Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Evolution Of The Gish Gallop

Creationists argue that the Gish Gallop is proof of a Creator, because it is so unlikely that a string of unrelated nonsense would assemble by itself.
However, scientists hypothesize that Gish galloping developed from simpler forms of arguments by a form of evolution, although the exact process has yet to be determined. Some posit a sea of simple arguments floating around, jostling each at random, and occasionally linking up, until long chains of unrelated arguments form. Others posit the most common terminator on a creationist argument ("Go To Start") occasionally misreads as "Go To Another". Virtual argument chains with this latter characteristic compete more effectively than the original form; even a simple two-segment Gish Gallop can run longer than the average single argument.
There is consensus, however, that the Gish gallop could not be the product of an intelligent designer, due to its high noise-to-signal ratio. As proof of an Unintelligent Designer, it remains unparalleled.
--- REW
--
The above report is in response to discussions on the "Creation Vs. Evolution" Facebook page. If you follow the "debate" it will make sense, to the extent that Gish Galloping makes sense at all.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Thursday - Connecting DESC and JPWork

Intern, Don and Cyril
at JPWork's dock
Thursday morning I drove Cyril to the Kent warehouse of JPWork And Associates, to connect them with Don Rupp of Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC).
JP Work had always been generous with food donations for our projects. The company does huge business in overstocks, and they've supported the Independence Day cook-out at the VA Hospital, holiday feedings, and our 'retail' donations to some individual sick veterans. Recently he also put us in touch with a guy (who I won't name because I haven't talked this over with him) who donated more than a pallet of frozen turkey products; this was a gigantic opportunity for our community, but frankly beyond VAF's "retail" capability to distribute efficiently.  Our core competency is elsewhere - and the Therapeutic Garden program is going to take all our time!
Then I remembered Don from our time at the Mercer Island Thrift Shop - (honestly - it was a LinkedIn notice of his anniversary!) Don's now the In-Kind Donation Manager at DESC and I figured maybe he could take a little of this stuff.
When he replied to my inquiry, he said DESC serves about 2000 hot meals a day to the homeless. I figured this was a misprint - how could Seattle have that many - but even 200 meals a day would be great! So we arranged a 20 cases of the stuff, and that went well for all concerned. And when I got a tour of DESC's facilities, I saw that "2000" was not a misprint. WOW!
Obviously DESC could help us by putting the rest of this donation to good use. Also, connecting Don and John might be good for both, because honest? John's prices are the best around. It only makes sense to help programs serving the public stretch their dollars!
When Don and an intern parked their van at the warehouse, John gave warehouse tour. I enjoyed watching them schmooze about the food business and the business of feeding the homeless. It's an interesting mixture of the very practical and good ideals.
At the end, we all shook hands, this batch of food is going where it is needed, and I think DESC and JPWork will have a beautiful friendship. I didn't get a picture of them walking off like the end of Casablanca, because the warehouse guys went back to work, but I got Cyril, Don and the intern (Sorry guy, I forgot your name!).
Connecting people like this is a very satisfying way to get a lot of stuff done. And there was free coffee, so it's all good!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Wednesday - Siting The Bob Show

Today I met John Rapp downtown to look at the 5th Floor conference room in the building of Bob Dickerson's law firm.
It seemed to meet John's requirements, so now we have all we need to schedule the thing. I sent the form to WSBA, dickered over the announcement wording with Bob and John, and then sent it out.
Not an hour went by before the first inquiry came about signing up. This is going to be great!
---

April 4: Seattle - Working To Deadline: A Lawyer Making His Last Years Count
Dear Section Members and Friends:
What lawyer wants to "die at your desk", with your legacy only a pile of paperwork completed?
Attorney Bob Dickerson, longtime member of the World Peace Through Law Section, faced this issue when his doctor said he had inoperable stomach cancer. Given 1-20 years to live, Bob reevaluated his life and career, and put his time and skills into public service.
Along the way, he's had a good time, made a decent living, and picked up a few tips on how to "do well while doing good".
Bob's going to share what he's learned ... and is still learning ... Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 10am. You are invited!
When/Where:
Saturday, April 4, 2015
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Doors open 9:30 - come early and mingle!
Fifth Floor Conference Room
Wilson Smith Cochran & Dickerson
901 Fifth Ave
Seattle, WA

CLE Credit:
To Be Applied For.
Not Guaranteed. But Then, What Is?

Cost:
Pay It Forward.
NOTES:

  • Seating Limited - Pre-registration not required but highly recommended.
  • This event will be video recorded for free distribution on the web.
  • Location provided courtesy of Wilson Smith Cochran & Dickerson http://www.wscd.com/
  • Hosted by WSBA World Peace Through Law Section http://www.wsba.org/Legal-Community/Sections/World-Peace-Through-Law-Section
  • Learn more about Bob's legacy
  • Many thanks to http://www.results.org/
  • Questions? Call Randy at 206-446-4667

"I learned to use my voice to change the world... Don’t be sitting in the bleachers at this historic moment."
— Bob Dickerson, RESULTS volunteer

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Tuesday VAF Board meeting

The most important thing I did Tuesday (...other than continue breathing...) was the board meeting for Veterans and Friends of Puget Sound. Our Atrium Project is rolling along faster and we needed to get clearance on some things. It's always helpful to get Diane's take on things; she's so smart and experienced that several times I started to describe an issue, she got it in literally five seconds ... before I finished with the facts ... and prescribed a simple and correct solution. I am lucky to be working with this person.
Site selection for The Bob Show goes on; I had not thought it would take so long but surely it will work out in the end.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

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March 15, 2015

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