Tonight I Visit The The Bowlless Bowl

[Zero]

Originally posted by ahrkron
"Down the wrong path" for exposing fraud and superstition? "James Randiism"?

It seems you're stretching things quite a bit.

Oh yeah...stretched to the breaking point, I think. How is a rational world-view EVER the wrong path? Especially when he is so willing to work with people?

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by ahrkron
"Down the wrong path" for exposing fraud and superstition? "James Randiism"?

It seems you're stretching things quite a bit.

Would you say that all people who believe in God are superstitious and, that their beliefs are undfounded? If so, then you're just as bad as James Randi. Because to me, he doesn't express anything other than this "very belief." As a matter of fact it comes across loud and clear.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Zero
Oh yeah...stretched to the breaking point, I think. How is a rational world-view EVER the wrong path? Especially when he is so willing to work with people?

Actually there's nothing in this life that doesn't involve some sort of superstition or, "belief system." Therefore you should be very careful of what -- or better yet who -- you come to accept. I'm sorry, I just can't accept somebody who wants to make a big joke of the purpose of God or Religion, in spite of all the crackpots who "come in His name."

If on the other hand, Randi were to get his big fat ego out of the way, and stop drawing so much attention to this guy named "James Randi," then that might be another story?

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
Would you say that all people who believe in God are superstitious and, that their beliefs are undfounded? If so, then you're just as bad as James Randi. Because to me, he doesn't express anything other than this "very belief." As a matter of fact it comes across loud and clear.

Actually, if you bothered to read his stuff...you would know how wrong your statement is.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
Would you say that all people who believe in God are superstitious and, that their beliefs are undfounded? If so, then you're just as bad as James Randi. Because to me, he doesn't express anything other than this "very belief." As a matter of fact it comes across loud and clear.

I find that it is funny that you harp on his Ego, since his site is made up mostly of letters from other people.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Zero
Actually, if you bothered to read his stuff...you would know how wrong your statement is.

Then I'm sure you're familiar with the Pigasus Awards? Hmm ... A pig with wings? It kind of brings to mind Pegasus, the winged horse of Greek Mythology? Now I remember him bringing this up on the program I watched, and I think it was about the time that he expounded on the nature of superstitious beliefs, and I couldn't help but believe he was mocking the Pegasus of Greek Mythology. Which suggests to me that he has no perception or understanding whatsoever, of what the Pegasus entails. And that's sad. For indeed there's a great deal more to the Greek Myths than what this man would hold up to mock and ridicule.

 

[Zero]

Well, the Pigasus Awards are FUNNY...and mythology should be mocked too, you know! So should religion, frankly...not the PC thing to say, but I still think it is semi-true.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Zero
Well, the Pigasus Awards are FUNNY...and mythology should be mocked too, you know! So should religion, frankly...not the PC thing to say, but I still think it is semi-true.

And let the truth be known!

 

[TENYEARS]

If you need someone to show you you are right you will never be right.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by TENYEARS
If you need someone to show you you are right you will never be right.

Yeah, why check with others when you can invent 'truth' from the whole cloth of your imagination.

 

[TENYEARS]

Truth is not invented it is. Anyone that needs an ontarage of idiots to prove something is an idiot(it's ok it's not a permanant state).

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by TENYEARS
Truth is not invented it is. Anyone that needs an ontarage of idiots to prove something is an idiot(it's ok it's not a permanant state).

If you are claiming that objective truth comes simply from your mind...you are saying that your imagination is truth.

 

[TENYEARS]

Getting closer.

 

[Fliption]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
Actually, based upon the two or three pages that I visited, there's a great deal of information that can be gleaned without having to cough up the $98.00. In fact I don't recall seeing that on any of the pages I visited?

Here you go...

http://www.probablefuture.com/order.htm

Scroll down and you will see accepted credit cards and the $98 package is the cheapest. There are other more expensive packages below that.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by TENYEARS
Getting closer.

So the closer I come, the further I have to go from what is generally considered to be sanity and rational thought?

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Fliption
Here you go...

http://www.probablefuture.com/order.htm

Scroll down and you will see accepted credit cards and the $98 package is the cheapest. There are other more expensive packages below that.

So? And what if these guys are on the level? You would probably have to pay a lot more than that to visit a shrink. Based upon what I've seen on the site, these guys are practically giving it away anyway.

Which, brings up an interesting question. Why is it that only man, out of the whole of Creation, requires the need to "get his head together," by visting a psychiatrist, shrink or whatever? Doesn't that seem kind of odd? And why is it that man seems to have the incessant need to build all these instituions (monuments, monoliths, et al) around himself? I mean what gives?

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
So? ... And what if these guys are on the level? You would probably have to pay a lot more than to visit a shrink.

Which, brings up an interesting question. Why is it that only man, out of the whole of Creation, requires the need to "get his head together," by visting a psychiatrist, shrink or whatever? Doesn't that seem kind of odd? And why is it that man seems to have the incessant need to build all these instituions (monuments, monoliths, et al) around himself? I mean what gives?

It could simply be because we think further into the future, and ask more questions, and the need for an answer unsettles us.

 

[Fliption]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
So? ... And what if these guys are on the level? You would probably have to pay a lot more than to visit a shrink.

Which, brings up an interesting question. Why is it that only man, out of the whole of Creation, requires the need to "get his head together," by visting a psychiatrist, shrink or whatever? Doesn't that seem kind of odd? And why is it that man seems to have the incessant need to build all these instituions (monuments, monoliths, et al) around himself? I mean what gives?

Well, I am always a bit leary when people are asking for my money. But maybe that's just me. Here is the question that I always ask myself.. "If I had the knowledge or ability that this person claims to have, would I be selling it to other people?" The answer is almost always "no". If money is needed to fund "getting the word out" then there is almost always better ways to do it. In this case, if money is what I need then I would take James Randi up on his offer and demonstrate remote viewing. Then I wouldn't need to charge $98 to change the world. Once you've won the million dollars going through this test, the world will definitely begin to change. With James Randi's help I might add!

My question will also keep you from buying any get rich quick schemes. If you know how to get rich quick then why are you bothering to sell it to me for a fee? LOL. You could claim you're doing it out of the kindness of your heart, but the act of spreading such an idea would utlimately seal it's doom. Thats how capitalism works.

Overall, answering these questions rationally just doesn't lend a whole lot of credibility to these websites and ideas.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Fliption
In this case, if money is what I need then I would take James Randi up on his offer and demonstrate remote viewing. Then I wouldn't need to charge $98 to change the world. Once you've won the million dollars going through this test, the world will definitely begin to change. With James Randi's help I might add!

That is the truth, isn't it? If there were anything solid to it, all you would have to do is get James Randi to test you, and you could write your own ticket from there!

 

[Fliption]

Originally posted by Zero
That is the truth, isn't it? If there were anything solid to it, all you would have to do is get James Randi to test you, and you could write your own ticket from there!

With what little I know of him and his program, yes I have to agree. I would much rather jump through his hoops then go to the trouble of setting up websites, brochures, and infommercials to sell my products. Not to mention all the trouble I go through to bill and collect from my customers, and prepare my business tax returns. UGH! And the last thing I would want to do is go to all this trouble and teach people how to do this only to have them go collect the $1M!

IMO, what this $1M offer accomplishes is that it automatically exposes all these type of sites as frauds because it automatically puts their motivations in question. I can't think of a single rational reason why they would do what they are doing if they were legit. It is much easier to believe they can't do anything special and are taking advantage of people to earn some quick bucks.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Fliption
With what little I know of him and his program, yes I have to agree. I would much rather jump through his hoops then go to the trouble of setting up websites, brochures, and infommercials to sell my products. Not to mention all the trouble I go through to bill and collect from my customers, and prepare my business tax returns. UGH! And the last thing I would want to do is go to all this trouble and teach people how to do this only to have them go collect the $1M!

IMO, what this $1M offer accomplishes is that it automatically exposes all these type of sites as frauds because it automatically puts their motivations in question. I can't think of a single rational reason why they would do what they are doing if they were legit. It is much easier to believe they can't do anything special and are taking advantage of people to earn some quick bucks.

And Randi has his tests done independently, the money is in a trust, and you can set the terms of the test, within limits. If I had magic powers, I'd walk in, do the test, and never work another day in my life. Even if you were a good faker, if you could convince Randi, it would be worth possible millions in publicity.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Fliption
Well, I am always a bit leary when people are asking for my money. But maybe that's just me. Here is the question that I always ask myself.. "If I had the knowledge or ability that this person claims to have, would I be selling it to other people?" The answer is almost always "no". If money is needed to fund "getting the word out" then there is almost always better ways to do it. In this case, if money is what I need then I would take James Randi up on his offer and demonstrate remote viewing. Then I wouldn't need to charge $98 to change the world. Once you've won the million dollars going through this test, the world will definitely begin to change. With James Randi's help I might add!

Unfortunately (I guess?) in a capitalist society money is the rate of exchage, so instead of asking for barter in exchange for services (although I guess that's probably still capitalism), we ask for money. "The workman is worth his meat." While I hate to tell you this, a lot of us don't "believe" in James Randi.

My question will also keep you from buying any get rich quick schemes. If you know how to get rich quick then why are you bothering to sell it to me for a fee? LOL. You could claim you're doing it out of the kindness of your heart, but the act of spreading such an idea would utlimately seal it's doom. Thats how capitalism works.

Overall, answering these questions rationally just doesn't lend a whole lot of credibility to these websites and ideas.

I did happen to check out the "order page" by the way, and noticed they're offering a 30 day money back guarantee, so that might help to ease the uncertainty of some people. That's capitalism at work too now isn't it?

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
While I hate to tell you this, a lot of us don't "believe" in James Randi.

Regardless of what you believe, he DOES at least exist...and I can PROVE IT. Anyhoo, I don't believe in him...worship belongs to your side of the argument, not mine...and you guys will follow anyone or anything yourheart so desires, without any proof but the good feelings that comfortable lies provide.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Fliption
With what little I know of him and his program, yes I have to agree. I would much rather jump through his hoops then go to the trouble of setting up websites, brochures, and infommercials to sell my products. Not to mention all the trouble I go through to bill and collect from my customers, and prepare my business tax returns. UGH! And the last thing I would want to do is go to all this trouble and teach people how to do this only to have them go collect the $1M!

Then that sounds to me like there's no sense of a commitment on your part. You know what they say, put your money (and hence resources) where your mouth is.

IMO, what this $1M offer accomplishes is that it automatically exposes all these type of sites as frauds because it automatically puts their motivations in question. I can't think of a single rational reason why they would do what they are doing if they were legit. It is much easier to believe they can't do anything special and are taking advantage of people to earn some quick bucks.

Then by this you're "implying" that the guys who do remote viewing are not legitimate ... whatever.

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32


Then by this you're "implying" that the guys who do remote viewing are not legitimate ... whatever.

He might imply it..I am saying outright that it is a scam, a fraud, and a delusion, until someone presents evidence to the contrary. ANd, by evidence, I mean more than anecdotes, I mean something that can be submitted for peer-review.

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Zero
Regardless of what you believe, he DOES at least exist...and I can PROVE IT. Anyhoo, I don't believe in him...worship belongs to your side of the argument, not mine...and you guys will follow anyone or anything yourheart so desires, without any proof but the good feelings that comfortable lies provide.

Yes, but can you "prove" his intentions? Ahh, it's just a big act and you know it!

 

[Zero]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
Yes, but can you "prove" his intentions? Ahh, it's just a big act and you know it!

Well, it is easy...all someone has to do is accept the test!

 

[Iacchus32]

Originally posted by Zero
Well, it is easy...all someone has to do is accept the test!

Originally posted by Iacchus32

Originally posted by Fliption
IMO, what this $1M offer accomplishes is that it automatically exposes all these type of sites as frauds because it automatically puts their motivations in question. I can't think of a single rational reason why they would do what they are doing if they were legit.[/color] It is much easier to believe they can't do anything special and are taking advantage of people to earn some quick bucks.

Then by this you're "implying" that the guys who do remote viewing are not legitimate ... whatever.

If somebody believes in something strongly enough, then they should be willing to put their money where there mouth is and not have to rely upon somebody like James Randi for support. Matter of fact I think people would find it much more believable if you were to do the work yourself, rather than "selling out" to some crackpot like James Randi.

 

[FZ+]

If somebody believes in something strongly enough, then they should be willing to put their money where there mouth is and not have to rely upon somebody like James Randi for support. Matter of fact I think people would find it much more believable if you were to do the work yourself, rather than "selling out" to some crackpot like James Randi.

But the million dollar test is not a matter of proving their belief - it is a certificate confirming the execution of a controlled, scientifically objective test. It is not a matter of relying on selling out to randi, it's a legal idea - the independent witness. And Randi is about as independent from any claim of paranormal activity as you can get. The randi fund was never about the money - it was about putting something to a reasonable scrutiny in an environment where someone's intentions or beliefs are irrelevant. Randi does not fudge the tests. They are not impossible tests, but tests carried out regularly in any scientific work.
There is no apparently reasonable reason why anyone would not submit to this test, unless if they think that finding out if their idea is true is irrelevant.

 

[Fliption]

Originally posted by Iacchus32
While I hate to tell you this, a lot of us don't "believe" in James Randi.

I'm not sure I understand what this means. Forget James Randi. Let's just talk about the general situation. Someone has offered a large sum of money to anyone who can show that they have these abilities. What possible rational reason could one have to NOT do this?

I did happen to check out the "order page" by the way, and noticed they're offering a 30 day money back guarantee, so that might help to ease the uncertainty of some people. That's capitalism at work too now isn't it?

Well sure. But statistically it can be shown that there are "some" people who will be satisfied with substandard results and also that another group of people who aren't satisfied won't bother to return it for a refund. It's all about money in the end.

Iacchus32, I have read many of your posts and certainly can respect your unique angle to the issues that get discussed here. But on this particular thing I am a bit perplexed. I'm sure you will admit that there are crackpot fakes in the world who are trying to do nothing but make a penny. I don't think anyone would deny this. So how exactly do you distinguish the frauds from the real thing? I can appreciate being open to things but being open to everything and everybody is a bit different. Especially when you know some are frauds. Right?

I think someone offering enough money to retire on for proof of supernatural abilities is a worthwhile thing. I cannot think of any reason why a legit person would not take this offer. Can you? Please let me know if you can.

As I said before I don't know much about this guy so maybe you have some information that makes his offer unreasonable. I am open to hearing it. But all this talk about ego is not sufficient for me. That is a bit of a dodge and an obvious attempt to avoid what this offer really means. If no one will step up and take the challenge, then they know they are frauds and don't want everyone else to know. I'm having trouble coming up with reasoning that differs from this.