I've been reading about different approaches to watermarking AI and the datasets used to train them. This seems to be an active area of research within the machine learning community. But, of the papers I've looked at so far, there hasn't been much discussion of how these techniques might be applied and what groundwork needs … Continue reading How could watermarking AI help build trust?
Author: Leigh Dodds
Downloading magazines from the Internet Archive (and making gifs from their covers)
I like reading old magazines and books over at the Internet Archive. They've got a great online reader that works just fine in the browser. But sometimes I want a local copy I can put on my tablet or other device. And reading locally saves them some bandwidth. Downloading individual items is simple, but it … Continue reading Downloading magazines from the Internet Archive (and making gifs from their covers)
The COVID is coming from inside the house
We're two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and I still keep having moments of "Holy shit, we're in a global pandemic". We've all been through so many emotions. And there's more to come. But it still seems surreal at times. I say that not to deny or dismiss what is happening. It's just a lot … Continue reading The COVID is coming from inside the house
Remembering INPUT magazine
In 1984 a new magazine hit the racks in W. H Smiths: INPUT. It offered to help you to "Learn programming for fun and the future" via a weekly course in programming and computing. It ran for a total of 52 issues. I was 12 when it came out. And I collected every issue. INPUT … Continue reading Remembering INPUT magazine
Weather reports, Coronavirus data and Cherry Blossom forecasts – the numbers we choose to see
During the pandemic we've been inundated with data. Every news broadcast and government briefing features the latest figures on cases and, sadly, deaths. Much has been, and will be, written about the process by which that data has been collected, presented and communicated to the public. It hasn't always gone well at any level. This … Continue reading Weather reports, Coronavirus data and Cherry Blossom forecasts – the numbers we choose to see
A map of Bath, 1852 style
I collect links to openly licensed historical images, particularly maps, of Bath. This is a quick blog post to summarise a fun exercise at creating a map of bath drawing on the style of an historical map. There's a useful Python library called prettymaps that allows you to generate some really nice looking maps using … Continue reading A map of Bath, 1852 style
@MetaverseCares
I'm forever planning and starting new side projects. I try not to beat myself up too much about not finishing or releasing them because they're mostly a bit of fun or intended as a learning exercise. But there's always some cognitive overhead to having code half finished, incomplete drafts and lots of open tabs. So … Continue reading @MetaverseCares
Reflecting on 2021
As I enjoyed writing up my reflections on 2020 and recently reading back over them, I've decided to do it again this year. A long time ago, I used to do these around my birthday, but the end of the year is as good a time as any to do them. I don't keep a … Continue reading Reflecting on 2021
Garden Retro 2021
Last year I did some end of year reflection on my attempts to grow vegetables. Despite having done it for quick a few years now, it was a useful exercise that helped me plan for this year. So I'm doing it again. What did I set out to do this year? Looking back at my … Continue reading Garden Retro 2021
How will AR change urban spaces?
I was out walking over the weekend. As usual, when I deliberately put my phone away, I found myself paying attention to the little details around me. The steam coming from a compost pile. The faint mist coming off the lake in the park. Signs and waymarkings. Painted graffiti and stickers slapped onto lampposts and … Continue reading How will AR change urban spaces?