Article of the Day
Farlex, Inc.
Article of the Day is a free service of TheFreeDictionary.com
The Charan Caste
Mon, 5 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT
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?
The Bâton Percé
Sun, 4 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT
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?
Digital Physics
Sat, 3 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT
.jpg)
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?
