What an interesting contrast we have when discussing how to solve the problems involved with global climate change and energy utilization. On one hand we have the Chicken Little group (i.e.-Look, the sky is falling in) led by Al Gore and the media. While on the other hand you have people like Professor Mark Eberhart who look upon the problem as an opportunity for mankind to solve. As a retired CSM graduate there is little I can personally do to solve such problems, but I can contribute to causes that I feel may benefit mankind. Mines graduates have always had the goal ot economically utilize the Earth's resources to benefit mankind. It seems to me to be natural that one way I can continue this endeavor is to put my money where my mouth is. It is for this reason I have been a regular contributor to the Mines Fund and my wife, Virginia, and I have named Colorado School of Mines Foundation as the major beneficiary of our Charitable Remainder Trust.

Robert Lee Kerwin '53

Reading the various articles on "Renewable Energy" in the Spring/Summer issue was interesting. However, I am surprised that Mines is jumping on the "man is the cause of global warming" bandwagon. Please allow the other side to speak to this issue. I am also disappointed in not hearing about other sources of clean energy - nuclear and photovoltaic. I am convinced that both offer a means of assuring energy independence and abundant energy which is so important to our living standards. They also offer potential for supporting a hydrogen fuel-based economy. Both these sources of energy are less harmful to the environment than the proposed carbon-based renewable energy programs. Both are in use and have demonstrated reliable performance, but there are still technology challenges that Mines could address, such as an economy of resource acquisition and suitable ecological disposal of waste streams.

Bill Gekler '54

I really like the links to audio content on the new website for the magazine, but it would be really great if these were Podcasts, and that one could subscribe to a "Mines Podcast," and get updates on these automatically whenever they were posted. It would also make it easier for some to listen to them by being able to store them up and play them when next on a plane, or cooking, or whatever. Thank you. I like the new site a lot.

John M. McLaughlin '01

We recieved the latest edition of Mines magazine containing the obituary for James L. Sampair '54. Thank you fvery much [for] sending this. James was a very proud alumnus of the school. My mother and the rest of us are very grateful. Your edition of the magazine was wonderful! Keep up the good work.

Michael Sampair

The site looks great; what a huge step forward. Nicely done.

Heidi G. Loshbaugh, Associate Director, Center for Engineering Education

While I like your new layout OK, I wish you would return to showing the degrees the alum has earned when showing the name and info in "Fast Forward" and "Passing."

Chuck Downing '62

After reading the current issue, I must compliment you overall on a very readable, informative publication. However, why do you not include the degree information? We worked hard for each of our distinctive degrees, and it helps identify sub-groups of alums and the background of each graduate. You are even leaving degrees off the obituaries, which are particularly useful as an historic record. Please, return to the tradition of honoring our earned degrees.

Charles O. Parker II E.M. '53

I really enjoyed your article on my good friends the Plutts in your last issue concernig the Mines Fund. It is important to preserve the CSM's reputation, not only among ourselves and for future generations. I hope in the future my daughter can become a third generation Miner and feel proud to be a part of a legacy.

Matthew and Kelly (Lapinsky) McAughan '97

Welcome, Nick. The Mines magazine is a treasure to us old alums, and I am sure you'll handle the responsibility as Editor with skill and dignity. My granddaughter is a junior at Peak to Peak Charter School, and her scholastic achievements far exceeded my own at the same age. She has expressed an interest in attending Mines when she graduates, and I've been sending her my copy of Mines magazine for about two years, which she reads cover to cover. Time will tell, but both she and Mines could do worse than join up in a little over one year. Congratulations on your excellent Spring/Summer issue.

Morgan Townsend '48