Game theory is a branch of applied mathematics that studies strategic situations where players choose different actions in an attempt to maximize their returns. First developed as a tool for understanding economic behavior, game theory is now used in many diverse academic fields, ranging from biology to philosophy. The most famous of game theory games is the Prisoner's dilemma, which pits self interest against mutual benefit. In addition to its academic interest, game theory has received attention in popular culture. A game theorist, John Nash was the subject of the 2001 film, A Beautiful Mind. Several game shows have adopted game theoretic situations, including Friend or Foe and Deal or No Deal.

Read the rest of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_theory

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1898: Émile Zola published "J'Accuse" to expose the Dreyfus affair, and accused the French government of anti-Semitism. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%3Fmile_Zola)

1957: The Wham-O toy company produced their first flying disc, later renamed the Frisbee. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frisbee)

1967: General Gnassingbé Eyadéma seized power in Togo after a coup d'état, ruling as head of state until his death in February 2005. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gnassingb%C3%A9_Eyad%C3%A9ma)

1986: A month-long violent struggle began in Aden, South Yemen between supporters of Ali Nasir Muhammad and Abdul Fattah Ismail, resulting in thousands of casualties. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Democratic_Republic_of_Yemen)

_____________________ Wikiquote of the day:

"I have but one passion: to enlighten those who have been kept in the dark, in the name of humanity which has suffered so much and is entitled to happiness. My fiery protest is simply the cry of my very soul." -- Émile Zola (http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/%C3%83%E2%80%B0mile_Zola)