Non Sequitur by Wiley Miller for February 25, 2009

I offer this appology to Wiley. While theology and politics are worthy of debate in an open society, such discussions should not be used to stigmatize those who do not share our beliefs or portray them in an unflattering manner. Mr. Miller is most correct in asking that the comments be confined to the strip of the day or to Mr. Miller himself, his art and the message/humor he is trying to include.

As everyone can confirm who studied at least a bit of statistics, I can safely say that there are many loopholes in the “numbers don’t lie” principle. Numbers tell you what you want to hear or tell to others.

I wonder if Danae’s method is reform mathematics as explained in http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reform_mathematics (also known as anti-math)

Danae still on the way to become an economist, huh?

When will Danae’s New Math become a category on Jeopardy?

I betcha Danae will not always be right to answer on that math; otherwise, her Math teacher will give her a “F” on her homework.

Numbers don’t lie theory

I can picture Danae claiming, “math is a religion–you need to have faith that when you do something to these numbers, you get this one; why does it have to be that answer only? And they’re forcing this religion in schools to those even who don’t want it!”

Or worse, making the above claim in a call to the UN.

its funny because that is sort of how math works…she is just about 15 years ahead of herself…she keeps this up and she will do fine in her masters in mathematics

Wiley just keep on Keepin on, yer doin great bud, and rarelly is there a day that you dont at the very least casue a smile to cross my face.

“Again?” I love it.

Figures never lie, but any liar can figure…

DigitalFrog says:

Figures never lie, but any liar can figure…

Hmmm…go figure! ;)

Kate seems a little upset.

Danae looks a little young to have such a firm grasp on Differential Equations. Most people don’t get to that level until college, if ever.

I can remember presenting a very simular theory to my parents when we were discussing my report card.

Well, in a different context, but those very same principles, are being applied everywhere across the globe. You have a solution, so you fit it to whatever problems you can.

Works well for most…so I guess Danae will do fine too. She would grow up to be a politician or a CEO. On second thoughts, nah…she is much too talented…

ROLF! I do remember once when I and a math prof were able to work back to a math puzzler he’d seen a while before that. The only information was not the answer, but the kind of answer to the puzzler. I still think that was a stellar example of reasoning. (It was about the time that Car Talk had the puzzler about Bluto’s and Popeye’s batting averages in Major League Baseball.)

math

i can’t wait to see what happens when reality hits and she crashes, or does she become prezident?

And the answer is: 42

“There are lies, d@mn lies and statistics.” S.L.Clemens Danae will do well as a statistician or pollster.

Don’t we all love Mark Twain? ”Golf is a good walk spoiled.”

Of course the answer is 42, isn’t that the only answer??

Well, that IS how the real world works, at least in funded research where 88.9% of statistics are made up on the spot.

haveforkwilltravel said, about 1 year ago

“Well, that IS how the real world works, at least in funded research where 88.9% of statistics are made up on the spot.” I would have said 86.4% but that’s just off the top of my head.