Also, for anyone reading Shalizi's article, please note that he uses the term "statistical myth" in a non-standard way. By his definition, any aggregate quantity derived from a microstructure model (e.g. temperature, pressure, climate, electric current) is a "statistical myth".

This is not to dispute his calculations or model - they seem solid. I'm just pointing out that his definition is probably not what most people think when they hear the term.