By Alariko

#Art #DigitalArt

I'll be teaching a course in the fall on data communication.

One of the assignments I hope to put together is a lesson on how data is manipulated. I want to show how easy it is for climate change deniers, anti vaxxers, etc to crop data, stretch or flip an axis and suggest the opposite of what the data is actually showing. Still thinking through the assignment and I'm thinking of having them make an honest representation and one less so.

I think there's value to such a lesson given how much downright lying we have from not just randos but even political circles these days.

Was just going to use publicly available data sources but then I am thinking that there must be researchers here who have awesome data they wouldn't mind seeing put into visual form. If you do have data you'd be willing to let me use, please drop me a comment or PM and let me know how to access it. Thanks!

(P.S. would appreciate a share for wider reach)

#academicChatter

I'm going to whisper this. So I'll choose my words carefully. I'll use general terms but am referring to specific multiple things. Please read between the lines.

Those of you that are doing things are having a good effect.

- The media is not covering you (this is a good sign. it means they dont want to bring attention to your actions).
- They are discussing you in board rooms and in decision making meetings.
- They are saying things like "we have to pause that project at that location because its currently drawing too much attention" and "we have to reframe this announcement to downplay that thing" and "we need to try these concessions to lower the heat a bit".

They are hoping you "get tired and bored and move to a new thing" so they can get back to work without interference.

Keep doing what you're doing. Join folks that are doing things if you aren't doing anything yet. Do what you can, as you can, when you can.

It is working.

#solarpunk

"There’s a new vending machine in the New Orleans Healing Center (2372 Saint Claude Ave). Instead of sodas and snacks, it provides free access to birth control, emergency contraceptives, condoms, fentanyl test strips and Narcan."

https://veritenews.org/2026/05/19/vending-machine-maternal-care-plan-b/

#PublicHealth #ReproHealth #ReproJustice #contraception #FamilyPlanning #BirthControl #PlanB #EmergencyContraception #opioids #narcan #louisiana #NewOrleans

"Note to politicians: You can just do stuff regular people actually need and want and it's ok."

Here’s a list of things Zohran Mamdani has done in just four months by First Dog in the Moon

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2026/may/18/heres-a-list-of-things-zohran-mamdani-has-done-in-just-four-months