A mathematician's guide to the news.

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• Growing Apart The mathematical evidence for Congress' growing polarization.
  Jordan Ellenberg Dec. 26, 2001
  
• Is Powerball a Mug's Game? It all depends on when you play—and what value you put on a dollar.
  Jordan Ellenberg Sept. 1, 2001
  
• Algebra for Adulterers What every philandering politician and traveling salesman should know about the odds of getting caught. 
  Jordan Ellenberg Aug. 17, 2001
  
• Barry Bonds and the Placebo Effect Why Bonds won't break the homer record and the placebo effect might be bunk.
  Jordan Ellenberg July 13, 2001
  
• Cigs and Figs How do you count dead smokers?
  Jordan Ellenberg June 15, 2001