Category Archives: Journalism

AN ENGLISH DESCRIPTION OF A MIDWESTERN ACCENT.

AN ENGLISH DESCRIPTION OF A MIDWESTERN ACCENT. In the Financial Times (May 15), Hal Weitzman says about a Wisconsin politician: “[He] speaks in a heavily nasal Wisconsin accent that resembles a permanent cold.” My first reaction was that some of … Continue reading

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5% TO 20%—THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT “OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES”.

5% TO 20%—THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT “OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES”. I am encouraged by the estimates of the percentage of findings from statistical studies that can be replicated. The estimates of 5% to 20% for multiple regression studies are higher than I … Continue reading

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5% TO 20%—THE BAD NEWS ABOUT “OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES”.

5% TO 20%—THE BAD NEWS ABOUT “OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES”. Gautam Naik had an article in the Wall Street Journal (May 3) headlined “Analytical Trend Troubles Scientists”. The troubling trend is that “observational studies often use different methodologies and arrive at different … Continue reading

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THE SIMPSONS ON “THE RIGHT TO EDIT” (COMMENT).

THE SIMPSONS ON “THE RIGHT TO EDIT” (COMMENT). I want to call attention to this clip from the Simpson’s which Lee Bryant cited in a comment to my post on “THE RIGHT TO EDIT”. As so often, the Simpsons are … Continue reading

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THE “RIGHT TO EDIT”.

THE “RIGHT TO EDIT”. Lawyers check quotes carefully and indicate changes to texts with brackets and ellipsis periods. Scholars do the same things. It’s time consuming and not enjoyable. So some 15 years ago, I was surprised—-and a little envious—to … Continue reading

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“A COMFORT BLANKET FOR THE SMUG”?

“A COMFORT BLANKET FOR THE SMUG”? The discussion in the Guardian reflects the controversy over Pinker’s book. Andrew Brown in his review calls the book a “comfort blanket for the smug”. I think the book is important for the big … Continue reading

Posted in History, Journalism | 1 Comment

MORE LOOKING AT THE FUTURE IN TERMS OF PROBABILITIES.

MORE LOOKING AT THE FUTURE IN TERMS OF PROBABILITIES. I was of course pleased to see a report by a good journalist which expressed the opinions of informed professionals. The article gives a useful idea of the range of uncertainty … Continue reading

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A 25 % CHANCE OF A EURO DEFAULT?

A 25% CHANCE OF A EURO DEFAULT? In the Financial Times for January 27, Gillian Tett had the kind of article that I would like to see more of. She apparently talked to a number of senior bankers in Davos … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, History, Journalism | 1 Comment

ARE THE IOWA CAUCUSES UNREPRESENTATIVE?

ARE THE IOWA CAUCUSES UNREPRESENTATIVE? Since the Iowa caucuses assumed enormous importance in 1972, they have been presented as examples of grassroots democracy and therefore worthy of their enormous importance. This interview with a “shrewdly cynical professional” presents a view … Continue reading

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WHY YOU CAN’T SEE THE WHOLE FOOTBALL GAME.

WHY YOU CAN’T SEE THE WHOLE FOOTBALL GAME. Reed Albergotti explains why the National Football League will not let fans see the All 22 version of the game, even after the game is over: they do not want to open … Continue reading

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