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The Long Island Medium lady is on every TV show in the US. Is it BS?



  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    IMO, they all take advantage of people, grieving or otherwise.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Mediums are a different kettle of fish. Some psychics actually believe that they have some sort of ability.

      It isn't a matter of being a "Fake medium" or a real one. It's a matter of being a fraud or really believing you have some sort of gift. This woman? She knows she is faking it. But the people who put out the first video are pretty irritating.

      I can't watch the show. I tried. Rational minds cringe.

      But the ones that talk to the dead? James Van Praagh and John Edward are out and out frauds. The methodologies are well known to all mentalists, and most magicians. Everything they do; every question is a technique. And they are deceiving the public.

      Some people believe these two guys are real, but all mentalists know that these guys are frauds.


      Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

      I just watched that entire episode of "BS" with Penn and Teller. Really interesting how the mediums work.
      The best book I've read on the subject is The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading: A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Persuasive Psychological Manipulation Technique in the World
      by Ian Rowland

      It gives very detailed scripts that all mediums use, and how to escape verbal traps, and draw out the ..um...subject.

      I think I paid $50 or so for the book 5 years ago, and it's a real treasure.

      If you want to be a medium or a psychic...this is the book that shows you how.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    She's a fake, just like Jonathan Edwards, James Van Praagh and the rest of them in my opinion.
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  • I just watched that entire episode of "BS" with Penn and Teller. Really interesting how the mediums work.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I think that Sylvia Brown is the most widely-known and has the most ardent following. I've seen her a few times and just don't "get" what people see in her. Just in my lightweight counseling at the crisis center people often thought that I could see right into their heads, lives, etc. even when I had no clue what wall they were bouncing off. I'm not going to say there aren't mediums because that's just something that I don't think we can know with any provable conclusion. What I have seen on TV, though, is not my idea of actual metaphysics going on. Someone would have to absolutely gobsmack me with something nobody else would ever have a way to know before they even got my time of day to check them out any further.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      You people:rolleyes:
      Here's solid proof that mediums or psychics are the real deal.

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      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        And from South Park about John Edward



        And this.


        John Edwards is a big Douche.
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        • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
          In my opinion, most are fakes and use trickery to accomplish their goals.

          I won't be so pompous as to say that no one can ever can tap into something...otherworldly if you will. I don't know everything there is to know about everything.

          Would I ever go to one? Heck no!

          Terra
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            I have to admit - I LIKE Theresa Caputo - LI Medium.

            It doesn't matter at all whether I "believe" or not - it's entertaining. I get a kick out of her and her family. Believing or disbelieving on a personal level is irrelevant as I'd be arguing something I don't have the knowledge to make a final decision on.

            I know from personal experience a few times in my life....there are things that happen I can't explain. There are "connections" with special people (and animals) that make no logical sense but are connections nonetheless.

            kay
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            • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
              This seems to be a burn a medium at the town square thread so far, and true some are fake, but some are not!


              Some are not, not because they have convinced themselves that they are genuine, but because their life experiences and track record prove that they can do it.


              But l am afraid that this conversation will be one side says that it is real, and the other dredging up the usual skeptic books, and psychology books on how to convince someone, by using generalizations, etc.


              So since this can only be really proven by personal experimentation and development, it is a pointless conversation, that will only either create a mod, with an itchy trigger finger or an all out mud slinging contest.


              A rational thinker may be able to dismiss the whole thing, which means they somehow must be able to convince themselves and possibly others that they know everything!


              Not even someone who is seriously into this sort of thing, knows everything!


              So if a rational thinker or skeptic, can honestly say they believe 100% that this is a crock, then they are saying that they know everything!


              No one knows everything, especially someone who believes they know everything!


              Shane
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              • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                A rational thinker may be able to dismiss the whole thing, which means they somehow must be able to convince themselves and possibly others that they know everything!
                I don't know how you arrived at that conclusion. Maybe it depends on what you mean by "the whole thing."

                I can watch the subject of the video and recognize warm and cold reading techniques in action and conclude she's a fraud without thinking I know everything. Just like I can crack open an egg and recognize a rotten smell without thinking I know whether all eggs are rotten.

                You don't even have to watch all of this video to realize Van Praagh is a fraud:


                I know of only one person alleged to have psychic powers that, to me, has never been adequately debunked, and that's Edgar Cayce.
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              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                So if a rational thinker or skeptic, can honestly say they believe 100% that this is a crock, then they are saying that they know everything!


                No one knows everything, especially someone who believes they know everything!


                Shane
                Shane; Nobody thinks they know everything. I know that when I see someone pull a rabbit out of a hat, that it isn't magic. Why? Because I know the trick.

                Mediums use tricks. I know the trick. Others do too. It isn't a matter of knowing everything. It isn't a matter of belief. It isn't being pompous. There are plenty of books that describe the entire process. The scripts used, everything.

                I (and many others) simply know how mediums do their thing. And it doesn't involve super powers.
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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  This seems to be a burn a medium at the town square thread so far, and true some are fake, but some are not!
                  Though I don't hold much stock in mediums I can see where they may not all be fakes.
                  I hold to the theory that we only use a small potion of the capabilities that our brains have.
                  So I can understand where some mediums and psychics could be legit.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                    Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                    Though I don't hold much stock in mediums I can see where they may not all be fakes.
                    I hold to the theory that we only use a small potion of the capabilities that our brains have.
                    So I can understand where some mediums and psychics could be legit.
                    Thom; You are falling into the trap of thinking "Big picture", and putting all supernatural things under one umbrella.

                    Ghosts? I don't believe in them...but I can't explain all of it.
                    Other dimensional beings? No idea.
                    Rabbits on Mars? Probably not...but I've never been there.

                    But Mediums? It's a one trick pony. It's as if you said: "I hold to the theory that we only use a small potion of the capabilities that our brains have.
                    So I can understand where sawing a woman in half could be real magic."

                    Really.....Thousands of people know how it's done. It's like sawing a lady in half. Nothing mysterious here. It's a trick of asking questions and then guiding the answers.

                    Again, Every medium uses the same dialog. Every single one. If you read The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading, you would see every detail of how it's done.

                    There is no need to not know.

                    There are some psychics who truly believe they have a gift. But all mediums know it's a trick. You can't perform the routine otherwise. For the same reason that...if you believe you're really making a rabbit appear from nothing...out of a hat...you can't do the trick.
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                    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                      Thom; You are falling into the trap of thinking "Big picture", and putting all supernatural things under one umbrella.
                      Not really Claude.
                      I still know every medium or psychic I've seen were frauds.
                      Good for entertainment only.
                      After living with a ghost in this house for around 50 years I tend to believe in them. but really have no idea what they are.
                      All I'm saying is we still don't understand what powers our minds have nor do we know how to completely use our minds.
                      Just because I've never seen a real medium and know what tricks they use, doesn't mean that what they do isn't possible.
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                      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                        I still know every medium or psychic I've seen were frauds.

                        Just because I've never seen a real medium and know what tricks they use, doesn't mean that what they do isn't possible.
                        Actually Thom, those are just about the best reasons to not think it's possible. It's pretty much a model of deductive reasoning.

                        Let me use that exact same logic this way;


                        "I still know every magician sawing a woman in half I've seen were frauds.

                        Just because I've never seen a woman really sawed in half, and then fully reformed and know what tricks the magician's use, doesn't mean that what they do isn't possible."

                        Thom; If every woman that has been sawed in half has been a trick...every one....and you know that. Then Yes, I think there is no reason to think it's possible for real.

                        Because the whole idea was only created to perform a trick, and fool the public. And so it is with Mediums.

                        Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

                        Many believe that the notion that we only use a portion of our brain is not valid.
                        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_percent_of_brain_myth
                        Thanks for looking that up. That would explain why we can't lose 90% of our brain tissue and still function like a normal human.
                        But myths die hard. I still have advertising reps try to convince me that I have to run an ad 7 times before it will get a response. Or 7 presentations before I get a sale. Evidence won't help here.
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                        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                          Actually Thom, those are just about the best reasons to not think it's possible. It's pretty much a model of deductive reasoning.

                          Let me use that exact same logic this way;


                          "I still know every magician sawing a woman in half I've seen were frauds.

                          Just because I've never seen a woman really sawed in half, and then fully reformed and know what tricks the magician's use, doesn't mean that what they do isn't possible."

                          Thom; If every woman that has been sawed in half has been a trick...every one....and you know that. Then Yes, I think there is no reason to think it's possible for real.

                          Because the whole idea was only created to perform a trick, and fool the public. And so it is with Mediums.



                          Thanks for looking that up. That would explain why we can't lose 90% of our brain tissue and still function like a normal human.
                          But myths die hard. I still have advertising reps try to convince me that I have to run an ad 7 times before it will get a response. Or 7 presentations before I get a sale. Evidence won't help here.
                          Comparing physical to mental doesn't really work Claude.
                          We know for a fact how the body works and what it is capable of, we can't say the same about our minds.
                          As for what I said about only using a portion of what our brain is capable of, I didn't say we only use a portion of our brain.
                          Look at it like a computer. Do you know everything your computer is capable of doing? Do you use all of it? When your computer is on you only use a portion of it until you discover it's hidden functions and learn how to use them.
                          All I'm saying is our minds may be capable of more, but we don't know what those capabilities are or how to access and use them.
                          Lets face it, if scientist understood everything the mind was capable of they wouldn't need to study it anymore.
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                          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                            Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                            I don't know how you arrived at that conclusion. Maybe it depends on what you mean by "the whole thing."

                            I can watch the subject of the video and recognize warm and cold reading techniques in action and conclude she's a fraud without thinking I know everything. Just like I can crack open an egg and recognize a rotten smell without thinking I know whether all eggs are rotten.

                            You don't even have to watch all of this video to realize Van Praagh is a fraud:

                            Van Praagh Tested - YouTube

                            I know of only one person alleged to have psychic powers that, to me, has never been adequately debunked, and that's Edgar Cayce.
                            Ok, fair enough, see you are open minded!

                            I was mainly referring to people that are so closed minded, that it boggles the imagination!


                            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                            Shane; Nobody thinks they know everything. I know that when I see someone pull a rabbit out of a hat, that it isn't magic. Why? Because I know the trick.

                            Mediums use tricks. I know the trick. Others do too. It isn't a matter of knowing everything. It isn't a matter of belief. It isn't being pompous. There are plenty of books that describe the entire process. The scripts used, everything.

                            I (and many others) simply know how mediums do their thing. And it doesn't involve super powers.

                            Groan, see that is the thing, it is like saying that 100 sales people are all con artists!

                            True a lot could be, especially if they sell white goods or cars, but if 1 person in that 100, is sincere, genuine and only tells the truth 100% of the time, then your assumption that all are con artists is false!

                            Or it gets back to one person playing around with this sort of thing and after years of research and experimentation, and generating concrete proof, they then try to convince someone who doesn't believe in any of it, that they are mistaken!


                            Belief helps, but l have trouble believing some of the things l have done, or do, but if the proof is in front of me, then l have to believe it.

                            Or seriously doubt my sanity!


                            Its ok, if you and others don't want to believe this stuff, that is your choice, but saying that all Mediums are con artists, when you cannot be 100% certain of it, isn't a good idea! :rolleyes:

                            Shane
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                          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                            Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                            Comparing physical to mental doesn't really work Claude.
                            We know for a fact how the body works and what it is capable of, we can't say the same about our minds.
                            As for what I said about only using a portion of what our brain is capable of, I didn't say we only use a portion of our brain.
                            Look at it like a computer. Do you know everything your computer is capable of doing? Do you use all of it? When your computer is on you only use a portion of it until you discover it's hidden functions and learn how to use them.
                            All I'm saying is our minds may be capable of more, but we don't know what those capabilities are or how to access and use them.
                            Lets face it, if scientist understood everything the mind was capable of they wouldn't need to study it anymore.
                            Thom; I agree with everything you just said.

                            And none of it applies to mediums.
                            They aren't using "untapped mental potential". They are Frauds.
                            When you see someone on stage reading someone's mind...do you really think they are reading the person's mind? No. It's a trick. Every single time.

                            If you ever told a group of mentalists, that you can actually read minds...they would laugh at you. Because they know it's a trick, and can easily identify it.

                            The same with mediums. It isn't a matter of "We don't know everything about the mind". Their methods have nothing to do with mental powers or "sensitivity". What they do always employs a method, and that method is clearly understood by anyone taking the time to study it.

                            It's a semantic trick of asking questions that have a strong probable answer, and then taking credit for any correct "hits". There are no exceptions.

                            Mediums create an illusion. And to the uninformed, it's sometimes impressive. It certainly fills a deep need in some. But it won't stand up to even the weakest of scrutiny.

                            Again, if you read any book on how to be a medium...you'd say "Oh, that's how it's done...and the issue would be closed.

                            There is no need to continue associating these people with "the powers of the mind" It has nothing to do with what they do.


                            Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                            Its ok, if you and others don't want to believe this stuff, that is your choice, but saying that all Mediums are con artists, when you cannot be 100% certain of it, isn't a good idea! :rolleyes:

                            Shane
                            Shane. It isn't a matter of belief.

                            I am 100% certain that all mediums are con artists (or entertainers). None are "real"

                            See? Not that hard to say.

                            And it isn't because "I think I know everything". Pick up any book on Cold Reading and you'll get the entire method. It isn't secret, and it isn't expensive. If you like, I'll put together a list of the books, any one of which would explain the whole thing.

                            Again..this has nothing to do with the power of the mind. It's just an easy to learn and perform technique.
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                            • Profile picture of the author Kay King
                              Other dimensional beings? No idea.
                              ....and there you go.

                              Claude - you are almost always a person who argues logic or humor. Why is it important to be right abut mediums???

                              For logical thinkers...if "it" is not there to see, touch, feel, prove...it must be fake. ...or maybe not.

                              I agree "medium" makes me think of "tricks" but then there are few who make me think there may be "connections". Maybe the connection is only to provide a sense of peace of relief for someone...but that's Ok, too.
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                              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

                                ....and there you go.

                                Claude - you are almost always a person who argues logic or humor. Why is it important to be right abut mediums???

                                For logical thinkers...if "it" is not there to see, touch, feel, prove...it must be fake. ...or maybe not.

                                I agree "medium" makes me think of "tricks" but then there are few who make me think there may be "connections". Maybe the connection is only to provide a sense of peace of relief for someone...but that's Ok, too.
                                Kay; There are plenty of things that are invisible, can't be felt, that are real. And if I don't understand something, I say so. It happens often.

                                It has nothing to do with what Mediums do.

                                It isn't important to be "right"(Meaning the other person is wrong), but it's very important for me to know. And as someone who knows how mediums perform, (as does anyone that has studied how to perform magic and mentalism).....I know that they are frauds.

                                Why do I keep harping on this? Because they are frauds, I mean they are taking money by conning the innocent and gullible.

                                Remember I said earlier that some psychics really believe that they have some sort of gift? It's true. But mediums cannot do what they do without using a specific form of fraud.

                                You said "Maybe the connection is only to provide a sense of peace of relief for someone".

                                But that's not why they are doing it. Mediums take from the uninformed. They are conning you for money.

                                If someone lies to you, takes your money...but tells you something that makes you feel better...is that OK with you? If it is, then I understand your point.

                                You have to understand, I have a pathological hatred for superstition. And for people taking advantage of the uninformed by lying. And Mediums contribute to the ignorance of the world. Maybe that's what fuels my anger with what they do.

                                To be frank, at no time here do I think I'll really change anyone's mind.
                                It's an attack on gullibility, that's all. To me, mediums are the embodiment of taking advantage of superstition and ignorance.

                                If anything I said, infringed on a personal belief you had, that wasn't my intent. I think I've given this thing the best shot I have. I feel better now.
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                                • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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                                  Claude is definitely right that many mediums (etc.) are fraudsters. To be honest, though, I think most people know that already.

                                  Anyway I personally think that many of them could be legit And they're probably not all that interested in fame and money. I suppose it's like saying all marketers from Nigeria are scam artists.
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                                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                    Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                                    Claude is definitely right that many mediums (etc.) are fraudsters. To be honest, though, I think most people know that already.

                                    Anyway I personally think that many of them could be legit And they're probably not all that interested in fame and money. I suppose it's like saying all marketers from Nigeria are scam artists.
                                    Jonathan;

                                    It's closer to saying that "all e-mails from Nigeria saying that you have a large amount of money waiting for you, if you'll just pay the import tax"...are scams.
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                                    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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                                      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                      Jonathan;

                                      It's closer to saying that "all e-mails from Nigeria saying that you have a large amount of money waiting for you, if you'll just pay the import tax"...are scams.
                                      Good point Claude. And in both cases you're right.

                                      However that doesn't mean that all Mediums/Nigerians are scamming people. That's what I was trying to communicate.

                                      I could be wrong but I think the US Government hires people who can "remote view."
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                                      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                                        Good point Claude. And in both cases you're right.

                                        However that doesn't mean that all Mediums/Nigerians are scamming people. That's what I was trying to communicate.

                                        I could be wrong but I think the US Government hires people who can “remote view.
                                        Remote view? Yup, the military hires psychics and people who claim they can remote view. There was even a concerted effort to test the possibilities of using remote viewing as a means of assassination.

                                        It's the same as sheriffs using a psychic to find a missing child. Some people believe...even in the military.
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                                        • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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                                          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                          Remote view? Yup. It's the same as sheriffs using a psychic to find a missing child. Some people believe...even in the military.
                                          You forgot the hug. :-(
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                                          • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                                            Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                                            You forgot the hug. :-(

                                            LOL Jonathan!

                                            Maybe Claude would prefer a handshake, but that's okay because a handshake is nothing more than two hands hugging each other anyway.

                                            Terra
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                                          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                            Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                                            You forgot the hug. :-(
                                            Sorry;

                                            None of this is personal against any of you. I'm done, I swear.

                                            Group hug. And I mean it.
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                                        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                                          Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

                                          I could be wrong but I think the US Government hires people who can "remote view."
                                          Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                                          The US gov, takes remote viewing very seriously, just go to Wikileaks, and you will find plenty of how to remote view books on the subject, used by the military!
                                          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                          Remote view? Yup, the military hires psychics and people who claim they can remote view. There was even a concerted effort to test the possibilities of using remote viewing as a means of assassination.
                                          I think it was called the Stargate Project. One branch of gov't or another funded it for something like 25 years to the tune of millions of dollars. I think it was shut down in the mid-90's, at least that's what the public was told.

                                          Claude, have you ever did any reading about Edgar Cayce?
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                                          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                                            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                            Shane; Youtube video comments. The World's Highest Authority. Trusted by nations around the world. The best source for what's really going on.

                                            Shane; You have no idea the compliment you just paid me. The first thing I think when I hear that 80% of the population believes something...is that they are wrong. Because it's always the bottom 80%. And they are always the last to catch on.

                                            And being like 80% of the people, is my own private description of hell.

                                            If even 5% of the population thinks like I do, I'm not trying hard enough.

                                            So thank you. Your post kind of made my day.

                                            Oh, Oh, Claude, you like living dangerously! l suspect that this thread is going to get nasty!


                                            Terra, you'd better have your hugs on standby! LOL! :rolleyes:


                                            Shane
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                                          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                            Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                                            I think it was called the Stargate Project. One branch of gov't or another funded it for something like 25 years to the tune of millions of dollars. I think it was shut down in the mid-90's, at least that's what the public was told.

                                            Claude, have you ever did any reading about Edgar Cayce?
                                            Dennis; A few decades ago, I read a book about him. It may even have been by him. I know why you are asking. I may give it another look.

                                            But you have to understand, that books about such people are always biased one way or the other. They are written either by "followers" or by someone trying to expose the subject

                                            Neither are perfect sources of information. But it is a gap in my knowledge on the subject. So, I'll be visiting Amazon.com later today.

                                            Is there a book you would recommend?


                                            Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

                                            I find dissing everyone involved in meta-physics just because there are charlatans running around rather disturbing. Some marketers are charlatans - are they all?
                                            Sal; Most marketers don't claim to have super powers. But the marketers that claim to have super powers? Yes, I think it's a safe bet that they are frauds.
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                                            • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
                                              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                              Dennis; A few decades ago, I read a book about him. It may even have been by him. I know why you are asking. I may give it another look.

                                              But you have to understand, that books about such people are always biased one way or the other. They are written either by "followers" or by someone trying to expose the subject

                                              Neither are perfect sources of information. But it is a gap in my knowledge on the subject. So, I'll be visiting Amazon.com later today.

                                              Is there a book you would recommend?
                                              It's been decades since I read any books about him. His case is different though, as there's a lot of documentation ... I think. I think differently now than when I did back when I read about him, so I'm not sure if I'd find his story as intriguing now. That's why I asked if you'd looked into him.

                                              I think this is the book I read:

                                              Story of Edgar Cayce: There Is a River by Thomas Sugrue
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                                              • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                                                Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

                                                It's been decades since I read any books about him. His case is different though, as there's a lot of documentation ... I think. I think differently now than when I did back when I read about him, so I'm not sure if I'd find his story as intriguing now. That's why I asked if you'd looked into him.

                                                I think this is the book I read:

                                                Story of Edgar Cayce: There Is a River by Thomas Sugrue
                                                I'll get it. Thanks.

                                                Yeah, there are lots of ideas I had when I was a young man (mostly philosophical ideas) that I see in an entirely different light now.

                                                I think the last "metaphysical" idea that I had was the idea of Chi as a real thing, a real energy. I hung onto that belief well into my forties.

                                                A Kung Fu master that I was corresponding with finally explained it to me as momentum and subtle coordination between different body parts. He and I had a discussion similar to some in this forum. One by one, he tore down my beliefs.

                                                I'll be honest. I'm not 100% sure I like it better now. Believing in Chi was very comforting....and fun.

                                                I'll buy the Edgar Cayce book now, and see what I can learn.

                                                A brilliant argument could easily change my mind. It has before.

                                                Added later; I just got the 1945 edition. It's the oldest one I could buy.I find that later editions sometimes edit the content in an attempt to keep it fresh.
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                                            • Profile picture of the author HeySal
                                              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post


                                              Sal; Most marketers don't claim to have super powers. But the marketers that claim to have super powers? Yes, I think it's a safe bet that they are frauds.
                                              Perhaps not the best metaphor. However - super-powers? Not so. They are just senses that have for the most part atrophied because of disuse, and lack of need. Humans used to have a lot of senses they don't use anymore. If we needed them and used them regularly, they'd not seem so supra-natural...or odd.
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                                  • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                                    Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                                    Thom; I agree with everything you just said.

                                    And none of it applies to mediums.
                                    They aren't using "untapped mental potential". They are Frauds.
                                    When you see someone on stage reading someone's mind...do you really think they are reading the person's mind? No. It's a trick. Every single time.

                                    If you ever told a group of mentalists, that you can actually read minds...they would laugh at you. Because they know it's a trick, and can easily identify it.

                                    The same with mediums. It isn't a matter of "We don't know everything about the mind". Their methods have nothing to do with mental powers or "sensitivity". What they do always employs a method, and that method is clearly understood by anyone taking the time to study it.

                                    It's a semantic trick of asking questions that have a strong probable answer, and then taking credit for any correct "hits". There are no exceptions.

                                    Mediums create an illusion. And to the uninformed, it's sometimes impressive. It certainly fills a deep need in some. But it won't stand up to even the weakest of scrutiny.

                                    Again, if you read any book on how to be a medium...you'd say "Oh, that's how it's done...and the issue would be closed.

                                    There is no need to continue associating these people with "the powers of the mind" It has nothing to do with what they do.




                                    Shane. It isn't a matter of belief.

                                    I am 100% certain that all mediums are con artists (or entertainers). None are "real"

                                    See? Not that hard to say.

                                    And it isn't because "I think I know everything". Pick up any book on Cold Reading and you'll get the entire method. It isn't secret, and it isn't expensive. If you like, I'll put together a list of the books, any one of which would explain the whole thing.

                                    Again..this has nothing to do with the power of the mind. It's just an easy to learn and perform technique.

                                    And l am 100% certain that not all mediums are con artists!

                                    I base that on personal experience.


                                    But l don't want to trample on what you believe, so it is best to let the WF members decide on whether a pile of books or personal experience is the best way to find out whether they are or not!


                                    Shane
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                                    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                                      Good point Claude. And in both cases you're right.

                                      However that doesn't mean that all Mediums/Nigerians are scamming people. That's what I was trying to communicate.

                                      I could be wrong but I think the US Government hires people who can “remote view.”
                                      The US gov, takes remote viewing very seriously, just go to Wikileaks, and you will find plenty of how to remote view books on the subject, used by the military!

                                      Unless of course generals in charge of Nuclear missile silos, are being conned as well? :rolleyes:


                                      Shane
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                                    • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
                                      Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

                                      And l am 100% certain that not all mediums are con artists!

                                      I base that on personal experience.


                                      But l don't want to trample on what you believe, so it is best to let the WF members decide on whether a pile of books or personal experience is the best way to find out whether they are or not!


                                      Shane
                                      While I agree with your sentiment, Shane, I believe that that is exactly where Claude is coming from. In his "experience", mediums are fraudsters and the books are 100% correct.

                                      Every person has different experiences in their lives that convince them of things that no discussion or debate will ever change. I mean you just can't argue with a "I know that I know that I know", if you get my drift.

                                      I think this thread calls for a "we agree to disagree" handshake or hug, whichever whoever prefers.

                                      I like (((hugs))).

                                      Terra
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            • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
              Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

              I have to admit - I LIKE Theresa Caputo - LI Medium.

              It doesn't matter at all whether I "believe" or not - it's entertaining. I get a kick out of her and her family. Believing or disbelieving on a personal level is irrelevant as I'd be arguing something I don't have the knowledge to make a final decision on.

              I know from personal experience a few times in my life....there are things that happen I can't explain. There are "connections" with special people (and animals) that make no logical sense but are connections nonetheless.

              kay
              This is the one I like to watch for entertainment.

              I really like Kim Ruzzo.


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  • One thing that stood out for me in the Penn and Teller show was how much people want to believe. Setting aside the creepiness of the mediums, there is a marketing lesson there. It's a "starving crowd" as Gary Halbert used to say. And several people said they were happy with the medium's message, even if they knew it was probably not real. They wanted the experience.

    It's like golfers. They buy every new gadget and theory for decades, even though the basic skills of the game are fairly standard. It's not just trying to get better, it's the quest, the tinkering, the unbelievable high when it goes right for fleeting moments. It's the whole experience.

    And golfers often communicate with the Lord and the spirit world. I've heard their names invoked many times.
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  • Many believe that the notion that we only use a portion of our brain is not valid.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_percent_of_brain_myth

    Similar to the old chestnut that every speaker uses: that the words we use counts for only 7% of our communication effectiveness, with the rest attributed to verbal and visual cues. Oy!
    http://ubiquity.acm.org/article.cfm?id=2043156
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    • Profile picture of the author seasoned
      Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

      Many believe that the notion that we only use a portion of our brain is not valid.
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_percent_of_brain_myth

      Similar to the old chestnut that every speaker uses: that the words we use counts for only 7% of our communication effectiveness, with the rest attributed to verbal and visual cues. Oy!
      The 7% rule
      Well, I read in one place that only about 10% of the cells in the human brain are active neurons. That is certainly possible. Some are like baby nerve cells, supposedly, waiting to replace cells that may die. Even though they have the POTENTIAL, they are like spare parts for your car or computer, and are currently NOT ACTIVE.

      But humans DO only use a SMALL fraction of their potential. That is true of nearly everything you could think of. I have seen glimmers of mental ability in MYSELF, that I don't usually consciously possess. Though I HAVE gotten ideas of what another person was thinking about, or a future event that would happen to me, I haven't been able to control them. I have seen no telekinetic, or talking to the dead, etc.... I doubt ANYONE can. MOST mental abilities are consciously exercised through FEEDBACK! HOW could one exercise things such as talking to the dead, assuming it were even possible?

      Even EYESITE! Humans use a really MINUSCULE portion of their eyesight. There is a really tiny portion of the retina called the fovia. THAT is the only part most humans use to read. It is clear that the REST has that ability. Yet most wouldn't even know it were there without noticing peripheral vision, etc...

      HECK, even the FEET, and even some major muscle groups. Look at a gymnast compared to one that never tried such things.

      SO, do we have 90%+ more we have never used? WHO KNOWS? Do we have ASTOUNDING potential we have never used? CERTAINLY!

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
    I wonder how much of their recorded footage is discarded as a result of her being wrong in her assumptions.
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by mojojuju View Post

      I wonder how much of their recorded footage is discarded as a result of her being wrong in her assumptions.
      I don't know the answer. But I do know that with mediums, editing isn't required. The form the questions take pretty well guarantees a hit often enough to ignore the misses. What always trips up mediums is when you only answer "Yes" or "No". And they have no idea who you are. In the John Edward performances, audience members fill out cards before the show, and the information is gathered from there. That creep should be in prison.

      Chris Angel did a trick on a TV special, where he said "Pick a number between one and a thousand" and he would pick the exact number they were thinking. When you watch the Special, it's devastatingly impressive.

      But...

      The parts they left out were where he also said "They have to be three odd numbers, and they can't be the same". There are only a few numbers that qualify. "379" is popular.

      And even then, he had misses. But editing really helps, when you're a magician. And most people are still mystified, because they completely forget the part where he guides their choice...just like mediums.

      And that friends...is how that works.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    >Re: Long Island Medium

    Can one of you psychics tell me...is the island long or medium? These oxymorons are sooooo confusing.

    I'll foretell all the guys will say "long" and the girls will say "medium".
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    Chris Angel is entertaining, but I think of him less an "illusionist" and more a guy with a good special effects and editing team. But I do like watching him

    Same with LI Medium. My wife and her daughter love watching her show. I know they both believe in mediums. When my wife says something like "Wow. that was incredible how she knew that!" I remind her that we never see what ends up on the editors cutting room floor. Which she then will usually throw the TV remote at me
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  • Profile picture of the author Sweersz
    People are gullible. I've watched the show before only because I like her accent.
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  • Wow, his sister is also a medium. It's in the genes.

    Psychic James Van Praagh battles his sis for use of the*family
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  • Profile picture of the author seasoned
    First, let me tell you, it ISN'T the hottest thing in america, though the "SYFY channel" has a number of "paranormal investigators". WOW! I used to LOVE the scifi channel! It was originally perhaps ALL SCI FI! It THEN started showing wrestling! THEN it added these STUPID, BORING "paranormal investigator" shows! People that USED to clean sewage pipes of roots saying OH... We have a magnetic variance(NEVER MIND that MOST technology over the past 200 years creates it), or we have a sound(more on that later), that sped up or slowed down sounds SOMETHING like ....!

    I guess they got called on the carpet or SOMETHING! They changed their name from "scifi" to "syfy"! GRANTED, it could be a trademark thing, but maybe it is more.

    A LOT of things can cause noise. Wind, magnetic variance, temperature variance, motion, technology, fraud can ALL cause noise. It is like a kid seeing monsters in the shadows! EEECK! A MONSTER! OH, it is just a hat and coat on a chair. BUT...BUT.... IT MOVED!?!?!?!? OH, the light hit it differently, or it was the wind!

    Yeah, I went to a few "psychic"'s for a few reasons. I haven't seen a real one yet. And these SHOWS, YIKES! OH, and the SAME goes with pentacostal healers, and ghost chasers.

    Steve
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  • "Let's continue, Claude. Right now I'm sensing a T, a woman with a name that starts with T. Is that someone close to you?"

    "I don't have any close family like that. Maybe TerraK from the Warrior Forum?"

    "Yes, that's it. TerraK from the Warrior Forum. She's right here, Claude. She's right here to my left. She wants you to know she wants a group hug."
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

      "Let's continue, Claude. Right now I'm sensing a T, a woman with a name that starts with T. Is that someone close to you?"

      "I don't have any close family like that. Maybe TerraK from the Warrior Forum?"

      "Yes, that's it. Miss TerraK. She's right here Claude. She's right here to my left. She wants you to know she wants a group hug."
      When I was more evil, I would use similar things in selling.
      I might say "Do you want your vacuum cleaner to pick up pet hair?"

      "Yes"

      And then I would say "Do you know how I knew you were going to say that?"

      I did this a few times in a presentation. It would give them the feeling that there was a real connection with them. It helped sales. Eventually I stopped because it was just too distasteful to me.

      Pick Up artists use many of the same methods as Mediums, as do smart marketers. Some people (mostly young girls) are fascinated by the thought of a supernatural connection with you.

      There is something about a cute girl looking at you with fascination, saying "How do you know so much about me?" that's..well....tempting for some men.

      "Yes, You suffered a major emotional trauma when you were a child. Tell me about that" (the story comes out) "Yes, that explains a lot of what I'm getting here. And you said Your Father died? I get a sense that it was sudden, and tragic. He went far too soon, is that right?"

      "Yes, and you looked up to him. He's with me now. He says he's sorry he couldn't be there for you. What does that mean to you?" (He missed my Dance recital) "That's right. He feels bad about it. He wants you to know he's very proud of you. And he thinks about you, every day. Is there anything you want to say to him?"

      See? Anyone can do it. It's just selling to an eager buyer. And it makes my stomach churn that it works so easily.
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      • Profile picture of the author MissTerraK
        Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

        "Let's continue, Claude. Right now I'm sensing a T, a woman with a name that starts with T. Is that someone close to you?"

        "I don't have any close family like that. Maybe TerraK from the Warrior Forum?"

        "Yes, that's it. TerraK from the Warrior Forum. She's right here, Claude. She's right here to my left. She wants you to know she wants a group hug."
        ROFL!

        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        When I was more evil, I would use similar things in selling.
        I might say "Do you want your vacuum cleaner to pick up pet hair?"

        "Yes"

        And then I would say "Do you know how I knew you were going to say that?"

        I did this a few times in a presentation. It would give them the feeling that there was a real connection with them. It helped sales. Eventually I stopped because it was just too distasteful to me.

        Pick Up artists use many of the same methods as Mediums, as do smart marketers. Some people (mostly young girls) are fascinated by the thought of a supernatural connection with you.

        There is something about a cute girl looking at you with fascination, saying "How do you know so much about me?" that's..well....tempting for some men.

        "Yes, You suffered a major emotional trauma when you were a child. Tell me about that" (the story comes out) "Yes, that explains a lot of what I'm getting here. And you said Your Father died? I get a sense that it was sudden, and tragic. He went far too soon, is that right?"

        "Yes, and you looked up to him. He's with me now. He says he's sorry he couldn't be there for you. What does that mean to you?" (He missed my Dance recital) "That's right. He feels bad about it. He wants you to know he's very proud of you. And he thinks about you, every day. Is there anything you want to say to him?"

        See? Anyone can do it. It's just selling to an eager buyer. And it makes my stomach churn that it works so easily.

        Claude's a medium!!

        Hahahaha!

        I'm kidding, sorry, I couldn't resist.

        Excellent example of how emotional manipulation can most certainly be used on the gullible though.

        Terra
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

          ROFL!




          Claude's a medium!!

          Hahahaha!

          I'm kidding, sorry, I couldn't resist.

          Excellent example of how emotional manipulation can most certainly be used on the gullible though.

          Terra
          Terra; Excellent way to respond. You got Brass, Baby!


          Added later; This is not a joke;

          My wife just walked by me while I was working at my desk at home. I said offhandedly (because of this last post ) "I'm a Medium"...She looks at me (having no idea why I said it) and said "You'll always be a Large to me, Dear".

          I'll be laughing on and off the rest of the evening, and she'll have no idea why.
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          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by MissTerraK View Post

            While I agree with your sentiment, Shane, I believe that that is exactly where Claude is coming from. In his "experience", mediums are fraudsters and the books are 100% correct.

            Every person has different experiences in their lives that convince them of things that no discussion or debate will ever change. I mean you just can't argue with a "I know that I know that I know", if you get my drift.

            I think this thread calls for a "we agree to disagree" handshake or hug, whichever whoever prefers.

            I like (((hugs))).

            Terra

            True a hug is better than a handshake or a firing squad! :rolleyes:

            Or to get off the subject a bit, as someone else said, on a YT channel, "a UFO would have to land on someones house, and teabag them to convince them"!


            But since 80% of Americans believe in them, l suspect hard core skeptics are in the minority!


            All skeptics will become believers one day, (in mediums, etc) unless a UFO teabags them in the meantime! :rolleyes:


            Shane
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            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              True a hug is better than a handshake or a firing squad! :rolleyes:

              Or to get off the subject a bit, as someone else said, on a YT channel, "a UFO would have to land on someones house, and teabag them to convince them"!
              Shane; Youtube video comments. The World's Highest Authority. Trusted by nations around the world. The best source for what's really going on.

              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              But since 80% of Americans believe in them, l suspect hard core skeptics are in the minority!

              Shane
              Shane; You have no idea the compliment you just paid me. The first thing I think when I hear that 80% of the population believes something...is that they are wrong. Because it's always the bottom 80%. And they are always the last to catch on.

              And being like 80% of the people, is my own private description of hell.

              If even 5% of the population thinks like I do, I'm not trying hard enough.

              So thank you. Your post kind of made my day.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I find dissing everyone involved in meta-physics just because there are charlatans running around rather disturbing. Some marketers are charlatans - are they all?

    Claude - you seem very solidly grounded in materialism. That would make me presume you are also grounded in science? I would like you to consider something from the field of physics.

    Solid objects are nothing but an illusion. Everything, no matter how solid it appears, is energy -- solidity is not real. Only energy is real.

    Large utility corporations hire dowsers because they can dowse. It's only a matter that some people know how to somehow discern the difference in energy vibrations.

    Linear time? Also an illusion. Is seeing into the past or future, then, actually seeing into past or future - or more like seeing across a plane that we don't understand sensually other than linearly?

    If linear time is an illusion, what does that mean for the concept of space? Is remote viewing anything close to what it appears to us to be if space is aligned with time (read: space-time) in a manner that subsequently renders it different than we experience it because we experience some energy as being solid?

    This universe is far too inscrutable to be sure that anything is as it appears to us. Remember the shock and dismay caused by the general population finding that the universe did not revolve around the earth.
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  • Oops.

    'Psychic' Bus Driver Fired For Refusing To Pick Up School Kids

    "Bet he never saw this coming: An allegedly psychic bus driver in Dundee, Scotland, has been fired after refusing to pick up some school kids.

    The unidentified driver told his bosses that he had a good reason for leaving the kids by the side of the road. Apparently, he is clairvoyant and sensed that something would go wrong if he didn’t keep driving, the Daily Record reported."
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by KingOfContentMarketing View Post

      Oops.

      'Psychic' Bus Driver Fired For Refusing To Pick Up School Kids

      "Bet he never saw this coming: An allegedly psychic bus driver in Dundee, Scotland, has been fired after refusing to pick up some school kids.

      The unidentified driver told his bosses that he had a good reason for leaving the kids by the side of the road. Apparently, he is clairvoyant and sensed that something would go wrong if he didn't keep driving, the Daily Record reported."

      Yep, reminds me of the Twin Tower Collapse, about 5000 people showed up for work that day, and the vast majority, (100,000) because of what they sensed or their wives, etc sensed didn't go to work that day!


      Not too many people know about that piece of trivia.


      Being a skeptic to this sort of thing in our world, can be very dangerous, if you happen to step on the wrong plane at the wrong time.


      Shane
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  • Profile picture of the author bizgrower
    Re: Edgar Cayce
    There is also this:
    Edgar Cayce' s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) - Edgar Cayce readings: Spiritual Growth, Health, Ancient Mysteries

    I can't wait for time for a Medium Long Island tea
    and chasing women using Claude's PUA techniques. lol
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by bizgrower View Post

      Re: Edgar Cayce
      There is also this:
      Edgar Cayce' s Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.) - Edgar Cayce readings: Spiritual Growth, Health, Ancient Mysteries

      I can't wait for time for a Medium Long Island tea
      and chasing women using Claude's PUA techniques. lol
      That was pretty darn well done, Buckaroo.
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      • Profile picture of the author ThomM
        A Kung Fu master that I was corresponding with finally explained it to me as momentum and subtle coordination between different body parts. He and I had a discussion similar to some in this forum. One by one, he tore down my beliefs.

        I'll be honest. I'm not 100% sure I like it better now. Believing in Chi was very comforting....and fun.
        So you stopped believing in Chi when you found out how it works?
        I'm a little confused by that Claude.
        It sounds to me like you had a different idea about what it was and then when you found out what it was decided it wasn't real.
        Myself, I would find more comfort in Chi after knowing how it really works.
        The difference is before when you believed, what you believed was wrong. That doesn't mean Chi isn't real, just that what you believed was.
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

          So you stopped believing in Chi when you found out how it works?
          I'm a little confused by that Claude.
          It sounds to me like you had a different idea about what it was and then when you found out what it was decided it wasn't real.
          Myself, I would find more comfort in Chi after knowing how it really works.
          The difference is before when you believed, what you believed was wrong. That doesn't mean Chi isn't real, just that what you believed was.
          Thom; I should have made it more clear. I stopped believing Chi was a separate force, like blood or electricity. I was taught originally that it was like Prana (In Yoga), it's the life force.

          So I stopped believing that. I didn't stop believing it was useful...just what it was. It's still very real, just now explained in bio mechanical terms.

          I just liked the idea that it was a force surging through our body, making you more alive.

          So....everything you said was true...and everything I said was true....I just didn't make it clear enough.
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          • Profile picture of the author ThomM
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            Thom; I should have made it more clear. I stopped believing Chi was a separate force, like blood or electricity. I was taught originally that it was like Prana (In Yoga), it's the life force.

            So I stopped believing that. I didn't stop believing it was useful...just what it was. It's still very real, just now explained in bio mechanical terms.

            I just liked the idea that it was a force surging through our body, making you more alive.

            So....everything you said was true...and everything I said was true....I just didn't make it clear enough.
            Got ya Claude. That makes sense.
            I'd still (loosely) look at it as a life force.
            That has to be a powerful feeling knowing your body can achieve that type of coordination and have that type of momentum.
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            Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
            Getting old ain't for sissy's
            As you are I was, as I am you will be
            You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

              Got ya Claude. That makes sense.
              I'd still (loosely) look at it as a life force.
              That has to be a powerful feeling knowing your body can achieve that type of coordination and have that type of momentum.
              Thom; We all can do it. It's just a matter of knowing how, and practicing until it's automatic.

              My last Kung Fu instructor showed me a movement, and I did it incorrectly for a month. He showed me again, and told me that "The Movement will teach you everything else". At the time, I didn't know what he meant. I do now. He meant that with thousands of repetitions, you become more efficient. All chi is, is great efficiency in movement. But the results can be frightening to the uninitiated.

              And when you impress someone, the reaction you get can be addictive. So you want to keep on impressing them. So you start making up abilities...using tricks..then outright lies. I've seen it multiple times in some martial arts. (mostly kung fu). It's sooo easy to slip into deception. It's easier than training.

              I wonder what other things this applies too also.
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              • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                Thom; We all can do it. It's just a matter of knowing how, and practicing until it's automatic.

                My last Kung Fu instructor showed me a movement, and I did it incorrectly for a month. He showed me again, and told me that "The Movement will teach you everything else". At the time, I didn't know what he meant. I do now. He meant that with thousands of repetitions, you become more efficient. All chi is, is great efficiency in movement. But the results can be frightening to the uninitiated.

                And when you impress someone, the reaction you get can be addictive. So you want to keep on impressing them. So you start making up abilities...using tricks..then outright lies. I've seen it multiple times in some martial arts. (mostly kung fu). It's sooo easy to slip into deception. It's easier than training.

                I wonder what other things this applies too also.
                It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to impress people.
                I see it all the time with musicians.
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                Life: Nature's way of keeping meat fresh
                Getting old ain't for sissy's
                As you are I was, as I am you will be
                You can't fix stupid, but you can always out smart it.

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                • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                  Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                  It is easy to fall into the trap of trying to impress people.
                  I see it all the time with musicians.
                  Yep, musicians, movie directors, etc, all seem to produce great work when they making a name for themselves; then when they have their pile of cash, etc, start producing a lot more crap!


                  Shane
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