February 19, 2023

Hit and Miss #285: Links on data, exploitation, and hunkering down

Hello!

I’ve spent much of the weekend working on an exciting data-y side project. Been having fun learning about graph theory (just enough learning, that is, to torque the numbers I need from a graph) and pondering organizational structures. Awesome as that is, it’s seriously thrown off my adherence to the “best rest is no screen” principle, so, here we are, me a bit drained and various things still to do today.

So, then, some links!

• Speaking of graphs, the Open Syllabus Galaxy is a fascinating interactive visualization of relationships between different assigned readings in syllabi. And it’s accompanied by a detailed write-up of its data structure and creation—not sure which I love more!
• That led me (through a few clicks) to a reflection from a few years ago by Ben Schmidt on the evolution of different tools in the “data programming” landscape, and the increasing prominence of JavaScript—which is only truer today. As someone wrestling with how best to publicly visualize a large-ish dataset, lots to chew on here.
• Anne Helen Petersen on how exploitation and precarity are so increasingly common.
• Mandy Brown, in a similar theme, on how relationships can—should!—outlast working together.
• Apparently the 15-minute city concept has become a conspiracy theory about freedom of movement and I just really worry about the ability to have substantive policy conversations these days.
• Finally, the intrepid Antarctic blogger at brr.fyi has hunkered down for winter, sharing the details on how the base prepares for a long wait.

All the best for the week ahead!

Lucas