Facts

By intelligence officials for intelligent people

How biases, the desire for a good narrative, reliance on citation metrics, and other problems undermine confidence in modern science. Modern science is built on experimental evidence, yet scientists are often very selective in deciding what evidence to use and tend to disagree about how to interpret it. In The Matter of Facts, Gareth and Rhodri Leng explore how scientists produce and use evidence. They do so to contextualize an array of problems confronting modern science that have raised concerns about its reliability: the widespread use of inappropriate statistical tests, a shortage of replication studies, and a bias in both publishing and citing “positive” results. Before these problems can be addressed meaningfully, the authors argue, we must understand what makes science work and what leads it astray. The myth of science is that scientists constantly challenge their own thinking. But in reality, all scientists are in the business of persuading other scientists of the importance of their own ideas, and they do so by combining reason with rhetoric. Often, they look for evidence that will support their ideas, not for evidence that might contradict them; often, they present evidence in a way that makes it appear to be supportive; and often, they ignore inconvenient evidence. In a series of essays focusing on controversies, disputes, and discoveries, the authors vividly portray science as a human activity, driven by passion as well as by reason. By analyzing the fluidity of scientific concepts and the dynamic and unpredictable development of scientific fields, the authors paint a picture of modern science and the pressures it faces.

The Big Book of Random Facts is the ultimate trivia book filled with 1000 funny and interesting facts. It's the perfect book for a boring night at home or for some pub quizzes at the bar with your friends. With funny trivia facts like: There are more saunas than cars in Finland. Donald Trump has been personally sued more than 70 times in federal court since 2000. Disney put 500 Stormtroopers on the Great Wall to promote "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in China. So go ahead and checkout the other 997 funny facts from this book, they are just as good!

The first book to provide comprehensive coverage of FACTS power systems modeling and simulation. * Detailed coverage of the development of FACTS controllers and guidance on the selection of appropriate equipment * Computer modelling examples of the FACTS controllers for steady-state and transient stability systems * Numerous case studies and practical examples

Bursting with fascinating facts for impressing friends, parents, grandparents and teachers – perfect for curious children everywhere!

This gargantuan, 704-page hardcover book is chock-full of that information and more, covering pop culture, nature, technology, food, sports, art, history, religion, crime, and tales of the just plain weird. Prepared to get lost perusing page after page of unusual facts, enthralling stories, and amusing anecdotes because The Book of Extraordinary Facts will keep you busy for hours Learn about the strange collaboration between surrealist painter Salvador Dal and comedy icon Harpo Marx. Read about what it was like to live during the London Blitz, and debunk popular urban legends. Get lassoed into facts about fascinating wedding customs around the world, and discover the reason behind one of the deadliest fires in American history. What Hollywood star used her twin sister as her body double in a film? How do card sharks mark a deck? Where in California can you find the world s oldest living tree? Which U.S. president spent some pre-politics time as a male model?