William M. Briggs

Hurricane Irene: End Of The World? Obligatory Global Warming Post

What do you call a Japanese lady with one leg shorter than the other? Irene! Ha ha ha ha! But, seriously. Hurricanes are no joke. Particularly this one, which the…

Statistics

The Increased And Increasing Chinese Military

More on matters that don't appear to be as urgent as they are. From the DoD's annual report on Chinese military capability, "In 2004, Hu Jintao articulated a mission statement…

Statistics

Detecting Deceptive Opinion Spam

Ever seen a review like this? My husband and I satayed for two nights at the Hilton Chicago,and enjoyed every minute of it! The bedrooms are immaculate,and the linnens are…

Culture Philosophy

Conversation With A Progressive: The British Riots

Nigel Shocking, just shocking these riots. Wouldn't you agree? David No. I'd say rather that they were expected. Nigel Too right they were. These youth were disaffected. Nothing but products…

Philosophy Statistics

Logical Probability And The IPCC’s Ambiguous Forecasts

This post is inspired by Roger Pielke, Jr., as well as Bernie, Matt, and other readers who asked me to have a look at some IPCC probability statements. Roger Pielke,…

Culture

Court Of Appeals: Obama Cares Too Much

One of the sharpest and most compelling arguments of the left is how easily an economy based on democracy can devolve into crony capitalism. Once companies becomes rich enough to…

Fun

Is My Site Visible In China? Strange Request Day

Update: 2:30 PM PST. The database was corrupted most of the day. I believe I have isolated the problem (I hope). All comments made today were lost. I apologize for…

Fun Statistics

Alien Invasions To Increase Because Of Global Warming, Scientists

Eco-warriors from beyond the skies are on their way to destroy our world before we do---women and minorities are expected to be hardest hit---according to a shocking new report from…

Lucy Tucker on How Women’s Equality In Democracies Changes Voting (And Everything Else)February 5, 2026
I’m ready to give up the right to vote.
spetzer86 on Impossible LSAT Statistics QuestionFebruary 5, 2026
Could this scenario validate (A) and (D)? (A): When living in a country with a strong, pervasive religious belief, particularly…
spaceranger on Impossible LSAT Statistics QuestionFebruary 4, 2026
I usually go with "b." or "Asia" on those multiple choice ones.
Cary D Cotterman on Polar Bears Are Doing Fine: Activists, Not So WellFebruary 4, 2026
Polar bears have existed for at least half a million years, and possibly as long as a million. They have…
Brian (bulaoren) on Polar Bears Are Doing Fine: Activists, Not So WellFebruary 4, 2026
Dr. Briggs I was afraid I'd hijacked your subject today with my, rather dark, "Walter Lantz" cartoon. Returning to your…

William M. Briggs

Polar Bears Are Doing Fine: Activists, Not So Well

Impossible LSAT Statistics Question

How Women’s Equality In Democracies Changes Voting (And Everything Else)

Class 77: Trendy Trends In Time Series

Who Still Listens To AM Radio?

Scientists Invent New Name For Models: Digital Twins

What Science Says About Making Medication Mandatory

What A Winter

FDA Goes Bayes: It Should Have Gone Probability

Class 76: That’s Not Noise. That’s Signal!

AI: The Earth Is Spinning Faster & Slower (Because “Climate Change”)

Confirmation Bias In The Minneapolis Shooting

Sports Betting Is An Excellent Way To Lose Money

Class 75: A Gentle Introduction To Time Series

The Consent Fallacy

On Laws Banning Hacking Women’s Genitals & Imposing Beliefs

Register Your Predictions For 2026!

Happy New Year!

How Did We Do In Our 2025 Predictions?

Why The Drake Equation Fails

Canada Invents New Euphemism For Doctor Killings