Description: A retelling of the exploits of the little-known Batman villain, The Actuary, with lessons in professionalism and the limitations of predictive models.

Description: An argument for a lifelong study of the humanities for personal and intellectual development, as well as some advice to get started.

Description: After research involving auto insurance is retracted due to fraud, I revisit my own book review and unskeptical quoting of that now-debunked research. A lesson in ASOP 23, on Data Quality, ensues, as it seems data in the research was falsified. There is also a lesson in ASOP 56, Modeling, which includes aspects of relying on outside experts for model input. At the end of it all, the value of our actuarial professional standards, in light of other professions seemingly having no standards (or no serious repercussions for breaching said standards), shines through. Also, be skeptical of 'one simple trick' approaches to transform the insurance industry.

Description: A long-running Japanese TV show asks the question -- "What is a Professional?". In reviewing a handful of recent profiles - Okonomiyaki chef, a bus driver, Granny Mochi, and a fish broker - we find out various aspects of what makes a professional. These can apply to actuarial work as well as any field of endeavor

Description: A look at Churchill's advice on hobbies from "Painting as a Pastime" -- why it's important to have a serious hobby to refresh one's mind.

Description: Taking a look at Julia Child's signature TV show The French Chef, and how aspects of her show gives us tips on how to train others.

Description: An overview of Dan Ariely’s body of research.

Description: Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is more than just sexual farces and fart jokes. In the Tale of Melibee, Chaucer imparts wisdom on choosing advisors, soliciting advice, and judging advice. This is informed by Chaucer's experience as a royal official, as well as his great education.

Description: A review of Mihir Desai's book The Wisdom of Finance, and why actuaries specifically should read this book.

Description: Some of the great works of classical literature still speak to issues that business leaders face today. The author focuses on Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War and Homer's The Iliad.