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Tychomancy—meaning “the divination of chances”—presents a set of rules for inferring the physical probabilities of outcomes from the causal or dynamic properties of the systems that produce them. Probabilities revealed by the rules are wide-ranging: they include the probability of getting a 5 on a die roll, the probability distributions found in statistical physics, and the probabilities that underlie many prima facie judgments about fitness in evolutionary biology. Michael Strevens makes three claims about the rules. First, they are reliable. Second, they are known, though not fully consciously, to all human beings: they constitute a key part of the physical intuition that allows us to navigate around the world safely in the absence of formal scientific knowledge. Third, they have played a crucial but unrecognized role in several major scientific innovations. A large part of Tychomancy is devoted to this historical role for probability inference rules. Strevens first analyzes James Clerk Maxwell’s extraordinary, apparently a priori, deduction of the molecular velocity distribution in gases, which launched statistical physics. Maxwell did not derive his distribution from logic alone, Strevens proposes, but rather from probabilistic knowledge common to all human beings, even infants as young as six months old. Strevens then turns to Darwin’s theory of natural selection, the statistics of measurement, and the creation of models of complex systems, contending in each case that these elements of science could not have emerged when or how they did without the ability to “eyeball” the values of physical probabilities.

Recipes and fishing techniques for 32 of Bob Clouser's favorite smallmouth patterns. Ten tips to catch a trophy bass. Local expertise for fishing the nation's best bass rivers, including the Susquehanna in Pennsylvania, the Umpqua and John Day in Oregon, Maryland's Potomac, Maine's Penobscot, and the Little Tennessee.

This book simulates the complete trajectories (flight and subsequent ground run) of golf shots using the aerodynamic and material properties of golf balls, and establish the significance of wind’s impact on gameplay. It also presents insight into how physical parameters like launch conditions (speed, angle and spin-rate) and wind conditions affect the trajectory of a golf ball. It discusses the specific effects of wind on the flight trajectory and explore the consequences of effect of wind direction; impact of golf club selection on the wind-induced deviation; strategies and their effectiveness to counter the diversion due to wind; and the sensitivity of the trajectory to aerodynamic characteristics of golf balls. Furthermore, the impact of wind on a player's strategy is elucidated with cases studies on the renowned holes of three golf courses: (i) Hole 17, TPC Sawgrass, (ii) Hole 8, Muirfield Golf Club, and (iii) Hole 18, Pebble beach Golf links. It presents an integrated mathematical model and quantitative data on ball trajectory accompanied by insights and illustrations for players, golf-course designers, ball manufacturers, scientific community, and golf enthusiasts. This book will be useful for researchers and professionals in the fields of aerodynamics engineering, sports science and physics. Additionally, this book will be a good read for golf players and coaches, golf-course designers, as well as golf-ball manufacturers.

“Snake, Rolling in Hot” is a historical novel about a squadron of Marine Corps helicopter pilots and their crews. It is a true accounting about flying and fighting in Vietnam as well as the training of aircrews before they were sent to Southeast Asia. The combat operations take place in I-Corps in Vietnam and from the decks of navy carriers in the South China Sea. The story also takes a look at some of the wild R & R escapades Marines experienced in Hong Kong, Bangkok, the Philippines and other hot spots around the world. There is also a provocative look at the political scene in the U.S. during the war in Vietnam and how it affected several of the characters in the book in a ways they never thought possible when the war began. With dialog that snaps with electricity and realism, “Snake, Rolling in Hot” takes the reader into the cockpits of Marine choppers during action packed missions flown against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. After reading this book, no one will ever feel the same about helicopters and their crews again.

Introduces the basic pilot skills and knowledge essential for piloting airplanes. Provides information on airplanes and the operation of airplane systems.