Flying to Japan

My flight from New York to Tokyo was 13 hours and 40 minutes, but it was surprisingly uneventful and the time passed much quicker than I expected. And apparently I don't even have to feel guilty about my carbon footprint. Unfortunately I was not able to sleep on the plane, but I was able to read three books. I love e-books.

Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman

This was a very enjoyable book. Although there wasn't much new content for me; most of the research discussed had already been covered by various economics blogs that I read. Still, I'm a sucker for pop-econ books.

The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives by Leonard Mlodinow

I really enjoyed the brief historical accounts of the lives of famous mathematicians and statisticians. The essence of their lives was distilled into a few choice adjectives and a couple of formative events. Sometimes I wonder what adjectives and events will describe my life.

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

I'm currently trying to read all the novels that have won a Hugo or Nebula award. This one won the 1960 Hugo Award. I'm reluctant to say it, but I thought that movie was more entertaining. Detailed descriptions of military chains of command just can't compete with co-ed showering.