Great article from the Columbia Journalism Review on the standoffish relationship between political scientists and journalists. Both purport to do the same thing: explain politics. But each has a very different MO.
Here's my take, really just a rehashing of CJR:
The political scientist's criticism of pop journalism: the media are full of overreactions to the day's soundbites and polls. A couple of anecdotes from self-serving sources do not constitute analysis. Dig deeper. It's about structure, not just personality.
The beat journalist's criticism of polisci: ivory tower types rely too much on stats and models. The findings are inaccessible, and often unsurprising. Cautious explanations for political events typically arrive years too late to have any meaningful impact. Get your finger on the pulse.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
On netbooks and utility computing
Talking with Matt and Dave last night, I said something along the lines of "this netbook is the last computer I expect to buy." In retrospect, I didn't mean it. I plan to buy plenty more gadgets in the future.
Here's what I *did* mean: this is the last laptop I expect to buy for its processor. As cloud computing becomes ubiquitous, virtually all processing will be done remotely. Your laptop -- and your desktop, probably -- will just be a terminal used to access the grid. With factory-like server grids supplying processing cycles at utility prices, you won't have any reason to supply your own computing. The time is coming rapidly.
In other words, my netbook isn't a computer. It's a terminal. Owning a computer is like owning a spinning wheel, plow, or mill -- not worth the time and money it takes to use them. Buying a low-end netbook is a statement about technological integration. I don't need own the machinery for processing my own data, in the same way that I don't need to own the machinery to make my own paper or build my own car.
Here's what I *did* mean: this is the last laptop I expect to buy for its processor. As cloud computing becomes ubiquitous, virtually all processing will be done remotely. Your laptop -- and your desktop, probably -- will just be a terminal used to access the grid. With factory-like server grids supplying processing cycles at utility prices, you won't have any reason to supply your own computing. The time is coming rapidly.
In other words, my netbook isn't a computer. It's a terminal. Owning a computer is like owning a spinning wheel, plow, or mill -- not worth the time and money it takes to use them. Buying a low-end netbook is a statement about technological integration. I don't need own the machinery for processing my own data, in the same way that I don't need to own the machinery to make my own paper or build my own car.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Dan Meyer: Math class needs a makeover | Video on TED.com
Dan Meyer: Math class needs a makeover | Video on TED.com
Three cheers for this approach to teaching math. hat tip to Erin, Amy, and Mike.
Three cheers for this approach to teaching math. hat tip to Erin, Amy, and Mike.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer plans
This summer I'm working on my prospectus, but there are several dependencies. Developing methods, software, and lines of argument for automated content analysis is going to be particularly involved.
Here's my chart for keeping myself organized, with sections filled in to the extent that they are done.
Here's my chart for keeping myself organized, with sections filled in to the extent that they are done.
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