Epic 2015
Robin Sloan and Matt Thompson have added a short coda to their original Epic 2014 flash presentation - GoogleMap tags. If you haven't seen the original, check out the update.
Just consider where we might be in fifty years. Just think of how far we've come since the days of Ike and the 50 cent milkshake.
6.29.2005
6.25.2005
Keeping tabs on potential grunts
Washington Post
The Defense Department, working with the marketing firm BeNOW (few constraints on contractors) has created a database of all high school and college students to identify potential recruits.
Well, it worked for the election.
The Defense Department, working with the marketing firm BeNOW (few constraints on contractors) has created a database of all high school and college students to identify potential recruits.
Well, it worked for the election.
Defrauding unemployment insurance
CNET News
As if your credit history isn't enough, it seems one of the most popular ways that identity theft is being used is to file for unemployment benefits.
Good thing we've been so worried about single moms sucking the system dry.
As if your credit history isn't enough, it seems one of the most popular ways that identity theft is being used is to file for unemployment benefits.
Good thing we've been so worried about single moms sucking the system dry.
Bay Watch Albania
Wi-Fi TV
Well, maybe not. But you can watch over 200 live online TV feeds from all over the world.
Might be a useful way of keeping up-to-date on developments in your case study countries.
Well, maybe not. But you can watch over 200 live online TV feeds from all over the world.
Might be a useful way of keeping up-to-date on developments in your case study countries.
6.23.2005
And a thousand flowers bloom
It may not be the safest thing to do, but their hearts seem to be in the right place. The folks at WikiHome have proposed a workaround for China's blog censorship:
Adopt a Chinese Blog.
Fascinating. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Adopt a Chinese Blog.
Fascinating. I can't wait to see what happens next.
E-mail surveillance
New York Times
About a month ago, Gina Kolata wrote a piece on the increased interest in email mining, following the public disclosure of the Enron dataset. It's an interesting discussion of how social network analysis is being used by practitioner researchers.
Then last week, the CBC published a piece on Echelon, which intercepts private e-mails, faxes and phone calls, and searches them for "unusual language patterns" (e.g., coded speech) that might be associated with deceptive and otherwise sketchy behavior. It's a disturbing discussion of how social network analysis is being used by intelligence analysts.
Short story: Enron = proof of concept
About a month ago, Gina Kolata wrote a piece on the increased interest in email mining, following the public disclosure of the Enron dataset. It's an interesting discussion of how social network analysis is being used by practitioner researchers.
Then last week, the CBC published a piece on Echelon, which intercepts private e-mails, faxes and phone calls, and searches them for "unusual language patterns" (e.g., coded speech) that might be associated with deceptive and otherwise sketchy behavior. It's a disturbing discussion of how social network analysis is being used by intelligence analysts.
Short story: Enron = proof of concept
6.21.2005
Census, mapped
The site's getting hammered right now, but in a couple of days, it'd be worth your while to check out gCensus, a nice hack that combines Google Maps with the 2000 US Census.
Find the total number of people and houses at the county level, just by clicking through the map interface.
It's still a bit primitive, but it's fairly easy to imagine how useful applications like this could be to researchers and practitioners alike.
Not to mention educators and students...
Find the total number of people and houses at the county level, just by clicking through the map interface.
It's still a bit primitive, but it's fairly easy to imagine how useful applications like this could be to researchers and practitioners alike.
Not to mention educators and students...
6.20.2005
Development of social network analysis
Last year, Linton Freeman wrote a fascinating book on the history of SNA (great read).
Here's Charles Kadushin's review.
Here's Charles Kadushin's review.
Relationship DOA
Always On
Mark Zorro has written a brief essay on the way that technology fundamentally shifts our worldviews, bringing people and ideas together more often, and in more combinations, than ever before.
It may also change who we are, or who we become.
Part hyperbole, part moral treatise, but still - an interesting piece.
Mark Zorro has written a brief essay on the way that technology fundamentally shifts our worldviews, bringing people and ideas together more often, and in more combinations, than ever before.
It may also change who we are, or who we become.
Part hyperbole, part moral treatise, but still - an interesting piece.
6.17.2005
SPSS Macros
FWIW: Raynald Levesque and Andrew Hayes have put together a number of useful macros for the SPSS statistical package. Macros can dramatically improve efficiency and offer functionality not included in the stock SPSS installation.
Good stuff, if you're into that sort of thing.
Good stuff, if you're into that sort of thing.
Content analysis as evidence
Inside Higher Ed News
The lawsuit itself seems a messy affair, but it is interesting to see content analysis (CA) used as evidence in a court of law.
The article explains the controversy in some detail, and describes the outlines of the approach to CA. However you feel about the decision (or the method), the acceptance of CA as scientific evidence IS interesting.
The lawsuit itself seems a messy affair, but it is interesting to see content analysis (CA) used as evidence in a court of law.
The article explains the controversy in some detail, and describes the outlines of the approach to CA. However you feel about the decision (or the method), the acceptance of CA as scientific evidence IS interesting.
Google scholar against the world
Péter's Digital Reference Shelf
The folks at Thomson Gale (known for reference texts) have compared Google Scholar against a number of free (e.g., CiteSeer, eBizSearch) and commercial (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus) citation databases.
Short story: You get what you pay for.
Longer story: GoogleScholar is somewhat opaque and lacks a number of useful features.
The folks at Thomson Gale (known for reference texts) have compared Google Scholar against a number of free (e.g., CiteSeer, eBizSearch) and commercial (e.g., Web of Science, Scopus) citation databases.
Short story: You get what you pay for.
Longer story: GoogleScholar is somewhat opaque and lacks a number of useful features.
6.15.2005
9 policies to prevent ID theft
The editors at Wired News have put together a very sensible list of suggestions for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and the FTC.
Here they are (still worth reading the editorial):
Here they are (still worth reading the editorial):
- Require businesses to secure data and levy fines against those who don't.
- Require companies to encrypt all sensitive customer data.
- Keep the plan simple and provide authority and funds to the FTC to ensure legislation is enforced.
- Keep Social Security numbers for Social Security.
- Force credit agencies to scrutinize credit-card applications and verify the identity of credit-card applicants.
- Extend fraud alerts beyond 90 days.
- Allow individuals to freeze their credit records so that no one can access the records without the individuals' approval.
- Require opt-in rather than opt-out permission before companies can share or sell data.
- Require companies to notify consumers of any privacy breaches, without preventing states from enacting even tougher local laws.
It's not what you know...
CIO Magazine
I'm curious to see exactly how commercially important SNA will be, but it seems to be the "new black" for Fortune 500 types. I especially like the "Sample Network Analysis," which seems to be either a guide to brown-nosing, or global domination.
Not a lot of applications here for small businesses, but it might help the blue chips improve promotion systems.
An interesting benchmark, at the very least.
I'm curious to see exactly how commercially important SNA will be, but it seems to be the "new black" for Fortune 500 types. I especially like the "Sample Network Analysis," which seems to be either a guide to brown-nosing, or global domination.
Not a lot of applications here for small businesses, but it might help the blue chips improve promotion systems.
An interesting benchmark, at the very least.
6.13.2005
NOT good
Yahoo! News
According to a survey by the HealthPartners Research Foundation, more than 1 in 7 scientists admitted to changing research designs or results to satisfy funders. More than 1 in 3 admitted to lesser sins, such as publishing the same results in more than one journal. The Washington Post has put together a brief summary of the results.
According to a survey by the HealthPartners Research Foundation, more than 1 in 7 scientists admitted to changing research designs or results to satisfy funders. More than 1 in 3 admitted to lesser sins, such as publishing the same results in more than one journal. The Washington Post has put together a brief summary of the results.
Digital Preservation
The General Printing Office has launched a program to make permanent, no-fee digital copies of all "tangible" US government publications.
Finally.
Finally.
Could I have a receipt for that?
NY Times Editorial
The Times editors are asking citizens to call their representatives in support of HR 550, which would require paper records for all electronic voting machines, random audits of such machines, and ban the use of proprietary (i.e., not open) software.
The bill has 135 co-sponsors, but needs more Republican support. Please call your representative today. This should be of concern to all of us.
The Times editors are asking citizens to call their representatives in support of HR 550, which would require paper records for all electronic voting machines, random audits of such machines, and ban the use of proprietary (i.e., not open) software.
The bill has 135 co-sponsors, but needs more Republican support. Please call your representative today. This should be of concern to all of us.
6.12.2005
6.10.2005
Interactive blackboards
Wired News
I have to play with one of these. It's essentially a 84" touch-sensitive computer display. You can use it just as you would a computer and mouse, just you use the display and your fingers.
This is REALLY cool. Imagine being able to supplement lectures on the fly, starting from a presentation, but adding content as questions arise. So cool.
I have to play with one of these. It's essentially a 84" touch-sensitive computer display. You can use it just as you would a computer and mouse, just you use the display and your fingers.
This is REALLY cool. Imagine being able to supplement lectures on the fly, starting from a presentation, but adding content as questions arise. So cool.
Global information systems for the people
Forbes.com
You've probably already seen Google Map aps like Chicago Crime, Housing Maps, or Backstage BBC.
Well, now we can all learn how to make our own, with this tutorial. VERY cool.
You've probably already seen Google Map aps like Chicago Crime, Housing Maps, or Backstage BBC.
Well, now we can all learn how to make our own, with this tutorial. VERY cool.
6.09.2005
A rippin' good text analysis tool
Provalis Research
Okay, it's pricey (the academic price of the WordStat/QDA Miner bundle is still $555 - OUCH!). But really, this is pretty amazing software. From word and phrase concordances, to automatic thematic coding, as well as code-and-retrieve, Provalis has your back.
A 30-day FREE trial version is available. I imagine someone with more brains than money (i.e., grad students) might figure out a way to get all their analysis completed within a month.
Okay, it's pricey (the academic price of the WordStat/QDA Miner bundle is still $555 - OUCH!). But really, this is pretty amazing software. From word and phrase concordances, to automatic thematic coding, as well as code-and-retrieve, Provalis has your back.
A 30-day FREE trial version is available. I imagine someone with more brains than money (i.e., grad students) might figure out a way to get all their analysis completed within a month.
6.08.2005
Visualizing networks
Jeffrey Heer has helped to design the fascinating network visualization applications Vizster and Prefuse.
Really, these are really just too cool for words.
Really, these are really just too cool for words.
The future of news
Synapse
The folks at The Media Center have written a little treatise on the direction they see news evolving (hint: it's not paper). Interesting stuff.
I could do without the "G Generation" crud though. Enough with the labels already.
The folks at The Media Center have written a little treatise on the direction they see news evolving (hint: it's not paper). Interesting stuff.
I could do without the "G Generation" crud though. Enough with the labels already.
D'oh!
CNN.com
Apparently, personal financial records don't warrent any special treatment - Citigroup claims UPS has lost the records of 3.9 million customers which it was shipping from one office to the next.
The info included names, SSN, and account history of current and former customers. All unencrypted.
But hey - I'm sure no bad people were involved, right? Even if they were it's not like they could do anything with all that information, could they?
Apparently, personal financial records don't warrent any special treatment - Citigroup claims UPS has lost the records of 3.9 million customers which it was shipping from one office to the next.
The info included names, SSN, and account history of current and former customers. All unencrypted.
But hey - I'm sure no bad people were involved, right? Even if they were it's not like they could do anything with all that information, could they?
Ethical cybernetics
Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility
For those interested in these sorts of things, this is an excellent place to keep up-to-date (even the laity). Major issues that CPSR addresses include: computers and the environment; free software; intellectual property; Internet governance; civil liberties; voting technology; weapons and peace; and global information society, and more.
Really, this is quality work.
For those interested in these sorts of things, this is an excellent place to keep up-to-date (even the laity). Major issues that CPSR addresses include: computers and the environment; free software; intellectual property; Internet governance; civil liberties; voting technology; weapons and peace; and global information society, and more.
Really, this is quality work.
Six degrees of separation
US Newswire
Brian Reed (U Maryland), Katherine Stovel (U Washington), Duncan Watts (Columbia) and Sally Hillsman (American Sociological Association) will be giving a presentation on the use of social network analysis in public health and national security on June 10th, from 10-11:30am at the Longworth House Office Building.
Admission is open, but you must RSVP today!
Brian Reed (U Maryland), Katherine Stovel (U Washington), Duncan Watts (Columbia) and Sally Hillsman (American Sociological Association) will be giving a presentation on the use of social network analysis in public health and national security on June 10th, from 10-11:30am at the Longworth House Office Building.
Admission is open, but you must RSVP today!
6.06.2005
Journalism and social networks
Rocky Mountain News
Journalists are beginning to see the usefulness of technology to their work (and I don't mean blogs).
Last week, U Missouri's Investigative Reporters and Editors held a conference in Denver on just this topic. Journalist Linda Seebach wrote up a very brief overview of what was discussed at a panel on social network analysis.
When will the political scientists catch on? Hmm?
Journalists are beginning to see the usefulness of technology to their work (and I don't mean blogs).
Last week, U Missouri's Investigative Reporters and Editors held a conference in Denver on just this topic. Journalist Linda Seebach wrote up a very brief overview of what was discussed at a panel on social network analysis.
When will the political scientists catch on? Hmm?
Anonymous library cards
Information Today
FYI: the "USA Patriot Act" enables law enforcement or intelligence agents to compel librarians to disclose patron records. Okay, so that's old news. What is new is the anonymous card that Ben Ostrowsky has proposed - similar to pay-by-use calling cards. Leave a deposit, check out a book, no names necessary.
What does it mean, when the most persistent resistance to government policy comes from the librarians?
FYI: the "USA Patriot Act" enables law enforcement or intelligence agents to compel librarians to disclose patron records. Okay, so that's old news. What is new is the anonymous card that Ben Ostrowsky has proposed - similar to pay-by-use calling cards. Leave a deposit, check out a book, no names necessary.
What does it mean, when the most persistent resistance to government policy comes from the librarians?
6.03.2005
Concept chaining
CNET News
The folks at UBuffalo are working a search tool that can trace similar concepts (rather than hyperlinks) across multiple documents. Their immediate purpose is to develop a better counter-terrorism tool, but it doesn't take an enormous amount of creativity to realize that this could be rather useful for a range of more gentle purposes (e.g., tracing political rhetoric, identifying cliques).
Of course, it could also produce something über-scary.
The folks at UBuffalo are working a search tool that can trace similar concepts (rather than hyperlinks) across multiple documents. Their immediate purpose is to develop a better counter-terrorism tool, but it doesn't take an enormous amount of creativity to realize that this could be rather useful for a range of more gentle purposes (e.g., tracing political rhetoric, identifying cliques).
Of course, it could also produce something über-scary.
6.02.2005
Network-centric advocacy
Green Media Toolshed
Marty Kearns has written a fascinating manifesto about the changing nature of activism in a networked age.
Marty Kearns has written a fascinating manifesto about the changing nature of activism in a networked age.
6.01.2005
Add monitors without a new video card
MaxiVista
Those who haven't tried running two monitors as a single desktop, you don't know what you're missing. Best thing since sliced bread.
Really, once you've seen 2560x1024, you'll never want to go back.
Those who haven't tried running two monitors as a single desktop, you don't know what you're missing. Best thing since sliced bread.
Really, once you've seen 2560x1024, you'll never want to go back.
Sampling small populations
Sample Size Calculator
Need to survey a small population, but don't want to waste resources with a full census? Use this page to find a statistically relevant sample size. It allows you to calculate samples with 95% or 99% confidence (and a CI of your choice), based on the overall population.
Need to survey a small population, but don't want to waste resources with a full census? Use this page to find a statistically relevant sample size. It allows you to calculate samples with 95% or 99% confidence (and a CI of your choice), based on the overall population.
Thoughts on the new age
Networks and globalization is an interesting essay by independent researcher Jim Davis.
Online primer on social networks
Robert Hannerman and Mark Riddle have just made their new book Introduction to Social Network Methods available in html format. Examples are designed around UCINET social network analysis software (FREE for 30 days, $40 for a student license).
Excellent.
Excellent.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)