The internet’s been buzzing about an AI “restoration” of the world’s first photograph - Niépce’s “View from the Window at Le Gras” from the 1820s. What started as excitement about bringing history to life quickly turned into a fascinating debate about what constitutes restoration versus recreation, and honestly, it’s got me thinking about how we’re approaching our relationship with the past in the age of AI.

The original photograph is barely more than shadows and light on a pewter plate, the result of an eight-hour exposure that captured a moment in history we can barely make out. Then along comes modern AI, promising to “restore” it into something crystal clear, complete with detailed buildings, sharp shadows, and what appears to be a fully realised 19th-century streetscape. The problem? Much of what the AI added simply couldn’t have existed when Niépce took that photograph.

There’s something absolutely magical about those moments when an entire city seems to pause and look up at the same time. Last night’s full moon over Melbourne was one of those moments, and judging by the flood of photos and comments across social media, I wasn’t the only one who felt compelled to step outside and gaze skyward.

The image that caught my attention showed our beautiful moon hanging majestically over the Melbourne skyline, and the responses it generated perfectly captured the diverse ways we all experience these celestial moments. Some folks were inspired to channel their inner wolf and howl at the moon, while others were out doing airport runs and lamenting missed photo opportunities. Then there were the parents – and I can relate to this one with my teenage daughter – blaming the lunar cycle for their kids going “absolutely mental” for seemingly no reason.

The Royal Botanic Gardens has always been my sanctuary when I need a break from debugging code or escaping the concrete jungle of the CBD. Yesterday, during my lunch break, social media was buzzing about a spectacular Silk Floss Tree in full bloom, and naturally, I had to investigate.

Finding this botanical beauty turned out to be quite the adventure. Located near the rose garden and cycad collection, the Silk Floss Tree (Ceiba speciosa) stands as a testament to nature’s extraordinary color palette. Its pink flowers create a mesmerizing canopy that seems almost otherworldly against Melbourne’s typically grey February skies.

The digital photography landscape has long been dominated by tech giants who’ve turned our precious memories into commodities. Standing at my desk this morning, scrolling through my photo library, I found myself marveling at how far we’ve come in reclaiming control of our personal data.

The open-source photo management solution Immich has been making waves in the self-hosting community, and their 2024 recap showcases exactly why. From humble beginnings on Reddit to securing funding that allows full-time development, it’s a success story that resonates deeply with those of us who value digital sovereignty.

The morning light was just breaking through my kitchen window when something caught my eye in the garden. At first glance, it looked like a moving pine cone, but there it was - a magnificent echidna, casually wandering through my yard as if it owned the place.

These encounters with native wildlife in urban areas seem to be becoming more frequent lately. Just last week, while walking through Warrandyte State Park, I spotted another echidna foraging near the trail. It’s fascinating how these prehistoric-looking creatures are adapting to life in our expanding urban landscape.