Risk

Risk refers to the potential negative impact that may arise from some present or future event. In common usage, it has become synonymous with the probability of a loss or threat. There are different definitions of risk, and its measurement can be difficult, but industries that are risk-sensitive use the equation: Risk = (probability of the event) x (consequence). Thus, the harsher the loss and the more likely the event, the worse the risk. What role does framing play in risk assessment? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Judith Rodin

In 1994, Rodin became the first female president of an Ivy League University and was, at one time, the highest paid US university president. During her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania, the school rose to 4th place in the US News & World Report college ranking. She has published more than 200 articles and chapters in academic publications and authored or co-authored 11 books. In 2004, who did Rodin have address the university at commencement? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) is a hand game, often played by children, that is used as a selection method similar to drawing straws. Though seemingly random, an experienced and attentive player can sometimes recognize the behavior patterns of other players and use this knowledge to his advantage. The game involves 3 hand gestures, each representing rock, paper, or scissors. Each gesture beats one of the other two. In 2006, US Federal Judge Gregory Presnell used RPS to settle a court dispute; how? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

The Sea Otter

Sea otters are carnivorous, aquatic mammals. Found in and around the kelp beds of the N Pacific, the sea otter is the only exclusively marine species in the otter family. Sea Otters present a rare example of mammalian tool use. They use rocks as tools to pry open food and as weapons to blind their enemies. Hunted to near extinction for their luxuriously dense fur, the otters are now protected under what international treaty? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Escapology

Classically, escapology is the art of escaping from rope bindings. It has since evolved to include escapes from a variety of restraints, including straightjackets, cages, chains, and prisons. In the early 1900s, Harry Houdini, a master escapologist, began performing his “Chinese Water Torture Cell” act. The escape required a bound Houdini to hold his breath for more than three minutes while freeing himself from a locked, water-filled glass tank. Illusionists before Houdini had relied on what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

City of the Dead

A necropolis, Greek for “city of the dead,” is a large cemetery or burial ground. The term typically is used in reference to burial grounds that lie in close proximity to centers of ancient civilization. In fantasy literature, the word necropolis takes on a different connotation, often describing cities populated by zombies or the undead. The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni, which dates back to 2500 BCE, is probably the world’s oldest necropolis. Why did ancient Romans adopt the necropolis? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Superstition

Based on a belief in witchcraft, spirits, and demons, a superstition is the irrational idea that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events influences its outcome. A common superstition in the Middle Ages was that the devil could enter a person’s body during the unguarded moment when he was sneezing. Some believe that the practice of saying “God bless you” began for this reason. What famous theologian accused the papacy of perpetuating superstition? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Thomas Malthus

Malthus was an English economist, sociologist, and demographer. He is best known for his 1798 pamphlet An Essay on the Principle of Population, in which he theorizes that poverty is an unavoidable consequence of population growth. He explained that populations grow at a geometric rate, while the means of subsistence expands arithmetically; thus, war, famine, and disease are necessary checks on population. In later editions, what did Mathus add as a fourth check on population? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Honey

Honey is the sweet, viscous fluid honeybees produce from flower nectar. Worker bees transport the nectar to the hive in their honey sac, and enzymes in the sac convert the nectar into honey. Bees produce honey in much greater amounts than they need to survive, and humans have made use of this excess honey for centuries. In addition to its uses in cooking and baking, honey has antibacterial properties and was used in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece as a wound salve. What is honey intoxication? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Stem Cells

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can reproduce themselves for long periods of time using cell division, but are also capable of differentiating into almost any type of specialized cell. This unique ability makes them ideal for use in regenerative medicine. Adult stem cells are derived from umbilical cord blood and bone marrow. Embryonic stem cells are also used in medical research, but their use is more controversial. Why is there an ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell use? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary