Podcast Episode #270: Jus Primae Noctis- First Night

In this episode, you’re going to learn whether European lords really ever practiced jus primae noctis (aka “First Night”)- sleeping with each of the peasant women on their lands on the women’s wedding nights.  You’ll also learn where the first references to something like this occurred, and an interesting, and somewhat surprisingly, “Braveheart” fact. [TRANSCRIPT] Don’t miss future episodes of […]

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This Day in History: November 10th- Sunny Day, Sweepin’ the Clouds Away…

This Day In History: November 10, 1969 “Sesame Street” was built around a single, breakthrough insight: that if you can hold the attention of children, you can educate them.” – author Malcolm Gladwell On November 10, 1969 “Sesame Street”, the ever-popular children’s TV show that has taught millions of kids their letters and numbers, made its debut on public television. […]

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Weekly Wrap Volume 63

This is a weekly wrap of our popular Daily Knowledge Newsletter. You can get that newsletter for free here. Did English Speakers Really Not Use Contractions in the 19th Century as Depicted in True Grit? Contractions in some form of English date back to Old English (450 AD – 1150 AD), a language that bears little resemblance to our English […]

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What Causes Canker Sores?

Simon W. asks: What causes canker sores? The symptoms of canker sores are well known. In their minor form, canker sores are small, rounded or ovate, white or yellow bumps with red edges that usually clear up within a week or so. Major canker sores are less well defined with irregular edges and can take weeks to heal – sometimes […]

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Can You Really Bust a Gut from Eating Too Much at Once?

R. Lee asks: In Seven an obese man is made to stuff himself until his stomach bursts. Is this really possible? Wouldn’t you just naturally throw up? Although extremely rare, some people actually have ruptured their stomachs after eating too much, and, perhaps not surprisingly, many did not survive. When a stomach ruptures, the billions of bacteria that normally live […]

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Podcast Episode #266: Straight to the Heart

In this episode, you’re going to learn the truth about whether it’s ever a good idea to inject medicine directly into the heart as depicted in movies such as Pulp Fiction and The Rock.  With the help of our medical expert author who specializes in emergency medicine and these types of situations, we’re also going to break down those famous […]

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