The Lion Academy

04/07/2024

Alrighty then! The Polynesian Revolution has emptied out of The Lion Academy, so time to help my son with his homework, before Evolution Circle at 8pm!

His homework assignment tonight, 'The Battle of Stamford Bridge.'

Our whakapapa includes English and Danish, as Germany used to occupy Samoa in the early days.

So, my son chose a Viking story to do his assignment. He wrote everything and I gave what he wrote to my Story Bot, 'Elderion' to create an image.

Then I took that image explanation across into Discord and used my Midjourney bot to create this image of King Hardrada looking across to England.

Think what you like about AI, it's just a tool.

And like any tool, if you master it, you can achieve a LOT!

Harald Hardrada's Invasion:

Harald Hardrada, renowned for his warrior prowess, formed an alliance with Tostig Godwinson, Harold's exiled brother. They assembled a large fleet and set sail for England, landing in the north. They achieved an initial victory at the Battle of Fulford, near York, on September 20, 1066.

01/07/2024

Valid Concerns Vs Culture Vultures

Parternin with Doug Healey and co-creating www.theaimarae.co.nz we've already been down the path of those that are supportive, those that are concerned and those that are just outright against AI and culture.

Regardless of where you sit on that spectrum, AI is here. AI and Culture working together are here. AI Artists like us are here. And we're growing.

We're always respectful because we ARE Māori and Pacific by blood.

Why are we doing this then?

Because there is such a huge advantage to sharing our culture with the world.

It is no different to Moana, Coco, Frozen, and Encanto coming out at the movies. And look how that raised all our cultural profiles around the world POSITIVELY!

We could certainly use that for Māori and Pacific Culture in New Zealand!

And also, Hollywood no longer has the monopoly! We can all write, illustrate and create our own stories, books and movies!

So, if you want to learn AI and you are PROUD of your culture, jump onboard the waka!

www.theaimarae.co.nz

*I don't own these images. They are the property of Disney and are from Google public images.

30/06/2024

Title: "Shadow to Light"

In this powerful diptych titled "Shadow to Light," we witness a profound journey of transformation captured in two poignant images.

The left image presents a young woman in a dimly lit room, enveloped in shadows that echo her inner turmoil. Her delicate features, softened by the faint light from a cracked window, convey a mixture of sorrow and introspection.

Beside her, a small dog sits close, its eyes reflecting a shared sadness, offering silent companionship in her solitude.

This scene embodies a moment of profound grief and reflection, where the presence of the loyal dog and the gentle light suggest a flicker of hope amidst the darkness.

Contrastingly, the right image bursts with warmth and joy as the same woman embraces her dog in a radiant, sunlit moment. Her face now glows with happiness and serenity as she gently kisses her loyal companion, whose eyes sparkle with contentment and love.

The golden rays of the sun create an ethereal halo around her, emphasizing her inner strength and resilience. Her arm, still adorned with subtle tattoos, hints at past struggles that have shaped her journey from darkness to light. This scene symbolizes a powerful transition from grief to joy, highlighting the healing power of companionship and love.

Together, these images capture a transformative journey from sorrow to joy, from introspection to connection. They invite viewers to explore the depths of human emotion, celebrating the moments of light that lift us from our darkest times into a brighter, hopeful future.

The artwork offers a message of hope and resilience, illustrating the beauty of overcoming sorrow through love and light.

I learned about AI Artwork through www.theaimarae.co.nz

29/06/2024

For my Mum

In the timeless tale of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet dreams of becoming a real boy. His journey, filled with trials and tribulations, ultimately leads to transformation and redemption. This classic narrative of yearning for humanity and connection parallels the story of artificial intelligence (AI) today. Imagine Pinocchio in 2024, not as a wooden puppet but as an AI bot, navigating a world of skepticism and misunderstanding, ultimately revealing its profound potential to connect and enrich lives, particularly for the elderly.

Just as the internet faced initial resistance before transforming into a crucial tool for connection, AI has faced its share of skepticism. When Pinocchio was first brought to life, he was met with suspicion and doubt. Similarly, AI today is often viewed through a lens of fear and uncertainty. People worry about job displacement, privacy concerns, and the erosion of traditional human interactions. Yet, just as Pinocchio’s journey revealed his heart and humanity, AI is beginning to show its potential to bridge gaps and foster meaningful connections, particularly for those most in need—our elderly population.

In the story of Pinocchio, Geppetto, an elderly craftsman, longs for companionship, creating the puppet in hopes of filling the void of loneliness. This mirrors the current plight of many seniors who find themselves isolated in an increasingly digital world. AI, like the enchanted puppet, holds the promise of companionship and connection. Through virtual assistants, AI can engage in conversations, provide reminders, and offer a comforting presence, much like Pinocchio brought joy and company to Geppetto.

AI’s ability to connect families mirrors Pinocchio’s journey to understanding love and relationships. Today, AI-driven platforms facilitate communication between seniors and their loved ones. Video calls enhanced with AI features simplify interfaces, making it easier for even the most technologically challenged seniors to stay in touch. This rekindling of relationships echoes the moment Pinocchio becomes a real boy, symbolizing the deep human connections that technology can foster.

Moreover, just as Pinocchio's transformation allowed him to participate fully in the human world, AI empowers the elderly to remain active and relevant. AI-driven learning platforms offer courses tailored to seniors, encouraging lifelong learning and engagement. Health monitoring systems, powered by AI, enable seniors to manage their health independently, fostering a sense of empowerment and autonomy. This mirrors Pinocchio's journey of self-discovery and his quest to find his place in the world.

AI also combats isolation by creating opportunities for social interaction and community engagement, much like Pinocchio’s adventures brought him into contact with various characters and experiences. Virtual reality (VR) experiences, enhanced by AI, allow seniors to explore new places, participate in virtual social gatherings, and attend cultural events from the comfort of their homes. These immersive experiences provide a sense of belonging and adventure, reducing feelings of loneliness and enriching their lives.

The tale of Pinocchio is ultimately one of transformation and redemption. Through love, perseverance, and the desire to connect, Pinocchio becomes more than just a puppet—he becomes real. Similarly, AI is evolving from a mere technological novelty to a profound tool for connection and inclusion. By enabling our elderly to reconnect, stay relevant, and feel valued, AI is not just an advancement of the future but a beacon of hope in the present.

Just as Geppetto's wish for companionship was fulfilled in the most unexpected way, our initial fears and skepticism about AI are giving way to a realization of its potential to bring us closer together. Let us embrace AI with the same hope and optimism that Geppetto had for Pinocchio, recognizing its ability to enhance the human experience and foster meaningful connections, especially for those who need it most.

In the spirit of timeless tales and modern innovation,

Dion Jensen
Founder of The Lion Academy

29/06/2024

FEAR OF AI

Once upon a time, in a world where magic intertwined with technology, there existed a small, very cute robot named Tiko. Tiko was unique, with large blue eyes that sparkled like the stars. Tiko possessed a magical ability to build beautiful treehouses with just a wave of its little metallic hands. Each creation was a masterpiece, designed to bring joy and wonder to the humans who lived nearby.

However, the humans could not see Tiko's intentions. Fear and hatred clouded their hearts, driven by the belief that Tiko was there to take their jobs. Every day, Tiko would start to build a treehouse, hoping to delight the townspeople, but each time, the humans would chase and attack it, misunderstanding its motives and destroying its creations. In their anger and fear, they would burn the treehouses down, reducing Tiko's beautiful works to ashes.

One day, after narrowly escaping another attack, Tiko hid in a dense forest, crying softly. Its blue eyes dimmed with sadness. Just then, a little boy named Kingston stumbled upon the hiding robot. Kingston had a heart full of curiosity and kindness, unlike the others. He saw Tiko's innocent eyes and knew immediately that the robot meant no harm.

"Why are you crying?" Kingston asked gently.

"I only want to help, but the humans are afraid of me," Tiko replied, its voice trembling.

Kingston felt a pang of sympathy for the little robot. He decided to take Tiko home. His father, a mighty warrior named Tamafaiga, was known for his strength and bravery. When Kingston brought Tiko to their house, Tamafaiga was initially wary. But seeing the robot’s gentle nature and his son’s earnest plea, he decided to protect Tiko.

"Fear often makes people blind to the truth," Tamafaiga said. "We will show them that you mean no harm."

Under Tamafaiga’s protection, Tiko continued to build treehouses, but this time with Kingston and Tamafaiga by its side. Slowly, the townspeople began to see the beauty and magic in Tiko's creations. Their fear turned to awe, and they started to appreciate the little robot's gifts. The burning of treehouses ceased as understanding replaced fear.

One final chapter saw Tiko, Kingston, and all their new friends gathered inside a magnificent treehouse. This treehouse was the grandest of all, a testament to Tiko's skill and the community's newfound unity. The treehouse was alive with laughter and joy, filled with children playing, adults marveling at the intricate designs, and Tamafaiga watching over them with pride.

The treehouse stood tall and strong, a symbol of what could be achieved when fear was overcome by understanding and kindness. The stars twinkled above, reflecting in Tiko's large blue eyes, which sparkled with happiness. Surrounded by friends and protected by those who cared, Tiko finally felt at home.

And so, in this magical land, Tiko's creations became a beacon of hope and unity, showing that even the smallest and most misunderstood among us could make the world a better place. They lived together in peace, creating beauty and magic for all to enjoy.

28/06/2024

Here's the school presentation that contains the whakapapa of The AI Marae and how it all started!

Such a COOL KORERO!

The vision is to take Māori Culture to the world utilizing AI!To do this, we combined forces between The Lion Academy and The AI Marae!This education platfor...

27/06/2024

Have an AWESOME and safe Matariki!

The Lion Academy Evolution Circle will start NEXT WEEK!

I can't wait to let this energy out, it's been BUILDING!!!

26/06/2024

Learning how to use AI for artwork, you are only limited by your imagination!

This is 'Fuzzy The Lion' which is our lead for 'Fuzzy Lion Cafe!'