This Has Blown My Paradigm

[nailit]

Ive always been sceptical of the paranormal. In the past I have been the token sceptic member of a paranormal research group, (At one time in my youth I subscribed to skeptic magazine).
Ive read virtually all of James Randis publications at one time or another, along with many other debunkers.

However, this afternoon, I was spending some time with a female friend of mine when she casually mentioned about a 'reading' that she had had from a 'psychic' and that this reading was recorded on a CD. Up for a bit of fun I asked her to find it and play it, (so that I could pick holes in it...)

After years of visiting mediums etc myself and finding nothing of significance, I was blown away by this. Not, at any point, was any information requested, (nor given) names and dates were given,
and information was relayed that the 'reader' could not have known beforehand.
(including names of first boyfriend that has since died, Fathers mental illness, number..and sex..of children, participants current relationship with family, including the fact that she had only one sister and a step father)
To get the full story one would have to listen to the CD, but its blown my mind (and I'm a complete sceptic) Might have to book myself in and see for myself! ;-)

[ToraToraTora]

what about the dowsers? would they not want the $1m rather than walking around muddy fields with a couple of welding rods? In a world of greed and avarice are you saying there is not one single who would want to pick up $1m for passing a test?

[Mamyalynne]

I'm talking through experience and people I have known, my own Grandmother for one who never charged a penny.

She may have been rewarded with a casserole now and then to feed the children but unasked for.

[ToraToraTora]

"TTT, you'll see a ghost tonight and change your mind " - seen plenty of things I cannot explain spathy but I don't turn first to the WWOTB.

[Mamyalynne]

I cannot speak for those who could not or did not want to do the test.

Why would I?

[ToraToraTora]

insert: (operative of the WWTB) between "single" and "who" in my post at 14:12

[jim360]

To change the subject entirely, has anyone else ever experienced a separate, but related, phenomenon where they are embarrassed to agree with someone?

[Mamyalynne]

Yes, on occasion Jim.

[Patsy33]

My daughter went to see a psychic a couple of years ago. The one who has recently given birth to a little boy. Who was told by medical team she could not conceive naturally and would need ivf. Psychic told her she would give birth naturally and would have a boy. She gave right time frame too.

[mibn2cweus]

I would gladly lend you £30 today . . . if you would get me the winning loto numbers for next Tuesday.

[Theland]

Give hocus pocus half a chance but deny Jesus Christ any recognition whatsoever? Strange.

[vetuste_ennemi]

//Give hocus pocus half a chance but deny Jesus Christ any recognition whatsoever?//

Not entirely unrecognised, perhaps, Theland. Possible (though evidence wafer-thin) origin of themagic term is "hoc est corpus".

Oh, by the way: Mibs, this is Theland; Theland, meet Mibs.

[Mamyalynne]

Not sure that introduction is needed V_E :-)

[vetuste_ennemi]

Then apologies to all concerned for my redundant ice-breaker, Mamya.

[beso]

ToraToraTora //the Randi foundation offered $1million to anyone who could demonstrate any sort of "paranormal" ability under test conditions. //

Perhaps the problem is with the test conditions.

Imagine sensitive equipment that could detect a disturbance in tiny magnetic field away from all other objects. If the test conditions introduced powerful magnets then the tiny disturbance would become undetectable.

If there is anything that could be used as a base for a psychic phenomenon then it is undoubtedly a very weak interaction. Moreover we really wouldn't know anything about its nature.

Introducing a powerful sceptic could be just like introducing the powerful magnet.

[nailit]

//Give hocus pocus half a chance but deny Jesus Christ any recognition whatsoever? Strange//

I gave 'Jesus' more than half a chance, he didn't deliver!

[Theland]

I love Mibs. Been sparring for over ten years. Wish I could invite him in for a cup of tea. He has my absolute total respect. X

[Mamyalynne]

I knew you needed no introduction.

[Theland]

I would give him a chock biccy if he would come. And a cup with a saucer.

[Mamyalynne]

I'd like to be there - in the background of course.