Category Archives: statistics

Sir Francis Drake’s Piracy and 400 years of Compound Interest

Posted on July 8, 2026 by odeboyz

For I trace the beginnings of British foreign investment to the treasure which Drake stole from Spain in 1580. In that year he returned to England bringing with him the prodigious spoils of the Golden Hind. Queen Elizabeth was a considerable … Continue reading →

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How little we know

Posted on June 24, 2026 by odeboyz
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Why I (sort-of) Prefer Medieval Astronomy

Posted on June 10, 2026 by odeboyz

Introduction Medieval astronomy is uncomplicated. The Church told people what to think and that’s what they did. Medieval people believed in a static geocentric universe. They said, ‘The sun rises and sets.’ So do I. Discussion The Bible was their … Continue reading →

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Why can’t six year old children vote?

Posted on June 4, 2026 by odeboyz

Voting requires people to make a choice it doesn’t require an intelligent choice, a considered choice, or anything more than exercising a preference….for whatever reason. This short podcast discusses this as a type of Sorites Paradox. The Sorites Paradox (problems … Continue reading →

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Capitalism is shameless

Posted on April 8, 2026 by odeboyz

Philip Morris is the largest tobacco company in the world. “In July 2021……[they] agreed to buy Vectura Group for £1.1bn – a company that, at the time, made most of its £200m revenue from a portfolio of products to treat … Continue reading →

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War Studies: Trump’s War of Choice, Iran 2026

Posted on April 1, 2026 by odeboyz

“I’m going to make you an offer that you can’t refuse” The Godfather 1972 Don Corleone knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it. Trump is a nincompoop who barges into situations with the subtly of a train … Continue reading →

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Gambling and the Stock Market

Posted on March 4, 2026 by odeboyz

Introduction Many managers are little better than gamblers who are adept at strutting their stuff convincingly and looting their companies. Sometimes they get lucky and add value, but many destroy shareholder investments. The history of the FTSE is littered with … Continue reading →

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Does the London Borough of Havering have a Two-Tier School System?

Posted on January 21, 2026 by odeboyz

Introduction An analysis of the 2025 GCSE results suggests Havering’s academies have reinvented a two-tier school system. The tiers are wealth related. Disadvantaged Students1 did badly in their examinations. Under-achievement isn’t caused by poverty but is correlated with poverty. Under-achievement … Continue reading →

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Legalise Class-A Drugs and Save Lives

Posted on January 7, 2026 by odeboyz

Introduction The great reforming governments of Harold Wilson shredded obsolete laws. Capital punishment ended as did the criminalisation of abortion. They were both hugely contentious actions with moral and religious opposition. Decriminalisation of abortion ended ‘back-street’ abortions and their grim … Continue reading →

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Rachel Reeves and Competence

Posted on December 10, 2025 by odeboyz

Rachel Reeves is incompetent because she misunderstands her role. She thinks being an economist is an advantage as Chancellor of the Exchequer.Her MSc in economics is irrelevant to being Chancellor.1 She’s been appointed as Chancellor to implement Labour’s economic policy … Continue reading →

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