Psychic Samurai applies for MDC...apparently...

[The Professor]

Now the Mod's got me all Freaked Out I don't want to offend anyone or break the rules.
I'm not sure what to say now. You can hear it on The Ghostman and Demon Hunter Show but I can't post the link yet. I think you can google it though. I also think it's been posted by someone else on this thread already.
Why doesn't the JREF post it?
I would like to have an OFFICIAL posting so no one takes things out of context.
Wouldn't that be best?

 

[IMST]

The Professor
New Blood


Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 16
^
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You can now post links.

 

[GzuzKryzt]

Slim, if you are reading this, the JREF Forum members do not speak for the JREF.

Exceptions are two JREF Staffers who post here regularly: GM Jeff Wagg and Research Assistant RemieV.

If you wish to contact the JREF directly I recommend challenge@randi.org.

...
Why doesn't the JREF post it?
I would like to have an OFFICIAL posting so no one takes things out of context.
Wouldn't that be best?

 

[Moochie]

Hmm...

Nope, I can't change my earlier assessment.


M.

 

[The Professor]

Here is the link to the actual show!
http://ghostanddemon.podomatic.com/
I am at the very beginning of the Show.
In keeping with the Challenges rules it is my obligation to build my Media Presence so I have been doing Radio Shows. I will be getting Married this weekend and I'll be on Honeymoon for a couple of weeks, so it is very important for me to make sure I don't get swept under the rug while I'm away.
Thanks for your interest and support. I'm very excited to take the Challenge!

 

[Biscuit]

I have read all of the above (Had to remove the links since I'm a newbie) and honestly tried to meet all of the qualifications. I actually sent the JREF my notarized application last week (Certified mail), and even called and emailed them but as of right now I don't see them posting anything about it.
As you can see the thread started without me around with many assumptions being made and people are jumping to conclusions with little or no facts. Amazing.

So then you saw the part that say "paranormal entities" do not qualify for the MDC? Why after reading that why would make your application about contacting paranormal entities?

If you were just confused than you should admit that now and either publicly withdraw your application as it does not meet the rules or you should re-work your application so that the paranormal phenomenon fits the MDC challenge rules. Doing anything else makes you seem very suspect.

I will give you the benefit of the doubt and await your complete answer to my post as I think that would clear up a lot of what the others in this thread are asking.

One last question if I may - Do you claim to have paranormal abilities and if so what are they?

Thanks and have a great honeymoon.

 

[Jackalgirl]

Howdy and welcome to the Forum, TP --

I just would like to echo everyone else who's asked you about your paranormal abilities -- or whatever it is that's paranormal that you're going to demonstrate. I'm particularly interested in the development of test protocols, so I'm really looking forward to that part of the process (if it ever gets to that).

I am, of course, concerned about the alleged report -- so far -- that your claim involves paranormal entities. I quote from the Application, which you signed and notarized (indicating your understanding and acceptance of all of the stipulations of the Application):

IMPORTANT: Only claims that can be verified by evidence under proper observing conditions will be accepted. Also, JREF will NOT accept claims of the existence of deities or demons/angels, the validity of exorcism, religious claims, cloudbusting, causing the Sun to rise or the stars to move, etc. JREF will also NOT test claims that are likely to cause injury of any sort, such as those involving the withholding of air, food or water, or the use of illicit materials, drugs, or dangerous devices.

Is it true that your claim involves paranormal entities? If so, how do you plan to demonstrate their existance in a completely objective, testable way?

Part of the report on what you plan to demonstrate, for example, refers to "EVP". To the best of my understanding, this is like backwards masking -- a person has to pick a pattern out of noise. The problem with this is that it's highly subjective unless it's absolutely, totally clear -- if, for example, you have to explain to someone that they'll hear a specific phrase and they can't hear it until you do, it just means that someone is picking out the pattern they've been told to do (and for which we are all hardwired to do).

Which leads to the next problem: if it's true that you plan to use EVP during your demonstration, and even if there is a sound on the tape, how do you intend to demonstrate that it belongs to a paranormal entity? These are the problems with those kinds of "proofs" that lead to their being untestable.

So you've got to pick something that is objectively verifiable, something that requires no judgement or interpretation. Another quote from the Application:

All tests must be designed in such a way that the results are self-evident, so that no judging or voting process is required.

Does your intended demonstration achieve all that?

Lastly, I understand that you announced that the demonstration will take place at a certain date and a certain time. Is this true? From another of your posts, it seems that all that has happened is that you've sent in the notarized application, and called to confirm that it has been received. If that is true (please correct me if I'm wrong), you do understand that there is a lot more to the process, right? If they accept your application, it does not mean that they accept the protocol you describe in the application as is. The next step is to ensure that the demonstration is mutually agreeable. Again, I quote from the Application:

Applicant must state clearly what is being claimed as the special ability upon which they wish to be tested, and test protocols must be agreed upon by both parties before any testing will take place.

This (usually) requires a lot of negotiation in order to make sure that both sides understand completely what's required, and both are in compete agreement as to how it will go, what constitutes success, and what constitutes failure.

What I'm getting at is that if it is true that you announced a date for the demonstration before you sent in the application, then you are a) a bit premature and b) showing that you do not understand how the Challenge works which means that you c) did not really read the Application.

So I am concerned -- because (and I am honestly not being facetious here) I really like to see applications actually make it to the testing stage and want to see yours make it there, but the chances of that happen are greately diminished if you do not understand what the Challenge is about and therefore try to make a claim that is outside the scope of the Challenge.

A note about moderation: if you read your Membership Agreement and hold to it, you'll be fine. You can respond to people -- just be measured and civil about it. If someone says something that is inaccurate about you, for example, simply point out that it is inaccurate, and how it is inaccurate. No name-calling is necessary. You might get infracted a couple of times as you get to learn the rules, but it's no biggie. Everyone's gotta adjust. And there's always an appeals system if you think you were unfairly modded. Banning is a last resort, and usually occurs because someone has willfully and repeatedly broken the rules. Or because they created a sock puppet. Don't do that. ; )

 

[The Professor]

Thanks Jackalgirl!
It seems that until the JREF releases the application all of you will just be wondering, guessing and assuming. I do know that several of you have made mistakes already as to the nature of the challenge.
Quote

At JREF, we offer a one-million-dollar prize to anyone who can show, under proper observing conditions, evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event.

Not one person here has mentioned "EVENT".
Some events can only occur at certain times and places.
This EVENT can only happen once per year historically. Maybe at other times but not with the certainty that the challenge demands.
As far as my involvement it must happen at one specific PLACE.
The test must incorporate the time and place. It's extremely easy to do.
My Powers, if you call them that, are the catalyst for the event.
If you listen to the Link I provided it will answer many questions.

Azrael 5 says
Assuming he can record them I guess he'll be within the rules.

Now that's the general idea!

 

[RemieV]

How very interesting... I'd like to thank Terry for pointing out this thread to me.

The first I ever heard of David Koenig was today, August 19th at 8:42am when he e-mailed with this:

JREF
Did you receive my application for the JREF Million Dollar Challenge? It was mailed last week on Thursday and the US Post Office said you would get it probably on Saturday since we are so close in proximity and major cities. I went to the extra expense to send it certified mail to insure that you will get it in a prompt manner. The academic's letters should be arriving shortly if they aren't there already. They have also offered to email their support if that would be more efficient. I am doing everything I can to expedite the process and make it as easy and smooth as possible.
Thanks
David Koenig

I responded with the following:

David Koenig,

Thank you for your interest in the James Randi Educational Foundation's Million Dollar Challenge.

I have not yet received your application - but I am not on-site at the JREF. The application will be forwarded to me when it is complete, and protocol negotiations can begin.

Please keep in mind even then that you are one of many applicants, and do not expect daily updates regarding your application.

If you have sent the following, you will be contacted:

- Signed, notarized application
- Affidavits from academics
- Proof of Media Presence
- Two paragraph summary of claim

Thank you again for your interest

To which he responded:

I sent a Signed Notarized Application along with the Two Paragraphs of Claim Summary. The Academics have been given your contact information and here are a few links as to my Media Presence.
http://ghostanddemon.podomatic.com/
http://shadowsinthedarkradio.com/shows/2008/07/31.html
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/pangeaworldofweird/2008/07/31/TBD
http://professorslimking.com/
http://www.myspace.com/professorslimking

Thanks
Dave Koenig

To which I responded, moments ago....

Mr. Koenig,

Thank you for your continued interest.

Protocol negotiations will not begin until we have received your academic affidavits. May I suggest you collect them yourself?

Also, I have just read on the JREF Forum that you are already telling people - in interviews and on forums - that you have made arrangements to take the preliminary Challenge. I must ask you to refrain from continuing that behaviour at least until it is true. We have not received your full application, and also have not agreed to any kind of testing protocol as of yet.

Please visit the sites where you have made these claims and retract them.

Thank you again.

 

[Chris H]

The Professor Slim King is booked on ALL of his radio Shows as a MENTALIST!

If that's the case, then I expect your media presence as a "mentalist" won't be sufficient for the JREF MDC. Theoretically, if the JREF accepted someone performing mentalist tricks on the radio as "media presence", that would make Derren Brown, or even David Copperfield an acceptable applicant.

Slim King has NEVER referred to himself as a Psychic. Another BIG LIE from the Gorilla.

If memory serves, I recall posting that we can presume your appearances were as a psychic, based on the following evidence.

He appeared on this radio show as a psychic, not as a magician. We can only presume this based on the following information:

1. The show, 'Ghostman and Demon Hunter' is a show dedicated to the paranormal, not magic tricks.

2. He performed a "prediction" on this show, which he never said wasn't a magic trick. In fact, he took full credit for his psychic ability, the prediction and it's "accuracy".

3. During the show, he also discussed his "genuine" application for the JREF MDC.

The Professor has NEVER taken money for a reading or anything like that. All untrue.

Don't recall posting that. Would love to be reminded of it if I did.

I hope the moderators take note of these lies and the fact that his very first post was to begin a negative campaign against an honest application to the MDC.

Negative campaign? Hardly. I informed the board members of a supposed application, and your announcement of the challenge details before the JREF have acknowledged you application. Your claim is more relevant to the discussion here than it is on The Magic Cafe.

No doubt you've all seen references on this forum to the recent threads over at The Magic Cafe regarding this fellow and his claims that he will apply for the JREF challenge. I'm a regular poster on that board, and thought you would all like to know that Psychic Samurai is now claiming to have applied for the challenge.

This is my first post here, and I understand I'm not permitted to post external links, but anyone who is interested can visit The Magic Cafe dot com, and then proceed to the 'Stand The Test' forum to find the topic entitled "SLIM KING ACCEPTS RANDI'S MILLION DOLLAR CHALLENGE! !!!!", where you can read all about it.

Hopefully the crew at the JREF can provide more details regarding his claim and the preliminary test once his application arrives.

I wish you all the best with your challenge application David, in all sincerity.

Regards,

Chris

 

[Bob Klase]

Disregard- I listened to the wrong (Aug 3) show, so what I'd original written here wouldn't apply to this thread.

 

[Czarcasm]

Thanks Jackalgirl!
It seems that until the JREF releases the application all of you will just be wondering, guessing and assuming. I do know that several of you have made mistakes already as to the nature of the challenge.
Quote

At JREF, we offer a one-million-dollar prize to anyone who can show, under proper observing conditions, evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event.

Not one person here has mentioned "EVENT".
Some events can only occur at certain times and places.
This EVENT can only happen once per year historically. Maybe at other times but not with the certainty that the challenge demands.
As far as my involvement it must happen at one specific PLACE.
The test must incorporate the time and place. It's extremely easy to do.
My Powers, if you call them that, are the catalyst for the event.
If you listen to the Link I provided it will answer many questions.

Azrael 5 says
Assuming he can record them I guess he'll be within the rules.

Now that's the general idea!

You are allowed to discuss the particulars of your claim in this thread, and I'd rather you gave it to us straight, here, rather than force us listen to a podcast where you pontificate, boast, and cast aspersions on both Mr. Randi and the MDC itself.

 

[Jackalgirl]

Howdy!

Thanks Jackalgirl!
It seems that until the JREF releases the application all of you will just be wondering, guessing and assuming. I do know that several of you have made mistakes already as to the nature of the challenge.

As Czarcasm points out, there's nothing to stop you from posting information here. You're not sworn to secrecy, that is. I just double-checked the application and there is nothing in there that forbids you from quoting from, or even posting all of, your application here. So please do let us know the details -- but please be concise. That way, we won't be wondering, guessing or (worse) assuming.

At JREF, we offer a one-million-dollar prize to anyone who can show, under proper observing conditions, evidence of any paranormal, supernatural, or occult power or event.

Not one person here has mentioned "EVENT".
Some events can only occur at certain times and places.
This EVENT can only happen once per year historically. Maybe at other times but not with the certainty that the challenge demands.
As far as my involvement it must happen at one specific PLACE.
The test must incorporate the time and place. It's extremely easy to do.

Okay, granted that -- what event, and what place? How is the event paranormal, and how will you demonstrate that this is so?

My Powers, if you call them that, are the catalyst for the event.
If you listen to the Link I provided it will answer many questions.

I think it would be much more efficient (and helpful) if you'd just state what your related ability is without making us listen to 118 minutes of a show. Surely you can provide a brief summary?

Is your ability paranormal or normal? Is the event paranormal or normal? Does it truly involve a "paranormal entity"? If so, how do you intend to demonstrate this in such a way that requires no judgement or interpretation? If not, what do you intend to demonstrate?

Edited to add: I just wanted to state that I get the gist of what you're saying about "paranormal events". You do not actually have to possess any paranormal abilities or "powers" to apply for the MDC*, so if you're saying that you don't, that is totally cool. You do have to demonstrate that something paranormal has occured, though, and that's what I'm interested in.

*For an example of this, check out PeaceCrusader's thread. His claim was that a lady he knows can predict the future. He has no paranormal abilities, but wanted to apply by stating that he could predict the future via this lady, and the word from JREF was that this was totally fine. Unfortunately for him, the lady refused to participate.

 

[jimtron]

IMHO, you guys are wasting your time talking to Slim about the MDC. My psychic prediction is that he'll argue in circles and never really apply for the challenge, but perhaps I'll be proved wrong. Slim seems to be friendly with and somewhat similar to Jim Callahan; they are both prolific posters at the Magic Café. As many of you may know, self styled paranormalist Callahan has several of his own challenges, including his own million dollar one aimed at Randi, but good luck figuring out how they work. Both he and Slim and others at the Café are harsh critics of Randi--maybe one of them can really take the challenge and prove us skeptics wrong. Or perhaps they can forget about Randi and demonstrate their abilities elsewhere, but in a way that eliminates the possibility of magician's tricks etc. I welcome that.

Below is a quote from a JREF forum post on another thread referring to discussions I was involved with at the Café. My time there was an exercise in banging my head against a wall.

Magic Café threads I've unfortunately wasted time on:

Palmistry is scientifc

This thread involves Jim Callahan (when he was posting as J ack (sic) Galloway), as well as prolific author of woo, (including "Is Your Pet Psychic?" and "Cold Reading for Profit") Richard Webster. I ask Webster what role cold reading plays in psychic readings. Webster and psychics in general are defended; mentalist Ian Rowland is accused of being an unethical exposer of secrets--he weighs in late in the thread.

Another thread that asks if Rowland's book on cold reading is exposure (ie, an unethical revealing of secrets). The book is called "vile and inhumane" in one post.

A thread where remote viewing is defended as real, with appearances by Jim Callahan (aka J ack Galloway).

Getting paid to do "readings" using cold reading techniques

Here Callahan (Galloway) "explains" his $25K Randi challenge

 

[Bob Klase]

You are allowed to discuss the particulars of your claim in this thread, and I'd rather you gave it to us straight, here, rather than force us listen to a podcast where you pontificate, boast, and cast aspersions on both Mr. Randi and the MDC itself.

I made the sacrifice and listened to the pontificating, boasting and aspersion casting (not to mention the pre-setting of excuses to use if protocols can't be agreed on or if the challenge isn't accepted) for you. Generally it wasn't much different that the pontificating, boasting and aspersion casting made by many others claiming they'd win the million.

Here's his claim (as best as I could understand it and transcribe it from the audio).

I, David Koenig [sp?] will contact a paranormal entity and communicate with it in an intelligent and understandable manner. Reasonable questions will be asked and answered. This communication will be recorded with instrumental (sounds like 'trans-communication) and electronic and electronic voice phenomenon, ITC and EVP methods. Conventional video recording will also be used to verify contact in addition to still photography. Other scientific devices will also be used to determine and verify any unusual presences at the location.

This demonstration will take place 10-31-2008 at Lake Helen Florida. I will make contact on that date as a preliminary test and then again on 10-31-2009 to complete the million dollar challenge, unless the JREF would like to forego the preliminary test and go straight to the challenge on 10-31-2008. I would prefer to go straight to the million dollar challenge and not waste any time.

Big problem in finding protocols will be determine the entity is paranormal without judging. Naturally his desire to skip the preliminary won't even be considered.

A few other quotes:

In the 30 years or so he's [Randi] been running around doing this he's dodged everyone. [Garbled] him to dodge me. I want the money.

In the last 13 years that I know of he's allowed no one to actually take the official test. He has never risked the million dollars once.

Ignoring the fact that no one could pass a preliminary test.

They used the preliminary test of a lady who was trying to make a guy pee his pants. That was their test, that was their thing.

No. That was the lady's thing. She's the one that claimed she could make someone pee in their pants. So what were they supposed to test- her ability to fly?

My prediction- protocols for this challenge will never be agreed upon. The Professor will continue to make his claims about the challenge (such as the two quoted above) and try to get some publicity by claiming that Randi ran from him, or that Randi cheated, or the test is rigged.

My opinion. The Professor isn't stupid- he's read the rules and he knows that it's highly unlikely that this challenge will be accepted and virtually no chance at all that everyone will reach an agreement on protocols. He's doing it so he can use the result in future publicity and claims on future radio shows.

Nothing new to see here folks. Just us close-minded skeptics still trying to cover up all those paranormal powers and paranormal happening going on out there.

 

[Jackalgirl]

Thanks, Bob, for taking one for the team. ; )

TP, is this transcription of your claim accurate?

I, David Koenig [sp?] will contact a paranormal entity and communicate with it in an intelligent and understandable manner. Reasonable questions will be asked and answered. This communication will be recorded with instrumental (sounds like 'trans-communication) and electronic and electronic voice phenomenon, ITC and EVP methods. Conventional video recording will also be used to verify contact in addition to still photography. Other scientific devices will also be used to determine and verify any unusual presences at the location.

This demonstration will take place 10-31-2008 at Lake Helen Florida. I will make contact on that date as a preliminary test and then again on 10-31-2009 to complete the million dollar challenge, unless the JREF would like to forego the preliminary test and go straight to the challenge on 10-31-2008. I would prefer to go straight to the million dollar challenge and not waste any time.

If so, how will you demonstrate that the entity is paranormal in an objective way (requiring no judgement or interpretation)? Could you post a description of your proposed protocol (or the protocol you plan to propose)?

(BTW, the rules won't change for you, so you'll have to do both the preliminary /and/ the formal tests.)

As for the rest of what Bob said, well, that's unfortunately pretty common. I mean, people talking smack about Randi and the Challenge, and applying, and being turned down because their claims are untestable (or being accepted, but then being unable to agree to a protocol), and then talking more smack about Randi and the Challenge. Less common than people claiming that the whole test is bogus (and using that claim as an excuse to not even apply), or that the million dollars don't exist, but it does happen. I will, for the moment, assume that you are not planning to do this and that you are, in fact, sincere, and will do my (admittedly completely non-official) best to help you out. Unless, of course, it were to become clear that you are insincere, or are claiming an untestable phenomenon.

 

[Myriad]

Halloween, eh? What's in Lake Helen? A pumpkin patch that's unusually sincere? (The Great Pumpkin would qualify as a paranormal entity, wouldn't he/it?)

A bit of Googling reveals a fair amount of paranormal activity in Lake Helen and neighboring Cassadaga. They appear to be geared up to satisfy all your paranormal needs, in case Salem, Massachusetts is too far for you to travel.

http://www.annstevenshouse.com/packages.html

http://cassadagahotel.net/

http://www.paranormalghostsociety.org/Cassadaga Lake Helen Cemetery.htm

Even a more interesting fact is an urban legend called the Devil's Chair which is said to exist in this cemetery. Every year around Halloween those that are daring enough sit on it in hopes to speak to the dark prince himself. There is also a rumor that on Halloween if you sit on the chair at Midnight it will hold you from one minute. I learned this is true when my friend Melissa told me that she sat on it years ago and the chair would not release her she told me it was the most terrifying experience. Some say that the chair was put there after a younger person was killed in that area and buried so it sort of like a curse. From what I understand all it is from what I am told is a broken stone bench. There are other rumors to that if you leave a can of beer as an offering to the devil over night that in the morning the can of beer will empty as if someone drank it.

Over the years because of this chair it has led to Dark practices, Satanism, Witchcraft, and a lot of underage drinking. ...

If we're contacting Satan, verification should be feasible, in principle. There must be verifiable information that only Satan or other comparably paranormal beings would have access to. Jimmy Hoffa's precise whereabouts, for instance. The devil (so to speak) is in the details. What if the Prince of Darkness isn't in a talkative mood? It seems that answering questions or posing for snapshots might run a bit counter to his ongoing efforts to convince the world he doesn't exist. (ETA: Plus, with the U.S. election day only a few days off, he might be unusually busy, especially in Florida.)

Oh well, will await further details on the claimed paranormal event.

Respectfully,
Myriad

 

[The Professor]

Would it give anyone additional insight into the JREF if you found out that the JREF was "Leaking" information to members of the Forum? I'm not talking about blatantly printing personal Emails before they've even received the application, that's just too obvious. No, I'm talking about "LEAKING" information to someone here deliberately.
Would that affect how you see my challenge?

BTW... Thank you Jackalgirl ... You have proven my point. There ARE some open minded folks on this forum. I will try to give as much info as I can provided there are no LEAKS or misrepresentations of my statements.

 

[chillzero]

Sorry to be posting as mod again.

The thread has been restored to the MDC section. As such, you now need to keep it on topic to the challenge itself. This section particularly of all the sections in the forum is strictly moderated for topic.

The Professor, please take any such accusations to a new thread, possibly in Community, or maybe General Skepticism.

For this thread, please define your claim, and the people here will assist you in designing a protocol for your test.

(If I feel the need to return to this thread for moderation, posts may be split out instead of me continually trying to guide the discussion appropriately).

Replying to this modbox in thread will be off topic  Posted By: chillzero

 

[Jackalgirl]

Would it give anyone additional insight into the JREF if you found out that the JREF was "Leaking" information to members of the Forum? I'm not talking about blatantly printing personal Emails before they've even received the application, that's just too obvious. No, I'm talking about "LEAKING" information to someone here deliberately.
Would that affect how you see my challenge?

Not really. Are you claiming that an official representative of the JREF is doing this? If so, who, to whom, and how? And what evidence do you have that this is happening?

Also, I don't think it would matter. I call your attention to Rule 4 of the Application:

4. Applicant agrees that all data (photographic, recorded, written, etc.) gathered as a result of the setup, the protocol, and the actual testing, may be used freely by the JREF.

In other words, no part of the process is confidential; therefore, there's nothing to leak.

Of course, this does not give JREF or any of its official representatives (to whit: Jeff Wagg and RemieV) the right to misrepresent, or outright lie about, any of the information that you have sent regarding your claim. Although I am not sure if you are claiming or implying that this is happening...are you?

Be advised that if you make this claim -- especially without evidence -- someone is bound to suggest that you are attempting to set yourself up a preemptive "out". "Someone leaked my information, therefore the test was unfair!"

I'd have to state, though, that anyone suggesting this should remember this: it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter whether information is "leaked", because no part of the process is confidential (according to Rule 4). Ultimately, all that matters is that a) the JREF agrees that your claim is acceptable (that is, testable), and b) that you and the JREF are in clear agreement as to what will constitute a demonstration, what will constitute success, and what will constitute failure.

BTW... Thank you Jackalgirl ... You have proven my point. There ARE some open minded folks on this forum. I will try to give as much info as I can provided there are no LEAKS or misrepresentations of my statements.

I'm sure there will be various people who will attempt to distort what you say by "selective reading", misquotation, or whatever. It always happens. However, the beauty of the Forum is that your own posted words will be here for reference. As long as you post clearly, unambiguously, and concisely, I don't think there will be any problems in the long run.

I really look forward to reading more about your claim and hope you will confirm & clarify it soon (perhaps by answering some of the questions I posted about your claim). Again, I am concerned that your claim is not testable and will be rejected by the JREF as such. The sooner your can clarify, the sooner we can (maybe) help.*

*None of us here (except for RemieV and Jeff Wagg, of course) speak for JREF. But we've been here quite a while and know the Challenge and its processes pretty well. So I am confident that we can help.

Edited to add: eerps! Sorry, Chillzero -- I posted when you posted. I'll copy this post into a new thread in the "JREF" section since TP seems to be discussing the actions of JREF employees.