Let's lie with statistics!

Here's a nice, thorough dissection of how a made-up number gets into circulation, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal.

And if it isn't already, Bad Science should be part of your adult minimum anti-b***s*** requirement.

AHEM

OK, is there a number of times we have to say something before it sinks in among the rimsters? The Thursday paper, and this is the third such case in two weeks, has decided that Gaza is a part of Israel ("Also in Israel," 8A Thursday). Please, let's try to stop ignoring this fairly elementary distinction. Your readers might think you're biased. On the other hand, they might just think you're dumb.