Uri Geller

[naomi24]

I’m currently reading ‘The Ghost of Flight 401’, recommended by a fellow ABer. Early on the author speaks about Uri Geller and names scientists who support his incredible claims of spoon-bending, watch-mending, etc, etc., which surprises me. I know James Randi has explained how these 'tricks' can be achieved, but I was under the impression that Uri Geller had also been ‘outed’ by science as a fraud. Has he – or is that just hearsay? I’d be interested in links to any formal papers on the subject.

[naomi24]

Maybe, but I wouldn't want my name associated, and by extension my reputation tarnished, with something I felt was fraudulent.

[birdie1971]

Khandro - "krom. When birdie comes on later he will be delighted with your support ;0)"

I'm liking the emoticon. It makes insults so much more agreeable don't you think?

As a fan of your posts, I do find it interesting to note that when you make a specific claim that is subsequently refuted, you never post words to the effect of, "OK, I was wrong on that one.". You simply make snide remarks and carry on as if nothing has happened. Believe it or not, when I'm wrong and am proved demonstrably so, I admit it and apologise. I have done so on several occasions on AB over the years.

Over to you Khandro.

[Svejk]

that happens a lot, birdie. People on here(usually left-whingers) start with a mistaken premise and then expand on it over several pages. When you point out they are irrefutably wrong they neither apologise or even acknowledge their mistake. They just move on, spouting similar botox on another thread.
I cant say what I'd do if I were wrong, guess i'll have to cross that bridge if I ever come to it. ;)

[Khandro]

birdie; What on earth are you talking about? I have nothing whatsoever to apologise for, though I'm flattered to learn that in you I have a fan.
To your, //I love cheap magic tricks - if they're presented as such.//
I responded //Have you ever come across a magician who said, "I'm now going to perform a cheap magic trick"?// A question not yet answered by you.
I didn't say that in the entire panoply of magicians someone hadn't said such a thing.
Then kromo. gave examples of people I've never seen or heard of, and of whom I'd be surprised to learn were members of the Magic Circle.
The sainted Tommy Cooper certainly never said such a thing, his tricks may have gone 'wrong', but he usually came out on top with a bit of 'real' magic.

[Khandro]

PS, I've just looked up The Magic Circle, and their motto is;

Indocilis Privata Loqui
(not apt to disclose secrets) !

[birdie1971]

Khandro - "... I didn't say that in the entire panoply of magicians someone hadn't said such a thing..."

What you said was, "Have you ever come across a magician who said, 'I'm now going to perform a cheap magic trick'?" which, if I'm not very much mistaken, suggests that you believe that no magician has ever said or suggested such a thing.

Then Krom corrected you. You didn't acknowledge you were wrong. You still don't. Even now, you're acting as though you've not made a mistake. It's quite laughable to watch.


You then say, "... Then kromo. gave examples of people I've never seen or heard of, and of whom I'd be surprised to learn were members of the Magic Circle..."

Now, I admit that I'm not the hippest of chicks but even I know who Penn and Teller are. Do you live under a rock? Are you seriously saying that you've never heard of Penn and Teller? These two chaps are world famous magicians.

Interestingly, they did a series of programmes called "Penn and Teller: Bu*****". From 2003 until 2010 they did eight series of programmes (a total of 89 episodes) that exposed the lies involved in a myriad of subjects. If you're interested in facts rather than fiction, look them up on YouTube.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Penn_%26_Teller:_Bullshit!_episodes

[if that above link works (due to AB's absurd profanity policy), I'll be amazed]

They, like James Randi, Derren Brown (are these mysterious names to you as well?) etc. see it as their duty to debunk fraudsters and expose their lies.

[birdie1971]

Svejk - "... People on here(usually left-whingers) start with a mistaken premise and then expand on it over several pages. When you point out they are irrefutably wrong they neither apologise or even acknowledge their mistake. They just move on, spouting similar botox on another thread..."

Indeed they do. I'm glad you've noticed it too. As to your final sentence (which I notice you append with a wink), just do what all civilised people do in that situation: say you're sorry.