Sylvia Browne on Jay Leno Show

[RSLancastr]

Last night (Tuesday, November 3rd 2009), Sylvia Browne made a brief appearance on the Jay Leno Show. Interestingly enough, Browne did not appear on the "coming up tonight on the Jay Lno Show" commercials, nor was she even announced as a guest at the beginning of the show. Her apparance was as part of a gag of sorts. two of the guests that night were the actor and actress who star in the movie "Paranormal Activity". they were interviewed about their experiences making the movie, and their experiences with their new-found fame. then, in what appeared to be a running shtick on the show, Jay told them that he wuold not play a clip from their film until they had done a segment titled Earn Your Plug, in which they would have to do something to earn the right to have the clip played.

Leno said that he usually knew what stunt the guests would be asked to do, but that on this night, the guests had arranged it themselves. the guests then said that, in keeping with the scary theme of the film, they had arranged for "world-famous psychic" Sylvia Browne to give Jay a "reading," then they and Jay walked to another part of the set, where Browne was seated at a small table. I don't know whether or not it was an act, but Leno appeared to be unhappy about the segment, remarking that he could see that some of his staff would be fired soon. Personally, I find it hard to imagine that he did not know of the segment ahead of time, but he did not seem happy about it.

The two guests then asked Browne a series of questions about Jay, and Browne gave her answers/predictions.

I did not record the segment, nor did I take notes, so here are the questions and answers as I best remember them.

Q: What do you see about Jay's health?
A: Jay is very healthy. but I think that he needs to be careful of all the rich foods he eats.
Leno made a remark to Browne that she had probably seen him eat in the cafeteria. Browne told him that he knew that wasn't true. As Leno is a wealthy man and is overweight, "predicting" that he eats rich foods doesn't exactly take a psychic.

Q: What is the next car that Jay will buy? (Leno is known for his collection of expensive cars and motrcycles.)
A: A Bugatti (sp?).
Leno said that this was incorrect, but that he wished that it was correct. Browne gave her standard reply of "Do you know how many people over the years have told me that I'm wrong about something, but came back later to tell me that I was right?"

Leno said "No. How many?" and the subject was dropped.

Q: What new is coming up about Jay's home?
A: I see that he will be making some renovations, then he will buy a new home.
(Leno said that this was wrong, and that he would be living in his current home for a long time.)

I think that there was another question or two, but, if so, I have forgtten them.

Leno shook hands with Browne and the guests, and the segment was over.
The entire segment was very brief, probably no more than five minutes in length.

All in all, Browne's appearance on the show was not one that spoke well of her celebrity. It was mercifully brief. Leno never talked to her (on camera) about what she had been up to lately. She was not announced at the beginning of the show, nor in the earlier commercials for it that I saw. I don't know if she was thanked at the end of the show, as I turned it off after Browne's segment. I will be writing to the producers of the show to make them aware (if they aren't already) of my site, and of some of Browne's major gaffes. With luck, she won't be booked again.

[Denver]

The segment should be on Hulu.com sometime today.

[RSLancastr]

The segment should be on Hulu.com sometime today.Or perhaps YouTube.

[Akhenaten]

It sounds like Mr Leno isn't much of a fan. Did you get that impression?

I hope so, because he seems like a really decent feller to me.


Cheers,

Dave

[desertgal]

I don't recall Leno ever hosting a psychic in all the years he was on the Tonight Show. Out of curiosity, does anyone else? If not, then it might be an indication that he is against doing so, hence he really may not have known about this ahead of time, and his unhappiness was genuine.

Leno seems like a pretty down to earth guy-can't really see him having much truck (or patience) with psychics.

[ravdin]

Wasn't it Leno who said that you'll never see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

It's his name on the show, and I think he's responsible for who his guests are, whether or not he's happy about having them or not.

[RSLancastr]

It sounds like Mr Leno isn't much of a fan. Did you get that impression?that was certainly my impression, yes.

I hope so, because he seems like a really decent feller to me.Decent, yes. Now if only he was funny...

[godofpie]

It is posted on the NBC site.
http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/video/clips/paranormal-plug/1172321/

[desertgal]

Wasn't it Leno who said that you'll never see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?

It's his name on the show, and I think he's responsible for who his guests are, whether or not he's happy about having them or not.

Well, he went through with the segment, so he handled it with responsibility. I just got the impression that he was being honest about it being a surprise, and that he was genuinely peeved. If so, I imagine that is the last time "surprise guests" will appear on his show. I also don't think SB will be making a re-appearance.

[Akhenaten]

Decent, yes. Now if only he was funny...





Heh heh. I can't speak to that issue, since I've never seen his show. I'm mainly only aware of him because of his beautiful cars and bikes.

[Trystero4]

Q: What is the next car that Jay will buy? (Leno is known for his collection of expensive cars and motrcycles.)
A: A Bugatti (sp?).
Leno said that this was incorrect, but that he wished that it was correct. Browne gave her standard reply of "Do you know how many people over the years have told me that I'm wrong about something, but came back later to tell me that I was right?"



I'm am going to start weaving this into everyday discussion.

"I'm sorry but the radar gun says you were going 60 in a 45 zone, sir."

"Do you know how many people over the years have told me I'm wrong about something, but came back later to tell me I was right?"

[Sun Countess]

I was watching the Leno show last night and definitely got the impression that he was peeved with her appearance. I actually flipped the channel in the middle of the segment because I just cannot tolerate that woman. I'm happy to see that Jay told her she was wrong about some of her predictions.

I did watch enough to see Jay ask if she needed to set something up and she told him she didn't use any crystal balls or tea leaves (because those are apparently the tools of the frauds :rolleyes: ). He asked her where her readings came from and she answered, "From God." He repeated that phrase with what I'd call an audible eyeroll.

Why does this woman have followers?

[kookbreaker]

I don't recall Leno ever hosting a psychic in all the years he was on the Tonight Show.

IIRC, he did have Uri Geller on the show with little 'control' over the man. Geller tried to tout it as 'vindication' over his disasterous appearance when Carson was in charge.

[dudalb]

Slyvia Brown would not have come near the Tonight Show while Johnny was around. Pyschics avoided the show like the plague because, having been a Magician himself, Carson knew all the tricks,as Uri Gellar found out to his sorrow.

[Nursefoxfire]

After watching the clip, it's pretty evident to me that neither she nor Jay cared for each other. Her last comment to the question "what is the future of the Jay Leno Show" was pretty telling, like she was REALLY disgusted with him and didn't really want to be there talking to him.

[JoeTheJuggler]

I didn't see it. (I'm not much of a Leno fan.) But this part was great:


Leno said that this was incorrect, but that he wished that it was correct. Browne gave her standard reply of "Do you know how many people over the years have told me that I'm wrong about something, but came back later to tell me that I was right?"

Leno said "No. How many?" and the subject was dropped.

A line from Bacon leaped to my mind. (This quote is from memory, so it's probably not exactly right.)
"Pilate asked, 'What is the truth?' but did not stay for an answer."

[desertgal]

IIRC, he did have Uri Geller on the show with little 'control' over the man. Geller tried to tout it as 'vindication' over his disasterous appearance when Carson was in charge.

Thank you. :)

[desertgal]

After watching the clip, it's pretty evident to me that neither she nor Jay cared for each other. Her last comment to the question "what is the future of the Jay Leno Show" was pretty telling, like she was REALLY disgusted with him and didn't really want to be there talking to him.

Evidence that Browne would sooner attempt to sever her carotid with a spork than turn down an invite to appear on a nationally televised show. :D

[Akhenaten]

Evidence that Browne would sooner attempt to sever her carotid with a spork than turn down an invite to appear on a nationally televised show. :D





Now THAT I'd pay to see.



@ Joe

"What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer."

[Olowkow]

I hope Jay runs out tomorrow and buys another Rolls.:)

[grayman]

Here's what SB (and Montel) has been doing lately. SB shows up around 3:35:

HP5pBLAN-nc

[Ernie M]

Hopefully Sylvia Browne's "psychic" scheme will end soon.

WHY I BELIEVE SYLVIA BROWNE'S "PSYCHIC" BUSINESS SHARES SIMILARITIES WITH BERNIE MADOFF

Although it took an exceedingly long time to detect and stop, Bernard Lawrence "Bernie" Madoff's Ponzi scheme was ultimately recognized as defrauding people- and he went to jail.

Madoff made and spent a lot of money for a long time.
From wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Madoff):
Concerns about Madoff's business surfaced as early as 1999, when financial analyst-whistleblower Harry Markopolos informed the SEC that he believed it was legally and mathematically impossible to achieve the gains Madoff claimed to deliver. He was ignored by the Boston SEC in 2000 and 2001, as well as by Meaghan Cheung at the New York SEC in 2005 and 2007 when he presented further evidence. Others also contended it was inconceivable that the growing volume of Madoff accounts could be competently and legitimately serviced by his documented accounting/auditing firm, a three-person firm with only one active accountant.


I liken Robert Lancaster and his Web site documentation about Sylvia Browne (http://stopsylvia.com/)'s claims, to Harry Markopolos and Harry's investigative research about Bernie Madoff.

Bernie Madoff defrauded people for many years before he was stopped. So how long will Sylvia Browne (and others like her) continue to ply purported "psychic" powers as a legitimate business?

Bernie, and Browne, both use(d) "affinity fraud"
Bernie Madoff is Jewish, and his Ponzi scheme lured fellow Jews because some of them let their guard down since they took a natural liking to him because of (Jewish) similarities. Hence, the affinity.

Sylvia Browne repeatedly plays the "God" card. She was wearing a cross around her neck on the Jay Leno Show. And, when Jay asked how does she do it, Browne said "from God." So, people who believe in God, may develop an affinity for Browne, based on the "God" connection and never bother to delve further into the realities behind her "psychic" sayings.

How many times will we hear Sylvia Browne (or other "psychics") refuse to scientifically prove their purported abilities, by taking the JREF Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge, by stating they only have to prove their abilities to God and their clients?

JAY LENO IS TALENTED AND FUNNY
It is my opinion Jay does not care for Sylvia Browne, nor believes in her (or anybody's) purported "psychic" abilities.

I think he politely shook her hand, and immediately followed up with humorous jabs like, I see why my staff did not inform me. I see some new employees coming in.


Jay comically mentioned a method about how Sylvia might know or be able to comment on his health (eating) when he said,

...that’s ‘cause you saw me in the cafeteria like three hours ago, you saw me eating a cheese pizza.


And Jay tagged some thoughts about Sylvia's comments alleging he would buy another house, his health/eating, and what car he'd buy next:

I’m in a house to stay. What I see happening, is I see me crashing a Bugatti while eating a cheese pizza.


I can't see Jay Leno having Sylvia Browne on the Jay Leno Show as a guest, as a means to promote her. I believe Jay and The Jay Leno Show have high moral/ethical standards and integrity, and wouldn't give Browne a positive platform on which to pontificate.

[JoeTheJuggler]

@ Joe

"What is truth? said jesting Pilate; and would not stay for an answer."

Thanks! :)

[IceSage]

Whoa, you're still around Robert? I haven't been paying attention to many things around this community lately, but glad to see you're doing well, enough to post here, at least.

In my opinion though, I'd venture a guess that, if anything, Sylvia ended up bribing or paying someone to get her on the show, not the other way around by being booked. Either that or some one on the staff was a fan.

I know for a fact that Jay isn't fond of psychics either. Also, I miss Johnny. I still love watching that video where he exposes Geller.

[ExMinister]

Having read through this thread, I found the episode on Hulu.com just now and I have to say he didn't seem peeved to me at all. He seemed to play along with it, as if it was all in good fun. I don't suppose he had much choice, under the circumstances, but to me the only sign he might have been ticked was when he made the comment about his staff. Just my opinion, of course. But I can't imagine that her having the opportunity to be on that show will do anything but help her publicity wise.

[Alan]

Heh heh. I can't speak to that issue, since I've never seen his show. I'm mainly only aware of him because of his beautiful cars and bikes.
It's now on channel 7TWO at 6pm on weeknights, if you have a set top box.

[Nursefoxfire]

Having read through this thread, I found the episode on Hulu.com just now and I have to say he didn't seem peeved to me at all. He seemed to play along with it, as if it was all in good fun. I don't suppose he had much choice, under the circumstances, but to me the only sign he might have been ticked was when he made the comment about his staff. Just my opinion, of course. But I can't imagine that her having the opportunity to be on that show will do anything but help her publicity wise.

Just look at the body language of the two of them, especially when they're addressing each other or looking at each other. They're a textbook case of two people who loathe each other but are forced to be polite because it's a live show.

[ExMinister]

Just look at the body language of the two of them, especially when they're addressing each other or looking at each other. They're a textbook case of two people who loathe each other but are forced to be polite because it's a live show.

Even watching it a second time, I just didn't see that. They announce her name and the girl says she's the real deal. At the end Leno even says thank you Sylvia. It was probably very good for her. The audience seemed to love it, her fans will probably love it. I think it went extremely well for her.

I don't doubt there was animosity there based on the one comment Leno made about his staff. I just don't think it was evident enough to be anything but good publicity for Browne.

[Denver]

Even watching it a second time, I just didn't see that. They announce her name and the girl says she's the real deal. At the end Leno even says thank you Sylvia. It was probably very good for her. The audience seemed to love it, her fans will probably love it. I think it went extremely well for her.

I don't doubt there was animosity there based on the one comment Leno made about his staff. I just don't think it was evident enough to be anything but good publicity for Browne.

I just watch the segment. I thought it made Browne look inept and bumbling. I didn't think Leno was particularly upset with it all, but I felt he was showing a little impatience in having to deal with someone who was making such off-the-mark predictions, and then interrupting him several times.

So while I don't know if he has anything against proclaimed psychics, I think he did get a feeling for how full of herself she is, and that, I think, is what made the situation most awkward for him.

[Minarvia]

I don't see any animosity, either. But I really got the impression that he didn't believe a word she said about anything and doesn't believe in psychics, period. I think he was all right with her being there but just wasn't thrilled with that type of segment to earn their plug by the stars of the movie.

[Wowbagger]

Jay Leno is a professional talk show host. He knows better than to show anger or to look too "peeved", on stage. It's his obligation to keep things chipper and lighthearted.

But, you can tell he was not amused by her presence. His smile started to grow fake (look for the lack of eye wrinkles), his responses skeptical and sarcastic. He even went so far as to imply some turnover with his staff.

If I was in his position, I probably wouldn't have done much more... well, maybe a little more: I'd probably ask her specific questions about my health (I have something in mind, but nothing major. I wonder if she would be able to give me some insight into... it.) And, I would also be tempted to plug Robert's site, after she left. But, the smile would probably stay on my face, even if it was a little forced and faked.

[ExMinister]

Like I said, under the circumstances he probably couldn't have handled it much differently, but the overall impression was one of mutual goodwill, with him playing along good-naturedly, and unfortunately that only served to make her look good.

It just sickens me that she is still doing this and getting away with it. It sickens me to hear that girl say she's the "real deal."

At least there were two good parts: The joke he made about replacing his staff, which seemed to indicate where he stood on psychics in general, and the fact that he drowned her out when she started to spew her story about coming from a long line of psychics, blah blah. At least he didn't let her get away with that.

[MattusMaximus]

Wow, that was awkward!

I think Jay basically did the best he could with a rotten situation... he poked fun at her, and she didn't like it one bit. Did you notice how she tried to get all "I'm so serious" with him when he teased her? It's also worth noting that she got a bit terse & angry with him (watch her tone and body language) when he began to be openly skeptical of her "powers".

Which, of course, made him mess with her even more :D

I don't think it went well for her at all - people were not laughing with her, they were laughing at her. This was, on Leno's part, a good demonstration on how to deal face-to-face with a psychic.

[cisco]

they had done a segment titled Earn Your Plug, in which they would have to do something to earn the right to have the clip played.
Blatantly, shamelessly ripped from Howard Stern.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Wow, it's surprising she'd be on a show like Leno. :confused: Something as cheesy and low rent as Montel, sure, but a major late night show? Maybe at the height of her fame but now?

She's going to be touting this heavily on her resume from now on. Every bio of her is going to read "Sylvia is a world acclaimed psychic who has been on numerous shows including Larry King, The Jay Leno Show...".

Well, yes, it's understandable that he wasn't told about the segment by the staff or by the guests. It was meant as a surprise for him by the guests, it seems. He did look like he genuinely didn't know about it and there's little reason for him to lie about something like that...but people tell me I'm naive and gullible and I know I am, so.

[AndyD]

Well, if there was embarrassment about her appearance on the show, you wouldn't know it from his website (http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/backstage-with-bryan/psychic-sylvia-browne-astounds-us-backstage/).


Backstage with Bryan...

I had a chance to talk with Sylvia in her dressing room minutes after her appearance. Watch this video and see what other psychic predictions she made…

And get this! Our hairdresser lost an envelope in his house containing $3000 dollars. He hid it a few months ago and hasn’t been able to find it. In the process of doing Sylvia’s hair yesterday he asked her if she knew where it could be. Without hesitation she told him that it was in a red book. When he got home he found the one red book he had and guess what? It was right next to the red book. It wasn’t in it, but it was there. Amazing!!

[arthwollipot]

And that doesn't sound in the least bit sarcastic to you?

[rjh01]

Watched the video from the above link. Please note that all the predictions she made are vague in that they cannot be verified.

Edit. Just posted a comment. Bet it does not stay there long.

[Foolmewunz]

Well, if there was embarrassment about her appearance on the show, you wouldn't know it from his website (http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/backstage-with-bryan/psychic-sylvia-browne-astounds-us-backstage/).

Those are apparently "Bryan's" (whomever Bryan is) comments, not Jay's. And since his header includes "world renowned psychic", ya think maybe he's possibly the fanboy who worked with the duo to book her on the show?

And, he's trying to tell us that a professional did THAT hair? Puh-leeze!:spjimlad:

[pakeha]

I'm with you, Foolmewunze. The hair looked just a bit wiggy to my uninstructed eye.
But as for the rest-
The 'spiritual teacher' was was good as was the plug for the woman's son's psychic powers and the the plug for the upcoming shows with Montel.
I especially liked the health warning so that Bryan won't confuse possible numbness in the left arm with a heart attack.

[jer_j]

I just watched it, and to me it definitely seemed uncomfortable and tense. Jay has to smile and be polite and likable on his show, but he was chafing at the limits of that persona. Whether or not he was actually irritated as such, he was dying to come out and say Browne was a fraud - and he did all but utter those exact words. It reminds me of an unpleasant dinner conversation where nobody says exactly what they mean, but their jabs are all so obvious that they'd might as well start throwing punches. Technically, he left enough room for interpretation that people could say he was just foolin' with her; but even there he was pushing the limits.

Good for you, Jay.

That's how I read it anyway. But then again my psychic powers are underdeveloped.

[Dragoonster]

Leno looked uncomfortable and at least slightly irritated, and certainly (and explicitly) dismissive of Browne and her "abilities". It may have been a legitimate surprise--the actress interjects about Browne "she's the real deal!" at one point, perhaps she's a fan and contacted a producer who agreed to the stunt.

[Foolmewunz]

I can't see the replay from work, but if it's as described, I think the more telling aspect is his actual words. If he was any form of a believer, he'd have just played along and oh-gosh-and-gollied the way Montel does. He didn't. He contradicted her outright. I'm sure that's what put her off. She's accustomed to softball questions and set-ups a la Larry King and Montel and local radio talkjocks who are all a-tingle having the Claws on board. He told her she was wrong and she expected an open-minded(by her definition, which is "will believe anything") reception.

[Silly Green Monkey]

She sounds horrible! I kept expecting her voice to grind to a stop halfway through. And did she start the session by asking everyone to hold hands, or did I mishear?

[RSLancastr]

I was watching the Leno show last night and definitely got the impression that he was peeved with her appearance. I actually flipped the channel in the middle of the segment because I just cannot tolerate that woman. I'm happy to see that Jay told her she was wrong about some of her predictions.

I did watch enough to see Jay ask if she needed to set something up and she told him she didn't use any crystal balls or tea leaves (because those are apparently the tools of the frauds :rolleyes: ). He asked her where her readings came from and she answered, "From God." He repeated that phrase with what I'd call an audible eyeroll.

Why does this woman have followers?For the same reason any "psychic medium" does. Many vulnerable people are desperate for reasons to believe that they can contact their deceased loved ones. They will grasp at anything that even remotely gives them this hope, including such a painfully transparent fraud as Browne.

[ExMinister]

I can't see the replay from work, but if it's as described, I think the more telling aspect is his actual words. If he was any form of a believer, he'd have just played along and oh-gosh-and-gollied the way Montel does. He didn't. He contradicted her outright. I'm sure that's what put her off. She's accustomed to softball questions and set-ups a la Larry King and Montel and local radio talkjocks who are all a-tingle having the Claws on board. He told her she was wrong and she expected an open-minded(by her definition, which is "will believe anything") reception.

He contradicted her but then he said something agreeable like, "I hope so," and so kind of gave in to what she said. I think he DID play along that way, even if he didn't gosh and golly.

And she didn't seem put off in the least to me. To me she seemed in her element. She loves to be challenged (as long as its in a friendly way the way Leno did) so she can adopt that confident "that's OK honey I'm the psychic, you'll see" attitude, which is sort of her trademark, and they laughed and joked around which plays right in with the stand-up comedian psychic public image she tries to cultivate. I disagree that she expects a "will believe anything" reception after all these years. What she probably DOES appreciate are standard questions about health and easily anticipated questions like the one about Leno's cars, something he's well known for, like the ones the actress asked.

And how do we know he didn't say the thing about his staff being fired as a joke about publically finding out things he might not want want to know about his future?

At any rate, I hope you all are right and he's not a believer, but either way I still think the show went very well for Browne.

[RSLancastr]

Slyvia Brown would not have come near the Tonight Show while Johnny was around. Pyschics avoided the show like the plague because, having been a Magician himself, Carson knew all the tricks,as Uri Gellar found out to his sorrow.evidently, Carson did NOT know all the tricks, as he called Randi for advice on how to handle Geller's appearance. According to Randi.

[RSLancastr]

Whoa, you're still around Robert? I haven't been paying attention to many things around this community lately, but glad to see you're doing well, enough to post here, at least.
Where have you been? I've been opsting here pretty regularly since my discharge from hospital on June 30. click on my name at left, then on "view rslancastr's threads" (or words to that effect) to see. thanks for the kind words!

[desertgal]

evidently, Carson did NOT know all the tricks, as he called Randi for advice on how to handle Geller's appearance. According to Randi.

Well, I don't think that Carson himself would have ever said that he knew "all" the tricks, but, considering that he poked fun at psychics with 'Karnak', I think it's safe to say he didn't hold any belief in psychic ability.

I don't know if psychics wanted to avoid Carson or not, but if they didn't often appear on his show, it's probably more likely because he didn't invite them to.

[AndyD]

And that doesn't sound in the least bit sarcastic to you?

Err, no. No more sarcastic than any comment you might find on a fan site. Of course, I've not seen the show and couldn't watch any of the clips so I'm commenting only on the text on that page and although it's by "Bryan", it's on Leno's website. Perhaps people more familiar with Leno and his crew would read it differently.

[Rrose Selavy]

I don't think the NBC site clip will play for some for us outside the US - I get e message about it not being availble in my location (on the NBC site) or country (on daily motion)
If anyone finds a Youtube source it would be appreciated.

[Akhenaten]

I'm in Australia, Rrose* and the only link labelled as that video actually leads to a Montel segment. I won't post it.

:)

* Australia Rrose has a nice sound to it.

[RSLancastr]

I woke up in the middle of the night last night and started flipping through channels. I found an infomercial with Montel & Sylvia selling a blender (pardon me, an emulsifier. I turned it off and went back to sleep.

Oh yes, one interesting tidbit: when Montel announced Sylvia, he said it had been over one year since the last time she had been "on this stage"

Wow, it almost sounded like she had been... stopped... or something. :)

[grayman]

I woke up in the middle of the night last night and started flipping through channels. I found an infomercial with Montel & Sylvia selling a blender (pardon me, an emulsifier...

See post #21. ;)

[Delano]

Hi Folks,

I am considering sending an e-mail to the Jay Leno Show suggesting that they book one of Sylvia's critics. I do think Jay was honestly surprised and upset at Sylvia's appearance. I am thinking of something along the lines of

"Dear Jay Leno Show staff:
I was disappointed to see that you recently had Sylvia Browne on your show but I was pleased to see that Mr. Leno reacted to her surpise appearance in a thoughtful and critical manner. You would do a great service to your audience if you were to allow one of her critics, such as Robert Lancaster, the webmaster of StopSylvia.com, or James "The Amazing" Randi to debunk her claims on your show. Ms. Browne agreed years ago to take the Million Dollar Challenge that Mr. Randi's foundation administers, yet she has refused to follow through and allow her abilities to be scientifically tested, even though she would win a million dollars by doing so. I hope you will take advantage of such an opportunity to educate and entertain your audience. Thank you."

What do you folks think? I tried to be polite and neutral- not calling her a blood sucking shyster, etc. Would Robert, Randi, or some rep of the JREF be willing or able to go on, on the admittedly small chance that they agreed? I have not sent this off yet.

[Minarvia]

I am not familiar with Mr. Leno's format as I have only seen one or two of his shows in the past but I say...why not send it? It can't hurt, and if indeed he was irritated (by the surprise of having Sylvia there) and is looking for interesting guests he may even embrace the idea. I don't know if he would want to single out a prior guest, but he may be happy to have his audience be educated, or at least see another point of view, regarding them in general.

It may be different from his usual guests who I think are mainly tv personalities. But like I said, I am not terribly familiar with his shows.

I like the way you phrased your letter. Indeed, it is not abrasive or overly harsh and you were neutral and polite.

[RSLancastr]

Hi Folks,

I am considering sending an e-mail to the Jay Leno Show suggesting that they book one of Sylvia's critics. I do think Jay was honestly surprised and upset at Sylvia's appearance. I am thinking of something along the lines of

Thanks, Delano. I had planned on sending them an email myself, detailing some of Browne's more notable failures, and offering my services as a guest (and suggesting Randi as well) should they ever decide to have Browne on again.

Thanks for running your email by me. please feel free to send it off, and please keep me informed of any reply you receive.

Best,

RSL

[arthwollipot]

I don't watch Leno, but I'd tune in to see that.

[Questioninggeller]

The New York Times


Outlook Not So Good on Jay Leno’s Psychic Sit-Down
New York Times (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/outlook-not-so-good-on-jay-lenos-psychic-sit-down/)
November 4, 2009, 9:18 am
By DAVE ITZKOFF

...
Naturally, Ms. Browne was asked to predict the future of Mr. Leno’s show, to which she replied, “Oh, it goes on and on and on, until we’re just all half-dead.”

(Mr. Leno’s response: “So that could be the end of the week.”)
...


Full: New York Times (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/outlook-not-so-good-on-jay-lenos-psychic-sit-down/) (Follow link for video)

[Delano]

So I sent off the aforementioned e-mail, I'll repost back if I hear anything, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Delano]

So I have not heard back from the show, but a few weeks after Browne's appearance, they did a comedy bit mocking psychics. thejaylenoshow.com/video/clips/the-surly-psychic-gina-yashere/1179598/

When he introduced this clip, he made a point of saying that the actress was just that, an actress, and has no psychic abilities. Not exactly a retraction, but not bad either.

[Minarvia]

Ooh! I am SO going to watch that link!

[Pantaz]

So I have not heard back from the show, but a few weeks after Browne's appearance, they did a comedy bit mocking psychics. http://thejaylenoshow.com/video/clips/the-surly-psychic-gina-yashere/1179598/

When he introduced this clip, he made a point of saying that the actress was just that, an actress, and has no psychic abilities. Not exactly a retraction, but not bad either.

Oh man, that was funny! I loved the girl getting her tongue read! ... and the "special" Ouija board!!

[Minarvia]

I liked the couple with the love life questions!