Reading

Alex Tabarrok of Marginal Revolution discusses a video about simplified spelling by Ed Rondthaler of the American Literacy Council. via Marginal Revolution

This article from kottke.org profiles Joe Ades, a charismatic vegetable peeler salesman in Manhattan known for his unique sales techniques and refined style.

Jason Kottke finds a linear word clock impractical but lovely.

via kottke.org

A 2008 blog post discusses a 1958 research study about children's behavior when locked in refrigerators. via Crooked Timber

This page highlights three "Walls of China": the Great Wall, the Green Wall, and the Great Firewall. It provides a brief overview of each, including their purpose, construction dates, and current status.

via kottke.org

Sarah Palin's alleged ties to the Alaskan Independence Party are discussed in relation to an academic paper on secession in this article from The Economist's Finance & Economics section.

The Economist's daily roundup of economic news for September 4, 2008, covers topics like bond investor sentiment towards France and the potential for a European super-bank.

via The Economist

Hurricane Gustav narrowly missed New Orleans, but still left over two million Louisiana residents displaced, and many more without power, according to this article detailing the storm's trail of destruction in the Caribbean.

via The Economist

Jason Kottke shares a humorous piece titled "Footnotes, Endnotes, and Parentheticals That Cost Me Marks on My Thesis." via Kottke.org.

Jason Kottke agrees with these 17 simple rules for going to the movies, especially rule #9 about refraining from exclamations during the film.

via kottke.org

Charles Mann's article warns of soil depletion but highlights the success of soil restoration techniques used by farmers in Burkina Faso. via kottke.org

NASA confirms the presence of water on Mars! via kottke.org