links for 2009-08-11

A benefit to living where I do: "The study is one of dozens, if not hundreds, documenting the positive cognitive and psychological effects of green space on our minds. Other research has demonstrated that kids with attention-deficit disorder are better able to focus when placed in a natural setting, that domestic violence occurs less frequently when homes have a view of trees or fields, and that hospital patients recover more quickly when provided glimpses of nature. "

Delicious founder Joshua Schachter, "I wish I had not sold it to them. The cash and freedom do not even come close; I would rather work on a big, popular product."

Excerpt: "Blogs, by their nature, invite conversation,” Mr. Mittell says. “So I figured, if I have the forum, I should use it.”

After receiving his provost’s blessing, he added a blog post about the job opening on a Monday evening. By Tuesday, traffic to his Web page had nearly quadrupled. By Thursday, he noticed that at least 10 people had “retweeted” his post on Twitter, adding a link and words of encouragement, and several people had posted questions about the position.

Random roadside checks show that the percentage of people driving under the influence of alcohol appears to be declining, but many weekend drivers test positive for drug use.

Michelle Obama did not "fake" the White House kitchen garden with mature plants to fool the public (another conspiracy theory), and it does not contain deadly levels of lead. (Her press office continues to patiently issue this assurance.)

Mrs. Obama always wanted to have a garden. She planted one at her new home. She is using it to promote healthy eating because unhealthy eating is at the root of so much suffering among city dwellers and the poor. Her family often has its produce for dinner.

This is Occam's razor, the principle Aaronovitch uses to dismantle history's favorite conspiracy theories: The simplest explanation is usually the right explanation.