MEETING RECAP
Bulletin Writers Run Amuck and How AI Might Help
By Gregory J. RediskeSunday, March 30, 2025
Before we get into the meat of the Bulletin for March 28, 2025, it’s important to explain the banner picture. It is a picture from an early Wild Game Dinner, before the Winefest took over. The marlin was donated for the auction. Mel Neighbors secured a patsy to help him get the bidding up, telling the patsy that he'd get it up to $1000, and the patsy could drop out. Except $1000 was the winning bid. It was re-donated, and the same scenario played out. (Let that be a warning: alcohol has repercussions!) That was the last auction for the marlin however. It burned up in the fire at Art Hudtloff's (the second 'winner") bowling alley fire. Pictured: Jim Walter, Mel Neighbors, Boyd Lundstrom, and ??.
Bulletin Writers Run Amuck and How AI Might Help
Greg Rediski
Time and time again, I am queried as to the inner workings of the bulletin committee. I have previously shrugged this off as “none of your business”, but in a clear case of getting what you asked for, here is a recent communication string after a Wendy McGowan bulletin. Beware the Ides of March, indeed, but even more important, beware the musings of bulletin writers with time on their hands:
Bulletin Writers Run Amuck and How AI Might Help
Greg Rediski
Time and time again, I am queried as to the inner workings of the bulletin committee. I have previously shrugged this off as “none of your business”, but in a clear case of getting what you asked for, here is a recent communication string after a Wendy McGowan bulletin. Beware the Ides of March, indeed, but even more important, beware the musings of bulletin writers with time on their hands:
Wendy,
Welcome back!!!!
Ole /Steve – please note, Ms. M only used two words I had to look up – groused and enumerated. I can't remember what they mean now but they made sense at the time I looked them up..... (Donn Irwin)
Silly boy: Grousumeration; the act of circumcising a male Thunder Grouse during hunting season in Nordakota inna corn field. Dickypedia, Page 16 (John Magnuson)
The best part of being part of the Bull team is that you quickly learn that the post-Bull debriefs (by which I mean the conversation and is not an implication that anyone is debriefed/("going commando") are generally just as entertaining as the Bulletins themselves. The worst part is that one finds that they're haunted by warped imaginings that might include male Thunder Grouse circumcision or the disturbing image of the Bull crew fully de-pantsed. I'm trying to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. (Steve Saalfeld)
Okay, so let's get one thing straight here. The Bull team will not under any circumstances be de-pantsed at any time for any reason unless it is a solo de-pantsing in the privacy of his/her own space (i.e. bedroom, bathroom). I suppose for those Bull team members who have intimate partners, the de-pantsing could take place with that other person and not be a solo act but that's as far as that goes. As for male Thunder Grouses, they are on their own. My $.02. (Paula Olson)
Oh sure... no sympathy for the Thunder Chicken (as the Grouse is known as) now impotent. He was gonna start a fam, raise little ones, teach'm to play snooker and drink port. Not now! Snip!
Woof! (John Magnuson)
My farm boy roots compel me to chime in and remind Mr. Magnuson that circumcision (not a common practice with the Saalfeld hogs—they were all Gentiles I guess?) done properly should not make one impotent. But perhaps the Scandinavian practice is messier than what I'm familiar with? I believe he is thinking of castration which was a common practice for the Saalfeld hogs bound for market as weaner pigs (meaning they had been "weaned" from their mother and then taken to market). Alas, we never had them long enough to determine if we potentially had a Vienna Pigs' Choir on our hands which was in hindsight an egregious error on our part.
And thank you to Paula for appealing to our sense of common decency (which considering the company might be a lonely shout in the wilderness) to keep our pants on. Sage advice—likely to go unheeded—but sage advice all the same. (Steve Saalfeld)
I stand corrected. And as to castration versus circumcision, I’ve never been able to keep them straight. Never have been a Mohel, Veterinarian, pediatrician nor a Veterapediamohel - rare indeed - so I am not qualified to speak about any of that of which I spake. However, disqualifications are an endearing qualification for Bullarians to spake. And writ.
(John Magnuson)
You asked for it.
Lakewood Rotary meeting of March 28, 2025
And now for current news and opinions from the Rotary meeting of March 28, 2025, starting with the blasting music and sports images representing our president and eventually calmed by the hammering of the bell by Adia Osundwa, then the Pledge by Greg Horn, who couldn’t wait for his proper place after the invocation. Steve Saalfeld did said invocation, invoking cowboys, Africa, hockey and pleading for trust, hope and joy. Dick Ferrell was outside hammering folks for their raffle money, Steve Enquist was collecting for Paul Harris, and Mark Edgecomb was taking the leavings for the weekly raffle. We had a bunch of Puffins in attendance (Scott Casebolt, Kamarie Wilson, Brie Cooper, Patrick Smith (Zooming), Becky and Bill Wiggins, Phyllis Stone, Jim Merritt, Donny Sheatsley). Professional photography by landscape artist Walt Richardson (“Stand still, people!! Like a rock!”).
Guests--Many Guests!
Becky Wiggins brought Michelle, a professional organizer.
Gayle Selden brought Skip Haynes, former owner of Rainier Connect.
Mary introduced Shelton Skookum Rotarian Marnee Obendorf, one of the principals for the District Conference on May 30 and 31.
Greg Horn introduced Gil Quante from Tacoma #8.
Bob Zawilski introduced Penny from Pierce Transit, who has been very helpful with the Little Free Pantries. (And Bob reprimanded the president for forgetting to advertise LFP collection.)
James Osundwa brought the bell ringer, daughter Adia.
Anne Enquist introduced our speaker, Mark Chinen, while calling out fellow Seattle U law students Paula Olson and Philip Lindholm.
Eric Quinn introduced she who needed no introduction, his mom, Kris.
Donna Phillips again brought her sister Laura from Florida to join us.
Greg Horn and Bill Potter were the so-called dignitaries in attendance, but I’m not sure that “dignified” has ever been used to describe Past DG Horn…not that he is without other positive attributes, but that one is a stretch. And Wendy McGowan had no Sunshine Report.
Announcements:
--Marnie Obendorf and Bill Potter both extolled the virtues, education, and fun of the District Conference, right here in Tacoma on May 30 and 31. “Be Part of Something Extraordinary!” Our own Tony Camoroda will be sworn in as District Governor: let’s show some respect!! Puffins get reimbursed the $350 registration fee: act now, though.
--Jan Gee needs volunteers to work at the Wine and Beer Fest. Gayle Selden needs money, without which we can’t do good things in the community and the world. This is by far our major source of cash to do good works. Buy a ticket or two and attend. Failing that, make a donation and/or buy some of the online auction items: go to lakewoodrotary.com to check them out. Lakewood Rotarians: now is the time to step up!!!
--Gil Quante slapped President Carl in the face with a glove (figuratively) and challenged us to a softball game in August some time. Apparently, they need another dose of humble pie, Lakewood Rotary style. The only time they have defeated us (2-1 in 2003) was when we were forced to have 90’ bases, and a two-run homer in the last inning with two outs did us in. 90’ is a long way to run. Carl accepted the challenge.
--Becky Wiggins dropped off flyers about Battlefield Addiction’s Walk/Run For Recovery 5K on Saturday, May 10. 9 am check in, 10 am start, Roegner Park in Auburn. 253-334-2233, or call Becky.
Money, Money, Money:
$$Jim Merritt rose above the aspersions of Tacoma #8’s Gil Quante (who said he made the switch to Lakewood from Tacoma in a drunken stupor) to brag about his swimming grandson, Freshman of the Year at the Air Force Academy, and recount his trip inspecting the Palisades disaster in California while traveling the southwest. $110
$$Bill Potter noted three grad school acceptances for his progeny, all in medical or psychology disciplines. Not a banker in the bunch. They got scholarships and/or job benefits. $50
$$Wendy McGowan, not to be outdone by Bill, reported one grandchild accepted at Columbia University, $40.
Program:
Our own talented lawyer, Eric Quinn, introduced our speaker, Professor Mark Chinen from Seattle University and a Harvard Law School graduate. Mark specializes in international trade and securities law and has written two books on the subject of the law and artificial intelligence (AI). The topic today: “Tools for Governing AI”
When AI catches up to human intelligence, it will be a watershed moment in history. China and the US are at the forefront, working together and competitively. There are massive challenges and opportunities, requiring a “toolbox” to regulate AI.
Th European Union (EU) is the first governmental organization of note to produce a “complete” set of some hard regulations. Some prohibited items: Subliminal and exploitive AI apps; High risk apps in fields like medicine and law enforcement; Ones with systemic risk; Control over generative AI (deep fakes, etc.).
Conclusions:
Another great and timely program at Lakewood Rotary! Thanks to all.
And finally: the drawing. $250 or $5.00. Gil Quante from Tacoma #8 went with $5.00.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, April 4th – Lakewood Rotary Weekly Meeting Ali Higgs - Director - Division of Consumer Services
Thursday, April 10th - Rotary On Tap
Friday, April 11th - Weekly Rotary Meeting - Club Assembly
Saturday, April 12th – Lakewood Rotary Wine & Beer Festival Fundraiser at McGavick Center
May 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - District Council Meeting - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
May 30 – 31, 2025 - Rotary District Conference - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
June 30th, 2025 - Annual Dues Due
June 21-25, 2025 - Rotary International Convention - Calgary, Canada
June 27, 2025 - Installation Banquet for our new president, Tom George, and board at the Country Club
June 30th, 2025 - End of Rotary year
July 1st, 2025 - new board takes office, beginning of Rotary year
Welcome back!!!!
Ole /Steve – please note, Ms. M only used two words I had to look up – groused and enumerated. I can't remember what they mean now but they made sense at the time I looked them up..... (Donn Irwin)
Silly boy: Grousumeration; the act of circumcising a male Thunder Grouse during hunting season in Nordakota inna corn field. Dickypedia, Page 16 (John Magnuson)
The best part of being part of the Bull team is that you quickly learn that the post-Bull debriefs (by which I mean the conversation and is not an implication that anyone is debriefed/("going commando") are generally just as entertaining as the Bulletins themselves. The worst part is that one finds that they're haunted by warped imaginings that might include male Thunder Grouse circumcision or the disturbing image of the Bull crew fully de-pantsed. I'm trying to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. (Steve Saalfeld)
Okay, so let's get one thing straight here. The Bull team will not under any circumstances be de-pantsed at any time for any reason unless it is a solo de-pantsing in the privacy of his/her own space (i.e. bedroom, bathroom). I suppose for those Bull team members who have intimate partners, the de-pantsing could take place with that other person and not be a solo act but that's as far as that goes. As for male Thunder Grouses, they are on their own. My $.02. (Paula Olson)
Oh sure... no sympathy for the Thunder Chicken (as the Grouse is known as) now impotent. He was gonna start a fam, raise little ones, teach'm to play snooker and drink port. Not now! Snip!
Woof! (John Magnuson)
My farm boy roots compel me to chime in and remind Mr. Magnuson that circumcision (not a common practice with the Saalfeld hogs—they were all Gentiles I guess?) done properly should not make one impotent. But perhaps the Scandinavian practice is messier than what I'm familiar with? I believe he is thinking of castration which was a common practice for the Saalfeld hogs bound for market as weaner pigs (meaning they had been "weaned" from their mother and then taken to market). Alas, we never had them long enough to determine if we potentially had a Vienna Pigs' Choir on our hands which was in hindsight an egregious error on our part.
And thank you to Paula for appealing to our sense of common decency (which considering the company might be a lonely shout in the wilderness) to keep our pants on. Sage advice—likely to go unheeded—but sage advice all the same. (Steve Saalfeld)
I stand corrected. And as to castration versus circumcision, I’ve never been able to keep them straight. Never have been a Mohel, Veterinarian, pediatrician nor a Veterapediamohel - rare indeed - so I am not qualified to speak about any of that of which I spake. However, disqualifications are an endearing qualification for Bullarians to spake. And writ.
(John Magnuson)
You asked for it.
Lakewood Rotary meeting of March 28, 2025
And now for current news and opinions from the Rotary meeting of March 28, 2025, starting with the blasting music and sports images representing our president and eventually calmed by the hammering of the bell by Adia Osundwa, then the Pledge by Greg Horn, who couldn’t wait for his proper place after the invocation. Steve Saalfeld did said invocation, invoking cowboys, Africa, hockey and pleading for trust, hope and joy. Dick Ferrell was outside hammering folks for their raffle money, Steve Enquist was collecting for Paul Harris, and Mark Edgecomb was taking the leavings for the weekly raffle. We had a bunch of Puffins in attendance (Scott Casebolt, Kamarie Wilson, Brie Cooper, Patrick Smith (Zooming), Becky and Bill Wiggins, Phyllis Stone, Jim Merritt, Donny Sheatsley). Professional photography by landscape artist Walt Richardson (“Stand still, people!! Like a rock!”).
Guests--Many Guests!
Becky Wiggins brought Michelle, a professional organizer.
Gayle Selden brought Skip Haynes, former owner of Rainier Connect.
Mary introduced Shelton Skookum Rotarian Marnee Obendorf, one of the principals for the District Conference on May 30 and 31.
Greg Horn introduced Gil Quante from Tacoma #8.
Bob Zawilski introduced Penny from Pierce Transit, who has been very helpful with the Little Free Pantries. (And Bob reprimanded the president for forgetting to advertise LFP collection.)
James Osundwa brought the bell ringer, daughter Adia.
Anne Enquist introduced our speaker, Mark Chinen, while calling out fellow Seattle U law students Paula Olson and Philip Lindholm.
Eric Quinn introduced she who needed no introduction, his mom, Kris.
Donna Phillips again brought her sister Laura from Florida to join us.
Greg Horn and Bill Potter were the so-called dignitaries in attendance, but I’m not sure that “dignified” has ever been used to describe Past DG Horn…not that he is without other positive attributes, but that one is a stretch. And Wendy McGowan had no Sunshine Report.
Announcements:
--Marnie Obendorf and Bill Potter both extolled the virtues, education, and fun of the District Conference, right here in Tacoma on May 30 and 31. “Be Part of Something Extraordinary!” Our own Tony Camoroda will be sworn in as District Governor: let’s show some respect!! Puffins get reimbursed the $350 registration fee: act now, though.
--Jan Gee needs volunteers to work at the Wine and Beer Fest. Gayle Selden needs money, without which we can’t do good things in the community and the world. This is by far our major source of cash to do good works. Buy a ticket or two and attend. Failing that, make a donation and/or buy some of the online auction items: go to lakewoodrotary.com to check them out. Lakewood Rotarians: now is the time to step up!!!
--Gil Quante slapped President Carl in the face with a glove (figuratively) and challenged us to a softball game in August some time. Apparently, they need another dose of humble pie, Lakewood Rotary style. The only time they have defeated us (2-1 in 2003) was when we were forced to have 90’ bases, and a two-run homer in the last inning with two outs did us in. 90’ is a long way to run. Carl accepted the challenge.
--Becky Wiggins dropped off flyers about Battlefield Addiction’s Walk/Run For Recovery 5K on Saturday, May 10. 9 am check in, 10 am start, Roegner Park in Auburn. 253-334-2233, or call Becky.
Money, Money, Money:
$$Jim Merritt rose above the aspersions of Tacoma #8’s Gil Quante (who said he made the switch to Lakewood from Tacoma in a drunken stupor) to brag about his swimming grandson, Freshman of the Year at the Air Force Academy, and recount his trip inspecting the Palisades disaster in California while traveling the southwest. $110
$$Bill Potter noted three grad school acceptances for his progeny, all in medical or psychology disciplines. Not a banker in the bunch. They got scholarships and/or job benefits. $50
$$Wendy McGowan, not to be outdone by Bill, reported one grandchild accepted at Columbia University, $40.
Program:
Our own talented lawyer, Eric Quinn, introduced our speaker, Professor Mark Chinen from Seattle University and a Harvard Law School graduate. Mark specializes in international trade and securities law and has written two books on the subject of the law and artificial intelligence (AI). The topic today: “Tools for Governing AI”
When AI catches up to human intelligence, it will be a watershed moment in history. China and the US are at the forefront, working together and competitively. There are massive challenges and opportunities, requiring a “toolbox” to regulate AI.
- Descriptive/Diagnostic/Predictive/Prescriptive analytics
- Regulation of technology is hard and very technical. Predicting impacts is challenging while by the time it is ingrained it will be too late (Collingridge’s Dilemma)
- Approaches to regulation
- Application specific (i.e. facial recognition rules)
- Domain/issue specific (i.e. privacy)
- Life cycle/components/supply chain
- Tech issues (i.e. algorithms to monitor bias)
Th European Union (EU) is the first governmental organization of note to produce a “complete” set of some hard regulations. Some prohibited items: Subliminal and exploitive AI apps; High risk apps in fields like medicine and law enforcement; Ones with systemic risk; Control over generative AI (deep fakes, etc.).
Conclusions:
- AI is becoming more pervasive and more important
- The “toolbox” is an imperfect kit
- But it is the only one we have for now.
Another great and timely program at Lakewood Rotary! Thanks to all.
And finally: the drawing. $250 or $5.00. Gil Quante from Tacoma #8 went with $5.00.
Upcoming Events:
Friday, April 4th – Lakewood Rotary Weekly Meeting Ali Higgs - Director - Division of Consumer Services
Thursday, April 10th - Rotary On Tap
Friday, April 11th - Weekly Rotary Meeting - Club Assembly
Saturday, April 12th – Lakewood Rotary Wine & Beer Festival Fundraiser at McGavick Center
May 29, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. - District Council Meeting - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
May 30 – 31, 2025 - Rotary District Conference - Marriott Downtown Tacoma
June 30th, 2025 - Annual Dues Due
June 21-25, 2025 - Rotary International Convention - Calgary, Canada
June 27, 2025 - Installation Banquet for our new president, Tom George, and board at the Country Club
June 30th, 2025 - End of Rotary year
July 1st, 2025 - new board takes office, beginning of Rotary year
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