Climate storytelling and data collection need fresh tools that
highlight issues and give people insights on how to respond to a
changing environment. "Reaching for Air" is a project focused on
indoor air quality literacy, data, and storytelling. It is a
collaboration I designed between the Brown Institute for Media
Innovation, The Salt Lake City Tribune, KUER Public Radio, Utah
News Dispatch.
The Air Quality Index is quite complicated in all its
simplicities. Instead of looking at it as an oracle, try using
it as a tool to direct your air quality priorities. An Air
Quality Index Explainer I wrote, published by Social Science
Research Council. Check it out if you're hunting for a breakdown
of the AQI in all its glories and shortcomings.
Data represents physical phenomena but isn't. We often forget
that in our quest to visualize it.
Coming Soon—04.
Vape Detector Surveillance
Surveillance software is creeping into schools (everywhere?)
under the guise of environmental monitoring. Sensors and
algorithmic sensors that claim to detect when students are
vaping are the spearhead of this industry. This is a research
project on the industry-leading vape detection companies
entering schools, auditing their technology claims.
Sometimes surveillance isn't about tech-ed out hardware &
software systems. If you're a rapper the modern face of
surveillance are notepads monitoring their lyrics and videos.
Research supported by Citizen Lab to investigate the changing
face of rap surveillance.
Coming Soon—06.
Twain's Feast
Mark Twain was a foodie. He adored food and believed it says
something about the land and the people who consume it. Twain
wrote in the 19th century and in 2018 I followed his footsteps,
updating his travels and food pathways for the 21st century.
Bernie Madoff wasn't caught. He was turned in. Lots of stolen
money produced lots of narratives about what happened with
Madoff and his scheme. As part of a reporting project at
Audible, we went to the source to learn about Madoff and the
Ponzi scheme that ruined many.