Posted inFun Statistics
Poem Code Challenge Solution
Back in September we surrendered to our geek roots and described poem codes. These are a handy method of enciphering short messages in the absence of electronic equipment. A poem…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
Is Experimental Economics Irrational?
Everybody knows there's no such thing as money. So how come everybody acts like it's real? In particular, why do economists and other similar creatures find the lack of "rationality"…
Posted inStatistics
My Answers to Willis Eschenbach’s 14 + 2 Questions
Repost Mr Eschenbach had not had the chance to respond to this article before the two weeks wherein comments are automatically closed have elapsed. This re-post will allow him, and…
Posted inCulture
Pajamas Media: The VAT Man Cometh: It Will Happen. How Bad Is It?
Today's post is at Pajamas Media: "The VAT Man Cometh: It Will Happen. How Bad Is It?" I have a ghost of an old song---big band days---hiding in the back…
Posted inStatistics
What Can Volcanic Dust Models Tell Us About Cap & Trade?
Say Eyjafjallajokull three times fast. I wish I could say it once. I've heard it in so many different forms since it blew its stack that I can't be sure…
Posted inCulture
Harvard Classes: Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball
Yesterday, we pointed out that Cornell has some odd courses on its books, subjects which are not consonant with typical expectations of a classical education. So, in the interest of…
Posted inCulture
Cornell University to Offer Degree in News Anchor Hairdo Studies
Ezra Cornell, a generous man concerned deeply about his country and its culture, when he created his eponymous university in 1868 said, "I would found an institution where any person…
Posted inStatistics
The Pournelle vs. Nolan Chart: Political Throwdown
Before Jerry Pournelle began writing science fiction; before, that is, he teamed with Larry Niven to write the classic Lucifer's Hammer1, he was a political scientist. Pournelle was dissatisfied with…