And we’re all very familiar with Stoid’s ability to accurately observe/report what she sees.
(offense intended)
Many thanks, Krispy! I was just back for the day – I’ll be back more often come January (what’s that groaning sound I hear?). Been following this thread and the one over in GD with interest. Keep crunchin’!
“Economics sprouted from the same intellectual roots as weather forecasting - rarely accurate but devoid of memory, thus cheerful about being wrong.”
-John Ralston Saul, The Doubter’s Companion
I have to say that “psychics” are more than an annoyance. They can be downright dangerous. A woman I worked with had an Uncle that took a walk out the window of the apartment he shared with his wife. The man had problems and this was not the first time he had tried suicide. His sister consulted a “psychic” and pointed told his wife, who his family did not like, that the “psychic” told her it was NOT suicide. So tell me believe bullshit like this is not a problem.
Bitch by Birth
Well, as for the claim that David B was more interested in trading insults than discussing the issue:
On 12-08-1999 12:21 PM, you said: David B didn’t have any valid objection and just didn’t understand the topic; his example was “crappy”; and of course that you were right and he was wrong, no further discussion needed.
Granted, DAvid got annoyed with your attitude, but is that so surprising?
As for your actual argument, that psychics don’t make any guarantee: yes, they do. With a normal person, if you ask what will happen, what they tell you is just their educated opinion. But if someone claims to be psychic, they’re claiming to not be a normal person. They’re claiming to have special powers. If those powers aren’t perfect, then it is their responsibility to make that clear. Ask several dozen randomly selected people “What is a psychic?” and I’m sure that the most common responce will be something like “Someone who knows the future”. Not “Someone who has a good guess about the future” but someone who knows the future. The guarantee is part of the term “psychic”. If someone says they are psychic, they’re saying they know the future.
The Ryan,
You write:
Sure…I’d be happy to show you the error of your assumption:
Main Entry: psychic
Function: noun
Date: 1871
1 a : a person apparently sensitive to nonphysical forces b : MEDIUM 2d
2 : psychic phenomena
Main Entry: psy·chic
Pronunciation: 'sI-kik
Variant(s): also psy·chi·cal /-ki-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Greek psychikos of the soul, from psychE soul
Date: 1642
1 : of or relating to the psyche : PSYCHOGENIC
2 : lying outside the sphere of physical science or knowledge : immaterial, moral, or spiritual in origin or force
3 : sensitive to nonphysical or supernatural forces and influences : marked by extraordinary or mysterious sensitivity, perception, or understanding
I’ve provided you with both the definition of both the adjective and the noun and nowhere does the definition of the word “psychic” include even a hint of a “guarantee”.
You had also written:
You are correct…it’s not surprising for DavidB to get annoyed when I trump one of his arguments with a valid counter-point.
Oh, and BTW, I appologize in advance if I’ve annoyed you…
Krispy Original – voted SDMB’s 19th most popular poster (1999)
tracer sez:
It should be obvious to anyone who isn’t a llama-fondler that I’m much more witty than him.
God help me but I actually watched one of those “psychic hotline” commercials last week. A few folks, and the host, said “Call now. It’s real.”
That’s the proof of my assertion, Krisper.
Krispy,
When did you “Trump” his arguements?
And you said
“I think that it’s clear that what they are charging money to do is to tell you what their take of the future is. That’s what you are paying for. And for all you know, some of their predictions may turn out to be correct.”
The point is, they never say that it is their take of the future. Never. Ever. At all.
(admittedly, its rare to hear them say theyre 100% accurate)
as for “you never know, some of their predictions may come true.”
I think your own words “Trump” your own arguement. by that rationale, you can start Insulting yourself…
John Larrigan
“82.35% of all statistics are made up on the spot”–Vic Reeves
Apparently you guys are totally blind to the “for entertainment purposes only” words that show up on the television screen.
Oh, and Johnny…consider yourself “trumped” son.
Krispy Original – voted SDMB’s 19th most popular poster (1999)
Krispy,
Explain how I am trumped. Please. Because I disagreed with you? or have you been speaking with Phaedrus and he took a look into my future? (My apologies to everyone who didnt want this brought up again)
You are a Troll. end of story. Accept the fact and we can get on with things. You even started a new link to hilight this!
oh, boo-hoo, davidB didnt agree with you so
you have to roll over and play victim. well pardon me while I wring out my hankie.
come up with a valid arguement to say I am wrong. Dont just say “your trumped”.
And dont call me son.
John Larrigan
“82.35% of all statistics are made up on the spot”–Vic Reeves
Johnny my son, if you can’t see the error of your ridiculous statement at the same time that you fail to comprehend the clearly visable disclaimer on the television screen, then there isn’t much use in me attempting to walk you through the logic is there?
Sheesh. You aren’t worthy of tangling with me son…go find an argument with someone more your own speed.
Krispy Original – voted SDMB’s 19th most popular poster (1999)
Krispy,
As you think of me as being “not worthy of you” Can you also explain to me where I mentioned TV psycics?
Do you see a sign on the doors of psycics houses? Do they hand out a pamphlet to everyone when they do group readings?
I have been to a group reading. Never once did he say, “This is my Take on things”
He pretty much implied that he was telling us what would happen.
And if my intellectual prowess is not up to your obviously superhuman understanding of everything well then please forgive me.
And I repeat… do not call me Son. Your not my father and I dont like to be patronized.
John Larrigan
“82.35% of all statistics are made up on the spot”–Vic Reeves
Listen Johnnyboy,
I don’t know how they do things in Ireland, but here in the states when we debate about the legality of psychic hotlines, we are talking about the ones advertised extensively on television.
Sheesh. Try actually reading the pertinent threads next time before you engage your piehole…M’kay son?
Oh, and BTW (that means by the way), I’ve looked at a few of your stupid posts outside this thread, and yes, you aren’t worthy of arguing with me…
Krispy Original – voted SDMB’s 19th most popular poster (1999)
OK, fine. You want to reduce this to the level of a slagging match, by all means go ahead. but I’m not going to lower myself along with you.
You want a fight? Pick on someone else.
I really couldnt give a shit.
And I never refered to phonelines only. I was speaking about psycic/ humbug activities in general.
John Larrigan
“82.35% of all statistics are made up on the spot”–Vic Reeves