Category: Article of the Day

Perhaps the most famous lost mine in US history, the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is a legendary gold mine allegedly located in Arizona’s Superstition Mountains. It is named after German immigrant Jacob Waltz, who, in most versions of the story, was told of the mine’s location as a reward for aiding a member of the Peralta mining family. Though many say the mine is a legend, some historians argue that the story has some basis in fact. Whose suspicious death sparked renewed interest in the mine? Discuss

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. Although there are multiple theories about how it was developed, the first sakes were likely made from rice, millet, chestnuts, and acorns that people chewed and spit into a tub. The enzymes from the saliva converted the starches to sugars, resulting in a sweet mixture that was combined with freshly cooked grain and allowed to ferment. What does drinking sake from another’s cup signify in Japanese culture? Discuss

Often referred to as the “stress hormone” because of its involvement in the body’s stress response, cortisol is the principal steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex. It increases blood pressure and blood sugar levels and can act as an immunosuppressant. Hydrocortisone, or synthetic cortisol, is used to treat a number of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, collagen diseases, and adrenocortical insufficiency. In humans, cortisol levels peak at what time of day? Discuss

Before the dawn of movies, vaudeville shows packed US theaters. Following the format of beer hall variety shows, each vaudeville performance had 10–15 unrelated acts that could include anything from acrobats to opera singers. Vaudeville emerged in the early 1880s as former circus performer Tony Pastor cleaned up variety shows. He banned the sale of liquor and eliminated the cruder acts, and his success prompted other managers to do the same. What did Pastor give to vaudeville show attendees? Discuss

The members of the Charan caste living in the Gujarat and Rajasthan states of India are revered for their willingness to die for their beliefs and for their bravery in war. Though caste members are taught to respect bravery, loyalty, and truth more than life, they also value the literary arts. Poetry is an integral part of Charan identity, and some caste members are addressed as Kaviraj, a title meaning “Great Poet.” The practice of self-immolation is common in Charan culture. What is it? Discuss

Because archeologists are unsure of its original function, they now use the descriptive term bâton percé, meaning “pierced rod,” to refer to this type of prehistoric artifact. Made from a length of antler with a round hole in one end and often etched with designs, the bâton percé was originally believed to be a symbol of power. Later theories suggest it may have been a fertility symbol, arrow straightener, dress fastener, calendar, or spear thrower. How was the latter theory tested? Discuss

First posited by Konrad Zuse in his 1969 book Rechnender Raum, or Calculating Space, the theory of digital physics suggests that the universe is essentially digital or informational and that the entire history of the universe is actually the output of a computer program. Proponents hypothesize that reality is a computer itself or is being implemented on a computer that creates a simulated reality. What arguments do those who work with quantum mechanics make against digital physics? Discuss

Mimesis is the imitation or representation of nature and human behavior in art. According to Plato, all artistic works are mere imitations of that which exists. Because the substantive reality perceived by man is only a reflection of a higher truth, art is thrice removed from the truth. Aristotle believed that this necessary distance between life and its representation allows a play’s audience to empathize with its characters and achieve catharsis. What Romantic poet theorized about mimesis? Discuss

Burden is a performance artist who emerged as part of the American art scene in the 1970s, performing controversial, dangerous pieces in which he used his own body as the art medium. During a 1971 performance piece titled Shoot, he was shot in his left arm by an assistant standing a short distance away. He was labeled insane following the performance, but it has since become one of his most well-known pieces from the period. Why did he resign from the University of California in 2005? Discuss

The pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands are all part of the endocrine system, a bodily system that is instrumental in regulating metabolism, tissue function, and growth and development. The endocrine system is an integrated network of small glands located throughout the body that release extracellular signaling molecules known as hormones. Hormones travel in the blood to distant targets, where they cause specific physiological responses. What diseases result from endocrine system problems? Discuss