davefoc
Philosopher
Jyera,
I think it is fair to say that either you or I have missed the point of this thread.
As I understand it, the topic of this thread is about the question of whether a claim that a magnetic field can modify wine in such a way as to make a detectable difference in the taste of the wine should be elligible to compete for the million dollars JREF prize. It is of course an academic discussion because Randi is the ultimate arbiter of this kind of thing.
As to your questions, I will give you my best non-googled shot at them
(A) "6 Rare Earth Magnet."
1. What are these "Rare Earth" Magnet?
Rare earths are just a group of elements in the periodic table that are particularly rare. I believe that some particularly strong permanent magnets use rare earth elements.
2. Is it natural, synthetic or extraterestial ?
Rare earths are naturally occuring elements. Rare earth magnets are just magnets alloyed (synthesized?) out of naturally occurring elements. I don't think anybody here is making a claim that rare earth magnets have any particular extraterrestial connection.
3. Is this the reason it might be "paranormal" ?
No, I believe it would be paranormal because there is no known mechanism by which a magnetic field alters chemical compounds dissolved in liquid. I am not sure about this and perhaps some super intense neutron star type magnetic fields might be able to bring about chemical changes, I just don't know. Assuming though that the known physical laws predict that compounds are not changed chemically by exposure to a magnetic field then the modification of the taste of wine due to exposure to a magnetic field would be a paranormal phenomena by at least my definition of paranormal. No extra terrestial tie-in required.
(B) "The most powerful magnets available"
4. Does it means more powerful, the better?
I don't think that claim matters. If their device had a weak or a strong magnet and it affected the taste of the wine i by exposing it to a magnetic field it would, IMHO, qualify as an example of a paranormal phenomena.
5. Then why not create a device with a electrically induced magnet?
A reasonable question, I think. If magnetic fields could really impove the taste of wine than why not subject wines to intense magnetic fields before they leave the factory so we don't need to mess with this gadget? I think the simple answer is that they don't work and responsible wine manufacturers aren't going to risk their reputation on bogus crap.
I think it is fair to say that either you or I have missed the point of this thread.
As I understand it, the topic of this thread is about the question of whether a claim that a magnetic field can modify wine in such a way as to make a detectable difference in the taste of the wine should be elligible to compete for the million dollars JREF prize. It is of course an academic discussion because Randi is the ultimate arbiter of this kind of thing.
As to your questions, I will give you my best non-googled shot at them
(A) "6 Rare Earth Magnet."
1. What are these "Rare Earth" Magnet?
Rare earths are just a group of elements in the periodic table that are particularly rare. I believe that some particularly strong permanent magnets use rare earth elements.
2. Is it natural, synthetic or extraterestial ?
Rare earths are naturally occuring elements. Rare earth magnets are just magnets alloyed (synthesized?) out of naturally occurring elements. I don't think anybody here is making a claim that rare earth magnets have any particular extraterrestial connection.
3. Is this the reason it might be "paranormal" ?
No, I believe it would be paranormal because there is no known mechanism by which a magnetic field alters chemical compounds dissolved in liquid. I am not sure about this and perhaps some super intense neutron star type magnetic fields might be able to bring about chemical changes, I just don't know. Assuming though that the known physical laws predict that compounds are not changed chemically by exposure to a magnetic field then the modification of the taste of wine due to exposure to a magnetic field would be a paranormal phenomena by at least my definition of paranormal. No extra terrestial tie-in required.
(B) "The most powerful magnets available"
4. Does it means more powerful, the better?
I don't think that claim matters. If their device had a weak or a strong magnet and it affected the taste of the wine i by exposing it to a magnetic field it would, IMHO, qualify as an example of a paranormal phenomena.
5. Then why not create a device with a electrically induced magnet?
A reasonable question, I think. If magnetic fields could really impove the taste of wine than why not subject wines to intense magnetic fields before they leave the factory so we don't need to mess with this gadget? I think the simple answer is that they don't work and responsible wine manufacturers aren't going to risk their reputation on bogus crap.