Friday, March 31, 2006

Spotlight
René Descartes was born 410 years ago today, in 1596. Called the father of modern philosophy, the French mathematician/scientist/philosopher was famous for his dictum, "I think, therefore I am" (Cogito ergo sum, in Latin). Also considered the founder of analytic geometry, Descartes originated the Cartesian coordinates and Cartesian curves. Some of his research in optics included the refraction and reflection of light.

Quote
"If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things." – René Descartes

Word of the day
dualism: an explanation of particular phenomena by two opposing principles; René Descartes believed in the dualism of mind and matter. (© )

Today's News

• prayer: study tracks the effects of Christian volunteers' prayers on bypass patients (story)
• sunscreen: manufacturers face lawsuit over misleading claims (story)
• Helen Wagner: As the World Turns veteran marks 50 years of playing the same role (story)

Today's History

• Alhambra Decree: was signed, expelling from Spain within 4 months all Jews who refused to convert (1492)
• Eiffel Tower: was dedicated (1889)
• Dalai Lama: went into exile from Tibet and was granted asylum in India (1959)

Today's Birthdays

• Cesar Chavez: union organizer who won the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1927-1993)
• Gordie Howe: hockey great (78)
• Ewan McGregor: Moulin Rouge!, the Star Wars prequels (35)