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This article was originally published on my ExcelCharts.com blog in 2011 and migrated to this site in 2026. The text preserves the context of the original publication.
A while ago something broke inside me. My deepest held beliefs were shattered. I started drinking again. Absinthe. I love absinthe. 69% ABV.
It started when I saw it. A glorious pie chart displaying growth rates. Growth! At first, I couldn't believe it. I took off my glasses. Yes, growth rates. In a pie chart. I had to try it. Unemployment rates. Growth rates above 100%. Apples and oranges. Trends. Pies, pies, pies. And absinthe.
Now I'm playing with doughnuts. Mountains and trenches, from the Wikipedia. I don't like it. It murmurs. Too much signal. I want pure noise. Maybe a 3D effect can help. I'll try again.
Bye, Tufte. Bye, Few. Bye, Bertin. I'm almost free.
Oops. April 1 is almost over. Back to business then.
