What were the intentions of early China's historians? Modern readers must contend with the tension between the narrators' moralizing commentary and their description of events. Although these historians had notions of evidence, it is not clear to what extent they valued what contemporary scholars would deem "hard" facts. Offering an innovative approach to premodern historical documents, Garret P. S. Olberding argues that the speeches of court advisors reveal subtle strategies of information management in the early monarchic context. Olberding focuses on those addresses concerning military campaigns where evidence would be important in guiding immediate social and political policy. His analysis reveals the sophisticated conventions that governed the imperial advisor's logic and suasion in critical state discussions, which were specifically intended to counter anticipated doubts. Dubious Facts illuminates both the decision-making processes that informed early Chinese military campaigns and the historical records that represent them.

Provides exercises and examples on style, usage, grammar, and punctuation for becoming a better writer.

"Did Ernie Wise really make the first mobile phone call in the UK? Did Isaac Newton invent the cat flap? Is a smurf really three apples tall? Pub facts are the improbable, bizarre and yet somehow convincing claims that are often wheeled out by armchair scientists, amateur lawyers and pub historians. They ll tell you, without a shadow of a doubt, that you can get tonsillitis even if you ve had your tonsils removed; that it s illegal to drive in bare feet; and that Attila the Hun died from a nosebleed. But is it fact or fabrication? mus Can t Walk Backwards will help you stride confidently through the most treacherous trivia minefield, while providing definitive answers to life s most pressing concerns. Did Johnny Cash become addicted to painkillers after being attacked by an ostrich? Do ants ever sleep? Are mushrooms and toadstools the same thing? efreshingly cynical and engagingly informative, this hilarious follow-up to Bears Can t Run Downhill clears up the confusion by revealing the outright lies, the muddled misunderstandings and just occasionally the astonishing truth."

This book is full of weird facts that are amazing, gross, creepy, astonishing--but true!

Religions are a natural outgrowth of the intuitive ways of knowing that evolved with human culture. Though many people continue to find value in religious identity and community, intuitive knowledge has been eclipsed by a more effective way of knowing—the scientific way. A better way of relating religion to politics called secularism is gradually replacing theocracy. Once you understand and accept the scientific way of knowing and this preferred relationship of church and state, you become agnostic and secular—even if you continue to identify with and participate in religion.As Jeff T. Haley and Dale McGowan argue in this volume, this isn't some abstract dream—it's happening right now. Religions are in a continuous state of evolution, changing beliefs, values, and practices over time. All religions, including Christianity and Islam, can evolve to accept the scientific way of knowing and secularism, becoming agnostic and even atheistic without losing their essential value. Haley and McGowan explain how you can help this natural process, sharing reality with your friends and family in a way that encourages religions to embrace the best of humanity's knowledge and values.

Explores how sovereign space in early China was imagined and negotiated in the ancient world.