Quarantine Day 11

I came across this visualization today called, What makes a good visualization? on informationisbeautiful.net.

What Makes a Good Visualization by David McCandless

David makes the point that to have a successful visualization, one’d need to have all four essential elements: information (data), story (concept), goal (function) and visual form (metaphor). Missing one of the four would make our visualizations less effective. For example, if mixing only data and visual form, visualizations are artsy, but not useful. If mixing only data and story, visualizations follows a script, but with no purpose. Data with only goals, visualizations display a plot, but not exciting. It’s only when data is combined with story, goal and visual form, visualizations come to life.

Interesting concepts. I’ll have to keep these in mind when building future visualizations.

Reference: MaCandless, David. What Makes a Good Visualization? https://informationisbeautiful.net/visualizations/what-makes-a-good-data-visualization/

2021

2020 was cruel, unforeseen and tiring. We were extremely fortunate to have good health in the family, but I’m glad the year is finished. Let’s turn the page and leave that chapter behind.

In 2021, I’m adding writing to my goals list. There is a number of publications and evidence documenting the benefits of writing and how writing creates better individuals, crystalizes ideas and improves results. I’d be a fool if I don’t give it a try.

Anya was not feeling too well today. She stayed home and rested. The kids and I went for a hike with Nana at Durance Lake. It was wet, but refreshing.

Durance Lake hike, January 01, 2021

Here’s to a better and brighter new year.

Lose 10 in Four

Anya has been going to a fitness class in the past four weeks.  The class is called Lose 10 in Four.  The participant(s) who lose(s) 10 pounds in four weeks (duration of the class) win(s) a one-month free pass to Crystal Pool.  Today is the last day of the class.  Anya has been doing very well exercising and eating properly during this time.  She’s very close to winning the prize.

It was almost three o’clock.  Kids were napping.  Anya called and said she won the prize.  I wanted to scream, instead I calmly acknowledged her success.  After we hung up the phone, the house was back to quiet again.  I felt a sense of pride.  I love it when people achieve their goals.  “Goals are the fuel in the furnace of achievement.”

Today, I am very proud of my wife.