Power of Data Visualization

The subtly designed A Disappearing Planet [propublica.org] by freelance data journalist Anna Flaggreveals the extinction rates of animals, caused by a variety of human-caused effects, including climate change, habitat destruction and species displacement.

EARTH is rapidly becoming a planet of the phones (see our leader and briefing this week). Today two billion phones are in use worldwide, and this number is expected to double by the end of the decade.

Big buzz about the ancient practices of meditation and mindfulness. Now cited to improve everything from stress & depression to binge-eating and appreciation of music.

INFLATION rates around the world have been sinking over the last three years. Pervasive economic weakness in the rich world and a slowdown in Chinese growth drove the initial decline. Lately tumbling oil prices have helped to push inflation into negative territory across much of the euro area. America, Britain and China, where inflation rates have dropped below 1%, may soon join Europe in deflation. 

You probably know the name James Dyson because of his unusual cyclone vacuum cleaners or his seemingly impossible bladeless fans, but you probably didn’t know the famed industrial designer also built a fountain. For the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show way back in 2003, he created an M.C. Escher inspired fountain that looks like it convinced water to flow impossibly uphill. 

ON FEBRUARY 24th London's FTSE 100 reached an all-time closing high, at 6949.6. As the chart at right shows, however, its performance has been very disappointing relative to other markets in the developed world. America's S&P 500 has risen twice as fast over the last 20 years.

Jonathan Dushoff has had issues with students in his population biology class cheating on his exams. One year there was suspicious behavior, but Dushoff or the proctors weren't able to prove the students cheated as it happened.

With each succeeding year, I get more and more frustrated with "minimalist" designs that have little respect for users.

This Christmas, I received a portable cellphone charger as a gift. A thoughtful gift. I have heard of these devices but have never touched one. 

Via - Junk Charts