Minnesota Notebook

Elmer L. Anderson's 100th Birthday

Posted on 8:41 AM

The life and legacy of former governor and University of Minnesota regent Elmer L. Andersen will be the focus of a 7:30 p.m. celebration Wednesday, June 17, the 100th anniversary of his birth taking place on the University of Minnesota Campus in Willey Hall and Andersen library, named after the former governor. Andersen's tireless efforts to persuade landowners, timber industry leaders, politicians and citizens of the value of preserving the forests and lakes along Minnesota's northern border led to the 1975 establishment of Voyageurs National Park. A 1931 graduate of the University of Minnesota, he was a great advocate for and benefactor of the institution, serving on the Board of Regents and as president and chair of the University of Minnesota Foundation. In 1999, he donated the major portion of his rare book collection—nearly 12,500 volumes—to the university. He died in 2004 at the age of 95. University of Minnesota librarian Wendy Lougee celebrated with Andersen on his 95th birthday and remembered him as an extraordinary man.
By Ryan Wilson

Flag Day

Posted on 8:38 AM

Today, Flag Day, is a celebration of the birth of our national symbol, the American flag. By now you probably know the story of Betsy Ross and the first flag. But is there a story behind Minnesota's state emblem? Matt Anderson of the Minnesota Historical Society tells us more.
By Amanda Rydberg

Minnesota Medical Marijuana Bill

Posted on 8:22 AM

Chris DeLaForest is the spokesman for Minnesotans for Compassionate Care. He explained what exactly our new medicinal marijuana bill entails, which is going to the house floor on Monday.
By John Grimely

Swine Flu

Posted on 11:51 AM

In Minnesota, as of 6 p.m. yesterday, the Department of Health Web site showed one confirmed case and eight probable cases of the H1N1 flu. Those numbers are unchanged from Friday. State officials are forwarding seven lab samples to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be tested for the virus. None of the seven people required hospitalization and are expected to make a full recovery. The lone confirmed case is a middle-school student in Cold Spring in central Minnesota.
Canadian officials have documented the first case of the H1N1 human virus jumping from a person to pigs on a farm. The infected farm worker had recently returned from Mexico and has since recovered. None of the pigs died.
Researcher in the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Marie Gramer explained how influenza is contracted and how it can spread between species like swine and humans.
By Ryan Wilson

Subterranean Twin Cities

Posted on 11:50 AM

Greg Brick is a geologist, cave explorer, and author of the book Subterranean Twin Cities. His book explores the underground mysteries beneath Minneapolis and St. Paul from caves deep below the surface to sewer pipes. Greg Brick has been all over the world exploring underground cities from New York to Paris, and says the Twin Cities has the best subterranean around.
By Ryan Wilson

Spoonbridge and Cherry Makeover

Posted on 11:50 AM

For the past 9 weeks a Minneapolis icon has been incomplete. The cherry of the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture in the Minneapolis sculpture garden had been being refurbished. AJ Holler went over to the garden on Friday to see the unveiling of the improved cherry and get a glimpse at artists Clae Gildenberg's and Coosje Van Brugg's lasting contribution to the twin cities. The 21 year old sculpture has become an important symbol for the region and Associate Registrar of the Walker Art Center Joe King told AJ about why it needed to be refurbished.
By AJ Holler

Pop Music and Culture

Posted on 11:49 AM

University of Leeds professor David Hesmondhalgh recently came to the University of Minnesota for a pair of informal lectures, one about music and sound studies today and the other regarding the politics of sex and music. The lectures were organized by the U of M's Music and Sound Studies Initiative, a part of the Institute for Advanced Study. Hesmondhalgh is a professor of media and music industries and has published and edited multiple textbooks regarding the subjects of media, music, and culture.
By Eric Dolski