Today was my first day of classes for the Fall 2009 semester. I'll write more about them as I find time. For now, I just want to make sure the world knows how much I dislike my econometrics course. It is not a good sign when the professor asks you to show you can compute an arithmetic mean "step by step."

Just for kicks, here's my writeup of the first homework assignment for the course. The wording needs a nip and tuck, and I'm sure there is at least one trivial error that I need to fix before I submit it on Friday morning. The point, though, is to demonstrate just how insane and backwards my professor is. I don't use a calculator (or Mathematica) as a crutch. I use it because I already know how to add real numbers and I want to focus more on understanding the material I haven't understood since middle school.

PDF of my Homework

(If you don't know how to add numbers and need to reference this for your homework, don't forget to cite your source!)