Briggs

The Truth of Things: When Probability & Statistics Cannot Be Used

I am always struggling with (my limited ability of) finding ways to describe the philosophy behind logical probability, especially to people who have a difficult time unlearning classical frequentist theory.…

Fun 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…

Philosophy 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"…

Statistics

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…

Culture

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…

Statistics

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…

Culture

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…

Culture

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…

Briggs on Class 73: How To Tell If You Have Bad DiceDecember 5, 2025
John, Now that's very interesting. I would have loved to have heard that talk.
John Pate on Class 73: How To Tell If You Have Bad DiceDecember 5, 2025
This is why I laughed at the nonsense about Casinos using probability. All they care about is the House wins…
Brian (bulaoren) on Class 73: How To Tell If You Have Bad DiceDecember 4, 2025
So, after a full day, nobody has commented. Well, I tried to wade through it all but, as William Safire…
How Brain Structure Shapes Political Bias: The Neuroscience Behind Right-Wing Authoritarianism - Audette-O-Blog on Conservatives Produced By “Low Effort” Thinking: StudyDecember 3, 2025
[…] Conservatives Produced By “Low Effort” Thinking: Study – Why Boozy Barflies and Stressed Slackers Might Just Be the Truest…
Richard S. on Black Women Can’t Do Physics As Well As White Men, Says ResearcherDecember 3, 2025
I retrieved and read or skimmed Chanda's piece. Her article scarcely referenced actual counts and statistics, but some of the…