predicting the outcome of a war

http://science.slashdot.org/science/07/06/12/2213233.shtml

I haven't read the paper yet...but I suspect that this is one of those cases in which the process of building a model obscures the fact that the inputs and objective functions are not well-defined.

Nevertheless I plan on checking this out at some point.

a trenchant commentary on (Star Wars) fandom

courtesy of vito_excalibur:

http://www.jivemagazine.com/column.php?pid=3381

So I guess the essential difference between a Star Wars fan and someone who just thinks it sucked is the amount of detail in which each can describe exactly how and why they think it sucked.

I am amused. (See, look--the mood icon says so.)

parade?

*background noise of helicopter rotor sounds*
"Yes, Shelly, we're now passing over their heads, so we can get a good look."

"So what can you see?"

"Well, it looks like the Nordstroms folks have finally got underway. Their float's driving a bit too slowly, but you can't really blame them after they accidentally blew through half of the Elks Club, most of whom were already on their last legs. Besides, the pacing fits nicely."

"Any notable new entries?"

"There does seem to be a group of what look like...folk musicians...in science fiction garb. What do they call those guys? Felchers? Bilkers? Something like that. Don't ask me how they play the guitar without their fingers falling off."

"Must be nylon strings rather than steel."

"Or maybe they use picks."

"Well, in any case it's better than the Navy band was last year. I mean, the brass players' lips sticking to the mouthpieces...ech. Horrible tone quality, too. I think the Navy organizers made a good call in going back to the choir, although I think Gregorian chants would sound better given the vocalists they have to work with."

"What about the Haitian contingent?"

"Well, you know, they're traditionalists. They don't really believe that all this public display is appropriate, but they feel like they have to make an appearance. You can just barely see them up near the front, right after Gay Zombies for Jesus."

"Okay, thanks, Jack. We'll be back with Jack for more on the Zombie Jamboree right after this word from our sponsor: Arm and Hammer."