Explain to me, #3, how the fact that Randi refuses to appear on the Art Bell show (or hangs up on talk show hosts) proves anything about paranormal phenomena. The most it would prove to me is that Randi may personally be a jerk. Are you seriously offering this as proof of psychic phenomena?
What you seem to be missing, C#3, is that Randi doesn’t have the personal power to dispense with that money. It’s being held by a brokerage, and the ONLY way to release it is for someone to meet the qualifications outlined in the formal application and win. Period. Randi can say whatever the hell he wants; that money is not at his disposal anymore.
Phil, C3 isn’t missing that point – it’s just like so many others, he doesn’t care. If he can post a troll, the facts would only get in the way. Thus, he ignores them.
What was the point, anyway? That Randi, in his “pompous blowhard” mode, shot off his mouth and his lawyer advised he settle? If it was to illustrate that Randi in person can be a blustering carnival barker, we all know that already. What bearing does this have on the institution’s award for demonstrating a valid psychic power under controlled conditions?
Dr. Fidelius, Charlatan
Associate Curator Anomalous Paleontology, Miskatonic University
Cave ab homine unius libri
Dr. F: None. But since they can’t point to actual evidence in favor of their claims, they are relegated to ad hominem attacks against the folks who point this out, like Randi.
And since when has C#3 taken an interest in psychic phenomena? I thought he was only concerned with proving that UFOs from Altantis are stealing his underwear.
tracer:
I don’t think he really is interested in psi. However, the little newsicle he tried to put a spin on ties in with his paranoia and his Bell worship.
Art Bell is the only one who tells us the TRUTH ™.
Interesting debate here.
The fact remains that there is precendence to James Randi making like offers to others to prove non-psychic, supernatural events for the 1 million dollars. I am the only one that followed through and accepted his unsolicted offer. The matter is being handled by my attorney and I have started civil actions against Randi, Rick Addams, and the JREF.
http://www.psicop.com/rg-jr-3.htm http://www.mindspring.com/~anson/randi-hotline/1998/0011.html
Riley G
http://www.psicop.com
No, it’s not.
My advice: Take the $3,000, declare victory (if that’s how you look at it), and have some fun. Otherwise, what’s the point? Just to yank someone else’s chain? I’d think you could find more rewarding ways to spend your energy. But it’s your life.
C#3, you are a chismoso! You couldn’t resist the temptation to go tell your buddy Riley about this, right? Or am I wrong? Is it possible that Riley used his “psychic” powers to “see” that we were debating his allegations?
Riley_G, if you are who you imply you are, tell me something, now: Are you going to win this lawsuit against Randi? If yes, when, and exactly how much money are you going to receive? After all you ARE psychic aren’t you?
Also, could you please tell us who is going to be the second next poster after you post the answer to my question, and the time of his/hers post?
Now, be warned, I’m sending a copy of your last post to the JREF, let’s see if you can back up your assertion that “…there is precendence (sic) to James Randi making like offers to others to prove non-psychic, supernatural events for the 1 million dollars.”
Men will cease to commit atrocities only when they cease to believe absurdities.
-Voltaire
PLD: actually, I have no doubts whatsoever that C#3 is exactly as stupid as he appears here.
There. It’s done. Do you want a copy of the e-mail, C#3, or Riley_G?
Monty said:
Monty, that’s enough.
C3 had earlier said:
That’s enough from you also, C3.
In fact, that’s enough of insults from everybody. If you can’t discuss this without insulting each other, don’t discuss it. Otherwise editing/deletions are going to start.
David B, SDMB Great Debates Moderator
To offer $1M [why doesn’t it keep pace with inflation?] to prove actual psychic stuff happening would seem to imply that psychic stuff actually exists.
C3, your topic title, as stated before, is a lie on at least two different levels.
Riley, you are an annoyance who thinks that filing a lawsuit is proof of anything.
Handy, I am offering my house if you can provide proof that the moon is made entirely of green cheese. Gee, there must be something to it if an offer of that sort is made!
My ghod! I haven’t heard logic like this since the last time a Scientologist stopped me on the street!
[Note: This message has been edited by David B]
Handy said:
Uh, in what world?
Seriously, how do you figure?
Seems to me that anybody who has such powers would want to get their hands on a million bucks (I would), if only to donate it to the poor and homeless (since some claim they can’t use their powers to serve themselves). Alas, hasn’t happened. Funny, that…
Incidentally, C3, I was just wondering – when you posted the original message, you called him: “‘Psychic Detective’ Riley G” – with the quotes around “Psychic Detective.” Does this indicate that you don’t actually believe he is psychic? Or do you? How about clearing up your position on that?
I don’t know Riley G and had never even heard of him until Thursday Night when I ran across his website while researching the “Amazing” James Randi.
He refers to himself as a “Psychic Detective” and seems to offer examples of criminal cases in which his help was sought by law enforcement agencies.
I have not yet had the time or inclination to check out his results and references in that regard.
I don’t even know if the person here posting as “Riley G” really is THE Riley G…I’ve never corresponded with him in my life. I do find it wildly entertaining that he’s sticking it to that pompous ass Randi that people like David B worship!
Contestant #3
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…
Riley:
You have the power.
Help those in need. The poor, the hungry, the sick.
Forget about the $3000! Go for the gold!
Take the opporunity to overturn our
childdish notions of physics!
Oh, and lose the-out-of date, cheesy incoherent website.