3943 Walnut Dr., Suite B, Eureka cuttenrentals.com Lic. #01388859
OPEN: M-F 9 AM-5 PM PHONE: (707) 445-8822 FAX: (707) 442-2391
