# Riley G outsmarts the "amazing" Randi for 1 million dollars! **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 1, 1999, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782 "1999-10-01T06:26:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Contestant\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Contestant\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contestant_3)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 1999, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/41 "1999-10-02T22:56:00Z")
David B wrote: “So in other words, it doesn’t matter at all to you whether or not his claims are true or false, just as long as he annoys people you don’t like. Can’t say that comes as a surprise…” David, I’m really proud of they way that such a fair and even-handed moderator such as yourself avoids putting words into the mouths of the users of this forum. The way that you refuse to get emotional and resort to insulting those with different viewpoints stands as an example to all that aspire to conduct themselves rationally. ## Hat’s off to you buddy for yet another classy post! Contestant #3 ---
**Author:** ![WallyM7](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/b5e925/32.png) [@WallyM7](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WallyM7)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 1999, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/42 "1999-10-02T23:08:00Z")
Now I have to re-read everything. For some reason, I thought that David’s posts were reasonable, intelligent, and civilized. * * * According to the Pope, a woman can be a saint, but not a priest. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/43 "1999-10-03T00:33:00Z")
That reason, Wally, would be in part because you are not an anti-rational-thought troll. Silly you! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Contestant\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Contestant\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contestant_3)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/44 "1999-10-03T02:12:00Z")
You know what? It occurs to me that since I didn’t make contact with this guy (Riley G)…and IF none of you guys did either…that there’s only 3 ways to explain his finding and responding to this thread: 1. Riley G has been a long-time lurker and signed-up as a member to respond when he saw his name mentioned in an OP 2. Some other lurker contacted him to let him know about the OP 3. Coincidence…he just happened to surf into the SDMB… 4. His “pyschic” abilities alerted him…and lead him to this thread… Which of the 4 possibilities do you think explains things? Riley G…If you are reading (or sensing) this, please respond to let us know… * * * Contestant #3 ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/45 "1999-10-03T02:47:00Z")
I had originally figured you’d contacted him. But I’ll take you at your word when you say you didn’t. That said, I’d bet on #2 (presuming, of course, that this is the real Riley G). ---
**Author:** ![pldennison](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/9fc29f/32.png) [@pldennison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pldennison)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/46 "1999-10-03T12:56:00Z")
I find it particularly pathetic, if this is the real Riley G that: 1. He thinks that “police departments seeking his help” means he actually did any solving of cases. (ObIrony: There is a particularly funny example of some schmoe heloing police find three missing bodies in Florida when all the “psychics” failed to help at all in the current _SI_.) 2. He can’t actually demonstrate the existence of his claimed psychic powers under controlled conditions so he resorts to lawsuit filing and petty accusations for his little get-rich-quick scheme. Just like all the other so-called paranormalists who fall under the “con man” category. ---
**Author:** ![Riley\_G](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e19b73/32.png) [@Riley\_G](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riley_G)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/47 "1999-10-03T14:07:00Z")
I found out about this web presence while checking my web domain stats. They listed this site with some 60 hits in one day to the a Riley G vs. James Randi pages on my web site. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/48 "1999-10-03T14:17:00Z")
Just a note here to all participants in this thread: Please be careful what you say and how you say it. We’re not trying to prevent the free flow of discussion, but you have to remember that some of these guys are notoriously litigious. For example, Uri Geller has sued Randi and others a number of times based on statements they’ve made. And, of course, this whole thread is about Riley suing somebody. Since the Reader operates the board and attempts to moderate it (as opposed to the the free for all on Usenet), their liability is greater, so please try not to get them sued. Thanks. * * * David B, SDMB Great Debates Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/49 "1999-10-03T15:12:00Z")
Cool, DB! Then that means I’m covered. After all, I was just addressing myself to PLD’s suspicions. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/50 "1999-10-03T15:16:00Z")
FWIW, that also means the SD is covered, DB. If C#3 manages to file a suit, you may rest assured that “one poster assured another poster that he had no doubts” will not constitute a basis for successful litigation. ---
**Author:** ![Contestant\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ce7236/32.png) [@Contestant\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contestant_3)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/51 "1999-10-03T15:58:00Z")
Hey Monty, What are you doing out here on a Sunday morning? I thought that you would be busy baptizing people posthumously and against their will? * * * Contestant #3 ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 1999, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/52 "1999-10-04T05:32:00Z")
Once again C3 shows his astounding inanity. Posthumous baptisms, by definition, are not against someone’s will. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 1999, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/53 "1999-10-04T05:39:00Z")
Seems I used the wrong word to describe C3 above. I shouldn’t have said inanity. The correct term is bigotry. ---
**Author:** ![BenDover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c77e96/32.png) [@BenDover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BenDover)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/54 "1999-10-03T18:00:00Z")
Has anyone else checked out “Riley G.”'s profile? It lists Occupations as Actor/Entertainer. Nothing about being a psychic detective, or even a psychic, not even under Interests. Just seems a little odd to me. * * * I have as much authority as the Pope; I just don’t have as many people who believe it! - George Carlin ---
**Author:** ![E1skeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3da27b/32.png) [@E1skeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E1skeptic)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/55 "1999-10-03T19:16:00Z")
**Riley\_G** : still waiting for your answer. **DavidB** : thanks for the advice. Does this mean I can’t call him names now? Saludos. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/56 "1999-10-03T21:44:00Z")
You can’t call him names 'cus we have rules against insults. If you wish to question any abilities that anybody may proclaim for himself, or point out any flaws in any arguments that are posted, that is up to you. * * * David B, SDMB Great Debates Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/57 "1999-10-03T21:49:00Z")
All right then. What specific abilities, besides sueing, does Mr. Riley have? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Ryan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7feea3/32.png) [@The\_Ryan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Ryan)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 1999, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/58 "1999-10-03T23:51:00Z")
Contestant #3 posted 10-01-1999 01:29 PM > [@](#): > > Hey Ryan, take a reading comprehension course buddy. I could take a course on how to decipher illogical arguments, or you could try to structure your statements will some semblance of rationality. Which do suppose I prefer? > [@](#): > > ``` > Noooooooo. I wasn't told...I heard it live with my own two ears. You can hear it too if you choose to by accessing Art's audio archives. > > ``` And here’s the original quote: > [@](#): > > BTW, a Randi disciple called the Art Bell Show last night and Art told him that Randi has refused several offers to appear on his show. I suppose that one could assume from that statement that you heard the program, but you never actually said that. Should I automatically assume that any event you describe is one that you actually witnessed? Regardless, my point was that you had not made a distinction between being told that Randi had been challenged and refused that challenge, and actually knowing that Randi refused the challenge. I believe that the point remains valid. > [@](#): > > ``` > Further, read on dweeb: > [http://www.psicop.com/rg-jr-2.htm](http://www.psicop.com/rg-jr-2.htm) > > Randi made an unsolicited challenge to Riley G and offered the Million Dollar Prize... > > ``` I have yet to see any evidence that Randi offered the Million Dollar Prize; the e-mail which allegedly came from Randi refers only a million dollar prize. I believe I have already demonstrated how much difference capitalization can make. The link you supplied does not apply at all to the e-mail: > [@](#): > > This statement outlines the rules covering an offer concerning psychic, supernatural or paranormal claims. The claim that Randi is wrong is not a supernatural claim. > [@](#): > > All applicants must agree to the rules set forth here before any formal agreement can be entered into. Riley agreed to the rules _after_ the “agreement” took place. > [@](#): > > Applicant must state clearly in advance, and the applicant and Mr. Randi will agree upon, just what powers or abilities will be demonstrated, the limits of the proposed demonstration (so far as time, location and other variables are concerned) and what will constitute both a positive and a negative result. **This is the primary, basic, and most important of these rules**. (emphasis mine) This is the most important of the rules, and it clearly has not been fulfilled. Randi never agreed what would considered a positive or negative result. Riley has unilaterally declared what the terms of the agreements are, and then demanded that Randi comply. > [@](#): > > It happened. Accept it and deal with it. You have still not presented conclusive evidence that Randi even sent the e-mail in the first place. Of all the forms of communications, e-mail is probably the easiest to fake. Why should I “accept and deal with it” when all I have is Riley’s word that it happened? > [@](#): > > The only thing “Amazing” about James Randi is his enormous ego and his big mouth…and they both got him into a pickle of his own making!!! LMFAO! Even if Randi did send an ill-thought out e-mail, that does not mean that he hasn’t done important work in exposing frauds. Contestant #3 posted 10-02-1999 09:12 PM > [@](#): > > ``` > You know what? > > It occurs to me that since I didn't make contact with this guy (Riley G)...and IF none of you guys did either...that there's only 3 ways to explain his finding and responding to this thread: > > 1. Riley G has been a long-time lurker and signed-up as a member to respond when he > saw his name mentioned in an OP > > 2. Some other lurker contacted him to let him know about the OP > > 3. Coincidence...he just happened to surf into the SDMB... > > 4. His "pyschic" abilities alerted him...and lead him to this thread... > > Which of the 4 possibilities do you think explains things? > > ``` I think I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you made a typo, and actually do understand the difference between 3 and 4. But isn’t is rather arrogant to say that you are absolutely sure that you’ve identified _all_ of the possibilities, especially since Riley G. gave a complete completely different explanation? Your post makes as much since as the Lord, Liar or Lunatic position put forth in the “Who was Jesus anyway?” thread. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 1999, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782/59 "1999-10-04T01:26:00Z")
Ryan said: > [@](#): > > Even if Randi did send an ill-thought out e-mail, that does not mean that he hasn’t done important work in exposing frauds. Bingo. And you’ve hit upon the precise reason that certain people don’t like him. He exposes frauds. What fraud wants to be exposed? None. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/riley-g-outsmarts-the-amazing-randi-for-1-million-dollars/16782.md?page=2)