The recent interest in index numbers has raised questions about their usefulness and validity. The history and principles of index numbers are discussed, highlighting the importance of a clear theoretical framework, adherence to data quality principles, and transparency. Recent examples of indices related to hunger, press freedom or democracy are criticized for their reliance on expert opinions and preference surveys , which can be manipulable and lack transparency. Poorly constructed indices risk discrediting the entire discussion on important social issues.
melting pot. temperatures reaching 115 sweep across the east coast breaking records and leaving others sweltering under the worst heat wave in decades? sweltering under the worst heat wave in decades? today, july 23, 2011. captions paid for by nbc-universal television good morning. welcome to today on a saturday. i m lester holt. i m amy robach. i spent a lot of time down south in my life. i don t think i have ever felt hotter than i did yesterday in new york city. at one point the wind was blowing. it was like being behind a wind. a record 104 degrees here on friday. felt like 115, according to those people who do those calculations. more than 130 million people across the country are waking up to more of the same. the weather is dangerous. the question many are asking, how long will it last? we ll get some answers in a few minutes. it s also heating up in washington with breakdown over debt talks. yesterday president obama accused speaker boehner of abandoning t