WE CAN’T PUT IT TOGETHER. IT IS TOGETHER.

Last semester a Lyman Briggs College class (LBC is a residential college here at MSU that bridges the humanities and the sciences with interdisciplinary teaching and research) used The Last Whole Earth Catalogas one of its texts. 

Students used an online version of the catalog, but were also encouraged to visit Special Collections where we have a number of issues and editions of that venerable icon of the sixties.  I still recall the hours and hours I pored over the first Last Whole Earth Catalog I purchased in 1971. I was in VISTA at the time (Volunteers in Service to America) ready to change the world for the better and finding the Catalog as a guide to do just that.  I was pretty successful with a neighborhood garden (the organic part would have to wait) among other endeavors, but the backyard yurt was a total flop.  Seeing students almost a half century later looking through the catalogs in the reading room was deeply satisfying, especially when one student said that holding and seeing the print copy was so much better than the digital copy.  Yes!

After one of the LBC students was finished, I spent some time revisiting the Catalog and found this lovely inscription from Laurie to Debbie dated December 30, 1972.  Wherever these fellow travelers are today I hope they are well and would take as much satisfaction as I do knowing their Catalog is still being used and teaching, maybe even inspiring another generation.

~Peter

Michigan State University, Landon Hall

Forestry students from Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University) studying tree growth, Michigan, 1910

(from the National Archives)

Spartan pride

Spartan pride

Michigan State University - 17-Jan-2009

When you think of Brad Pitt, what comes to mind? Academy Awards? Fight Club? “Brangelina”? Two things that might not come to mind, but should: fruit flies and cowlicks.

The celebrity has more in common with a fruit fly than you may think (which, granted, is a low bar to clear.) A new study out of Michigan State University, featured in Scientific Reports, shows that both Pitt and flies have “polarized” hair patterns controlled by a cancer protein.

“Researchers have discovered that these polarity genes, which do more than create cowlicks, are regulated by a tumor suppressor protein. On the macro scale, their presence can be seen in feather and fish scale patterns. On the cellular level, they are directly regulated by a cancer protein, the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein.”

This research has further-reaching implications than simply crowning fruit flies People’s Sexiest Bug Alive.In fact, it could shed light on certain potential cancer treatment research. Sandhya Payankaulam, lead author and MSU research assistant professor, explains that “until now, people neglected the regulation of polarity genes, thinking them to be regulated in a rather humdrum manner similar to ‘housekeeping’ genes that are devoted to basic cellular functions. Our work challenges this view and raises an important question relevant to development of new cancer diagnosis and therapies.”

Read more at The Science Daily here!

In need of some fun plans for Saturday night?  Look no further!  We’ve got just the thing for you!

Took several of our newbies to Michigan’s unofficial mini-tournament this past weekend to give them some experience playing against other teams.  Everyone played hard and had a lot of fun!

Photo Credit:  Sara DeLongchamp

Meet our returning coach, Ian Hoopingarner! Ian is majoring in Comparative Cultures and Politics within the James Madison College. Next year will be his third year with MSU quidditch and his second as head coach! Under Ian’s leadership, MSU will reappear next year even stronger than before! For information regarding team practices and joining the traveling team, contact Ian!
Photo Credit: Meghan Kautman

Meet our new tribune, Jake Hall! Next year will be this Pre-Nursing major’s second year with MSU quidditch! As tribune, it will be Jake’s duty to be the liaison between club members and our E-Board. Members can direct any questions and concerns that they have to Jake!
Photo Credit: Hilary Valentine

Meet our new IM coordinator, Derek Wright! This Actuarial Science major will be entering his fourth year with MSU quidditch this fall. Derek will be in charge of organizing MSU’s intramural quidditch league for the 2014-2015 school year. If you would like to register an IM team or join an existing team, contact Derek!
Photo Credit: Shannon Kogelmann

Meet our returning captain, Jim Richert! Jim is a History Education major with a minor in Chemistry. Next year will be his third year with MSU quidditch and his second year as captain. Contact Jim about tournament invitations and to schedule official matches with MSU Quidditch!
Photo Credit: Meghan Kautman

Meet our new PR coordinator, Meyessa Mansour! Next year will be this Zoology major’s fourth year with MSU quidditch. Contact Meyessa for media requests, information about the team, fundraising opportunities, and tournament scores!
Photo Credit: Meghan Kautman

Meet our new secretary, Maria DeNunzio! Double majoring in Food Science and Spanish, Maria will be entering her second year with MSU quidditch this fall. Club members will be receiving weekly reports (known as the Snitch Weekly) from her during the year to keep them informed about practices and events! If you would like to be added to our mailing list, contact Maria!

Photo Credit:  Meghan Kautman

iqaquidditch:

#Quaffles, and #bludgers, and #brooms. Oh my. Gameplay takes a moment to relax after setting up all morning. #worldcup7 #quidditch

Here are a few of our players taking a well-deserved break after having helped set up before World Cup VII.

Meet our new treasurer, Jacob Bobeldyk–better known to the team as Bubbles! Next year will be this Computer Engineering major’s third year with Michigan State Quidditch! Contact Jacob about donating to the team, paying club dues, registering for tournaments hosted by us, and purchasing merchandise!

Photo Credit:  Meghan Kautman