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The Court Jester Whose Wit Saved His Life

How a court jester slapped the king's butt, then brilliantly convinced him not to kill him Triboulet served as court jester under King Francis I, who ruled France from 1515 to 1547 . Triboulet's quick humor rescued him from Francis I's deadly wrath, not once, but twice. Court jesters hold a unique place in history. Playing the fool for kings and queens meant they were always in close proximity to royalty, but so very far from their rank and station. Comedians often like to push boundaries, but that can be a dangerous business when your job is to entertain the peope who have executioners at their beck and call. Especially when you forget your place—or purposely ignore it, as the case may be—and playfully smack the reigning monarch square on the behind. That little whoopsie was the claim to fame of Triboulet, a court jester who served King Francis I in 16th-century France. But it was how he got away with slapping the king on the butt and living to tell about it that earne...

THE PINEAL GLAND

THE PINEAL GLAND

THE PINEAL GLAND

The pineal gland is one of the biggest secrets that are hidden from us. The secret is not the existence of the gland, but its functioning.

The pineal gland or epiphysis is a chronobiotic agent. This means that it synchronizes our internal clock with the light-dark cycle. In the absence of light, this small brain organ of just 120 milligrams produces the hormone that takes us to the world of dreams: melatonin.

In some animals (fish, reptiles and amphibians), this gland is located under the skin and is able to receive light information directly. For this reason, it is also known as the "third eye".

Why pineal gland is called third eye?

The name “third eye” comes from the pineal gland's primary function of 'letting in light and darkness', just as our two eyes do. This gland is the melatonin-secreting neuroendocrine organ containing light-sensitive cells that control the circadian rhythm 

However, in the human species, as in most vertebrates, this pineapple-shaped and pea-sized organ is located inside the skull. Therefore, more complex ways are needed to know whether it is day or night.

What two functions does the pineal gland regulate?

The pineal gland’s primary function is to regulate the circadian rhythm, including feeling tired and wakefulness. It does this through the secretion of melatonin. It also may play a role in several systems, including the cardiovascular system and sexual hormones.

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The Court Jester Whose Wit Saved His Life

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