Test Yourself – Can You Tell The Difference Between Music And Noise

The article discusses the unconventional approach to music taken by American composer John Cage. Cage challenged traditional notions of music by using everyday objects as instruments, incorporating silence and chance into his compositions, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered music. His innovative and experimental approach continues to inspire musicians and audiences to embrace the unexpected.

How (And Why) To Read William Faulkner

The article discusses the perplexing and challenging nature of William Faulkner’s literary works. Faulkner intentionally uses confusion to explore the human mind and issues of personal, racial, and regional identity. His novels are set in the fictional county of Yoknapatawpha, which reflects the tensions and contradictions of the American South. The multiple perspectives and time distortions in Faulkner’s fiction allow readers to understand the characters’ biases and blindspots. Additionally, Faulkner’s works explore Southern history and anxieties, while captivating readers with his verbal acrobatics. Despite the confusion, reading Faulkner is rewarding and encourages contemplation of the unreliable nature of history and memory.

Food Expiration Dates Don’t Mean What You Think

The article discusses the issue of food waste, particularly in the United States, where 37% of food waste comes from individual households. It highlights the confusion around food labels and expiration dates, with many consumers throwing away perfectly safe food items because they are unsure how to interpret the dates. The article suggests implementing standardized date labels and incentivizing grocers and restaurants to donate unsold food as potential solutions to reduce food waste.

What Did People Do Before Anesthesia

The article discusses the importance of surgical speed during a time when anesthesia was not widely used. It explores the quest for anesthetics throughout history, including the early use of substances like alcohol, cannabis, opium, and mandrake, and the eventual development of nitrous oxide, ether, and chloroform. The article also highlights the discrimination in anesthesia administration and the evolution of anesthetics, leading to safer and more effective options for patients undergoing surgery.

Do You See A Face You’re Actually Hallucinating

The article discusses the phenomenon of face pareidolia, which is the tendency for humans to see faces in inanimate objects. It explains that our brains are hypersensitive to faces due to their importance in social interactions, and this hypersensitivity can lead to seeing illusory faces. However, our brains are also quick to recognize when a face is fake, usually within a quarter of a second. The article also explores how manipulating certain brain areas can impact our perception of faces, and suggests that certain features are crucial for face detection.

Who Is The Fastest God In All Mythology

The article introduces the Myth Olympics, where creatures and deities from various mythologies compete in a race. The contestants include Sleipnir, Raiju, Idaten, and Savitar, each known for their incredible speed. After a thrilling race, Savitar emerges as the winner by using his mastery of motion to immobilize Sleipnir just centimeters from the finish line.

Why Is Marie Antoinette So Controversial

The article explores the life of Marie Antoinette, challenging the common perception of her as a heartless queen. It highlights her lack of control over her circumstances and her attempts to survive in a turbulent foreign country. The article also discusses her charity work, her role in the French Revolution, and her trial and execution. Ultimately, it raises questions about how monarchs should be judged and the role of personal qualities versus historical circumstances.

Should You Switch To Solar

The article discusses the evolution of solar energy from its expensive beginnings to becoming the cheapest form of energy in many countries. It highlights the turning point in solar’s price history, which occurred in Germany in 2000 when legislation incentivized citizens to invest in solar panels. The article also mentions the cost of solar today, the savings it can provide, the challenges of adopting solar, community-based solutions, and the appeal of solar energy beyond just financial savings.

What Caused The Rwandan Genocide

The article provides a historical overview of the Rwandan Genocide that occurred in 1994. It explains how the conflict was rooted in colonial powers encouraging political division between the Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, leading to intense political hostility. The article also discusses the rise of Hutu power, the outbreak of civil war, the genocide itself, and the subsequent justice and reconciliation efforts through the use of gacaca courts.

Sound Waves Frozen In The Fabric Of The Universe

The article discusses the battle between gravity and pressure in the early universe during the Big Bang. Gravity pulls matter together, while pressure pushes matter apart. This battle shapes the structure of the universe and continues to be ongoing in stars and other celestial bodies.