29 June 2021
Hyakujō’s Fox is a classic Zen kōan attested from the year 1036 CE [link]. It is surely much older. It gives the story of a monk who is transformed into a fox, because he denies that an enlightened person is subject to cause and effect. He is later freed when he realizes his error.
21 June 2021
15 June 2021
Okay so correlation does not imply causation. What now?
2 September 2018
You may not have heard of Alan Kay, but you’ve used his ideas. Kay is an American computer scientist who contributed major parts of some of the biggest ideas in human-computer systems, like graphical user interfaces. Kay and colleagues like Douglas Engelbart were part of the “golden age” of computer innovation, when teams of researchers got lots of support and freedom not only to solve defined problems but also to identify new ones.
14 July 2018
[updated 18 Dec 2019 — see second edition table of contents at bottom]
29 January 2018
Abstract: How to sample discrete parameters with Hamiltonian Monte Carlo and learn something about probability theory at the same time.
28 November 2017
Abstract: If you are still using a Gibbs sampler, you are working too hard for too little result. Newer, better algorithms trade random walks for frictionless flow.
9 September 2017
Abstract: The road to accurate estimation of age is paved with a biological model.
7 September 2017
Abstract: The same multilevel model can be written different ways. Algebra don’t mind. But the differences do matter to the computer.
28 August 2017
Abstract: Convenience is the mindkiller. Convenient statistical software postpones thinking and disguises assumptions.