About
Cathy O’Neil lives in Cambridge, MA. She loves playing fiddle, playing piano, singing and doing word puzzles. She is the CEO of ORCAA and she gives talks all over the world about the dark side of algorithms and the for-profit shame industry.
Leave a comment
mathbabe 
Good luck Cathy! As with everything you do, I’m sure this blog will help others, inform and entertain.
LikeLiked by 3 people
This is how you post a comment.
LikeLike
You are a righteous math babe and now a blogger to boot. Keep up the good work!
LikeLike
Here by recommendation of Japheth; thanks for the thoughtful conversation about hedge fund culture. Looking forward to reading more.
(Japheth, was the Ani DiFranco reference intended? I didn’t know you had it in you!)
LikeLike
Hey Ben,
Unintentional, but I do feel righteous about it.
Thanks for pointing it out!
Japheth
LikeLike
Nice to see another female mathematician out there! Great post! @Data_Nerd
LikeLike
Hi Cathy! Sara Billey just publicized your blog at the Nebraska Conference for Undergraduate Women in Mathematics. I didn’t know about it before but I’m looking forward to getting caught up on it. I still have your PhD thesis sitting on my bookshelf by the way….
–Judy
LikeLike
Hi, Cathy,
Great blog! I’m a Comm. College math teacher in suburban Chicago, typical bald white male, and your take on issues of women in math fully dovetails with my own experience. I thought I’d just give you a couple additional perspectives, if you’re interested.
In my classes, I have students write a “math autobiography” at the start, telling me their past experiences in math. The single most common trope is that of women saying “I loved math up until ___ grade”, with 5,6, or 7 most often in the blank, though sometimes up to 8 or 9, “when Mr. X, my new teacher, refused to answer our questions or help us, thought we were dumb, but passed us anyway.” Of course, the sequential nature of math means these students are now unable to understand or catch up in later grades, and rapidly come to hate math, with good reason. A single bad (usually male) teacher has much more effect in math than in, say, English or history. The real locus of effective educational change in this country in math and in all aspects of critical thinking has to be at the K-12 level, where intellectual skills are as likely to be dulled as honed by allowing opportunity for real creativity and enthusiasm.
Secondly, you are rightly suspect of the “nature” side of the nature vs. nurture argument–but, in my opinion, not strongly enough. Evolutionary biology is a side-interest of mine, and particulalry the political misuses of bad science involving “biological superiority” claims. I first got into this several decades ago via the book “The IQ Controversy”, which I highly recommend. It showed that claims that minorities (largely blacks) had hereditarily lower IQ’s were both empirically false (unsubstantiated by properly controlled scientific evidence, or, worse, involving outright fraud) and conceptually incoherent. Ever since, I carefully follow similar claims about other inherent biological superiority, including, of course, that of men in math, to see if the same critique applies–and it simply always does. You could be quite confident of being right in simply saying that any such claims are almost certain to involve data that have not been adequately controlled for, and to never give them any credence in advance. Your point about the null hypothesis is thus extremely apt–but, frankly, there is virtually no real (adequately controlled) evidence at all even challenging the null hypothesis.
The main reason for this is simply that culture is a far more pervasive and uncontrollable influence than virtually any scientists allow. Even a two-year old has had over ten-thousand hours of absorbing cultural data non-stop every waking moment–for Summers to claim his kids demonstrate any of his claims just shows that he doesn’t understand controlled scientific experiments. It is virtually impossible to do an adequately controlled scientific experiment in any realm that involves culture in any way–which is every important realm!
In The IQ Controversy, Noam Chomsky makes a different point, which is worth considering as well–it wouldn’t matter if math (though he refers to IQ) skills WERE completely hereditary or biological, if we established a just society. Swimming “skills” are fairly biological, but no one finds it problematic–because society does not use swimming ability as an unjust criteria to differentially reward or oppress people. Average group differentials in swimming ability lead to no general unhappiness, and don’t prevent any individual from deploying their particular skills as they wish–we need to establish the same sort of society regarding all intellectual skills. If fewer (or more!) women then display math skills, so what, even if they are biologically based, as long as all who have them can develop them to the extent they wish.
Finally, your take on the collaborative nature of math is slowly becoming more common practice, at least in my classes. I let students do hands-on review problem sets before tests, and they can work together. Women have always been more likely to do so in pairs and small groups, for obviousl cultural reasons, but nowadays my male students take advantage of that almost as much, as opposed to “lone wolf” types struggling through it themselves. At least, this is true up through 1st Semester Calculus, which has lots of pharmacy, pre-med, and other non-math, non-engineering students in it who will never take Calc 2, and which is about 50-50 male/female. It’s true that Calc 2 reverts to more traditional form genderwise, but even there the trend is towards more women, and more males who work in collaborative fashion. It is still true there, though. that I occasionally have women who wish to work “alone”, not out of anti-social tendencies, but just because they really, really like the “challenge” and satisfaction of getting it on their own–a feeling I am extremly familiar with… 🙂
At any rate, keep up the truly excellent work–your blog is now, along with NC and a few others, a highlight of my net surfing!
Best regards,
–Paul Boisvert
Oakton Community College
LikeLike
Thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful comments. I’m tempted to make this another post, what do you think?
Cathy
LikeLike
Hi Paul. You might find the series of videos at this link challenges some of your assumptions: reddit.com/r/TheRedPill/comments/1vuho8/the_documentary_that_made_scandinavians_cut_all/
Malcolm
LikeLike
Paul
While I generally agree with your comments, there is one fairly significant factual problem. Turns out, the Marine Corps DOES in fact use swimming skills as a selection criteria and for reasons no one fully understands, many minority groups underperform in quantitative metrics. I suggest juggling skills might make a good replacement in your argument.
🙂
LikeLike
John, one likely reason minorities tend to underperform in swimming is that swimming is expensive. Poverty tends to be higher among minority groups. Affluent people can afford to pay swimming memberships. Poor people cannot, and therefore do not have the opportunity to practice swimming. Thus, I’d expect to see under representation of minorities at high levels of swimming competition, and that is what I observe. Further, I’d expect the same at all levels of achievement in swimming.
Juggling, however, only requires a few balls and the ability to concentrate well. 🙂
LikeLike
Just discovered your blog, Cathy, and love it.
I note that you teach at a “math camp” in the summer. Even though one of my prior, brief “careers” was teaching 7th & 8th grade English, my real love is math. [I was a math major in college until “chased out” by disparaging comments about women in the field. This was the late 60s.]
I’m currently assisting a 3rd grade teacher in our local school, in particular working with the slowest learners on mastering their “math facts.”
Two questions for you: can you suggest books, materials, web sites, etc. that provide guidance to folks like me who are attempting to tutor in this area? Obviously I use the teacher’s materials, but I’m interested in what else might be out there.
Second: I’ve always thought that someone should establish a Tutor For America program to recruit and train folks to work in public schools. I’m thinking about having folks tutor on a small scale [an hour or two per day/ a day or two per week], nothing like the larger commitment that’s required by TFA. I’m particularly mindful of this because of the larger number of folks who will be retiring and looking for some way to contribute.
I would emphasize the “train” part of that equation, since I have a number of misgivings about Teach for America, the main one being their apparent belief that “we can just throw a bunch of ‘bright’ kids into the schools and they’ll provide more for the students than the current crop of ‘crappy’ teachers.”
Anecdotally, a friend whose daughter is just getting her degree from Tulane in elementary education reported to me that the parishes around New Orleans have fired their “regular” teachers and brought in TFA people, because they can save so much money in doing so. Obviously no job there for this young person who desperately wants to teach.
And, re the discussion re Harvard grads above, doubt that Harvard is pushing its folks to enter teaching as a “meaningful” career. [My MAT is from there.]
LikeLike
You might find the JUMP program helpful. There is a lot to say about this wonderful and very successful program but you can find it all on their website.
http://jumpmath1.org/
LikeLike
Teaching kids “math facts” might help them pass the grade, but it definitely won’t help a student develop their passion for math; in fact it might make students dislike math or not realize their passion for it.
Here’s a post I wrote on this subject.
LikeLike
Thanks for the update on the Met panel. I saved $25 and got your insights on the panel too. I am depressed by your conclusions about the market smarts of those guys, minus Soros, Also, LARRY SUMMERS, no. How lame is that? Obama hasn’t a clue. Now I’m really bumed out.
Still, I like your hard edge approach to these guys….
LikeLike
I like the URL! Keep it going!
A sweet article if you haven’t seen it:
Also, a sweet math book if you haven’t read it:
http://books.google.com/books/about/A_Cultural_Paradox_Fun_in_Mathematics.html?id=an2pJdV4H38C
Cheers,
Jeff
LikeLike
Thought you or your readers might be interested in this, since it’s about data-driven aid: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/972584134/what-works-in-development-10-meta-analyses-of-aid. (More at http://www.aideconomics.com/.) We’ve only got another couple of weeks left so any attention it could get would really help.
LikeLike
Just discovered you! Awesome.
But can you link me to an actual list of the states that allow jail time for debt collection? I can’t find it ANYWHERE . .just the common reference that a third do.
LikeLike
Love your blog. Thought you might like to see http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1981524074/art-and-commerce-along-the-cyber-silk-highway
LikeLike
LOVE NOTE
Hey, Cathy, I just wrote here and now its gone after the log-in process, but if it is just in purgatory, and you get two, forgiveth moi.
I feel like I ran into a column or a blog post or article of some sort very recently written by a conservative, pos. a Repub congresswoman, about fed gov student loan help as the reason for higher admission costs. I only skimmed it, cause the vibe pissed me off since I thought she was advocating for no gov’t help for college tuition, but that was b4 I saw you piece on collage or even college debt.
If you want me to try to find it, I will. If you know all about it already, I will anyway.
Love and kisses,
reno
on whose show, Money Talks, at Dixon Place Mondays @ 7:30 pm you will be this coming Monday, 5/7 dixonplace.org 212 219-0736
LikeLike
i am a partialy disabled 58 yr old out of work 2 years now . when i was growing up dad always said its a good idea to have more than one trade . i have 3 . certified and current in all . auto mechanic . cabinet maker . shop floor fabrication welder . the auto field is dying because of lack of interest for experienced workers . the government stepped in 1996 and made all the manufactures standardize the diagnostic software . the cabinet making is dead because of the economic crash in the housing and building trades . and people no longer care if the whole cabinet is made out of wood .( just the doors and facing stiles ) . the fab welder trade is dead because most of the heavy equipment and machinery is made over seas and shipped here .
i would like to know if the OWS movement is gaining traction . as more skilled blue collar trades poeple find a common ground here ?
LikeLike
Hi Cathy. I just wanted to say thank you. I watched you on Frontline just now and really appreciate your honesty and frank talk. It is important for people to understand how the choices of the past 30 years led up to the financial crisis. You broke it down well. Best of luck to you!
LikeLike
Thanks!
Cathy
LikeLike
Cathy, Just watched you on Frontline and I so appreciate everything you are doing. I feel a great sense of hope, especially due to the insider working groups you mentioned. I teach part-time at UMD and I am sending a link to your interview to my classes. I consider it a must-watch video. If I needed any more assignments, I’d turn it into one!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Just watched the Jan 18 Frontline interview and wanted to say hi. I’m a quant of sorts and until now a despiser of OWS. You actually know what you’re talking about. Wow.
You say we can reform banking, just as we did in the great depression. It seems to me every reform has to be reformed. How about if we just let it go wild? No government intervention whatever. Let it bleed. Let banks fail and investors get burned. Disband the SEC and Federal Reserve. Too Libertarian?
LikeLike
Let’s do it! For like a day. Then let’s get some people with balls and handcuffs in place.
LikeLike
I am oddly compelled to chime in another “Wow” after seeing the Frontline interview – oddly, because I don’t feel (dare I say it?) “smart enough” to even participate beyond lurking within your blogsphere!!!
As one of those “people persons” who graduated from a fairly un-glam state college in CA with a fuzzy studies degree, landing work in corporate education, I had the opportunity to work with CapitalOne Financial between ’00-’02. I got my share of eye-rolling from better educated peers, but frankly I didn’t “get” what these smug, highly-recruited whizkids were actually DOING until years later.
I’ve been intimidated by math all of my life, but adore mixing it up with intelligent, opinionated folks like those flocking to this site. The attraction/repulsion tickles me to no end and frankly, you simply rock it.
You have a new follower in me. While I’m overwhelmingly challenged with much of the content, I certainly feel your intelligent and spiritual underpinnings and that comfort and inspires me.
LikeLike
Thanks, Uncle Mookie!
LikeLike
This is the place to say how much I love your blog? Because god, I love your blog. Like, almost as much as I love math. (And I love me some math.)
Keep up the great work, superstar. You make my world a better place.
LikeLike
WOOHOOO!!!
LikeLike
Hi Cathy,
I’m just gonna ask if you’re okay with advertisements on your site? 🙂
Cheers,
Dale
LikeLike
no way!
LikeLike
Dunno how my Jamie Dimon comment got posted twice – apologies.
Reno
LikeLike
OK, Cathy, here’s your love-note: I fucking LOVE you!! Email me? joandelilah@my-domain-name.com I have some thoughts I’d like to share 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Cathy,
After listening to the extended video of your Frontline interview I knew your blog was going to be goldmine.
A couple of years before the crash I resolved to get smart about the financial world, but at the end of my WSJ and The Financial Times subscriptions I realized my mental runway was not long enough for most of what was being discussed to land. Hopefully after reading everything posted on your blog I’ll be a bit smarter and be able to sort the wheat from the chaff. OWS has a 1/2 hour show on WBAI everyday. A show devoted to the work of your working group would give the program a nice shot in the arm. I’m going to recommend that the Program Director contact you and you can take it from there. As understanding increases, opportunities for exploitation diminish. The work you are doing is proof that generosity is truly the mother of all virtues.
LikeLike
Cool, sounds great!
Cathy
LikeLike
SOME GUY wrote: “You say we can reform banking, just as we did in the great depression. It seems to me every reform has to be reformed. How about if we just let it go wild? No government intervention whatever. Let it bleed. Let banks fail and investors get burned. Disband the SEC and Federal Reserve. Too Libertarian?”
Meant to be my reply to the above, sorry for my indefinitiveness:
Umm, that would be very much like once again allowing any “patent” medicine back on the market, no matter how poisonous, then letting “the market” decide which ones should be outlawed after some level of death is reached. Only with financial chaos, the level of deaths may be far higher!
LikeLike
I just watched your interview on Frontline. thanks..
g
LikeLike
No need to post this. I’m wondering if you can suggest a good place to look for jobs outside of academia for mathematicians. Pretty much everything I know is all geared towards MathJobs + academic positions.
LikeLike
I found a job on LinkedIn.
LikeLike
I just read the wonderful article (and very helpful comment thread for) “Math contests kind of suck”. I teach 8th grade algebra in Silicon Valley. I’m in the awkward position of needing to teach to the Math Olympiads for my regular (not honors) algebra students. Do you have any suggestions for going about that or sources that might talk about it? Thank you very much!
LikeLike
This is a love note. LOVE YOU
LikeLike
Love you more.
LikeLike
How does one become a mathbabe? I’m a guy, so I guess it would be mathdude. Clearly, you have to be very smart, which I’m not, although I’m studying calculus as a hobby. What next, analysis? Abstract algebra? Number theory? Am I dreaming? I am just a “B” math student, but I love integration by parts.
LikeLike
It’s an internal decision. You are one if you decide you are one.
Cathy
LikeLike
Hi, Cathy. I recently left a long post for you, and it included a link to http://www.washingtonpost.com/5-misconceptions-about-the-financial-crisis-and-its-aftermath/2012/06/15/gJQAoK2EfV_story_2.html
Washington Post, Allan Sloan Friday June 15, 2012: “Taking Stock Five Years After the Meltdown” As a result of your interview for Frontline, and your sharing the OWS group responsible for reviewing Volker, I countered with the Hoenig Rule as espoused by Allan Sloan. If your group is supportive of Hoenig, I’d be willing to help OWS in some volunteer fashion to get Hoenig enacted. Hope this post doesn’t get lost! Thanks – Ernie
LikeLike
Greetings Cathy, I’m quite excited to finally get set-up here.Your performance on PBS hit like lightning or a hungry bullfrog’s tongue ; you appeared healthy,keen,hefty,hibernian and alluring.First thought was “Gotta find more”! Your guests and contributors seem erudite and well-versed on current topics. Certain to be interested ,hope to enjoin and help. A certain type of human warmth circulate quickly and affects all – feel you have that brand of radiating.
I Love You Too ~ John
LikeLike
Ummm… thanks, but I’m not sure whether “hibernian” is a compliment.
LikeLike
Maybe,depends if you can pay your bar-tab ? Meant as a friendly adjective , not as perjorative.
LikeLike
Dear Cathy , yesterday I attempted reading the “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform And Consumer Protection Act” with little success at understanding and zero knowledge what will protect the consumer.My question : Are there any clear defined strategies from the Senate Banking Committee,”Occupy” – etc. , the financial industry or anywhere to realistically lessen the “bite” you and many others maintain causes harm to economies , global- wide ?
Wish to say how highly I esteem you and others on your great altitude in the math and business worlds. L.U.B. You ~ John
LikeLike
Hello Cathy: I teach at a small liberal arts college (~1700 students) with a successful and (relatively) sizable mathematical sciences department (my department has ~7-8% of all students). This includes majors in mathematics (including ed.), cs, and actuarial science. Most of our majors are in actuarial science, because a recently deceased faculty member spent decades building a quality program with word-of-mouth eventually bringing us more and better students. All of our actuarial students must pass exams before graduation and 100% of our graduates complete paid internships and land actuarial jobs immediately out of college.
I am a new faculty member, and I dream of continuing this growth and success. I am intrigued by data science — you have already posted about things someone should know to be a data scientist and about your indecision about whether there should be such programs. If you think it worthwhile, I would love a refinement of these ideas in a post about 1) some sort of clarification of the definition of “data science”, and how it is different, if at all, from business analytics, etc., or 2) what you think an undergraduate degree should entail at a minimum. I would hope that mandatory internship(s) would allow students to be introduced to actual big useful data, but perhaps companies are too concerned with security to let a summer intern have at it? It sounds like there are too many skills required of a seasoned professional to fit into a reasonably-sized major. But I wonder if there is some underlying list of fundamentals you can think of that could constitute a feasible and coherent program that would lead to success in a graduate program or immediate work in data science. Also, is there or do you think there will be, like in actuarial science, some credentialing program that will allow people a structured path to continue down while developing more of the necessary skills after graduation?
Thank you for your consideration.
P.S. I’m also a number theorist. Go number theory!
LikeLike
I think the Carnegie Mellon statistics department is a model.
LikeLike
Dear Cathy,
I recently saw your interview on Frontline. I was very much impressed with your analysis and with your oh-so-true comments. I am also sympathetic to your desire to ‘clarify’ – to break things down and demystifiy all the jagon and idle talk that passes itself off as serious yet which is, frankly, evidence of poor thinking – if any at all. And this poor thinking that is masked in seriousness is evidence, moreover, that the culture is in a dire place. Much more to say, but, for the meantime, bravo.
Théo in Paris
LikeLike
Theo, thank you!
Cathy
LikeLike
Hi Cathy. I’m a fellow Karaoke fan who also discovered you on Frontline. It goes without saying that TED is flawed, since you would be a major TED star if it wasn’t.
I’d be interested in your reaction to two TED talks:
One talk argues for greater focus on statistics in the teaching of pre-college math. I must say I’m appalled at how few people have the most basic understanding of statistics.
The other talk is about the dangers of hyper-specialization in the liberal arts. Lack of hyper-specialization strikes me as one of your strengths: For example, you seem able to hold mathematical AND ethical considerations in your mind at the same time. I believe this has been outlawed in several states.
I hope I get to thoughts on these topics. Until then, have fun at math camp.
LikeLike
Vince,
Thanks! I’ll take a look soon.
Best,
Cathy
LikeLike
Cathy, and others on this blog articulating your passions for American economic discourse, you might be very interested in attending a program taking place tomorrow Tuesday 7/24 at 6:30p at Museum of the City of New York.
Cornell University professor Louis Hyman is author of the new book, “Borrow: The American Way of Debt,” which examines how the rise of consumer borrowing in the 1920s, just before the Great Depression, altered our culture and economy. Tomorrow evening, Professor Hyman will explore New York’s role as a center of this financial innovation, which allowed lending to grow more and more profitable, but in turn, displaced funds available for business borrowing—a reconfiguration that set our economy on an unsustainable course. He will offer an historical perspective on the temptation to live beyond one’s means; and offer suggestions for change moving forward. Reception to follow.
Reservations required. $6 Museum members; $8 students/seniors; $12 adults.
Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue, corner of 103rd St, in Manhattan.
LikeLike
Sorry, I had to give my own panel last night!
LikeLike
Thanks Cathy
Great blog and posts. I am also looking into the JUMP program/website that you also mention for my kid.
Regards
Carlos
LikeLike
The connection between Wall Street, academia and mathematics is complex. One element of that connection may well be a foundational error in mathematics (that has not been rooted out by academia, so you could say that it is supported by academia), which could possibly bring the most natural explanation of some of Wall Street’s chief idiosyncrasies. The foundational error is detailed in my preprint introduced at http://limitstomaths.com . The connection may simply be that an error in foundation may permit errors (including biases, and high cartel like behaviors) everywhere else to manifest more straightforwardly. The intriguing message for the future, however, is that all systems involving the globalization of a coherent pressure — just like the boiling of water, leading to the infinite phase transition from liquid to gas phase in a finite global volume — have, evidently, a characteristic of self-transformation.
There is definitely something here, and since this seems right up your alley at the intersection of mathematics and the real world, I would love to have you investigate and comment! : )
LikeLike
The “Le Monde” article you extracted lead me to think that you can read french. As I came across that piece of news http://www.liberation.fr/depeches/2012/08/06/deux-jeunes-mathematiciennes-francaises-recompensees-par-le-prix-poincare-2012_838048 , I thought you would find it cool. This is as “hard math” as you can get, and two women – is it politically correct to say “babe” ? – laureate. Even more interesting is the fact that they are not outsiders, but well-connected insiders. Maybe one day “mathbabe” will attract the reaction “so what ?”. Not yet there, but progressing.
LikeLike
Exciting, thanks!
LikeLike
Hi there Cathy! just discovered your blog via Ruth Milkman who interviewed you recently and was mega enthusiastic. I liked what i read a lot eg about the ‘Bailout’ book by Neil B. I ‘m from London, and co-edit a spicey magazine call ‘Red Peppper’ (www.redpepper.org.uk) I wondered if you’d like to write a piece about ‘Bailout’ for the magazine to get it – and your blog – a wider readership in the UK? i’M IN nyc TIL sAT am. So could meet for a quick coffee or meet on Skype..
wot do you think?
ciao Hilary (Wainwright)
LikeLike
Hi,
I am Andrew Jackson, a financial writer. Today I came across your site (http://mathbabe.org ) and enjoyed reading some of your articles.
I just want to know do you allow guest posts? I would like to write for your blog on some relevant topics that is still to cover on your blog.
I will make sure that my articles will be completely original to serve the quality. I do believe your readers will enjoy reading it.
It will be a thrilling experience for me if my article finds a place in your blog.
Please let me know about your decision.
With best regards,
Andrew Jackson
LikeLike
loved ur post on three letter agency and mathematicians. I happen to know someone who did some consulting in that space, via an organisation that was aquired…not sure if they see problems any different from, other math problems..
LikeLike
Hi Cathy…I just got done reading your article “Economist don’t understand the Financial System” an I thoroughly enjoyed it. My name is Liam McDermott and I used to be an institutional Eurodollar and Energy broker. I also dealt in market data. I have been off the street for a number of years, but I have recently written an original economic theory based on placing serial numbers onto electronic dollars. I have been having difficulty getting it out there because of my lack of academic credentials. You seem to be someone who is more open minded, so I wanted to share it with you to see what you think. If you enjoy it and would like to contact me my email is liamalan@gmail.com. Thx!
Serial Number Transparency
If American’s vote to force Congress to assign individual serial numbers to electronic dollars, the global economy will undergo a renaissance.
All private and business bank accounts retain the exact same amount of cash, but by placing individual serial numbers on these electronic dollars they become “real” in the same sense that paper ones are. Trillions of “derivative dollars” currently present on large investment banks Off Balance Sheet books become worthless because they are derived and by definition, not real. The remaining pool of money is clean, reliable and transparent. Since this new pool of money is much smaller, the value of each individual dollar is greatly increased.
In order to protect the purity of this new pool of money, the Federal Reserve will no longer be able to arbitrarily create money. The majority of Americans would be outraged to learn that the Federal Reserve Bank is actually a private corporation, owned and operated by twenty one, MOSTLY FOREIGN banks. These banks currently use the Fed to create cash for themselves while paying interest to themselves. The Fed operates cloaked in secrecy, with total autonomy, creating money with no oversight from the Federal Government. Serial numbers would make the 7.7 trillion dollars the Fed fabricated out of thin air for their 2008 bailout disappear, restoring the value of the dollar to its pre-crash levels. Serial numbers wrest control of the American Dollar from the clutches of unregulated foreigners and places it back in the hands of the American people whom it is supposed to represent.
When banks need more cash they would now petition Congress. Bankers would present their case for a cash auction and it would be put to a vote. Banks would now pay interest to the government for their cash, lessening the burden of the American Taxpayer. The economy will be well served by having a static amount of cash to represent the goods and services it has the ability to produce. As the capacity of the economy grows, more money would be injected into the system by Congress reflecting an increase.
Banks’ secret electronic trading platforms now would be replaced by open outcry trading pits, effectively ending backroom market manipulation. A system of three main pits where brokers openly trade equities, debt and commodities would be outfitted with cameras broadcasting real time, worldwide for free. This will ensure all market participants equal access to information. Imagine the world’s greatest reality show that everyone can bet on from home.
Politician’s campaign dollars serial numbers will make all of their allegiances instantly visible. Regardless of where on the political spectrum they lie, every American has a right to know what his candidate is going to do once elected. A politician’s true agenda is shaped in the interests of their contributors, not their constituency. Democracy is muddled into a sham when it lacks this transparency.
Serial numbers will cripple the finances of terrorist and criminal organizations by stopping electronic black money flows. Any illegal activity would become an all cash business. While this would not end crime, it would destroy enterprise criminal corruption, while at the same time making money real for honest people who really work for their money.
This new form of naked capitalism will insure pure liquidity through pure transparency. Regulation will come about organically, based on the simple fact that everyone can see what everyone else is doing. Serial numbers enable the American economy to work the way it was intended, honestly, transparently and with equal access to information.
The American Dollar is based on accountability whether it is on a computer server, or printed on a bill in your wallet. No institution should have the power to create, manipulate and devalue the dollar bill for which millions of people have put in an honest day’s work. A true American, capitalist democracy demands its financial, political and criminal framework to be illuminated by serial numbers.
LikeLike
Liam, your ideas sound sound enough; however, if as you state the system is perhaps rigged to manipulate macro monetary policy, then in a practical, tangible view it may be highly implausible that the system will ever voluntarily stop doing it without a violent and protracted revolution.
What’s your ideas on this issue?
LikeLike
Say, you’re a math babe. Are you familiar with Per Bak’s sandpile theory? Do you think that steadily adding $40 billion per month to the Fed’s balance sheet could lead to a catastrophe, in the mathematical sense?
LikeLike
I watched the Frontline video on Wall Street parts 1-4 and all of the interviews. I am sure to revisit. I am just highly impressed with your decision to make a vocational modification…Wow. All of the interviews were some of the best expose I’ve seen on this historical period. I felt the bubble pressure and did not put faith in some fund manager I did not know and took action. I’d rather use my money than crap out on the Wall Street casino table. Thank u. After all, isn’t gambling really for those who can afford the loss?
LikeLike
Hi Cathy I was hoping to ‘interview’ you (via email) for my “Math-frolic” blog (see 10/6/12 posting), only to discover I can’t find email contact info for you. Please contact me if it is possible to send you a set of questions for possible response.
LikeLike
So I get maybe 25% of everything you write (my strength lies in the CS end of things), always worth a visit here. Thanks for the time & effort.
Be well.
LikeLike
Hi Cathy, wondering if you had seen this? Stop and Frisk recorded: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7rWtDMPaRD8
Turned my stomach. hat tip ginandtacos.com
LikeLike
Hey Cathy! I’m Ottp. Oops. I spelled my name wrong. DELETE. Hmmm… typing DELETE does not delete. Anyway, I’m just checking things out although I really haven’t read much yet. See you for pancakes!
LikeLike
Hello Admin,
I am Michelle, a financial writer. I write on various finance related topics. I came across your site “http://mathbabe.org” while browsing through the Internet to find a suitable website for writing articles. It is highly resourceful with rich and quality contents, and has a vivid presentation.
I would be highly privileged if you allow me to write for your website. The article will be completely free of charge and all I want is just a back link for my site. I assure you that it will be an absolutely unique and relevant content so that it proves useful for your readers. I hope you consider this proposal and shall wait for your reply.
Thanks & Regards,
Michelle Blackmore
Email: blackmore.michelle@gmail.com
LikeLike
Hi. I just my completed studying for my undergraduate degree in accounting but I’m very interested in anything involving math and computers. I learnt computer programming and a great deal of calculus on my own,and I’d like to learn as much as I can about data science too.
I think your blog will be useful to me in this regard.
Thanks.
LikeLike
You ask for topic suggestions for your blog. Here’s an idea I came up with but did not adequately pursue. A potential solution to the expanding Medicare/medicaid problem.
http://sep.stanford.edu/sep/jon/medicare.html
LikeLike
a non academic mathematician can make the world a better place by not participating in all data mining horse rubbish used for tracking, over marketing, and coerce preloading people to shop shop and shop some more
LikeLike
so so right/ do not BUY it POLLUTES China.
LikeLike
“About mathbabe” actually causes me think a tiny bit extra.
I really enjoyed every individual section of it.
Regards ,Bennie
LikeLike
Love is a mathematical wonder that keeps growing into infinite energy of caring,giving,joy,intelligence,logic,righteousness,justice and FAIR.
LikeLike
iF YOU ARE SINCERE IN WANTING TO CHANGE THE WORLD FOR THE BETTER Nancy Jamison , I DO HAVE SOLUTIONS. I AM AN INVENTOR AND DESIGNER IN MANY,MANY AREAS, SOCIAL INVENTIONS ARE FAIR FOODS.ORG OR SEATS OF CONSCIOUSNESS, socboston.org., I COULD USE HELP IN AREAS OF PHYSICS,MEDICAL NEEDS,BUSINESS TO MAKE MONEY TO FINANCE CHANGE. WE NEED TO BUILD A DIFFERENT,CARING BUSINESS WORLD.THE OLD WILL DIE ON IT’S OWN.WE ARE OVERDUE.I APOLOGIZE FOR MY SELF CENTERED GENERATION ONE MORE TIME,SHAME ON US.I AM 62,A SIXTIES,SEVENS,EIGHTS,NINES,TENS,TO NOW.I HAVE SEEN TO MUCH SELFISHNESS IN AMERICA.WE ARE SO ABUNDANT,HOW COULD WE HAVE LET OUR WORLD DOWN. I BELIEVE IF WE FACE THIS FACT WE COULD TURN IT AROUND. LETS GET BUSY EVERYONE,PLEASE DON’T WAIT TO LATE.
LikeLike
I just listened to the Econ Talk podcast with Ross Roberts. A lot of your comments rings true to me as a former Wealth Manager.
At the time I left the business (wealth management) in 2009 I had so much mistrust for all the info we were receiving and been asked to sell to unsuspecting customers.
Am currently based in Abuja, Nigeria having lived and work in Southern California for 15 years.
LikeLike
Welcome!
LikeLike
Great mission statement “what can a non-academic mathematician do that makes the world a better place?”, good to know there is more of us. Looking forward to follow your journey
LikeLike
Thank you for your response Robert.
The beautiful thin about America is that it is a democracy. We all have the power to change the system in non-violent means. I am currently making a documentary on my theory and money creation. It is my hope that once people are made aware of the situation, we will be able to garner the political will to change the system. I used to work in institutional trading on Wall Street. I have pitched this idea to many people over there and gotten an overwhelmingly positive response. If I can convince the people on Main street to agree with me as well, all we have to do is vote people into power that agree with our position.
Take care.
LikeLike
If you folks are interested in monetary freedom, look into Bitcoin. For the first time, The People can be in charge of their own money.
Enjoyed the interview on EconTalk as well. Very impressive.
LikeLike
Non academic mathematician! Interesting to know. And of course it’s a very nice blog.
LikeLike
Hey, Cathy!
Check this post about DSGE models out; I’d love to get your comments. I’ll share mine as a reply.
LikeLike
Cathy,
You fit a very odd niche in the world – woman interested in math and blogging about it. That’s awesome.
Cheers.
LikeLike
Have u seen this? Everyone wants in …. Big Data is COOL!
http://www.altiused.com/press/press-releases/harrisburg-university-partners-with-altius-education-to-offer-two-big-data
LikeLike
tell becky come home run fairfoods i live her,are you back?
LikeLike
Heard about you on NPR on Santa Monica, CA today. How do I get a hard copy of the new book?
LikeLike
Send me your address by email (my email’s on my About page).
Cathy
LikeLike
On Being a Data Skeptic
Before reading this book, I would have classified myself as a skeptical cynic on the subject of data. But now I think I am a data heretic. Although this book points out important factors to consider when working with data, if taken in its entirety the recommendations could be summed up in one conclusion “trust no data”. Considering the fact that data is not facts and adding to this the non-transparent manipulations and assumptions we apply to data, it remains surprising that we can derive any semblance of reality from data.
Data and data analysis is story telling. We tell stories with data. In my experiences most of the data story telling is fictional, something I refer to as “datatainment”. Much of what is being written about the subject of data such as big data and data science is a story and also fictional. It reminds me of the liar’s paradox; “this sentence is false”. What is the truth?
The most important factor to consider when working with data is do you trust those who are presenting the story about the data. Are those involved in selecting and manipulating the data trustworthy? Look at the history of these people; their experiences and their motivations. Is the story they are telling with data trustworthy? Is it fiction or fact? Do they substantiate their arguments or are they bloviating. Are they transparent about what the data means, what assumptions were made and the way their models manipulate the data?
Of course once you consider the factors outlined in the book and these factors you too may become a data heretic.
LikeLike
I love your article on correlated trades: the past three or four years have been a disaster for trend following partly for exactly this reason.
http://tradersplace.net/forum/thread/279/back-test-to-the-future/view_2515/
LikeLike
Hi Cathy… you probably know already, but to be on the safe side I will post this anyway.
There is a news community (modeled after Hacker News) dedicated to Data Science: http://www.datatau.com/?from=@
LikeLike
I hadn’t heard, thanks!
LikeLike
Cathy:
your insight in the WNYC article about NYC neighborhoods & how almost rich people feel when comparing themselves to others. So in NYC, everybody with incomes under 200,000
is Middle Class if they live in the up&coming neighborhoods + most of Manhattan?
LikeLike
Cathy,
I love your Doing Data Science book; I’m using it to teach my teenage son some tools.
Not to nit pick; but I think there is a type on Page 108 in the “Thought Experiment” section; The entire sentence from “represent each image” to “between 0 and 255” is repeated twice.
Keep up the good work.
RIch
LikeLike
Is this blog on your radar…Disinformation Visualization?
https://visualisingadvocacy.org/blog/disinformation-visualization-how-lie-datavis?utm_content=bufferbb002&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
LikeLike
Hey cathy, in my school letter it came that I’m going into common core math 8 is that the proper level for a 8th grade student ?
LikeLike
Wonderful blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m hoping to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or
go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m
completely confused .. Any tips? Appreciate it!
LikeLike
Does anyone know what does MMPM score mean? I really need this answer within today
LikeLike
The Weavers wrote this song to honor your “marble columns’ theory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzTT5fXquTo
LikeLike
the following reviews a book that suggests the emphasis on standardized tests is hurtful for education. perhaps not too surprising
http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/2014/nov/20/myth-chinese-super-schools/
LikeLike
This is super, thank so much!
On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 8:09 PM, mathbabe wrote:
>
LikeLike
I just purchased “Doing Data Science”, which I began to read while drinking a latte in Barnes & Noble. I was quite riveted, and I had to buy it.
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike
Cathy, I have a B.A. in Math, but am many years removed from formal education. For the past 15 years I’ve been in the IT dept of an accounting firm. I initially did programming in Lotus Notes, which is basically extinct, although someone may yet discover a Lotus Notes programmer trapped in amber… I am hyperintrigued (I made that up) by Data Science, and am considering applying to a Data Science Boot Camp, although the one I have in mind charges $14,000.
Do you have any opinions about the cost vs. benefit of such programs?
Kind Regards,
Dan
LikeLike
$14,000 for a boot camp is a scam. For a bit more you might cover the costs of a masters degree at a decent university (excluding the fancy ones). Also, if you have Weapons of Math Destruction, check out page 64 talking about the four-day boot camp that costs $16,000.
LikeLike
Thanks for your talk at JMM – loved your spirit and point of view about data journalism and can’t wait to read the book that you are writing on the topic!
LikeLike
I liked your insight on the Tax Foundation. You may also be interested to know that your blog is one of the top Google search results for “tax foundation bias.”
LikeLike
Hey, cool!
LikeLike
You’re so (much) smart(er than me). You make me want to learn the maths and data sciences but that isn’t going to happen so keep up the wise words. Also, you should ditch Felix and start your own podcast.
LikeLike
call me i miss you thanks for high test
LikeLike
Read the book ‘The Fourth Turning’ and the book prior–‘Generations, the history of America’s future from 1630 to 2076’ , which lays the cylical nature of our generations since colonial times with a modest projection of the future–lots of data & description. Fourth Turning has much more description & prescription of our current situation.
LikeLike
https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-visiting/can-we-end-end-college-already
“When Bill Gates, or Barack Obama, or Dave Brat, or even Kevin Carey educates their children via MOOCs or some other brand of un-college, I will be impressed, and also dead, because I will have expired from shock.”
LikeLike
Just wondered if you were aware of some of the other ‘babes’ out there –
http://www.watoday.com.au/world/science-babe-takedown-of-food-babe-causes-online-stir-20150419-1mojvx.html
LikeLike
Hi – I want to make a comment regarding your insurance scores blog, I thought it was great! – It says comments are closed, why? Was this on purpose? Id love to post there and add my two cents to the subject.
LikeLike
Yeah, sorry, I time posts out with respect to comments. Otherwise people go on endlessly sometimes. What did you want to say? 🙂
LikeLike
This has been a pet peeve of mind for a while. It just came back up because I’m in the process of purchasing a home, and my home insurance quotes have been all over the place. About 8 years ago I found a report about insurance scores written by an analyst at progressive insurance. The report admitted that the insurance scores, although they were good predictors of if someone would file a claim(not have an accident/there is a difference) that there was some overlap with the other factors ie if you lived in an area with high claims, maybe that area also has lower credit scores, so in many cases it is possible to get dinged twice. This is why I liked your statement about “price discrimination”, which is a marketing technique taught to me in school. Make no mistake these techniques are not so much to provide pricing relative to the risk (which is what is told to us consumers and why we go along), but as to create complex pricing strategies to maximize revenue. The more factors you come up with the more potential you have for revenue. The only way around this is to end the information asymmetry. We should have legislators mandate that insurers must share their “prime rate”; their best rate for each product so consumers can have a way to easily gauge weather they are ok with the extra risk premium they are being quoted. Just as there is a prime rate for bank loan rates. But this is where insurance companies want us, in the dark with little power.
LikeLike
Fuck yes.
LikeLike
I like Slate Money panels, especially Cathy’s observations and questioning. Regarding the Occam Razor approach on technical glitches and complexity of software, empirical evidence suggests one more level of simplicity. Vandals are cutting the wires. Whatever their reasons, this is happening, really, I can attest.
February 25 2015 Northern Arizona 5 hour outage
http://www.prescottaz.com/m/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=142238
and other attacks over the past year
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2015/06/30/california-internet-outage/29521335/
In the AZ attack, commerce and support services halted. Most Local cell and land calls did not go through. Banks locked their doors. 911 was flaky. The national rural Code Red emergency notification system could not send messages. An observer might find this outage an excellent test case on disruption and citizen reactions. Bad weather or an extended outage could have caused fatalities. It was scary.
What was learned? A single company, CenturyLink, serves all Northern AZ. with no redundancy. Vandalism was easy enough in the desert. There are no citizen protection groups for this type of disruption versus, for example, wildfires. For me, personally, the local taxi drivers with their redundant dispatch services and demographic knowledge offer the most immediate and reliable information.
We should all be asking about vulnerability of our physical infrastructure and share the answers.
LikeLike
valid point; our electricity grid is rife with problems like this; I have no general solution except harden the infrastructure of both electricity grid and telephone providers need backup of their grids.
LikeLike
In case someone else’s hasn’t sent this to you already – possible consequences of a government-mandate “Citizen score” (as apparently is being done in China).
(Author is a British SciFi author)
http://www.antipope.org/charlie/blog-static/2015/10/it-could-be-worse.html
LikeLike
All you smart people whine way to much about everything.Truth from using to much electric to I.D.’s and data,data.data,material things you have killed a world.America should be feeding the world instead.Maybe Love could solve all the problems you whine about. try it.
LikeLike
Hello.
I discovered your blog last week and I spent a long time reading some very interesting things on data science, especially place of mathematics. Since 1988 my work in university is related to statistical packages and I often argue against the idea that software replace mathematical formation. During the nineties there was the data mining and more recently the big data but mathematics are still very useful. Your blog, your talks and your books are helpful to defend mathematics. Thank you very much.
Joseph Saint Pierre
http://mapdata.science/~stpierre/
LikeLike
She found her way through the maze of life
and now she blossoms. Every pedal of her being is a realization of her life’s work. Leaving a legacy as her contribution to humanity. – Thanks Cathy, from all of us.
LikeLike
Hey there. Heard you on Doug McIntyre’s radio program this morning and thought I’d check out what was happening here. I don’t have too much time to peruse the content during the work day but I’ll be back. Thanks.
LikeLike
I enjoyed listening to you on Ralph Nader Radio recently. I’m a retired secondary mathematics teacher. Just one comment, ‘Figures don’t lie, but liars figure’.
LikeLike
Great appearance on Econtalk!!
LikeLike
Fascinating econtalk conversation with Russ Roberts! … Far too often, people simply do not stop to think about “regression” or “analytics” – We are watching the progression of “data analytics” to “higher education” where companies are peddling their software/algorithms that can “predict” who will remain and graduate (which in turn is used by administrators to come up with ideas to improve “retention” and “graduation” without worrying about the core issue of learning and actual education) – You are indeed right about how universities spend way too much time worrying about US News than about education – Indeed, if you look at what I call the “tuition code” – it is incredibly regressive with the poor (financial and educational) paying for the rich (financial and educational) – Much as I like better/smarter students in my classes, I am embarassed at how poorly we are treating students who are not quite ready for college and not helping them in ways that may work/known to work
LikeLike
Just finished Weapons of Math Destruction and found it very readable and informative. I’d like to read more on the subject. Al
LikeLike
I miss spending Saturday mornings with you. Are you on any new podcasts?
LikeLike
No, sorry! But I do write for Bloomberg now.
https://www.bloomberg.com/view/contributors/ATFPV0aLyJM/catherine-h-oneil
LikeLike
Hello Cathy and Happy Birthday, which I believe was last week,
In your excellent book Weapons of Math Destruction you mention software such as PredPol. Have you or anybody compiled any list of such databases/software programs for those interested in viewing the algorithms?
Thank you.
LikeLike
Thank you, Cathy, for unpacking the black box.
LikeLike
I live in Taiwan. I just finished reading your book, weapons of math destruction’ Chinese version.
I just want to let you know that I learned a lot from your book. You have done a great job letting the world knows the possible dangers of math weapons.
Thank you.
Ting-yi Lin
LikeLike
Wonderful! Thanks for writing.
Cathy
LikeLike
I just started your book Weapons of Math Destruction and I am in love. I am an aspiring mathmetician interested in modeling, but also very passionate about the social problems in the world. You insire me!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks!
LikeLike
Hi Cathy. Can you recommend book for teaching myself calculus. For the time being, I would like to steer clear of heavy analytic geometry, and stick with the pure calc (concepts, process, some application). Btw, I had calculus in high school and college (first year) 30 years ago but never used it since and have forgotten it all! Starting over again, just for fun! thanks!
LikeLike
Khan Academy? It’s online and free.
LikeLike
I will start there (although I do like a book to noodle in a supine position)!! Thanks! John
LikeLike
Hi Cathy,
I just finished Weapons of Math Destruction in two intense reading periods because of the compelling writing. I was especially fascinated with how prescient you were about the effects of social media on US elections as was clearly seen in the 2016 election. Facebook still needs to answer for it’s part in allowing all the Russian ads that favored Trump.
I graduated with a math degree up here in Alberta Canada over ten years ago but haven’t really used it since I’ve been teaching English abroad mostly. I’m now considering getting into a master’s program at the University of Alberta in data science. However I’d like to work afterwards for either non profits that are trying to improve society or in the service of animal conservation in the world.
If you have any recommendations or suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.
Looking forward to your next book!
LikeLike
Good luck!!
LikeLike
Your book left a great impact on my master studies. you are the best! ❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thought you might enjoy this…https://ieg.worldbankgroup.org/blog/collateral-damage-pitfalls-quantitative-measures-success?fbrefresh&fbclid=IwAR3K3L_O-7figBVhH0rJ4UZtc8aRjmlOtw2ar9aMW0eKXlxCOaN-NHov-AI
LikeLike
Yes I do, thank you Jeff!
LikeLike
A friend of mine,Nancy Jamison, took the reality of mathematical facts and determined by numbers that she would be able to deliver $100,000,000 in help to the poor with $10,000,000.00 cost in twenty years,and has by developement of fair foods.
LikeLike
It’s true.
LikeLike
Holy c**p check out your bio. Hope you have contributed some 23&me dna or something similar…
Very unfair to the rest of us…
LikeLike
Would be interested in those snps. One can potentially be smart but have blocked detox channels, exposure to heavy metals and or mycotoxins. Hair Analysis and organic acid test can go a long way to helping us understand our personal “proper nutrition”. Optimize what you have.
LikeLike
Hi Cathy – I’ve become a huge fan of yours since reading ‘WMD’ over the winter. My friend who’s an epidemiologist has been very negative about the IHME model (https://covid19science.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-letter-to-ihme.html)
I searched your site for references to IHME, and didn’t find any so I’m assuming this hasn’t crossed your radar yet. If I’m not mistake, his critique is right up your alley. This is a ‘machine learning’ type approach that eschews fundamentals of epidemiology and just uses a bunch of open-loop highly unreliable fitting tools. I won’t presume to explain this further, I’m sure you will come to your own (far more accurate) conclusions far more quickly than I could summarize it for you.
I hope you find this relevant. Even if you don’t I think what you are doing is great. Keep fighting the good fight, sister!
LikeLike
Oh the power of hindsight! Bahamas was COVID free by May of last year and rather than follow common sense and open up to other COVID free nations it took poor advice from “experts” and opened up to a US COVID rampage ! Stupid is as stupid does.
LikeLike
Cathy , there was an article from Australia on a spike of indigenous children being taken into government care. It found was found later that the government department was using an off the shelf risk assessment algorithm from the US , and had little to do with conditions in Australia.
LikeLike
thanks mark, can you send me a link?
LikeLike
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-10/queensland-discriminatory-tool-indigenous-child-protection/12434784?utm_source=abc_news&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_content=mail&utm_campaign=abc_news
LikeLike
Hey Cathy – I started listening to the audiobook version of “Weapons of Math Destruction” and it’s been really interesting so far. Not sure if you’re aware but your book is assigned reading for one of my classes at Georgia Tech – “CS-8803-O10 – AI, Ethics, and Society” https://omscs.gatech.edu/cs-8803-o10-ai-ethics-and-society
As a side note – I found it funny that you were a quant on a futures team, I actually started a new software job recently at a big bank in the futures group, not as a quant though. Looking forward to listening to the rest of your book and learning from your unique perspective.
LikeLike
Kathy,
Hello my name is Jeramie Huber. I’m from the Midwest and 33yrs of age. I have a background in Construction (Carpentry). I Love Mathematics, Physical Fitness, and Family.
I have Multiple proofs for Mathematical Hypothesis. I beleive you would have interest in these after seeing your videos on Algorithms.
I’m reaching out to you sense your familiar with the mathematical world. I could really use some help with making the mathematical world aware of these Proofs; It’s of use and doesn’t exist.
Feel free to contact me by email or phone at: 219-781-4972
If there are any other questions feel free to ask.
Love, Respect, Peace and Patience.
Jeramie Huber 10/05/2020
LikeLike
You are my superhero—–I wish (desperately) there was a way to excise Elumen and the idea that ‘measurement’ of SLOs (pushing a 70% attainment rate) is just a pernicious falsehood to my college administration—-but alas, like Rhee, they have attended some ‘conference’ where the ‘data scientists’ have created algorithms and packaged them in a nice box so as to ensure the information produced can be easily digested by folks who left the classroom YEARS ago (assuming they were ever in one, to begin with). Thanks, Cathy—-you have validated even my rudimentary statistical skills and reassured me that, in fact, I am not crazy and the inability of those in the “head shed” simply fail to recognize grade inflation will be the ‘hedge’ they will actually witness. Three years to retirement and counting——-
LikeLike
You’re the smartest person in the room, especially related to CDS and many derivatives. I have a math problem. I created a formula for BTC cost to mine one, proof of work, and I consider this to be intrinsic value of one bitcoin. There is a huge flaw in the Bitcoin system. If the value intrinsic of BTC is based on the power of miners, the Compute, then what if the market price drops in tandem with instrisic value based on people stopping mining it? Is there a downward spiral crash to near zero dollars? I’d like the opinion of a doctorate in math. Thanks!!! Jim
LikeLike
IDK. If we could trade texts, can you text me at 513 484 8719.
LikeLike
Hi Cathy. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate you being out there and starting conversations about Shame. I’m a psychologist who’s not intending to write a book, but if I were to, I would want to do it on shame, because I feel that it’s the most psychologically damaging thing going right now. Just know that your message is appreciated.
LikeLike
We are trying to replicate flawed “intelligent” systems namely us. The machines are performing as planned.
What is required is an ontology that is not based on humanity but then it would be alien to our being.
LikeLike
Has this website been hacked? clicking on the yellow-red pic of the “weapons of Math destruction” book, one gets a Canadian cannabis site. (8/19/2022 evening)
LikeLike
Dr. O’ O’Neil, my children are in college and are well. But it is haunting to me that some children have a block to understanding math. Some children so well in Calculus while others stall on algebra. I would gladly donate if you could change this small aspect of the world and alleviate the inadequate feelings these children feel. Best Bill
LikeLike
Lysol !
Well I woke up this mornin hung over and wrecked
Looked in the mail found a government check
Went to the store with the check in my hand
Gonna buy a big blue aerosol can
Lysol!
Dats a gooder eh der tootsie pop n my tribe likes to git a can f Lysol and git real ripped
LikeLike
Hi Dr. O´Neil.
Hello from.
My name is Matías and I am doing a thesis on European regulatory regulation and AI.
And the news “Rhee dismisses 241 D.C. teachers; union vows to contest firings” has caught my attention, and let me ask if there is news about the results of IMPACT, understanding that this event was in 2009, and I do not know if the criticism based on the absence of sufficient variants has triumphed, or on the contrary, IMPACT continues to be applied but the results have been good or bad.
If you could give me a link or a clue it would be extremely useful.
LikeLike