Man has a thirst for knowledge deeply rooted in the wonder it feels as it gazes deep into the poetry of the universe. From the majesty of a starry sky on a crisp and quiet evening and the overwhelming sensation of being a part of something bigger, with or without meaning—the mystery of every caressing breath of life inspires an artist to compose, to paint, to draw, to write—and so the music of a generation is humbly born. But humbleness can only describe it in part—for is there not a desire for grandeur?—an attempt to leap into the air with all one’s strength and then be taken away by a northern wind to become one of the mighty stars oneself? To join the Athenian whose hymns decorated Delphi’s walls? To be the antithesis and antidote to so much urban jadedness?

I would not be who I am today without such a feeling of wonder—an awe for the many cosmic trinkets that to an observer seem legendary heirlooms. It is the call of the muse, and I ask that anyone, college student or not, take some time to immerse him/herself in the fruits of creative spirit and scientific observation. There are many ways to do this.

Take, for example, five Cal Poly students and a scholar-in-residence named Russ Genet. Together they have designed the World’s Largest Portable Telescope, perfect for a breathtaking glance at the multitude. The telescope was designed as an aid to the problem of expensive observatory maintenance. Rather than spend millions of dollars on gigantic telescopes that are too heavy, or take care of a high-maintenance observatory, a lightweight and much less costly telescope could be purchased based on the student’s current design. This is a wonderful achievement, and if you’d like to see the telescope for yourself, please visit the Kennedy Library this Thursday, May 31 at 4 p.m. The event is free and you’ll get to hear the developers speak about it, too.

On the musical side of things, the Cal Poly Arab Music Ensemble will perform both traditional and contemporary music on June 1 at 8 p.m. in the Spanos Theatre. Egyptian and Lebanese music will each take a major part in the entertaining event. Of note is a section of the evening in which classic Arabic and Persian poems will be incorporated into a musical suite to show the interconnection of poetry and music. Other moments involve dance music and a rock ballad. The event, which is sure to please, will cost $10 for the public and $8 for students and seniors. Get your tickets at the Performing Arts Ticket Office.

Intern Chris White-Sanborn compiled this week’s Cougars & Mustangs. Send your collegiate news to [email protected]