Probably 30 years ago . . . we took a trip to the Outer Banks. One morning, we were out wandering the beach and there was a covered platform (maybe they had shag contests on Saturday nights?). My Mom, daughter and I sat on the steps and watched the ocean. It wasn't long before we were treated to a large pod of dolphins out for their version of the morning stroll. We watched them for about 15 minutes as they danced over and under the waves. It was beautiful. I've also seen them leading the way for cruise ships I've been on. They're like the unicorn of the oceans - so sleek and beautiful that they seem mythical!
This whole AI thing has me a little spooked. I keep waiting for it to gain sentience, and then what? I feel like we’re a baby playing with a hand grenade.
My wife, now retired, was a marine mammal researcher - and environmental attorney in the JAG Corps - who taught at the U of Hawaii and conducted much of her research on Coconut Island, on the windward side of Oahu. (Fun fact: The establishing shot at the beginning of Gilligan's Island was of Coconut Island.) Lorena's PhD dissertation was on the biochemistry of dolphin nutrition. In Hawaii she had her own research dolphins, Sheba and Leila, cared for lovingly. A few years ago we visited from the mainland with our daughter, who had just graduated from high school. We went out to the island for a visit and met Sheba's daughter. I have several photos of our daughter meeting & petting and feeding her. It felt really cosmic to see our girl connecting with Sheba's, across both generations and species, the children of old friends meeting for the first time. I'm fascinated by inter-species relationships. You can't look into your dog's eyes and feel alone in the universe. Love is boundless.
Probably 30 years ago . . . we took a trip to the Outer Banks. One morning, we were out wandering the beach and there was a covered platform (maybe they had shag contests on Saturday nights?). My Mom, daughter and I sat on the steps and watched the ocean. It wasn't long before we were treated to a large pod of dolphins out for their version of the morning stroll. We watched them for about 15 minutes as they danced over and under the waves. It was beautiful. I've also seen them leading the way for cruise ships I've been on. They're like the unicorn of the oceans - so sleek and beautiful that they seem mythical!
Peaceful to read thinking about the smooth actions of dolphins. Thank you.
This whole AI thing has me a little spooked. I keep waiting for it to gain sentience, and then what? I feel like we’re a baby playing with a hand grenade.
My wife, now retired, was a marine mammal researcher - and environmental attorney in the JAG Corps - who taught at the U of Hawaii and conducted much of her research on Coconut Island, on the windward side of Oahu. (Fun fact: The establishing shot at the beginning of Gilligan's Island was of Coconut Island.) Lorena's PhD dissertation was on the biochemistry of dolphin nutrition. In Hawaii she had her own research dolphins, Sheba and Leila, cared for lovingly. A few years ago we visited from the mainland with our daughter, who had just graduated from high school. We went out to the island for a visit and met Sheba's daughter. I have several photos of our daughter meeting & petting and feeding her. It felt really cosmic to see our girl connecting with Sheba's, across both generations and species, the children of old friends meeting for the first time. I'm fascinated by inter-species relationships. You can't look into your dog's eyes and feel alone in the universe. Love is boundless.