Posted inStatistics
EPA’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan
The EPA has asked for my advice.1 They will not listen to, or harken, or act on this advice, but asking for it gives them a sense that they have…
Posted inFun Statistics
On Dowsing—Guest Post by Ray Kidd
I dug a one-meter square test pit outside an 18th century ruined cottage. A "dowser" invited to test his powers stood beside the pit dangling a bob on a string.…
Posted inStatistics
Science Can Tell If You’re A Racist Just By Looking At You
George Carlin used to advise those who wanted to avoid jury duty to tell the judge, "Don't worry about me, your honor. I can tell guilty people---<snap!>---just like that!" We…
Posted inStatistics
The Second & Third Most Depressing Graphs: The Encroachment Of Government
Update This stays top for today because we're still waiting for some regulars to chime in and because I'm busy. Here is federal government spending as a fraction of the…
Posted inCulture Statistics
The Most Depressing Graph: Per Capita Federal Spending Rises Alarmingly: Update
There is no more saddening picture of the progress of government than this one (the second & third most depressing graphs are here): This is the amount of money the…
Posted inFun Statistics
Best Movie Oscar Prediction Via Statistical Modeling: Update, The Model Wins
Update I humbly accept your congratulations. Argo will win Oscar for Best Picture, according to our non-patented, statistically significant almost-mathematical computer model. The key reasons for its victory will be:…
Posted inFun Statistics
Science Proves Farting On Airplanes, Exposing Buttocks To Sun Healthy
According to the latest in medical science, I sat next or near to an exceptionally healthy individual on my last flight. My keen olfactory senses alerted me that a fellow…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
The Philosophy of Data
Writes David Brooks (from whom I filched the title): [T]he rising philosophy of the day...is data-ism. We now have the ability to gather huge amounts of data. This ability seems…