I had to investigate the OpenAI chat-bot that has been getting so much press. I asked it to describe the experience of sinking in quicksand. This is the response I got …
Sinking in quicksand can be a disorienting and potentially dangerous experience. Quicksand is a type of wet sand that is often found near bodies of water, such as rivers or wetlands. It is made up of fine sand particles that have been saturated with water, causing the sand to become very dense and slippery. When a person steps on quicksand, their weight can cause them to sink down into it.
If a person finds themselves sinking in quicksand, it is important that they remain calm and try not to struggle. The best way to escape quicksand is to move slowly and carefully, using a floating object to help support their weight. For example, a person could try to use a stick or log to help them float on top of the quicksand. It is also important to avoid trying to stand up, as this can cause the person to sink even deeper. Instead, they should try to lie on their back and use their arms and legs to slowly and carefully move themselves to firmer ground.
I was hoping for something a bit more colorful, and this response isn’t 100% accurate. I guess the bot has gathered a lot of information from urban legends.
Hello Doug…
A great photo you selected for this posting, so i looked up the video the still photo came from…I found it…very interesting watching you try to get free of the quicksand. That got me looking at more of the videos you made in 2015.
Yes, that was one of the only real quicksand videos I’ve done. Sadly, that quicksand isn’t there, anymore. I wanted to go back there and record another video. I haven’t found a suitable replacement. The other quicksand locations I’ve found are all underwater.
Happy New Year, Doug.
Thank you, Dolphin. Same to you. I hope your 2023 is very muddy!