Google criticisms; The Nature of Math; Digital Careers

Items:

• I love Google -- It's changed the way the entire world can access information. But, there's always room for improvement. Eleven items here, plus comments.
• Was math discovered or invented? Science News article here, Wikipedia articles on Philosophy of Mathematics and History of Mathematics. Science News excerpt: Those who espouse discovery note that mathematical statements are true or false regardless of personal beliefs, suggesting that they have some external reality. But this leads to some odd notions. Where, exactly, do these mathematical truths exist? Can a mathematical truth really exist before anyone has ever imagined it? On the other hand, if math is invented, then why can’t a mathematician legitimately invent that 2 + 2 = 5?
• Three Emerging Digital Careers to Watch. -- The Chief Customer Experience Officer (and those who work for her); Digital Storytellers; Super Crunchers. Last year I read two of the three books referred (Made to Stick and Super Crunchers) and I have to recommend them both. Excerpt: The digital space is the most addressable media and marketing platform ever. However, most marketers are not “quants” and data is largely under utilized by many companies. Data mining and visualization tools reduce risk, make business more efficient and measurable. Great rewards will come to those who know how to dig into data and make sense of it all and can parse that into insights that help companies optimize the dollars they put online. Be that guy or gal.

Redshirts Bite the Dust

I think this has been around for a while, but it's great. (Redshirts on Wikipedia.)

Not Dead Yet!

Geez Louise - Two months since posting. Not the blogospheric death knell, I don't think, just that work has been absorbing 95% of my brainpower for the last long while. About a year ago we got a ton of new responsibilities at work, and (not to belittle 9/11) it kind of reminds me of the phrase that came into some usage after 9/11: "The New Normal."

Here's the thing: I don't feel guilty about not getting around to blogposting. I would have felt guilty had I not devoted my attention to personal and work matters that needed attention, and so my little observations and links and jokes and opinions and things just had to hold on for a little while. I'll be posting a bunch of stuff that has come my way over the last few months that I thought were interesting but didn't get around to posting.

Meantime, here's a Star Wars/Simpsons mashup to enjoy: