placebo-stats

as i swelter helplessly in my office, i'm reminded of steve hartman's comments on 60 minutes II a couple of weeks ago: I believe the sole purpose of the office thermostat is to give us the illusion of control. It’s the same principle behind the buttons on "walk" signs at intersections. Let’s face it, the ability to part traffic may appeal to your inner Moses – but those lights are not at your commandment.