# How did Uri Geller (psychic) divine pictures people had written?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [March 7, 2013, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260 "2013-03-07T03:25:59Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 6
### Author:  [@Cyros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyros)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/101 "2013-03-09T15:29:50Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> Yes it does.
> \*
> "he attacks not only my abilities but also my originality. That is defamation aside from any paranormal issue. After all, spoon bending is my professional trademark. "\*
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I’m sorry you can’t see this, but it does. The issue in the case was the originality of his act, not whether it was paranormal.
From that quote I would suggest that the inclusion of the phrase “_aside from any paranormal issue_” would indicate that there was also discussion around the issue of his claiming paranormal powers.
---
### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/102 "2013-03-09T16:42:10Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I’m sorry you can’t see this, but it does. The issue in the case was the originality of his act, not whether it was paranormal.
Prove it. You haven’t given any facts regarding the case. I even showed you that Randi did not say what you claimed he did. Also, pay attention to what Cyros wrote above. What Geller is inferring is that the case was in regard to a paranormal issue, and that aside from that Geller was defamed with a comment about the kind of tricks that used to be found on the back of cereal boxes. Whether or not defamation for the cereal boxes part of the comment was part of the suit is unknown, since you have presented zero facts of the case to back up your statement.
Moving along, I pointed out that razncain and I showed you that you’re wrong about Geller never being the type that claims he helps police in solving crimes. You said that people that do that are lowlifes. You said you needed “time to study them closely” and that you would do it today. Gonna comment today? There’s not a lot of studying involved.
---
### Author:  [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/103 "2013-03-09T18:01:51Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#):
>
> Prove it. You haven’t given any facts regarding the case. I even showed you that Randi did not say what you claimed he did.
x-ray vision, I’d love to demolish you on your misunderstanding. But unfortunately, under a peculiar ruling from the mods, I’m forbidden to do so.
[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13528739&postcount=135](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13528739&postcount=135)
Read the instructions, and you will see why I cant answer.
Also, note that under the ruling YOU are likewise forbidden from asking me.
I’ve given you facts, as far as I can, only mentioning Geller’s side, and not the other one. I cannot go into further detail without breaking the rule.
> [@](#):
>
> Moving along, I pointed out that razncain and I showed you that you’re wrong about Geller never being the type that claims he helps police in solving crimes. You said that people that do that are lowlifes. You said you needed “time to study them closely” and that you would do it today. Gonna comment today? There’s not a lot of studying involved.
As for that, fine. You can criticise him for the claim. Go ahead, knock yourself out.
I was mistaken and you were right. I admit it. Have a cookie.
But that is unconnected with his appearances on TV, bending spoons, and other tricks. They stand on their own merits as entertaining magic tricks.
---
### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/104 "2013-03-09T18:28:08Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> x-ray vision, I’d love to demolish you on your misunderstanding. But unfortunately, under a peculiar ruling from the mods, I’m forbidden to do so.
>
> [http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13528739&postcount=135](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=13528739&postcount=135)
> Read the instructions, and you will see why I cant answer.
>
> Also, note that under the ruling YOU are likewise forbidden from asking me.
>
> I’ve given you facts, as far as I can, only mentioning Geller’s side, and not the other one. I cannot go into further detail without breaking the rule.
You sure picked a convenient time to stop breaking a rule you knew you were breaking. I, of course, haven’t read every thread you have been involved in and was not aware the rest of us were subject to a rule that was only written in one thread. Why were you breaking a rule that you knew existed?
> [@](#):
>
> As for that, fine. You can criticise him for the claim. Go ahead, knock yourself out.
> I was mistaken and you were right. I admit it. Have a cookie.
Real mature. You didn’t answer my question. Do you now think that Geller is a lowlife based on your own criteria?
> [@](#):
>
> But that is unconnected with his appearances on TV, bending spoons, and other tricks. They stand on their own merits as entertaining magic tricks.
Nonsense. You’ve been shown multiple times that Geller has been presenting his tricks as ESP, telekinesis, etc. and has made money from the gullible by selling material and instructions on developing these powers and displaying these supposed powers.
---
### Author:  [@Roadfood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roadfood)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/105 "2013-03-09T18:54:45Z")
It seems to me that everyone here agrees that Uri Geller does not, in fact, have any supernatural powers and that what he performs are magic tricks and illusions. So the fact that he is recognized by magicians as performing good magic tricks is irrelevant. What is at issue here is not how Uri is seen by others, but what he claims about himself. Does he present himself as a magician or a psychic?
Would an actual legal document, written by a Circuit Judge of the US Court of Appeals, settle this? From here: [https://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F3/40/40.F3d.1300.93-7140.html](https://bulk.resource.org/courts.gov/c/F3/40/40.F3d.1300.93-7140.html), docket number No. 93-7140, United States Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit:
> [@](#):
>
> Appellant Uri Geller, a citizen of Israel and a permanent resident of England, is a self-proclaimed psychic who uses his putative “powers” to accomplish such remarkable feats as reading minds or bending spoons and suspending cable-cars in mid-air with nothing but sheer mental force. Geller has built a career and reputation on attempted demonstrations of these psychic “skills,” appearing on numerous television programs such as “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” and being featured in countless newspaper and magazine articles.
So a Circuit Judge refers to Uri Geller as “a self-proclaimed psychic”. Seems like pretty strong evidence. Does anyone here who is claiming that Uri considers himself a magician have any cite that could trump that?
---
### Author:  [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/106 "2013-03-09T20:55:16Z")
> [@x-ray\_vision](#):
>
> You sure picked a convenient time to stop breaking a rule you knew you were breaking.
I didn’t break any rules. I carefully avoided any mention of that guy in the discussion.
> [@](#):
>
> I, of course, haven’t read every thread you have been involved in and was not aware the rest of us were subject to a rule that was only written in one thread.
Well, now you know the rule. If you ask me the question again, you will KNOWINGLY be breaking the rule.
> [@](#):
>
> You didn’t answer my question. Do you now think that Geller is a lowlife based on your own criteria?
asked and answered.
---
### Author:  [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/107 "2013-03-09T21:30:41Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> I didn’t break any rules. I carefully avoided any mention of that guy in the discussion.
You’re weaseling. You were discussing a lawsuit regarding Randi and now you’re claiming that wasn’t breaking a rule because you didn’t use his name. I’ll stop here before any further comments may be considered an act of jr. modding, but it’s clear you don’t have the evidence you claim you do.
> [@](#):
>
> Well, now you know the rule. If you ask me the question again, you will KNOWINGLY be breaking the rule.
You claimed that what evidence you already provided was sufficient in backing up your statement. You were shown by another poster and me that it wasn’t. If you have more facts that prove your assertion that you claim that posting would be a violation of the rules, PM them to me.
> [@](#):
>
> asked and answered.
More weasel words. A simple yes or no will be suffice: Do you now think that Geller is a lowlife based on your own criteria?
---
### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [March 9, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/108 "2013-03-09T21:48:45Z")
**Moderator Instructions**
**Peter Morris** and **x-ray vision**
Based on the rule previously cited by **Peter Morris** , let’s drop the side discussion of Randi’s involvement with Geller. I think Geller can be discussed without getting into this aspect.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
---
### Author:  [@Roadfood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roadfood)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/109 "2013-03-10T01:00:58Z")
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> asked and answered.
I’m always mystified when people do this. I don’t understand the purpose of a response like this. It doesn’t add anything to the discussion, it doesn’t further support your contention. If you believe that you’ve already answered the question, but someone else makes it clear that they haven’t seen that answer, wouldn’t you be better served by just answering it again? Something like, “asked and answered with a ‘yes’” (or “no”, whichever is appropriate) would be far more productive.
---
### Author:  [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/110 "2013-03-10T01:05:14Z")
He saw my answer, all right. He just didn’t like it. By asking the same question over and over, he’s just badgering me, and I’m not going to be drawn into an argument with him.
---
### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/111 "2013-03-10T02:06:50Z")
> [@Roadfood](#):
>
> I’m always mystified when people do this. I don’t understand the purpose of a response like this. It doesn’t add anything to the discussion, it doesn’t further support your contention. If you believe that you’ve already answered the question, but someone else makes it clear that they haven’t seen that answer, wouldn’t you be better served by just answering it again? Something like, “asked and answered with a ‘yes’” (or “no”, whichever is appropriate) would be far more productive.
> [@Peter\_Morris](#):
>
> He saw my answer, all right. He just didn’t like it. By asking the same question over and over, he’s just badgering me, and I’m not going to be drawn into an argument with him.
MODERATOR INSTRUCTIONS
**Drop the side discussion and stick strictly to the subject of the thread.** Further sidetracking may be subject to a warning.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
---
### Author:  [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/112 "2013-03-10T05:07:17Z")
Sorry, I got the drawing trick, but never have understood how rigid items like keys are bent in mere seconds by stroking them. Yes, I know it’s a trick; I don’t know what the trick is. Any help?
---
### Author:  [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/113 "2013-03-10T05:08:32Z")
[I started a thread about the “Randi Restriction”](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=684744) in ATMB.
---
### Author:  [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/114 "2013-03-10T05:20:02Z")
> [@Leaffan](#):
>
> Sorry, I got the drawing trick, but never have understood how rigid items like keys are bent in mere seconds by stroking them. Yes, I know it’s a trick; I don’t know what the trick is. Any help?
My understanding is that you bend the key beforehand, either by having an identical key prepared or by quickly jamming the key against a hard surface just before you start the stoking. While stroking you hold and turn it in such a way that it looks like it’s bending but it’s really just already bent.
---
### Author:  [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/115 "2013-03-10T05:27:41Z")
> [@Leaffan](#):
>
> Sorry, I got the drawing trick, but never have understood how rigid items like keys are bent in mere seconds by stroking them. Yes, I know it’s a trick; I don’t know what the trick is. Any help?
A certain magician that can’t be named\* has a presentation on Youtube where he shows footage where you can see Geller bend objects he gets from his audience by using brute force. He then holds it so that he’s covering the bend and then subtly moves it while he’s rubbing the item so that the bend becomes more apparent.
In cases where the bending is more extreme or it actually breaks, he never uses items he gets from audience members, he always brings his own. Presumably those then are rigged such that there’s already a weak point.
\*not Voldemort
---
### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/116 "2013-03-10T14:19:32Z")
> [@Floater](#):
>
> I was watching Geller on TV with some friends and suddenly we went on a bender.
And afterwards I can only assume you came home and spooned.
mmm
---
### Author:  [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/117 "2013-03-10T17:26:48Z")
**Clarification of Moderator Instructions**
As I just posted in [this thread:](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=16083471&posted=1#post16083471)
> [@](#):
>
> I’ll admit that I did not consider all of the ramifications before giving my instructions in [this] thread.
>
> Based on the rule as it presently stands, I would say that:
>
> 1. Peter Morris is prohibited from mentioning or referring to Randi on this board. This includes oblique references where he does not mention him by name. He is not allowed to engage other posters on the subject when it comes up.
>
> 2. Other posters may not attempt to goad Peter into discussing Randi. They should not bring up Randi in threads in which Peter is posting, where Randi is not pertinent to the subject of the thread. Otherwise they are free to discuss Randi.
>
> Peter is free to engage in the Uri Geller thread, as long as he does not mention or discuss Randi. He is not to respond to other posters on the subject of Randi. Other posters should not ask him about his position on Randi or engage him on the issue.
>
> It’s unfortunate that these restrictions had to be put in place, but they were prompted by Peter’s previous obsessive behavior on the subject. We were faced with the alternatives of either banning Peter, or not being able to have any discussion of Randi that didn’t become a massive trainwreck.
>
> I will not issue a warning to Peter for bringing up Randi in [this] thread (and he was apparently the first to do so) to give him the benefit of the doubt that he may have thought it was OK because he didn’t mention him by name. However, I want to make it completely clear that any reference to Randi by Peter, even obliquely, in the future may result in a warning and review of his posting privileges.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
---
### Author:  [@md2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md2000)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/118 "2013-03-10T19:48:05Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#):
>
> And afterwards I can only assume you came home and spooned.
Because he was Randi?
---
### Author:  [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/119 "2013-03-10T20:48:53Z")
inazin, I’m a bit late to the thread, but from skimming, it seems to me that you’ve repeatedly said variations on “I’m not claiming Geller is _X_” and “I never said Geller was _Y_” and “I never said _A_ was _B_” etc.
Putting aside what you’re _not_ claiming, what (if anything) _are_ you claiming, about Geller or anything else?
---
### Author:  [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)
#### Post date: [March 10, 2013, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260/120 "2013-03-10T21:54:51Z")
^^^ That’s Geller is a friend, and a really nice guy. 🙂
[Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260.md?page=5)
[Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-uri-geller-psychic-divine-pictures-people-had-written/652260.md?page=7)