@keholsinger.bsky.social
“[C]hatbots produce text that reads like well-read humans writing on autopilot.” - Retroactively Validated Hype statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/18/r...
Retroactively Validated Hype | Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science
Gary Smith is an economist with a sideline in AI debunking. We’ve pointed to some of these on the blog:
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu
January 19, 2026 at 8:07 PM
“[C]hatbots produce text that reads like well-read humans writing on autopilot.” - Retroactively Validated Hype statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/18/r...
This was written by a data-driven social scientist who plays things straight. - “Republican political elites accept or even defend things that were once considered off-limits….”
What could happen here, part 3
A few days ago, Bret Stephens wrote that American democracy will survive " because most Americans, including most Republicans, remain faith...
justthesocialfacts.blogspot.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:38 PM
This was written by a data-driven social scientist who plays things straight. - “Republican political elites accept or even defend things that were once considered off-limits….”
“The past offers grounds neither for despair nor complacency. Recovery has never been automatic. It has required citizens to confront failure, resist abuses of power and repeatedly renew the country’s founding ideals.”
America has coped with worse things than Donald Trump
Lessons from history for the next three years
economist.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:07 PM
“The past offers grounds neither for despair nor complacency. Recovery has never been automatic. It has required citizens to confront failure, resist abuses of power and repeatedly renew the country’s founding ideals.”
Reposted
This should concentrate some minds.
Will it?
Will it?
January 18, 2026 at 7:45 PM
This should concentrate some minds.
Will it?
Will it?
Reposted
The National Science Foundation sign on our Eisenhower Av building is now gone.
The NSF mural in the foyer is removed and torn off in sheets.
We were supposed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the agency in May 2025. That never happened.
The NSF mural in the foyer is removed and torn off in sheets.
We were supposed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the agency in May 2025. That never happened.
January 18, 2026 at 2:00 AM
The National Science Foundation sign on our Eisenhower Av building is now gone.
The NSF mural in the foyer is removed and torn off in sheets.
We were supposed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the agency in May 2025. That never happened.
The NSF mural in the foyer is removed and torn off in sheets.
We were supposed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the agency in May 2025. That never happened.
How about a little good news for a change? - Analysis: Coal power drops in China and India for first time in 52 years after clean-energy records - Carbon Brief
Analysis: Coal power drops in China and India for first time in 52 years after clean-energy records - Carbon Brief
Coal power generation fell in both China and India in 2025, after each nation added record amounts of clean energy
www.carbonbrief.org
January 18, 2026 at 1:38 PM
How about a little good news for a change? - Analysis: Coal power drops in China and India for first time in 52 years after clean-energy records - Carbon Brief
January 18, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The second coming, by William Butler Yeats
I've only posted this two or three times in the past year, but the opening lines come to me almost every day.
I've only posted this two or three times in the past year, but the opening lines come to me almost every day.
January 17, 2026 at 8:07 PM
The second coming, by William Butler Yeats
I've only posted this two or three times in the past year, but the opening lines come to me almost every day.
I've only posted this two or three times in the past year, but the opening lines come to me almost every day.
A dark-eyed junco at our feeder this morning.
January 17, 2026 at 5:01 PM
A dark-eyed junco at our feeder this morning.
Reposted
This photo was taken in 1911 using glass plate technology by Herbert Ponting who was part of Scott's Antarctic expedition,
The composition and detail are exquisite with the band of white snow/ice creating a perfect frame around the two people and the ship in the distance
Iconic imo
The composition and detail are exquisite with the band of white snow/ice creating a perfect frame around the two people and the ship in the distance
Iconic imo
January 17, 2026 at 7:12 AM
This photo was taken in 1911 using glass plate technology by Herbert Ponting who was part of Scott's Antarctic expedition,
The composition and detail are exquisite with the band of white snow/ice creating a perfect frame around the two people and the ship in the distance
Iconic imo
The composition and detail are exquisite with the band of white snow/ice creating a perfect frame around the two people and the ship in the distance
Iconic imo
Reposted
Tylenol during pregnancy is safe without increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability of offspring
A new review of the evidence just out
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
A new review of the evidence just out
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
January 16, 2026 at 11:43 PM
Tylenol during pregnancy is safe without increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability of offspring
A new review of the evidence just out
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
A new review of the evidence just out
www.thelancet.com/journals/lan...
Reposted
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
Breaking news: The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation alleging that they are impeding federal law enforcement officers’ abilities to do their jobs in the state.
Justice Dept. launches criminal investigation of Minnesota governor
The Justice Department has issued subpoenas for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey as part of an investigation into impeding law enforcement.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:46 PM
Two days ago it was Elissa Slotkin. Last week it was Jerome Powell. Before that, Mark Kelly. Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.
Reposted
As you talk about Greenland, please make sure you are talking about the >56,000 Inuit who have called the Island their home for thousands of years. Here are 2 stories that include their voices, concerns, and hopes.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
canadiangeographic.ca/articles/buy...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
canadiangeographic.ca/articles/buy...
‘Buying countries is Stone Age mentality:’ Inuit speak up on Greenland
Indigenous Greenlanders, who endured centuries of colonialism from Denmark, now face a new threat from Donald Trump’s United States
canadiangeographic.ca
January 16, 2026 at 11:22 AM
As you talk about Greenland, please make sure you are talking about the >56,000 Inuit who have called the Island their home for thousands of years. Here are 2 stories that include their voices, concerns, and hopes.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
canadiangeographic.ca/articles/buy...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
canadiangeographic.ca/articles/buy...
Reposted
I’m seeing posts from people (outside of MN) about how US citizens should carry their passports.
And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”
Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”
Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
January 16, 2026 at 12:17 AM
I’m seeing posts from people (outside of MN) about how US citizens should carry their passports.
And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”
Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
And let me say that *inside* MN, we are calmly responding to requests with: “No, I don’t have to show you any documentation.”
Because that’s how you protect everyone, regardless of immigration status.
Texas A&M Cancels Graduate Ethics Class in Course Review www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Texas A&M Cancels Graduate Ethics Class in Course Review
Administrators say the professor teaching the course did not specify when and how race, gender and sexuality might come up in class. The professor says that would be impossible.
www.insidehighered.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Texas A&M Cancels Graduate Ethics Class in Course Review www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty...
Reposted
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead. Story by @danielpayne.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead
Their decisions underscore a growing divide between federal health authorities and major medical groups.
www.statnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 4:09 PM
Hospitals and doctors are ignoring RFK Jr.’s new vaccine schedule and relying on pediatricians’ guidance instead. Story by @danielpayne.bsky.social www.statnews.com/2026/01/15/n...
Reposted
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
January 15, 2026 at 1:47 PM
wikipedia turns 25 today! the last unenshittified major website! backbone of online info! triumph of humanity! powered by urge of unpaid randos to correct each other! somehow mostly reliable! "good thing wikipedia works in practice, because it sure doesn't work in theory" - old wiki adage
Reposted
Guess what happens when one country stops investing in universities (at federal and state levels) and another country turns up the investment dial?
US higher education was a crown jewel, generating knowledge, wealth, prestige, and power unrivaled by anyone.
And the US is throwing it away, because Americans elected a govt ideologically opposed to truth, science, merit, and racial/gender equality, preferring to weaken the country to reduce that.
And the US is throwing it away, because Americans elected a govt ideologically opposed to truth, science, merit, and racial/gender equality, preferring to weaken the country to reduce that.
Chinese Universities Surge in Global Rankings as U.S. Schools Slip
www.nytimes.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Guess what happens when one country stops investing in universities (at federal and state levels) and another country turns up the investment dial?
New U. of Michigan President’s Pay May Set a Record - $2M base salary plus 30 percent performance compensation and another $360K contributed to retirement www.chronicle.com/article/new-...
New U. of Michigan President’s Pay May Set a Record
Kent Syverud’s base salary will top $2 million annually, more than any other campus leader as of 2024, according to <i>Chronicle</i> data.
www.chronicle.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:38 PM
New U. of Michigan President’s Pay May Set a Record - $2M base salary plus 30 percent performance compensation and another $360K contributed to retirement www.chronicle.com/article/new-...
I’m not in the classroom any more, so I can’t try this myself, but here’s a useful tip to encourage student participation in your class. - 1 quick tip to improving student participation in your class (motivated by a principle in poker) statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/14/1...
1 quick tip to improving student participation in your class (motivated by a principle in poker) | Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social Science
There’s a principle in poker that success is determined not so much by successful bluffs or close calls, but (a) the ability to fold a losing hand before it’s too late, and (b) the ability to get the…
statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu
January 14, 2026 at 8:07 PM
I’m not in the classroom any more, so I can’t try this myself, but here’s a useful tip to encourage student participation in your class. - 1 quick tip to improving student participation in your class (motivated by a principle in poker) statmodeling.stat.columbia.edu/2026/01/14/1...
Reposted
🙏We need your help!🙏
Mass grant terminations are back, this time at SAMHSA. We're tracking terminations to support advocacy and possible litigation.
Please report info on specific SAMHSA grant terminations here:
grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
We'll have a tracker online ASAP. Spread the word!
Mass grant terminations are back, this time at SAMHSA. We're tracking terminations to support advocacy and possible litigation.
Please report info on specific SAMHSA grant terminations here:
grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
We'll have a tracker online ASAP. Spread the word!
January 14, 2026 at 6:45 PM
🙏We need your help!🙏
Mass grant terminations are back, this time at SAMHSA. We're tracking terminations to support advocacy and possible litigation.
Please report info on specific SAMHSA grant terminations here:
grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
We'll have a tracker online ASAP. Spread the word!
Mass grant terminations are back, this time at SAMHSA. We're tracking terminations to support advocacy and possible litigation.
Please report info on specific SAMHSA grant terminations here:
grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
We'll have a tracker online ASAP. Spread the word!
Reposted
We are collecting information on terminated SAMHSA grants at Grant Witness: grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
If you worked on one of these programs, please let us know at the link! And please share with your colleagues. We need a comprehensive record of these terminations to fight back!
If you worked on one of these programs, please let us know at the link! And please share with your colleagues. We need a comprehensive record of these terminations to fight back!
Last night with no warning, RFK Jr. cancelled up to $2 billion in funding for mental health and substance abuse research and programs administered through SAMHSA.
He and his minions did so because “they no longer believe the defunded programs align with the Trump administration's priorities”.
He and his minions did so because “they no longer believe the defunded programs align with the Trump administration's priorities”.
Trump administration sends letter wiping out addiction, mental health grants
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services.
www.npr.org
January 14, 2026 at 5:43 PM
We are collecting information on terminated SAMHSA grants at Grant Witness: grant-witness.us/submit-samhs...
If you worked on one of these programs, please let us know at the link! And please share with your colleagues. We need a comprehensive record of these terminations to fight back!
If you worked on one of these programs, please let us know at the link! And please share with your colleagues. We need a comprehensive record of these terminations to fight back!
Reposted
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. n.pr/4qn9Iwz
Trump administration sends letter wiping out addiction, mental health grants
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services.
n.pr
January 14, 2026 at 5:29 PM
The Trump administration sent hundreds of letters Tuesday terminating federal grants supporting mental health and drug addiction services. n.pr/4qn9Iwz
Officials in Connecticut Propose New Graduate Student Loan - If adopted, it could alleviate the impact of eliminating GradPLUS www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
Officials in Connecticut Propose New Graduate Student Loan
A state lawmaker who is spearheading the effort said the new loan is aimed at offsetting the impact of the elimination of Grad PLUS loans.
www.insidehighered.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:38 PM
Officials in Connecticut Propose New Graduate Student Loan - If adopted, it could alleviate the impact of eliminating GradPLUS www.insidehighered.com/news/student...
Why would you want to know how people's health might be affected when deciding air pollution standards?
www.nytimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:07 PM
Why would you want to know how people's health might be affected when deciding air pollution standards?