Starfish have eyes; queries have agendas

I was stopped in the hallway of an elementary school this week while running errands and asked by a teacher on behalf of her young students if starfish have eyes.

Yes, they do, and you are correct, they are located toward the end of each arm.

However their eyes are not quite like how one might think of an "eye."

We use our eyes to differentiate color and shapes, to gauge distant, and such, but the eyes of a starfish are used in a much more simple way.

Starfish use their eyes to differentiate between light and dark, and to detect motion. They are very tiny and are not structured the same as what you might think of an eye.

From what I can tell, their eyes are more like specialized light sensitive cells.

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Lately, I have been receiving a lot of questions that seem to have an agenda or directive about them; questions that seem to be more than just a question.

Though I fully support each individual's right to question local government or challenge decisions that have been made, I would like to point out that there are more appropriate arenas for such discussions than this column.

If you are concerned enough about a situation, you should send a letter to the editor or use the time set aside at the beginning of each city commission meeting for public comment.

Those two outlets are designed specifically to give voice to your concerns.

Just trying to clear up a few reasons why, since you've asked, your particular question about the trash cans, or street cleaners, or doctors, or what county vehicles are tagged in, have not shown up here.

Eric Norris is the adult department librarian at the Hays Public Library. "Ask Eric" questions can be mailed to 1205 Main, Hays, KS, 67601, submitted through www.hayspublib.org at the "Ask Eric" link or e-mailed to enorris@hayspublib.org.