Some 10 years ago I visited a longtime friend living in Traverse City, Michigan. One day we went to the beach and, at the water’s edge, he picked up a stone, studied it a moment, and handed it to me. Matter-of-factly, he asked me, “Would you like a fossil?” (Evidently there are many such stones where he lives)

I found the fossil fascinating and I brought it home. I showed it off to a few select people, and eventually placed it unceremoniously on a downstairs shelf. For years it just sat there, pretty much forgotten.

And then I had an inspired idea. Wondering what AI might have to say about my fossil, I took a photo of it and asked for information. I was promptly informed........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)