David Smith

Washington bureau chief of The Guardian

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Book Recommendations:

DS

Recommended by David Smith

Darroch: “The best book I’ve read recently is called Hello World... It’s about the impact of algorithms across different areas... For me this was the best piece of learning I’ve done in recent months.” (from X)

Shortlisted for the 2018 Royal Society Investment Science Book Prize A look inside the algorithms that are shaping our lives and the dilemmas they bring with them. If you were accused of a crime, who would you rather decide your sentence―a mathematically consistent algorithm incapable of empathy or a compassionate human judge prone to bias and error? What if you want to buy a driverless car and must choose between one programmed to save as many lives as possible and another that prioritizes the lives of its own passengers? And would you agree to share your family’s full medical history if you were told that it would help researchers find a cure for cancer? These are just some of the dilemmas that we are beginning to face as we approach the age of the algorithm, when it feels as if the machines reign supreme. Already, these lines of code are telling us what to watch, where to go, whom to date, and even whom to send to jail. But as we rely on algorithms to automate big, important decisions―in crime, justice, healthcare, transportation, and money―they raise questions about what we want our world to look like. What matters most: Helping doctors with diagnosis or preserving privacy? Protecting victims of crime or preventing innocent people being falsely accused? Hello World takes us on a tour through the good, the bad, and the downright ugly of the algorithms that surround us on a daily basis. Mathematician Hannah Fry reveals their inner workings, showing us how algorithms are written and implemented, and demonstrates the ways in which human bias can literally be written into the code. By weaving in relatable, real world stories with accessible explanations of the underlying mathematics that power algorithms, Hello World helps us to determine their power, expose their limitations, and examine whether they really are improvement on the human systems they replace.

DS

Recommended by David Smith

The Kitchen Starter Kit. Are you starting in the kitchen? This cookbook is your perfect entry point. With simple air fryer tips and recipes that are easy to follow, it's a great beginner's guide. The added nutritional values for each recipe make meal planning a breeze, accommodating various dietary needs in no time. (from Amazon)

Welcome to a culinary journey that explores the intersection of health, taste, and ease — The Ultimate Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners.📚 This comprehensive cookbooks invites you to plunge into a world where every recipe is meticulously crafted for simplicity, flavor, and health-conscious cooking with the convenience of air frying.🍳 Explore a realm where every dish is an invitation to discover the power of the air fryer, transforming everyday ingredients into delectable, sugar-free delights — perfect for prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes — all ages and both men and women friendly, whether you're a seasoned cook genius or just stepping into the kitchen.🍲 With this cookbook, you'll unlock💡: 📊Detailed Diabetes Insights: Gain invaluable knowledge about diabetes — types one and two — understand what to embrace and avoid, and navigate through a comprehensive glycemic index guide for mindful meal planning. 🍗Air Fryer Mastery: Unveil the secrets of using an air fryer like a pro with expert top simple tips and tricks, making fry cooks a breeze for beginners and seasoned chefs alike. 🍤Extensive Recipe Catalog: Discover a wealth of recipes categorized for effortless navigation, covering breakfasts, salads, soups, side dishes, dairy recipes, poultry, red meat, seafood, vegan and vegetarian plant based options, appetizers, sauces, and mouthwatering sugar free desserts — all tailored for your diabetic lifestyle. 📅28-Day Meal Plans: Streamline your journey to better health with a meticulously made 28-day meal plan, offering variety, nutrition, and simplicity for everyday foods menu and pre planning. ⏱️Effortless Cooking: All recipes are beginner friendly and designed to be ready in just 30 minutes, making everything a delightful and time-saving experience. 🥗Nutritional Guidance: Access detailed nutritional breakdowns for each recipe, empowering you with essential information to make informed meal choices. Elevate your kitchen prowess with a wealth of recipes that cater to diverse tastes while meeting diabetic diets needs. Whether you're seeking quick breakfast options, savory delights, or indulgent dessert or sweets, this ultimate cookbook is your one-stop solution.🍰 Let the Ultimate Diabetic Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners be your companion on a journey towards wholesome, delicious, and diabetic-friendly cooking. Embrace the power of nutritious ingredient, simplify meal prep menus, and savor the flavors of a healthy lifestyle.🥕🍎 Ready to transform your cooking routine? Click the "Buy Now" button, grab your copy today, and start a flavorful journey towards healthier, tastier meals!📚🍽️✨

DS

Recommended by David Smith

Strikes a balance between being accessible, yet retaining the rigor and detail necessary for a physical chemistry text. (from Amazon)

Physical Chemistry book cover

by Peter Atkins, Julio de Paula·You?

With its modern emphasis on the molecular view of physical chemistry, its wealth of contemporary applications (in the new "Impact on" features), vivid full-color presentation, and dynamic new media tools, the thoroughly revised new edition is again the most modern, most effective full-length textbook available for the physical chemistry classroom. NOW AVAILABLE IN SPLIT VOLUMES For maximum flexibility in your physical chemistry course, this text is now offered as a traditional or in two volumes. • Volume 1: Thermodynamics and Kinetics (ISBN 0-7167-8567-6) • Volume 2: Quantum Chemistry, Spectroscopy, and Statistical Thermodynamics (ISBN 0-7167-8569-2) See Table of Contents for the contents of each volume.