Whoa, the Disco Institute has the Anecdote to Faulty Thinking!

Posted 12 March 2014 by Dave Thomas

Imagine that.

The above is the copy I got in an email. Somebody spilled the beans, alas, and the corrected version with "antidote" has been posted. Too late, we've gotten our belly laugh! Nyah Nyah, Discovery Institute, no memory hole is big enough to make this laughable faux pas go away.

34 Comments

NoName · 12 March 2014

Well, you can't really expect them to be comfortable with spelling. You know, what with the witchcraft and all.

gnome de net · 12 March 2014

Corrected it before they were forced to refutiate it.

Just Bob · 12 March 2014

Quick, somebody ask FL: Did the CSC make a MISTAKE in using 'anecdote'? Were they dead, incontrovertibly WRONG to use that word? Or does it have a meaning that we materialist atheists are too dumb to know (as do 'bijection' or 'incompatible')?

They do pray about these things before they post them, don't they? If they do, then their prayer seems about as effective as praying to 'heal' a long-severed limb. Or if they don't, why not? Could they suspect it would be wasted breath?

https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad · 12 March 2014

Anecdote, antidote, both words were intelligently designed (not really, of course), and we know that's all that matters.

Quit holding them to our pathetic level of detail. We're just so pathetic that they don't even dream of rising to our level.

Glen Davidson

Karen S. · 12 March 2014

But our system of education in English need no "anecdote." Thanks for learning us real good, Disco Tute!

Mike Elzinga · 12 March 2014

https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad said: Anecdote, antidote, both words were intelligently designed (not really, of course), and we know that's all that matters. Quit holding them to our pathetic level of detail. We're just so pathetic that they don't even dream of rising to our level. Glen Davidson

Which one has the larger “Complex Specified Information?”

DavidK · 12 March 2014

A Freudian slip of the first degree. They really did mean to say anecdote and it slipped out from their (always) unconscious minds.

Prometheus68 · 12 March 2014

With a bit more genetic drift, the word might have evolved to "anecdesignproponentsistsote".

Ron Okimoto · 12 March 2014

All this time it was Intelligent Resign and nobody bothered to correct it. IR for science outside the visible range.

Robert Byers · 12 March 2014

Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation??
Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc??
Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students.
so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!

david.starling.macmillan · 12 March 2014

Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation?? Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc?? Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students. so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!

Amusingly, the "vote" in Crimea only has two options: "join Russia right away", and "join Russia in a few months". Not much of a choice at all, it would seem. In (post-) Soviet Russia, ballot punches you. It's not funny merely because it's a typo; it's funny because it's a very Freudian sort of typo. Like Nature saying "evilution" instead of "evolution". But, you know, more true.

DS · 12 March 2014

Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation?? Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc?? Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students. so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!

I wonder why Robert doesn't like being judged on spelling? sjows indeed.

Keelyn · 12 March 2014

Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation?? Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc?? Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students. so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!

That's right, Booby. You know the proper method for doing science - just take a vote of the general lay public, who generally are utterly clueless (like you) of even the most fundamental aspects of the particular science in question, and we will discover the real truth^(TM) about nature and that will be what is taught. Enough said.

diogeneslamp0 · 12 March 2014

Byers, Seth McFarlane made a cartoon about a talking dog and a movie about a talking teddy bear. So yes, he has a stronger scientific background than the Discovery Institute.

Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation??

What ARE the rules, Byers. Rule #1: your theory must make testable predictions which do not accommodate all conceivable observations. Rule #2: Said predictions must match observations. Rule #3: 'it happened by magic' violates Rule #1.

woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows?

Not "edication", Byers. The correct spelling is "edumakashun." You would know that if you had been properly edumakated. Instead of arguing about evolution and creation, we should join together with the Discovery Institute as they ask: is the children learning?

Childermass · 12 March 2014

If sitting on the fence on creation/evolution and saw this article, it would make me far more sympathetic to the creationists.

We have the creationists beat on this thing called evidence. We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling. And it a dangerous accusation. There are numerous smart, educated people who are not the greatest spellers. And plenty of people who could state a spelling in a spelling bee and still manage to misspell it. Think of Pres. Obama who recently spelled "respect" wrong much to the delight of right wingers. So, if someone on our side misspells a word, does that mean that "evolutionists" are stupid or ignorant? If you say no, then you are a hypocrite for making this post.

I expect better from the Panda's Thumb -- far, far better.

robert van bakel · 12 March 2014

I do have anecdotal evidence that the cause of RB's dyslalia is an over association with a group of people suffering dysphasia. A quick trip to AnswersInGenitals and Ham, or UD with Born Again 77, George and Co are my examples of the aforementioned anecdotal evidence. Happily the anecdotal antidote to this life in dystopia is a healthy dose of what your eyes can see, what your mind can uncover, and the insights you can share; revealed truth is an oxymoron.

david.starling.macmillan · 12 March 2014

Childermass said: If sitting on the fence on creation/evolution and saw this article, it would make me far more sympathetic to the creationists. We have the creationists beat on this thing called evidence. We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling. And it a dangerous accusation. There are numerous smart, educated people who are not the greatest spellers. And plenty of people who could state a spelling in a spelling bee and still manage to misspell it. Think of Pres. Obama who recently spelled "respect" wrong much to the delight of right wingers. So, if someone on our side misspells a word, does that mean that "evolutionists" are stupid or ignorant? If you say no, then you are a hypocrite for making this post. I expect better from the Panda's Thumb -- far, far better.

I think it's mostly just the irony of substituting "anecdote" for "antidote" simply because conspiracy theories use anecdotes in place of evidence so often.

diogeneslamp0 · 13 March 2014

Childermass said: We have the creationists beat on this thing called evidence. We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling. And it a dangerous accusation. There are numerous smart, educated people who are not the greatest spellers.

Normally I would agree with you, but when Byers throws himself into every thread with "would of...." and the marsupial horse... Aargh.

Rolf · 13 March 2014

My initial reaction when reading the o.p. was "I hope nobody spills the beans" but it seems my prayer was too late in the queue. What's wrong with having a gratis laugh?

https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkfz_ydidIaI_m6NKfKsDtTO1rKHmi8B-c · 13 March 2014

Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation?? Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc?? Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students. so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!

No, Robert. It is not just the spelling. How about your (non)use of capital letters after question marks, along with your strange mix of exclamation and question marks? Incidentally, my comments box has a spell checker which highlights errors in my (and your) spelling. Assuming you are using the same method of commenting it appears you are not concerned about accuracy. I am not an academic: I'm a (retired) technologist. I used to be the senior chemist in civil nuclear power plant. As you might expect, accuracy was essential. It is (or should be) a key part of all communication. People then understand what you are saying without having to translate it and they respect you for taking care in presenting your case. AlanB

DS · 13 March 2014

https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkfz_ydidIaI_m6NKfKsDtTO1rKHmi8B-c said: People then understand what you are saying without having to translate it and they respect you for taking care in presenting your case. AlanB

Exactly. And they take it as sign of disrespect if you don't bother to even try. Now in all honesty, i believe that Robert has some handicaps that make it difficult for him to type. However, that doesn't really explain the willful errors, the extra key strokes and the complete and utter inability to even try to learn. I have tried to respond in kind to show him how foolish it looks, but he apparently chooses not to get it. If he can't see how he is hurting his case, so be it. I"m not complaining. And that's before we even get into the content, the illogical and self contradictory arguments, the utter inability to respond to honest questions, the total disregard for evidence, etc. I think his handicaps may be more than just physical. Apparently he is too far gone to realize that he is just living up to all of the worst stereotypes for his brand of reality denial.

gnome de net · 13 March 2014

Whenever I encounter errors in spelling, punctuation or grammar, or other evidence of poor proofreading, I tend to question the accuracy of what the author wants to tell me.

After all, if I can find obvious mistakes in the presentation of new information, how can I be sure that the information itself is without similar mistakes that are not obvious?

Dave Thomas · 13 March 2014

Childermass said: If sitting on the fence on creation/evolution and saw this article, it would make me far more sympathetic to the creationists. We have the creationists beat on this thing called evidence. We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling. And it a dangerous accusation. There are numerous smart, educated people who are not the greatest spellers. And plenty of people who could state a spelling in a spelling bee and still manage to misspell it. Think of Pres. Obama who recently spelled "respect" wrong much to the delight of right wingers. So, if someone on our side misspells a word, does that mean that "evolutionists" are stupid or ignorant? If you say no, then you are a hypocrite for making this post. I expect better from the Panda's Thumb -- far, far better.

Concern Troll's concerns have been Duly Noted, thanks. Such things go both ways, of course. I dinged Jerry Coyne on his FaceBook page for bashing "accomodationists" [sic]. He was Not Pleased with me, I might add. Like gnome de net said. Mistakes like these are a "tell" for sloppy scholarship.

diogeneslamp0 · 13 March 2014

Just you wait, you damn atheists. Darwinism is finished... some day soon, science will be dominated by Intelligent Design proponents. And when you take your kid to the hospital because he drank a bottle of Drano or got bitten by a black widow spider, you'll thank God that an ID believer like Dr. Michael Egnor is there to order the nurses to keep searching until they find the anecdote!

https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad · 13 March 2014

Childermass said: If sitting on the fence on creation/evolution and saw this article, it would make me far more sympathetic to the creationists. We have the creationists beat on this thing called evidence. We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling. And it a dangerous accusation. There are numerous smart, educated people who are not the greatest spellers. And plenty of people who could state a spelling in a spelling bee and still manage to misspell it. Think of Pres. Obama who recently spelled "respect" wrong much to the delight of right wingers. So, if someone on our side misspells a word, does that mean that "evolutionists" are stupid or ignorant? If you say no, then you are a hypocrite for making this post. I expect better from the Panda's Thumb -- far, far better.

Doesn't it strike you as somewhat ironic that anyone would write "anecdote to such faulty reasoning"? As in, funny? Was that sound reasoning, IOW? When the DI churns out faulty reasoning day in and day out, I think we can be forgiven a laugh at their "anecdote to such faulty reasoning." The point being, they're about the last to understand how to combat faulty reasoning. Glen Davidson

https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad · 13 March 2014

We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling.

Oh, and it's no misspelling, it's a malaprop. Glen Davidson

Karen S. · 14 March 2014

Should we now teach this controversy in English class?

Kevin B · 14 March 2014

https://me.yahoo.com/a/JxVN0eQFqtmgoY7wC1cZM44ET_iAanxHQmLgYgX_Zhn8#57cad said:
We have no need to make a childish gripe that there is a Discovery Institute document with a misspelling.
Oh, and it's no misspelling, it's a malaprop. Glen Davidson

Perhaps they use a GA to write their press releases. "Methinks it is like Lady Teazel"

k.e.. · 14 March 2014

A faux pas indeed. Just imagine if there was a antidote to cure lying liars for creationism...... DI press releases might read "ID is actually creationism we were just joshing all this time" or "DI admits ID is not science it's a scam to get around the Constitution and teach religion in science classes" or even "DI finds antidote to science still years away, appeals for more donations"

SLC · 14 March 2014

I believe that all the browsers have spell checking capability (certainly Firefox, Chrome, and Safari do).

https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawkfz_ydidIaI_m6NKfKsDtTO1rKHmi8B-c said:
Robert Byers said: Spelling?! Thats why ID is wRONG?? if the spelling was right would it make ID right? what's the rules in this intellectual confrontation?? Has anyone seen this guy's cartoon show? I have't for a while but woow THIS guy has a say in right and wrong about edication on origin sjows? then why not all the people? why not a general vote or decision making in the governments of states and towns etc?? Censorship is more the result of a dumbed down society then freedom to confront and contend amongst students. so the guy who has access to the public wants to control what the public hears. is the Crimea? even there they get a vote!
No, Robert. It is not just the spelling. How about your (non)use of capital letters after question marks, along with your strange mix of exclamation and question marks? Incidentally, my comments box has a spell checker which highlights errors in my (and your) spelling. Assuming you are using the same method of commenting it appears you are not concerned about accuracy. I am not an academic: I'm a (retired) technologist. I used to be the senior chemist in civil nuclear power plant. As you might expect, accuracy was essential. It is (or should be) a key part of all communication. People then understand what you are saying without having to translate it and they respect you for taking care in presenting your case. AlanB

https://me.yahoo.com/a/UZTyNgIV2NoJdpo6Kaxq0gI.KQ--#90715 · 14 March 2014

Robert,

Evolvolutionists needed that one. Badly!!!

Dave is a happy camper now.

But alas, the envelope keeps arriving on his desk, day in and day out. Life is a beach!

Then off they go on the net trashing the good name of information. Poor information. The lonely outcast. Everybody knows you but can't acknowledge your presence.

Hush, hush. The info thugs...er I mean info police....uh, i mean those particular scientists, you know...er

Hush, dammit.

Rikki_Tikki_Taalik · 15 March 2014

https://me.yahoo.com/a/UZTyNgIV2NoJdpo6Kaxq0gI.KQ--#90715 said: Robert, Evolvolutionists needed that one. Badly!!! Dave is a happy camper now. But alas, the envelope keeps arriving on his desk, day in and day out. Life is a beach! Then off they go on the net trashing the good name of information. Poor information. The lonely outcast. Everybody knows you but can't acknowledge your presence. Hush, hush. The info thugs...er I mean info police....uh, i mean those particular scientists, you know...er Hush, dammit.

Props for unintelligibility but if you think you're going to top Robert you have a long row to hoe.

david.starling.macmillan · 15 March 2014

Rikki_Tikki_Taalik said:
https://me.yahoo.com/a/UZTyNgIV2NoJdpo6Kaxq0gI.KQ--#90715 said: Robert, Evolvolutionists needed that one. Badly!!! Dave is a happy camper now. But alas, the envelope keeps arriving on his desk, day in and day out. Life is a beach! Then off they go on the net trashing the good name of information. Poor information. The lonely outcast. Everybody knows you but can't acknowledge your presence. Hush, hush. The info thugs...er I mean info police....uh, i mean those particular scientists, you know...er Hush, dammit.
Props for unintelligibility but if you think you're going to top Robert you have a long row to hoe.

Or, in this case, a long row to poe.

Henry J · 15 March 2014

Or, in this case, a long row to poe.

Nevermore!