Dancing Dolphin Journal

End of an Era--Goodbye!

2010-05-06T12:27:00.021-10:00

After much deliberation, we've decided to dissolve the nonprofit cetacean education and research organization, the Dancing Dolphin Institute.

Birthed in 1994, the DDI was at the forefront of the sentient cetacean and interspecies communication movement. The Dancing Dolphin Journal blog has been the outreach for the DDI in recent years after we put the DDI on sabbatical and removed the primary website. This blog will remain online for those who wish to view the posts and links.

We have come to this decision due to our increasing involvement in other projects, impending moves, and the little time we have to devote to the DDI.

We will continue to advocate and network for cetaceans, all marine life, and healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Beginning as a dolphin trainer, the Founder and President evolved into a presenter at conferences, seminar leader, author, and Reverend. Through her Dolphin Discovery program, she introduced people from around the world to the marine life in the Hawaiian waters and led groups to swim/commune with the dolphins and whales worldwide. Her work has been featured in print, radio, and television.

Mahalo for the wonderful memories, kinship and support we've received through the years. Even though we're a small nonprofit, we know we've contributed to the increase in awareness of dolphin consciousness and respect for marine life.

With the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill, global sorrow, outrage and attention is focused on the oceans as never before. The cetaceans and oceans need our help and awareness. Here are some links should you feel called to offer assistance:

Oil spill volunteer registration (Louisiana)

Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (Louisiana)

Training and volunteer opportunities (Louisiana)

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (Louisiana)

Pascagoula River Audubon Center (Mississippi)

Oilspillvolunteers.com (Mississippi)

Coast Clean-Up Volunteers (Mississippi)

Coast Clean-Up Volunteers (Facebook)

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research

Training Marine Oil Response Workers

We send our blessings to all. We'll see you in the Big Blue.

The Dancing Dolphin Institute Team

P.S. We sold many t-shirts in our day with this saying printed upon it:

One Heart
One Home

And So It Is!

Dolphins Rescued Near Philippines

2009-02-11T00:40:00.002-10:00

Here's the link to the story and video.

Bring On The Dolphins

2008-12-16T12:19:00.000-10:00

Dolphins Clip - video powered by Metacafe

Whale Wars on Animal Planet

2008-11-17T14:36:00.001-10:00

There's an interesting new series on Animal Planet called Whale Wars. Check out the trailer here.

Dolphins Make Him Cry

2008-11-07T18:11:00.002-10:00

Whale Fail

2008-10-15T14:19:00.004-10:00

One of the notifications we receive when we're unable to log onto to Twitter is the Fail Whale icon.

Here's the story of the REAL Whale Fail!

Click here for the BBC story.

Right Whales Article Rocks

2008-09-29T10:04:00.005-10:00

Here's a fascinating article about Right Whales from the National Geographic with great photos by Brian Skerry.

Click here to read.

Just Like Mama

2008-09-03T10:08:00.000-10:00

Dolphins Walking On Water?

2008-08-24T13:33:00.003-10:00

Click here for an informative blog post about dolphins.

I Wonder What A Dolphin Would Make Of This

2008-07-11T15:45:00.000-10:00

The Influence of Whales And Dolphins

2008-07-10T11:48:00.002-10:00

I find this Science Daily article titled " Whales and Dolphins Influence New Wind Turbine Design" very interesting.

Click here to read.

The Dolphin Leap

2008-05-13T17:48:00.004-10:00

Spent time in the Caribbean interacting with captive dolphins this Spring. The captivity of dolphins and performing for tourists has long been a subject I've felt ambivalent about... and yet I saw the dolphins were treated well, and they brought so much joy to others.

What are your feelings/thoughts on this subject?

Moko--The Whale Saver

2008-03-15T08:32:00.005-10:00

This story broke into the international news last week, and it's been all over the net. Now I'm finally getting around to it! It's such a great story I have to post it as well.

Moko recently saved some sperm pygmy whales from certain death when they were stranded on the beach. Moko came to the rescue, lead them out to sea and safety, and after that, Moko became an international super star.

Here's a video of Moko playing with friends in Mahia.

New Imax Dolphins and Whales Movie Opens

2008-02-25T16:06:00.004-10:00

A new Imax movie just opened in many theaters across the nation. I haven't seen it yet, but I'm very excited about it and look forward to see it when I can. Narrated by Darryl Hannah and presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau, "Dolphins and Whales--Tribes of the Ocean 3D", this is one dolphin and whale film which will have you feel like you're swimming with the cetaceans.

Click here for the link to Dolphins and Whales--Tribes of the Ocean.

And here's another link to the nonfiction book Dolphin Tribe.

Products Moved to Zazzle

2008-02-19T10:43:00.002-10:00

We were recently notified by our t-shirt production company, Goodstorm, that they have sold to Zazzle. So we now have Dancing Dolphin Institute logo t-shirts and other dolphin and whale themed products available on Zazzle. Here's the link should you wish to purchase any of our products. Mahalo Nui Loa!

Two Sides To The Story

2008-02-13T08:45:00.003-10:00

This news article is very thought provoking. Click here for the link about the dolphins, the Japanese, and food.

Dolphin Playtime

2008-01-22T18:26:00.000-10:00

Dolphin Play Bubble Rings - Click here for this week’s top video clips

Quote To Consider and Contemplate

2007-12-28T13:13:00.000-10:00

Quote for deep consideration and contemplation:

"If people knew how these animals were captured, I don't think they would want to swim with them in a tank or participate in DAT," Marino says, referring to an annual "dolphin drive" in Japan. "During the dolphin drives hundreds of animals are killed, or panicked and die of heart attacks, in water that's red with their blood, while trainers from facilities around the world pick out young animals for their marine parks. They hoist them out of the water, sometimes by their tail flukes, and take them away."

The rest of the recent article "Dolphin 'Therapy' A Dangerous Fad, Researchers Warn" in Science Daily is printed here.

Tis The Season of The Humpback Whale Return

2007-12-02T17:42:00.001-10:00

This video captures the Humpback Whale sounds and images in West Maui. This is the time of the year when the Humpback Whales return to the warm Hawaiian waters.

Japanese Begin Humpback Whale Hunt

2007-11-19T14:23:00.000-10:00

This is outrageous and depressing. Read the story here.

Dolphins Rescue Surfer From Great White Shark

2007-11-08T11:02:00.000-10:00

Here's a great story about the dolphins: a surfer is surrounded by a pod of bottlenose dolphins in Northern California after being attacked by a Great White Shark.

Click here for the story.

Stop Abuse Day---Against Whaling!

2007-09-27T07:54:00.000-10:00

Today is Stop Abuse Day, and all across the internet, bloggers are blogging on the subject of abuse. I choose to blog about the abuse of whales and dolphins and their needless slaughter. This video showcases the plight of our magnificent friends in the ocean, the dolphins and whales.

Where Have The Dolphins Gone?

2007-08-23T12:31:00.000-10:00

"The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme wildlife conservation group has said sightings by marine scientists of dolphins in the north Atlantic's Bay of Biscay have dropped off by 80 percent compared to the same period in 2006." Read the rest of the story here.

Baiji Dolphins are Gone Forever

2007-08-12T15:20:00.001-10:00

Maybe you heard the news last week? Scientists reported that the white Baiji dolphin which is only found one place in the world, the Yangtze River, is extinct. All gone! Forever! This is incredibly sad news!

For more information on these dolphins, click here.

Ecco The Dolphin Video Tribute

2007-08-01T12:00:00.000-10:00

Le Grand Bleu

2007-07-18T18:27:00.000-10:00

This movie, The Big Blue, is a classic, and the soundtrack is phenomenal. Find a way to watch more than this brief trailer.

Great Oldie But Goodie Movie

2007-07-17T14:30:00.000-10:00

Interspecies Communication

2007-07-16T16:01:00.000-10:00

I want MORE, MORE, MORE of this brief YouTube video titled, "A Cat Meets a Dolphin".

Anyway, enjoy this brief exchange between them. I did!

A PINK dolphin?

2007-07-05T08:42:00.000-10:00

I've seen the Amazon pink dolphins, but they aren't nearly this pink! Read the story about this rare pink dolphin photographed in Calcasieu Lake in Louisiana here.

The Most Amazing Photo!

2007-07-03T11:14:00.000-10:00

Follow the link to read about this prize-winning photo by Lori Mazzuca of Kauai.

Four dolphins were shot

2007-06-16T12:38:00.000-10:00

An article on USA Today online grabbed our attention yesterday: "4 dead dolphins found with bullet wounds" was the headline. The thought of anyone killing dolphins made us shudder. The spokesman for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Mark Owell, stated that, "It usually turns out to be a fisherman." The dolphins washed up between Carlsbad State Beach and Oceanside Harbor between May 29 and June 5.

The agency is offering rewards for information, and if the criminal is caught, the penalties are stiff ones--up to $12,000 civil fine and a criminal fine of up to $20,000. If you have any information, contact them.

Happy World Ocean Day!

2007-06-08T10:10:00.000-10:00

June 8th is World Ocean Day!

If you'd like to know more about this day and find out what events are happening near you, click here.

Whale Research Internships

2007-05-09T17:00:00.000-10:00

For those interested in participating in whale research, Oceania Organization of Australia offers a great Internship Program. Their 18th Whale Research Expedition in Hervey Bay will run from August through October 2007. Applications for internships are being accepted now to study the Humpback Whales for 5 nights and 6 days about their research vessel 'Moon Dancer'.

Click here for the link.

One Day Blog Silence

2007-04-30T12:16:00.001-10:00

Can A Dolphin Die From a Broken Heart?

2007-04-11T16:24:00.000-10:00

My response would be, "Of course!" Many more do than humans realize!! However, this recent news story speaks about this in a touching way. Click here for the story.

Bigger is Better In Whale Songs

2007-03-28T10:56:00.000-10:00

Here's an interesting article titled, "The Secret Language of Whales Revealed." Click here to read the whole article on Live Science.

Quoting from this article:

"The noises play a similarly important role during mating season when males sing long, low-pitched songs to indicate their reproductive fitness to females. Females select mates based on size and estimate that by evaluating males' songs: Larger males can take in more air and hold notes longer."

More Disturbing Ocean News

2007-03-09T07:30:00.000-10:00

I feel badly that most of the ocean news I post here is dire and catastrophic, but that's simply what is being reported in the news. Hopefully, I will find something positive to report soon, but today, the news is we're overfishing our oceans. Our oceans are in trouble!

Read the latest report, "Ocean Fisheries Maxed Out", here.

Shark Deterrent Product

2007-02-23T11:43:00.000-10:00

One of the reasons people are fearful of venturing into the ocean is their fear of sharks. Now there's a shark deterrent system for swimmers and surfers to protect them called Shark Shield.

Read about this company and products here.

Acid Oceans Threaten

2007-02-21T09:39:00.000-10:00

More experts weigh in on the CRISIS with our oceans. Read this February 17th National Geographic article, "Acid Oceans Threatening Marine Food Chain, Experts Warn".

Wind Shifts Don't Bode Well For Our Ocean

2007-02-20T10:22:00.000-10:00

Here's an online BBC news article titled, "Wind Shifts Devastate Ocean Life."

The solutions for climate change currently underway needs to become a priority with all the nations!

Dolphins Work For The Navy

2007-02-13T09:05:00.000-10:00

This MSNBC story titled "Dolphins Sought To Protect Against Terroists" is thought provoking.

Technorati Tags:navy dolphins, dolphins,dolphins in the news, protective dolphins

Splish Splash

2007-02-11T12:59:00.000-10:00

Ok....did the whale have some fun messing with this guy or what?! Click here for the video. Splash or splat?

Technorati Tags:whale, whale splash,video of whale splash, leap on boat

2007 Declared Year Of The Dolphin

2007-01-25T11:34:00.000-10:00

Read the article here about 2007 Year of the Dolphin.

Let's ALL contribute by showing our love, respect, and appreciation for the dolphins in whatever way we can! It's time for more dolphin awareness.

Technorati Tags:2007 Year Of The Dolphin, dolphins,dolphin news, dolphin appreciation

Swimming with Dolphins

2007-01-19T13:28:00.000-10:00

There has been an longstanding controversy about the ethics of keeping dolphins in captivity and tanks and/or to allow humans to interact with them in this captive environment. Both sides of this debate make good points, and at different times, I have aligned with one or the other. So when a sensitive, good-hearted friend of mine went to the Dolphin Discovery in Florida recently to swim with their dolphins, I asked him if he would give me his feedback and feelings. This is what he wrote:

"Here is what I have to say about the Dolphin Experience: I think that Disney's efforts to bring people closer to these magnificent, loving, and exceptionally talented creatures are in good taste. The people employed on behalf of their care, training, and showmanship are utmost- loving employees whose concern for the dolphins is very noticeable. I believe that the dolphins are happy, and I know that I was happy to experience their great abilities of acrobatics and understanding. I don't see their being in such a place as Discovery Cove to be considered "captivity" in a negative sense when they can also experience humans who love to touch and exchange loving energy.

I really was impressed with the whole layout of Discovery Cove and the intense detail that has gone into the landscaping with its waterways, waterfalls, foliage and look of being the real thing. I would highly recommend anyone to attend and especially take their children to experience the whole thing. It was fun riding Capricorn. He was a fairly old dolphin and a very powerful guy to pull me around. I got to experience a newcomer young dolphin who was very cute and full of life... What a blast!"

Your thoughts/feelings on this subject?

Technorati Tags:swimming with dolphins, dolphins,Dolphin Experience, Discovery Code

Rescuers Free Dolphins

2007-01-17T10:58:00.000-10:00

Here's a recent news article titled "Rescuers Free Dolphins Stranded in New York".

Technorati Tags:rescuers free dolphins, dolphins,stranded dolphins, dolphins in the news

Guest Blogger--Joshua Berman

2006-12-16T13:33:00.000-10:00

Here's an informative posting from successful travel-guide writer, photographer and fellow blogger Joshua Berman about the dolphin "encounter" in Belize.

And here's another about cruise ship dumping trash on Belize barge.

Technorati Tags:dolphin encounters, Belize,cruise ship dumping trash, captive dolphins

Extinction

2006-12-13T10:38:00.000-10:00

Following up on my last post of Dec. 5th about the Yangtze Dolphins, there has been a new report released. The headline states, "The Baiji Yangtze Dolphin is functionally extinct." Read the story about the Baiji dolphins here at the Baiji Organization Homepage.

Technorati Tags:Baiji Organization, Baiji Dolphins,Chinese river dolphins, dolphin extinction

Chinese River dolphins on verge of extinction

2006-12-05T13:46:00.000-10:00

I read this sad article about the Yangtze dolphins of China recently. Here's the link.

Technorati Tags:yangtze dolphins, Chinese River dolphins,extinction, dolphin news

Killer Whale Acts Out

2006-11-30T18:53:00.000-10:00

Killer whale "Katsatka" dragged trainer Ken Peters of Sea World under water twice--first for about 30 seconds and then again for about a minute. Peters was hospitalized with a broken foot. Read the story here on USA Today.

My 2 cents: isn't it about time we delete these "Killer Whale"shows? The whales deserve to be free from performing!

Technorati Tags:killerwhale, Seaworld,killer whale attacks trainer, trained whales

Beautiful Greenpeace Short Movie

2006-11-27T18:07:00.000-10:00

Take a Deep Breath and enjoy this beautiful Greenpeace short video. You may have to download a video program as I did to view it, but it was worth it!

Here's the link!

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags:Greenpeace movie, Deep Breath,Nature, oceans

Study of Humpback Whale Sounds

2006-11-22T16:03:00.000-10:00

I recently read an article titled "Study: Humpback Whales Capable of Emanating 622 Social Sounds; 'Wops'and 'Yaps'" in Underwater Times. You can read the full article here.

What caught my eye was the statement by researcher Rebecca Dunlop from the University of Queensland, Australia, who said, "..the study threw new light on the fact that whales convey more meaning through vocalizations than previously thought. I wouldn't say (whales possess) language, as that's a human term. Whales don't string these sounds together like words and form sentences. It's more like a simple vocabulary."

Hmmmm....what if whales have a way more advanced means of communicating which humans haven't even begun to decipher yet? To me, this is a more likely scenario. We need to catch up with the whales.

Technorati Tags:humpback whales, social sounds,scientific research, humpbackwhalecommunication

Sign A Petition to Save Dolphins

2006-11-15T12:00:00.000-10:00

This is the time period of the annual mass dolphin slaughter by the Japanese where tens of thousands of dolphins are butchered. If you'd like to participate by signing a petition which will be presented to Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, you can sign your name here.

The goal is to get 100,00 signatures, and the last I checked, there were 38,459.

Here is more news of the day on Yahoo about Japanese Whaling.

Mahalo Nui Loa from me & all dolphins and whales everywhere!

Polar Ice Caps Melting Rapidly

2006-11-13T13:21:00.000-10:00

A recent article in USA TODAY should give everyone some pause for thought. The article is titled "Polar ice caps: The keys to life on Earth". The ice caps are melting so rapidly that "scientists have begun to realize just how catastrophic this is." Because of their disappearance by the end of this century, the Polar Ice Caps have been named one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Technorati Tags:polar ice caps, seven wonders of the world,science, polar caps melting

Killer Whales Video

2006-11-10T14:11:00.000-10:00

Check out this video of Killer Whales Enjoying a "Spa Treatment".

Technorati Tags:killer whales, National Geographic,killer whale videos, spa treatments

Dolphin With Remains of Legs?

2006-11-05T08:40:00.000-10:00

"...A bottlenose dolphin captured last month has an extra set of fins that could be the remains of back legs, a discovery that may provide further evidence that ocean-dwelling mamamals once lived on land." Read the online USA Today full story here.

Technorati Tags:dolphins, Japanese,cetacean research, cetaceans

Loss of Biodiversity in Our Oceans

2006-11-03T09:09:00.000-10:00

Art courtesy of Josephine Wall

"In a study published in the November 3 issue of the journal, Science, an international group of ecologists and economists show that the loss of biodiversity is profoundly reducing the ocean’s ability to produce seafood, resist diseases, filter pollutants, and rebound from stresses such as over fishing and climate change." Read the FULL Article here!

Technorati Tags:ecology, ocean,seafood, newswise

We have moved to Blogger!

2006-11-02T16:52:00.000-10:00

Art: courtesy of Love Peace Happiness

Today The Dancing Dolphin Institute blog switched over from its old blogging platform to Blogger! This move was necessary because the other blogging platform was too complicated and difficult to download photos upon! Soon you will view a beautiful new template for this blog as one has been commissioned by my favorite template designer, Luna of Luna's Templates.The old entries were moved over, and we're excited for yet another re-birth of The Dancing Dolphin Institute.

Create Your Own Whale Song Remix

2006-10-25T08:04:00.000-10:00

The Stop Whaling Organization is offering something that will surely appeal to the Generation Y group for one can create their own whale song remix on their site using music and whale songs–an interesting approach to get the younger generation involved and caring about the fate of the precious whales.

A Television Show To Watch On Oct. 10th

2006-10-10T08:03:00.000-10:00

Hunter and Hunted: "Dolphin Attack" on the National Geographic Channel:

"Why would loveable-looking dolphins attack humans? Explore the complex world of dolphin intelligence, sexual aggression, body language and social hierarchy to find out what provokes these seemingly harmless mammals."

He Sees With Sound

2006-07-26T07:59:00.000-10:00

There is a very interesting article in the latest People magazine of July 24 titled "The Boy Who Sees With Sound". His name is Ben Underwood, and his story is not only amazing– it’s very touching and prophetic. I feel we will be hearing more about children like Ben in the future! His ability to use echolocation is going to ignite and inspire others, and who knows…there may be others like Ben that have yet to be discovered.

Ben is blind, and he uses echolocation to get around in his world like the dolphins do in water. Here are a few quotes about his ability from the article: "His skills are rare," says Dan Kish, a blind psychologist and leading teacher of echomobility among the blind. "Ben pushes the limits of human perception."

Ben does all the things normal kids do, and he says, "Being blind is not that different from not being blind." He taught himself echolocation at age 3.
Recently Ben visited San Diego’s Sea World Adventure Park to swim with the dolphins. He spent 45 minutes with a bottlenose dolphin called Sandy "touching her teeth and stroking her dorsal fin." He also studied how the dolphins use echolocation. "He’s got a gift with dolphins; he’s truly unique," says McMains, the supervisor of Sea World’s dolphin program.

When I read this article, I became excited about the possibility of Ben (and others with his gift) unlocking the code of communication between our two species and paving the way to initiate the dolphin-human dialogue.

So True... So True

2006-07-10T07:58:00.000-10:00

"Man has always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much — the wheel, New York, wars and so on — while all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man — for precisely the same reason." -Douglas Noel Adams, author of "Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

A Maui Gathering

2006-07-06T07:56:00.000-10:00

Recently I was invited to attend a showing of a breathtaking new film titled "The Gathering…Return of the Whale Dreamers". Directed by Kim Kindersley and featuring dolphins, whales and a selection of indigenous tribes from around the world, this documentary makes a powerful, touching statement to what is happening to our kindred, the dolphins and whales.

You can procure a copy and/or make a donation at either of these two websites: www.whaledreamers.com or www.heartmagic.net
The Canadian director Jonathon Kay is also working on a dolphin film that I look forward to viewing. It is titled, "Na Nai’a: The Dolphins". You can check out his promo and progress here: www.dolphinmovie.com

I would like to see more spiritual cetacean films in theaters, on television and in DVD format because I believe these films are very healing and trigger remembrance. The dolphins and whales want us to "remember" as I stated in my 1993 book "Dolphin Tribe…Remembering the Human-Dolphin Connection". These films artfully nudge our soul memories and revitalize our activism to protect our oceans and these magnificent angels of the sea. With the mounting evidence of the degradation and pollution of our oceans and the continued slaughter and mistreatment of the whales and dolphins, we need these films to be seen by as many as possible so solutions can be created…SOON!!

Ocean & Dolphin Updates

2006-06-24T07:53:00.000-10:00

On June 16th Bush designated the Northwestern Hawaii Islands the United States 75th National Monument…making this area the world’s biggest ocean preserve and this law the single largest act of ocean conservation in history. Now if the harmfull-to-marine-life "sonar" could be locked out, that would be REALLY something!

On a happier note, I received mail from my colleague Dr. Horace Dobbs who is the longtime Honorary Director of International Dolphin Watch notifying me that all of their future correspondence will be conducted via home based computers as of December 2006. Their new website is already up and running: www.dolphinfriend.com, and donations for their wonderful projects would be greatly appreciated.

International Dolphin Watch is an English nonprofit organization which has been around since 1978 with conservation, research, recreation, education, strandings, and healings projects PLUS dolphin books and goodies in their online Dolphin Shop. Dr. Dobbs has written four dolphin books for children– the Dilo Collection which are beautifully illustrated, charming and educational.

The project that fascinates me is their Dilo Dome. This is (quoting from their brochure) "a lightweight, igloo shaped structure of translucent, turquoise plastic with inflatable ribs, approximately 2 metres in diameter. Mobile children can enter via a short tunnel, or a loose flap that also acts as an escape hatch. The dome, which has an open base, can easily be lifted on and off children confined to bed, or placed over children with limited mobility on the ground. Panels in the dome are decorated with colouful images of Dilo the dolphin, and/or pictures on adhesive backings that can be changed at will. These are illuminated from outside by natural or artificial light-like stained glass windows. This gives children inside the Dome the sensation they are with Dilo. The Dilo Dome can be filled with sea and dolphin sounds from external speakers, or from internal battery powered tape/CD players." Doesn’t this sound like a wonderful invention and learning/healing tool for children?It’s still in prototype form, and I’m positive they could use donations for this worthy project.

"The Dilo Dome is a continuation of Operation Sunflower, a long term research project into the healing power of dolphins commenced by IDW in 1986." For more information, contact them at www.idw.org and ask for Jackie Connell, the person heading up the project.

World Ocean Day Today

2006-06-08T07:52:00.000-10:00

Today is an important day for this is World Ocean Day. Most of you are aware that our beautiful ocean is in the midst of a huge crisis with multiple issues threatening it and the many species that make the ocean their home. Sonar, fishing methods, whaling and slaughtering of dolphins, contamination from many sources, overfishing and krill disappearing are some of the major threats that are needed to make a quick turn-around if we are to continue to turn to the ocean for quality food and healthy dolphin and whale familes. Today is a day to celebrate the ocean. Take a break from what you’re doing and send the ocean some love and gratitude today through prayer, meditation or whatever means you employ.

If you feel charitable, a wonderful organization to donate to is Oceana at www.oceana.org. Their motto is Protecting The World’s Oceans.

Tribe Wanted & Found

2006-06-08T07:50:00.000-10:00

I have been intrigued with the news story about the new tribe forming on a Fijian Isle. Since authoring the nonfiction book "Dolphin Tribe" in 1993, I have noticed that the word "tribe" has become increasingly popular as I foresaw it would. Thus, this big news story is fascinating to me as I watch history unfold.

For those that might have missed this current news story, let me give you a head’s up: two twenty-something British entrepreneurs decided to cash in on the Survivor television phenomena. They envisioned a 5,000 member online "global tribe" inhabiting and interacting on an idyllic Fijian island. So what did they do? They advertised, of course! They asked for three different membership levels, priced at $220,$440 and $660 a year for those who would want to take up part time residence on this island. The fee would entitle the members to spend one, two or three weeks annually on the island with 100 others at a time. For those that aren’t physically present and are just playing online, they will participate while away from the island as the "headquarters" with voting rights.

The two visionaries, Ben Keene and Mark James, signed a three year lease on a 200-acre Fijian Island called Vorovoro and launched their website: tribewanted.com They have already covered the lease price with the membership fees, and people are clamoring to get in on the action. The tribe is open to anyone 18 and older, and there will be a range of different ages in the tribal mix. Yes, a documentary is in the works called Tribal TV, natch! Stay tuned to watch the action and read more about this tribal experiment. I know I will be!

Dolphinese

2006-06-06T07:48:00.000-10:00

I am not a huge fan of Carl Sagan, but I think he was onto something when he wrote this: "It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English–up to fifty words used in correct context–no human being has been reported to have learned dolphinese."

Certainly I have seen many try to channel a dolphin, or so they wanted their audience to believe. One such channel pretended as if his feet were glued together and spoke in an high-pitched voice with lots of pseudo dolphin-like clicks added in for drama. He was quite successful in the Los Angeles area for a period of time, and he merrily confided to me that he was faking it. He had his act down pat, and so if you saw him perform at any of the large expos, he would inevitably speak the exact same words with the same pauses for laughs from the audience. He made a good living with his channeling of a master dolphin for a period of time.

Another female channel would do her best to demonstrate and channel "dolphinese" to her audience, but her high frequency squeaks were quite painful to hear. Those that weren’t rolling their eyes heavenward or covering their ears were usually rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter.

However, these funny-folk were back in the early days of charlatan channeling Perhaps by now, someone is actually speaking dolphinese. If so, let me know. I will be most interested.

Rebirth

2006-05-31T07:49:00.000-10:00

In 1998 the nonprofit cetacean research and education organization, The Dancing Dolphin Institute, took a sabbatical… a LONG one as it turned out. It’s now May 2006, and the Institute has awoken from her Rip Van Winkle dreamworld, and she is stretching and yawning. Where did the time go? And wasn’t the time spent in the Dolphin Dreamtime well worth it?!

As the founder and president of the DDI Institute (which I prefer to use as it is much shorter), I will journal the journey, the former dreams and misadventures, and the current intentions.

There is a new Board of Directors in place and new hope for a glorious future for the DDI. Check back in often as we blog our new path and fulfill our most cherished dreams.

Scientific Validation

2006-05-31T07:48:00.000-10:00

It’s always a good day for me when I read something I have known all along that is finally being validated by scientists. Case in point:

Vincent Janik of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at St. Andrews University has discovered that bottlenose dolphins are among the animal world’s quickest learners of new sounds. Their whistles developed in the first few months of their lives identify them and give them individual recognition. They communicate by whistling out their own names. The evidence suggests that dolphins have the same quality as humans to recognise themselves and other members of the same species as individuals with separate identities. This theory has been controversial among whale and dolphin researchers, and which up until now, there had been no means of testing it.

Janik studied a group of dolphins living in Sarasota Bay, Florida, for more than 30 years, and through extensive recordings of the noises made by individual dolphins, he isolated the signature whistles or names. He and his team discovered that dolphins responded most powerfully to the whistles of their friends and relatives while ignoring those of dolphins with whom they had no link.

The ability to receive telepathic information from some dolphins (and not from others) is one of the many reasons why I decided to title my book, "Dolphin Tribe". It is my theory (and one yet to be corroborated or validated by scientists) that certain humans have a link to specific dolphins and dolphin pods. We/they are of the same tribe. They just happen to resemble dolphins, and we, the humans.