Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 13, 1994 TAG: 9401140039
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It should save money in the long run by merging two state agencies working on related subjects: protecting and maintaining Virginia's natural heritage with research and through public education. It will make their work more efficient by avoiding some duplication of effort. Scientists and public educators at both agencies could rely on larger natural-history collections as well as on a more complete library for their work.
Merging with Explore Park will allow an ideal setting for expanding the present indoor museum exhibits with living natural-history exhibits along Explore Park's nature trails. The museum is already rotating its public educational exhibits to the VMNH branch museums at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia, and to other affiliated institutions in Virginia. Adding a new one, Explore Park, among these makes sense economically. It will further avoid duplication of efforts and will reach more people, especially in Southwest Virginia.
With the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Natural Heritage Program located closer to the Tech campus, the natural-history scientists and educators from several departments at Tech could more actively participate in the efforts of the combined three agencies. This would also facilitate additional research on the oldest and largest natural-history collections of the state at the Virginia Tech Museum of Natural History (started in 1888 and now numbering more than 1,100,000 specimens).
As early as 1969, the scientific community, represented by the Virginia Academy of Sciences, endorsed the concept that the state-supported science museum be established in Richmond, while the state's natural-history museum should be located in Southwest Virginia.
MICHAEL KOSZTARAB
BLACKSBURG
Abundant art for every taste
THE ROANOKE Valley is fortunate to have spaces where the age-old search for personal artistic expression is nurtured and respected. The question of what art is and isn't can only be answered by each person. We, as artists, ask the viewer to keep an open mind in his/her definition of art.
We encourage Thomas Bridges of Blue Ridge (Jan. 7 letter to the editor, ``Is it art or is it junk?'') to continue to enjoy the study of art and to take advantage of a variety of local exhibits, such as the one by Ini Chichester (reproduced drawing entitled ``Wiener Walzer'' appeared in the Jan. 2 Roanoke Times & World-News under ``Art Exhibits'') at Studios on the Square on the Roanoke City Market, to broaden his understanding of different artists and their various ways of making art.
Many good artists are worthy of having their work shown. Let's not overlook those whose work we do not understand at first glance, nor underestimate the public's ability to appreciate a rich variety of artistic expressions.
LEO PHARR
ANA STELLA
WAYNESBORO
\ Clinton is out of his league
IT'S FINALLY come to pass. Slick Willie has simply hurried up the process. The United States is going bankrupt in 1995. This comes from good authority, and it's valid.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, taxes are going up, inflation is also taking its deadly toll, and the United States is headed toward socialism.
Recently in Virginia Beach, I saw two bumper stickers that gave me a nice, warm feeling inside. One said: ``Don't blame me, I voted for Bush.'' The other one read: ``Dump Clinton.''
I really like what Ross Perot said about Clinton and his employment possibilities. Perot said that he would offer Clinton a routine job in middle management. But to think he's trying to run the United States makes one go into shock.
Before 1995 rolls around, I hope Clinton is impeached for incompetency and ignorance.
R. KEITH WHITLEY
BEDFORD
Dylan gives fans their money's worth
REGARDING the constant cutting down of Bob Dylan by staff writer Mark Morrison (Dec. 31, ``The year in concerts''):
Morrison has always given Dylan bad reviews. It's obvious that he doesn't like his music, but for him to have free rein to say what he pleases when Dylan is around bothers me and others.
I went to the Dylan concert in March of last year, and I thought it was the best one I've ever been to. And about a couple thousand other people thought so, too. Dylan received a standing ovation and came back on stage to perform about 30 minutes extra. That's something a lot of other performers never have done.
MARK LITTERAL
PARROTT
by CNB