The Home for Wayward Statisticians

Or, we could try THIS

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:26:40 GMT

Certain folks in San Antonio have gone all weepy over stray cats and dogs, and are implementing a "no kill" policy for city Animal Control. Here's a more useful alternative. Here's why it's a good idea.

Tip from American Digest (marginal notes).

Bill Whittle goes drinking...

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 06:56:32 GMT

...and ends up talking about Cowboys and Secret Agents. Go read it.

Swedes with 11-Pound Balls to Explore Mars

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:30:03 GMT

OK, so they're robot balls.

Tip from the Instapundit.

I don't think that phrase means what you think it means.

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:18:13 GMT

First it was poisoned pet food, and then bad milk. Now it's instant coffee, candy, and pastry. Shortsighted, greedy American businessmen can't hold a candle to the Chinese, who seem bound and determined to run "brand China" into the ground. I now interpret their label this way: MADE IN CHINA = TOXIC.

Update (28 Sep). It's even worse. The Chinese are selling contaminated milk powder to other food producers in the region.

Update (4 Oct). Now the FDA is minimizing the problem here in the US. Tell that to all the dead pets from last year. Couldn't we just test drive Sarah Palin as President for a month or so, so some of these bureaucrat bastards could get well and truly fired?

Third time's the charm

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:56:36 GMT

I wasn't dreaming, Bill Whittle's at it again. This time at NRO, he shares his "Pain."

Whatcha gonna do?

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:17:48 GMT

Arnold Zwicky catches the New Yorker being snobby about Sarah Palin's speech patterns:

,,,using non-standard spellings like gonna for standard (but informal) phonological variants paints the speaker as folksy, rustic, etc. (Mark Liberman has called such spellings "standard non-standard orthography".) The writer thus covertly injects a social judgment about the speaker into what is framed as a report of an interview about experiences and opinions. In the pages of the New Yorker, N variants convey a negative judgment (because the magazine's readers are likely to hold to the belief that the N variants are, if not simply non-standard, that is, "incorrect", then at least rough, "hick", variants).

The New Yorker's Philip Gourevitch needs to get out and around a bit more; here in a rather more cosmopolitan San Antonio everyone thinks everyone else has a funny accent, but it's no big thing. ¿Que no?

I believe the word he's looking for is "broads."

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:04:28 GMT

Ashley Samelson has a biting take on nouvelle raunch feminists in WSJ:

A male friend who attended the University of Michigan wrote to me in an email last month: "I, perhaps unconsciously, observe women to try and determine how they want to be treated. When I see girls at a party who seemingly have no self-control, I'll admit that it's really tough to visualize them as 'ladies.'

What a pleasure it must be to teach at Hillsdale, rather than Michigan.

Tip from Michelle Malkin.

The AUTHENTICITY Gap

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:04:59 GMT

Devastating. If there's one thing White People despise, it's a lack of authenticity:

Obama is a Harvard lawyer who is a mile wide and an inch deep. He is only the latest in a long line of shallow elites that consider it stylish and intellectual to despise their own culture and heritage

I can imagine hipster heads exploding in Starbucks across the nation.

Tip from the Instapundit.

Do these people ever listen to themselves?

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 02:58:54 GMT

"It would be a disgrace and humiliation if Barack Obama does not win." Take it from a guy who knows.

Two points determine a straight line

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:45:02 GMT

OK, it wasn't a fluke. Bill Whittle has another article at National Review Online. A taste:

...by reminding ourselves and those around us of who we are, where we came from, what we have achieved together and of the marvels we have yet to achieve, we may laugh in the face of despair and mock those people that think a man with an MBA from Harvard knows more about running a gas station than the man that actually runs the gas station.

Or is it something in the Dallas water?

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:17:36 GMT

Is it being a 0-bama supporter, or hanging around with Mark Cuban...that makes Josh Howard such an a$$hole? It certainly can't be the fact that he's underpaid.

PDS* makes you say some crazy sh*t

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:57:08 GMT

"I sat outside a 7-Eleven and had a sacramental Dove chocolate bar." And this dingbat is from Texas. (Hmm, I wonder if I can score some points with the Big Guy by having a Snickers.) Still, it's nice to know there's another lefty out there who still believes in God (referred to as He or She, just to hedge a bet).

Tip from Lileks at The Bleat.

* Palin Derangement Syndrome

Update (18 September). Apparently, PDS can make you turn into a felon, and embarrass your (D)addy. What a clone.

Tip from James Hudnall.

Update (19 September). OK, I've definitely had enough. Jay Nordlinger was puzzled the other day on The Corner, asking why many women said they hated Sarah Palin. Here's my theory: Just take a look at these broads and their husbands. The women are bitchy, self-obsessed know-it-alls who never shut up. When you see them in public, they're huddled with 3 or 4 other witches just like them, blowing their husbands' paychecks and running the poor bastards down. On the infrequent occasions they're seen with their husbands, the poor guys are having about as much fun as a cat in a bathtub. Given a chance to go hunting, fishing, poker-playing, or just goofing off, who would their husbands choose as a female companion, Ms Bitchy or Governor Palin? So sure these broads hate Palin; she's everything they aren't and can never be--a hardworking, sensible, attractive woman who's also a "regular guy." Here's my recommendation to young men hitting the dating scene. Ask your date what she thinks of Palin. If she's OK with Palin, or disagrees with Palin's politics, but otherwise has no strong feelings, then your date's cool. If, on the other hand, she hates Palin and gets all huffy about it, drop this chick like the poison she is. We can only hope this is some genetic defect, 'cause it needs to die out. For you guys married to The Bitch, think about running away with the circus.

The Fourth Quadrant

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:54:31 GMT

Black Swan author Nicholas Taleb is at it again with a timely article on long-tailed distributions and how the mindless application of basic statistics has exacerbated problems in our financial sector. My buddy Rudy Kittliz--the Cowboy Statistician--has been talking about this stuff for years.

Tip from the Geek Press.

What a Cheap Bastard

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 03:58:41 GMT

Bigmouth Joe Biden is one hell of a high roller; his average charitable contributions over the past 10 years are $369. That's about how much I contribute to the oddball fund-raisers my students come up with each year, before I chip in for those causes I really care about. Hell, my wife dropped more than that off at the Goodwill this year. And a quick estimate, based on me and the Mrs going dining out about once a week, suggests that I've probably thrown more tip money at waiters and waitresses than Senator Joe routinely gives to charity. What a farookin'' chiseler. But what the heck, he's a Democrat, so he supports his favorite charities with your money, not his.

I can't wait to see Governor Palin's tax returns...

The Secret Weapon

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:46:28 GMT

There's an interesting article over at the Belmont Club on the Secret Weapon discussed by Bob Woodward on 60 Minutes and in his new book The War Within.* Some the comments are a bit over the top, so here's my take.

Since we're pulling stuff out of our butts, I'll play:

Thirty years ago the possibility of UAVs and autonomous drones was discussed at the military schools. All of a sudden all that material got shut down. Look where we are now.
A few years back we announced the disbanding of the Office of Disinformation; how credible is that?
Now I'm reading that the CIA research in to remote viewing was unsuccessful.
It's either that, or a conspiracy between the UFO aliens and George Bush.

Gee, making up stuff is fun. Almost as fun as secret Sarah Palin bikini photos. Ha-ha! Made you look!

*During the 60 Minutes interview, the Mrs made the point that Woodward clearly documented the fact that President Bush overrode the recommendations of the JCS and his theater commander, General Casey, in ordering the Surge. Petraeus was Bush's replacement for Casey, and Petraeus told the President that the Surge was an "all in" strategy. Now it's pretty obvious that Petraeus is one of the military geniuses of modern times, so what does that say about the guy who picked him? Maybe W. ain't as dumb as he looks.

More 0-bama Supporters

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:19:59 GMT

I'm delighted to hear that the inmates of such prominent kleptocracies as Mexico, China, Egypt, and Russia favor 0-bama over McCain. It only clarifies my preference.

Tip from the Drudge Report, whose employees don't know the difference betweeen ABC (Austrialian) and BBC (Brit).

"I don't know what she does to the enemy, but she scares the life out of me."

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 13:04:51 GMT

Perhaps Governor Palin should give a speech in London, or at least think about getting the Daily Mail's Richard Littlejohn on her speechwriting team:

The mantra from the Obama camp is that she lacks the experience to be VP. In truth, she has more executive experience than either Obama or his Neil Kinnock-impersonator sidekick mate Joe Biden, neither of whom has ever run anything.

Tip from the Gates of Vienna.

Update (6 September) Gerald Baker of the London Times Online chimes in:

“What's the difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama?”
“One is a well turned-out, good-looking, and let's be honest, pretty sexy piece of eye-candy.
“The other kills her own food.”

Seriously, a quick visit to London would be one heck of a show.

Tip from the Instapundit.

Oprah wimps out

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:47:17 GMT

"At the beginning of this Presidential campaign when I decided that I was going to take my first public stance in support of a candidate, I made the decision not to use my show as a platform for any of the candidates. I agree that Sarah Palin would be a fantastic interview, and I would love to have her on after the campaign is over." --The Drudge Report

Is there any doubt the media is in the tank for 0-bama?

The Palin Speech

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:19:57 GMT

Pretty good speech, and in spite of what the Bubbleheads say, Governor Palin didn't get mired down by the audience, she played them like a 20-pound salmon on 10-pound line. The best comment I've read is over at Ann Althouse's blog:

From now on, when a Democrat says "But what if McCain drops dead on his first day in office?!?!?!" I'm going to say "dude -- don't tease me like that.

Tip from the Instapundit.

Update (4 September). Then, of course, we have the Little Known Facts About Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin is the reason compasses point North.

Update (5 September). OK, now I'm convinced the world really IS spinning out of control (but in a good way): BILL WHITTLE is writing in National Review Online.

"I'll kick ass"

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:51:13 GMT

Levi Johnston had best kick is own ass down to the City Clerk's office for a marriage license. Like the folks at Whataburger say, "Wadda waitin' for?" Oh, and no more poaching salmon; we rednecks get enough bad publicity as it is, without young Levi reinforcing the stereotype. Besides, Bristol's dad had the redneck thing covered, way back in '86. (Hey, I was stationed in Alaska back in the 70's--who DIDN'T drive with a drink in them?)

Update (2 September). The evangelicals at the Republican Convention are cutting young Levi and Bristol an enormous amount of slack. Don't let Governor Palin down, kids.

Photo Album: Christmas in Cool California

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:24:55 GMT

Christmas in Cool California

Mount Lassen, big as life. No problem, it's a DORMANT volcano.

PowerLinesToTheTrinities.JPG

CoupeDeMailbox.JPG

Installation art propped up against a house trailer. In California, even the rednecks are artsy.

ChristmasRose1.JPG

I like the IDEA of a pet emu, but this guy wanted to eat my camera.

Doesn't anybody in Shasta County have normal pets?

HappyValleyCemetery.JPG

WWII, and somebody still remembers.

It rains enough in Northern California that moss grows on anything that doesn't move.

More Photos...

Photo Album: It's a Bird's Life: the wacky watercolors of Chuck Anderson

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 03:36:36 GMT

It's a Bird's Life: the wacky watercolors of Chuck Anderson

It'sABird'sLife.JPG

CrossingTheDelaware.JPG

FishingBuddy.JPG

NationalAirRaces.JPG

SouthForTheWinter.JPG

ThatDoFeelGood.JPG

BeachVolleyball.JPG

ThisIsYourCaptainSpeaking.JPG

Photo Album: Spring Break at Tahoe

Tue, 02 May 2006 10:32:05 GMT

Spring Break at Tahoe

More Photos...

Custom List: geek toolbox

Wed, 28 May 2008 17:05:01 GMT

geek toolbox

TagCrowd
Paste any text into the box, and create your own word-frequency tag cloud. Exceedingly cool.
Linear Solver
Solves linear systems, interactively.
Web Gallery of Art
They started with the Italian Renaissance, and it just grew. Over 16,000 high-quality images, well-indexed. Dazzling.
NY Times Machine
An online archive of the NY Times from 1851 to 1922. Fabulous.
the Integrator
Need to solve a tough integral? The Wolfram gang can help.
flickr
Need linkable images on the web? Do it here, FREE.
ZoomImage Creator
Convert your oversized JPEGs into zoomable, scrollable .MOV files, suitable for embedding into PowerPoints or posting on the web.

Custom List: blogroll

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 20:23:40 GMT

Custom List: statistics and maths

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:00:41 GMT

statistics and maths

SAS 9.1.3 Documentation
All of SAS -- free to the world!
Edward Tufte and Graphics Press
The 500-lb gorilla of information graphics.
Andrew Gelman's web log
Graphics and Bayes, galore.
NIST Engineering Statistics Handbook
Don't have your stats book handy? Look here!
Log Base 2
Look out Junk Charts! This guy knows his graphics fundamentals.
Brooklyn College Learning Center: Formal Logic
A painless tutorial in the basics of formal logic. What neighborly folks, those Brooklynites!
Data Mining
Emphasis is on text mining; lots of neat graphics.
Junk Charts
All the examples that Tufte doesn't have time for--and great hints for turning junk into great graphics.
Social Sciences Statistics Blog
The online musings of the Institute of Quantiative Social Sciences at Harvard University. Always something interesting, but they do go dark in the summer.
Mahalanobis
Statistics and finance! I need to pay attention to this stuff--after all, I do teach in the School of BUSINESS.
MacTutor History of Mathematics
The University of St Andrews has the goods on all your favorite mathematicians.
think again!
Most excellent problems and quotations, every day. Jan's recovered from his impasse with Telecom France, and is going great guns--check it out!
Catalog of Life
All the world's known species, accumulated from over 40 databases worldwide. Over 1,000,000 entries, with lots more to go!

Book List: Book List

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 11:39:21 GMT

Laurence Gonzales: Deep Survival
I left my safe home, went to the airport, and there I was, utterly clueless, heading for the bottom of the food chain. Mere chance in running into Crowder saved me.
Harry G. Frankfurt: On Bullshit
Our natures are, elusively insubstantial--notoriously less stable and less inherent than the natures of other things. And insofar as this is the case, sincerity itself is bullshit.
William Joyce: Santa Calls
"Holy mackerel!" said Art. "What a mystery." "I suggest we examine it scientifically," said Spaulding. And so using the most scientific method at their disposal, they poked the box with a stick.
Mark Helprin: The Pacific
"What the world calls a pretty face seems to me most often to be vacant, doll-like, self-conscious, and grasping. ... They hardly reflect, as everything reflects upon them, and this makes them dull." (from "Prelude")

Custom List: software (cheap)

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:28:11 GMT

software (cheap)

Euler
Euler is NOT MatLab, and it's free.
The R Project for Statistical Computing
R is not S, and it, too, is free.
JavaScript vector graphics library
Walter Zorn's miracle for DHTML dabblers: graphics in JavaScript!
CircuitMaker
Tinker with simple circuits in a virtual lab -- great for circuit diagrams. Pricey at $995, but the free student version works fine for me (just not in the office).
TiddlyWiki
Create webpages that are hypertext databases, with a built-in editor. Free.
Open Watcom
A complete FORTRAN/C++ development environment, for a $25 donation. What. a. deal.
IHMC Cmap Tools
Draw multi-level concept maps, use 'em as webpages. Quick and easy and...FREE!
Mondrian
Statistical visualizations in JAVA...for FREE!
Free Statistics
A catalog of free statistical software on the web.

Custom List: Information Graphics

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 16:11:52 GMT

Information Graphics

Perceptual Edge
The good, bad, and ugly of business information graphics.
Stat. Graphics & Data Vis.
What it says.
ASA Statistical Computing and Graphics Newsletter
Quarterly; full of good stuff.