Distinguishing the signal from the noise requires both scientific knowledge and self-knowledge.

Every day, three times per second, we produce the equivalent of the amount of data that the Library of Congress has in it's entire print collection, right? But most of it is like cat videos on YouTube or thirteen-year-olds exchanging text messages about the next 'Twilight' movie.

Success makes you less intimidated by things.

I love South American food, and I haven't really been down there. I really need a vacation.

Distinguishing the signal from the noise requires both scientific knowledge and self-knowledge.

When you get into statistical analysis, you don't really expect to achieve fame. Or to become an Internet meme. Or be parodied by 'The Onion' - or be the subject of a cartoon in 'The New Yorker.' I guess I'm kind of an outlier there.

Not only does political coverage often lose the signal—it frequently accentuates the noise.