Dowsing works

[Explorer]

Thanks for the clarification - I'd never seen "taking to task" used like that before.



I think it would be more accurate to say he is an ex-stage magician or a retired one don't you?

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Why would I want to argue with that?
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You may say it is semantics again however I think the term "cunning deception" has a very negative tone to describe any magician's act. Magicians aren’t deceiving us, we’re paying them to entertain and fool us by apparently making the impossible real, buts it’s a willing “deception” and one with an audiences full approval.
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You seem very sensitive to my words. There was no intention to portray Mr Randi or any other magician, retired or otherwise, in a negative sense.
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In a way I agree with you and I suppose you would describe the Nobel awards as "just another example of flamboyant show business approach..."? It’s the same sort of publicity technique – something bright and attention grabbing to promote something of real value.
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The Nobel awards are quite different, IMHO. They are there to reward and recognise excellence.
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Of course the million dollar is a publicity tool, it’s a big sum that people can understand, it’s great for use in a sound bite, for a quick quote or a witty retort. But lets be realistic whereas Mencken could get media attention by penning a well crafted pamphlet 60 years ago, today that would get no attention. If you want to compete with the media dollars mediums like SB and JE wield you need a bit of "showmanship" to punch above your weight.

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I am again, not meaning to criticise Mr Randi for his prize money approach. I believe, like yourself, it is a publicity tool, and he still probably needs to earn an extra living in his retirement. However, it is a pity that it tends to attract the main chancer, rather than those who are serious about proving or disproving the true causes of a given phenomenon.
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[steenkh]

However, it is a pity that it tends to attract the main chancer, rather than those who are serious about proving or disproving the true causes of a given phenomenon.

Considering practically nobody have tried to cheat in order to get the million, it seems that the cash prize does not attract as many dishonest persons as one should think. Probably Randi's repuutation keeps them away. Then you have a lot of deluded or even sick applicants who really believe in their abilities. And this group is very numerous, so your statement about serious persons not applying does not seem to hold water.

You end up with a group who uses all kinds of excuses for not taking the test: the money is not there, Randi gives off bad vibrations (although he is not present), or "I do not need to be tested". Cynics might say that the real reason for not being tested is the fear - or in some cases certainty - that they will fail the test.

 

[Jeff Corey]

I consider the Russian girl who used the nose peek trick to read while blindfolded a conscious cheat.