Archive for November, 2007

soviet russia?

I really don’t like it when people argue that Russia is simply not a democratic culture. That Russians are not “ready” for democracy. The argument is paternalistic and seems to assume that Russians are somehow not able to grasp democracy, which is insulting. But sometimes you wonder … What is happening here? An article in the St Petersburg Times, “City Parliament Slammed For Pro-Putin Statement“, discusses how an official statement by the St Petersburg Duma (local parliament) states that regardless of party preference, all Russians should support the “national leader”. Reading about Russian politics is depressing these days.

Add comment November 23rd, 2007

probability talk

Here’s an interesting short talk by Peter Donnelly about probability theory and how it affects important decisions being made. Interesting examples with regards to testing for rare diseases (i.e. if you ever get tested positive for HIV, you should probably immediately start taking drugs, but also get another test!) or a murder trial conviction based on incorrect probability theory (and an error of logic).

Add comment November 7th, 2007

go cartoon

Found this Go cartoon, called STONES, and it’s just so cute:

Add comment November 6th, 2007


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