California Psychics

[kuroyume0161]

So, I'm watching BBCA (Dr. Who) and there was this commercial for California Psychics (http://www.californiapsychics.com/index.aspx). Have these buggers been around for any amount of time? According to them, they've been scamming people since 1995. Is this another Miss Cleo type scam?

I love this on the "About Us" page:

Only 2 out of 100 psychics who apply to California Psychics® meet our strict criteria with regard to accurate predictions, compassion and a professional demeanor.

:tongue-ti

[RSLancastr]

I have been hearing Radio commercials for this outfit for at least three or four years now.

[kuroyume0161]

That's the first that I've heard of this, quite accidentally with the commercial. Business must be good.

So, how do they continue to prosper while Miss Cleo went to court? Are they being upfront about the services and costs?

[RSLancastr]

I love this on the "About Us" page:

Only 2 out of 100 psychics who apply to California Psychics® meet our strict criteria with regard to accurate predictions, compassion and a professional demeanor.

:tongue-ti
I just heard another of their radio commercials, and it mentioned that they have 175 psychics on staff. if they indeed only hired 2 out of 100 applicants, this would mean that nearly 9,000 "psychics" applied for work there. I find myself somewhat... skeptical of this.

[kuroyume0161]

I just heard another of their radio commercials, and it mentioned that they have 175 psychics on staff. if they indeed only hired 2 out of 100 applicants, this would mean that nearly 9,000 "psychics" applied for work there. I find myself somewhat... skeptical of this.

:D

Also seems that Browne and Edward need not apply. Actually, it'd be cool if they did to see if they are actually 2 out of 100 (which would be much better than their predictive rate). :)

[Uncayimmy]

I just heard another of their radio commercials, and it mentioned that they have 175 psychics on staff. if they indeed only hired 2 out of 100 applicants, this would mean that nearly 9,000 "psychics" applied for work there. I find myself somewhat... skeptical of this.

Did they actually say they didn't hire any of the 98 who didn't meet their standards?

[RSLancastr]

Did they actually say they didn't hire any of the 98 who didn't meet their standards?they didn't mention th "2 out of 100" thing in the ommercial, so, based on the post I quoted above, no. they just say that the 98 didn't meet their standards. they could hired them all anyway!

[tyr_13]

I love how they advertise on the radio, "some people talk to a therapist, some people talk to a bartender, and some people talk to a psychic advisor."

[kuroyume0161]

I love how they advertise on the radio, "some people talk to a therapist, some people talk to a bartender, and some people talk to a psychic advisor."

Given that choice, I'd rather talk to a bartender. After the fifth drink, the truth sets you free (or the stomach sets it free, something like that). :)

[Edges]

Only 2 out of 100 psychics who apply to California Psychics® meet our strict criteria with regard to accurate predictions, compassion and a professional demeanor.

I love this. It's pure advertising trickery. Why not just say 1 out of 50? It is the same rate...but 100 is larger than 50, so it sounds like they are more exacting when they say they pick 2 out of 100 than if they said 1 out of 50.

I think this may point to how they've avoided court. This is misleading advertising, yet it is perfectly legal. I would not be surprised if they are just as careful to remain within legal boundaries in regards to their actual services, even if they skirt the ethical ones.

[SezMe]

I just heard another of their radio commercials, and it mentioned that they have 175 psychics on staff.
The web site lists 191. I went through the first 100, just looking for gender. About 10% are male.

[kuroyume0161]

The web site lists 191. I went through the first 100, just looking for gender. About 10% are male.

Yet according to Mormonism, only men are given the gift of 'prophecy' since women were given the gift of bearing children. (from Julia Sweeney's "Letting Go Of God") Another strike against Mormonism.

[Tiktaalik]

Are these the folks that advertise that their psychics "work out of the home" because they're more accurate when in their own comfortable setting? I keep thinking, Yeah, or maybe it's because then you don't have to pay for office space...or have anyplace where anyone can actually find you. It's like ALF or ELF - just this loose network of people with no real connnection to each other who are going to be really difficult to track down when things deteriorate...

[tsig]

Given that choice, I'd rather talk to a bartender. After the fifth drink, the truth sets you free (or the stomach sets it free, something like that). :)

Or the bouncer throws you out which is kind of liberating in it's own way.

[tsig]

Are these the folks that advertise that their psychics "work out of the home" because they're more accurate when in their own comfortable setting? I keep thinking, Yeah, or maybe it's because then you don't have to pay for office space...or have anyplace where anyone can actually find you. It's like ALF or ELF - just this loose network of people with no real connnection to each other who are going to be really difficult to track down when things deteriorate...

Well there's one thing I can guarantee will not be transmitted psychically.

Follow the money.

[psychicuk]

Well there's one thing I can guarantee will not be transmitted psychically.

Follow the money.

I have a female spirit side is your mom passed as I would like to pass on her message to you?

[quarky]

Um,

What?

[tsig]

I have a female spirit side

I'm not really concerned with your gender identity problems.

[Rogue1stclass]

California psychics? Is that anything like Illinois Nazis?

And could you tell my mom to turn the TV down? I'm up visiting for the holidays and I don't wanna get up.

[Questioninggeller]

So, I'm watching BBCA (Dr. Who) and there was this commercial for California Psychics (http://www.californiapsychics.com/index.aspx). Have these buggers been around for any amount of time? According to them, they've been scamming people since 1995. Is this another Miss Cleo type scam?


A little research shows it's owned by "Outlook Amusements," which according to their website (http://www.outlookamusements.com/corporate_overview/corp_intro.html):


Outlook Amusements, Inc. was founded by Jason Freeland and Tim Youd, who met during a “junior year abroad” program at Oxford University during their college years.

They had an opportunity in 1992 to produce the Psychic Friends Network infomercials.
...



Edit to add:
One of the main contacts for that operation is Vim Mahadevan who is listed as "Senior Director of Technology at Outlook Amusements ".

That company operates many websites including www.karmaair.com , www.DAILYMANTRA.COM ,
www.LUVSCOPES.COM and www.HIRINGPSYCHICS.NET (Click on link to see application for becoming a psychic).

[Questioninggeller]

I just heard another of their radio commercials, and it mentioned that they have 175 psychics on staff. if they indeed only hired 2 out of 100 applicants, this would mean that nearly 9,000 "psychics" applied for work there. I find myself somewhat... skeptical of this.

On their corporate website (Outlook Amusements) (http://www.outlookamusements.com/CareerOpportunities.aspx), they are hiring customer service, "customer operations," sales people, and marketing. But no mention of hiring psychics.

On Outlook's website www.HIRINGPSYCHICS.NET it says:


Our psychics work full or part time conveniently from home as independent contractors, set their own schedules, and get paid weekly. Our top psychics can make more than $1500 per week. In addition, as a new psychic with us, you have the potential to earn a $500 bonus!
...
Qualified candidates will be naturally gifted, have experience using their gift in this field, and must be capable of delivering accurate and insightful readings to our customers over the phone. If this sounds like you, then please click below
...
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us
via phone or email:
Phone: (877) 324 – 2470
Email: hiringpsychics@californiapsychics.com

[Czarcasm]

I have a female spirit side is your mom passed as I would like to pass on her message to you?Remember this post?-If gullable people will pay why should we not fill our pots?

[Brattus]

The fact that anyone could start a business like this and profit from it does not speak kindly regarding the common sense capacity of the people of California.

[Riayn]

Karen Stollznow wrote a fantastic article (http://www.bad-language.com/psychicskeptic) on one of these psychic companies that claim they only hire psychics that pass their tests. Karen, who possesses no psychic abilities, not only passed all three tests, but she was also offered a job. These companies are nothing more than more psychic scams.

[SezMe]

The fact that anyone could start a business like this and profit from it does not speak kindly regarding the common sense capacity of the people of California.
These phychics operate around the USA, if not around the world. As such, this business does not differentiate the common sense capacity of Califorians from the rest of the population.

[desertgal]

The fact that anyone could start a business like this and profit from it does not speak kindly regarding the common sense capacity of the people of California.

Woo is a global bestseller.

[Questioninggeller]

I saw this:

California Psychics: Tough year ahead for Brangelina
By ANDY VINEBERG
December 31, 2009
Bucks County Courier Times (http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/92/2009/december/31/california-psychics-tough-year-ahead-for-brangelina-by-sarah-mcnab.html)


Wouldn't it be nice to know ahead of time what's going to happen next year? Or are you too skeptical to believe in psychics?

California Psychics, an organization that lets callers speak to "the most qualified and gifted clairvoyants around the country," recently released its predictions about Tinsel Town's finest for the upcoming year.

First up, the Jolie-Pitt relationship. Several psychics on the site anticipate an expensive breakup for Angelina and Brad, citing July as a key month: "There will be rumors that Brad Pitt is sneaking around with another woman - a blonde." Custody battles will be drawn out and result in financial troubles for Pitt.

Pitt's ex, Jennifer Aniston, seemingly will have a better year than he will. It's not clear whether she is adopting, or having her own child, but "Jennifer Aniston will become a mother."

While Aniston is busy being a mother, Britney Spears will become a bride once again: "This new mate is more harmonious, but not a soul mate. But this new union will teach her patience and self-worth, if she treats it with care and commitment."

There are a few other celebs with much to look forward to. "Orlando Bloom, Kiefer Sutherland and Kate Winslet are the actors to watch in 2010. Their projects will boost their already-large talents to another level."

Larry King apparently will be making headlines in the new year: "He will be the first person to interview an extraterrestrial visitor on his talk show."
...
"American Idol" seems to be another topic of interest to psychics: "Simon Cowell and new judge Ellen Degeneres will not get along, and the next winner will be an African-American woman." And, apparently, the Adam Lambert controversy has just begun.
...
To read more predictions about news, money, people and the world in 2010, visit www.CaliforniaPsychics.com.



Full: Bucks County Courier Times (http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/news_details/article/92/2009/december/31/california-psychics-tough-year-ahead-for-brangelina-by-sarah-mcnab.html)

A direct link:


Hot Celeb Predictions: Psychics weigh in
California Psychics (http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/4311/Hot_Celeb_Predictions_.aspx)
December 2009
by Daina Hulet

Here are our psychics predictions on who and what will make entertainment headlines in 2010. As always there will be new movies, books and television series, marriages, divorces, and a few big surprises!
...
"Larry King will be the first person to interview an extraterrestrial visitor on his talk show." - Lucrecia ext. 9326
...
"An overwhelmingly large show of support for the environment as well as politics will come from celebrities, many of whom will step out of their comfort zone, with the understanding that this is a crucial time to help motivate change in both arenas." - Jacqueline ext. 9472
...
Several psychics see a long, expensive divorce for Brangelina, and cite July as a turning point. "There will be rumors that Brad Pitt is sneaking around with another woman -- a blonde."
- Shauna ext. 9010

"Brad will eventually suffer a serious financial setback as the fight over the children becomes drawn out and complicated." - Alison

"Jennifer Aniston will become a mother." - Rondalafay

"Sarah Palin will continue to be much talked and gossiped about. She will be offered her own talk show in 2010, but it won't be successful." - Donna ext. 9448
...
Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and television personality Ben Stein will star in a hilarious comedy together." - Lucrecia

"Dennis Cooper, poet and author of Ugly Man, God, Jr…. will win the Nobel Prize for Literature." - Lucrecia

What are your predictions for your favorite entertainers? Who are your favorite celebs to watch?


Full: California Psychics (http://www.californiapsychics.com/articles/Features/4311/Hot_Celeb_Predictions_.aspx)

[grayman]

My predictions for 2010:

A well-known celebrity will die.

A politician will be involved in a scandal.

There will be an international incident that will make the news.

There will be unrest in the middle-east.

Television will once again create a TV "personality" from a "reality" program who will be famous for being famous.



Don't ask me how this is done. All I can say is, it's a gift. I must rest now. Let me know when I can come get my million $$$.

[desertgal]

Several psychics see a long, expensive divorce for Brangelina...- Shauna ext. 9010

Wouldn't Brangelina have to, you know, get married first?

[kuroyume0161]

Wouldn't Brangelina have to, you know, get married first?

Pffffft.... facts. (waves arms about) We don't need no shtinkin' facts.

Along another direction: Why is it that no psychic prediction can ever name some nobody who later becomes famous? It is always about names everybody knows already (and most of whom we could care less about). Who gives a flying pig about douchebag and douchiebag Spencer and Heidi Pratt? The family name is so accurate. Did even a single psychic prediction (of the billion spewings made) even mention Sarah Palin *before* she was added to the Republican ticket as VP?

[Minarvia]

My predictions for 2010:

A well-known celebrity will die.

A politician will be involved in a scandal.

There will be an international incident that will make the news.

There will be unrest in the middle-east.

Television will once again create a TV "personality" from a "reality" program who will be famous for being famous.



Don't ask me how this is done. All I can say is, it's a gift. I must rest now. Let me know when I can come get my million $$$.



Didn't you forget -

I'm worried about trains

I'm worried about Airport security (shift bulk on couch)

I'm worried about trucks (look Montel in the eye)

I'm worried about hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes

The pope will die (pick teeth with nails)

There will be a cure for a disease (phlegmy cough)

:D

[Fnord]

California Psychics is one of the sponsors on KRTH ("K-Earth 101 Oldies" 101.1 MHz FM), out of Los Angeles. This station has a rep for serving a New-Age clientèle in their format. Too bad that K-Earth 101's credibility as a news source is suffering (at least among the people that I've discussed this with), and even the morning news staff of K-Earth 101 is more interested in trying to tell jokes and embarrass each other than in giving accurate news reports.

[headscratcher4]

Are these the folks that advertise that their psychics "work out of the home" because they're more accurate when in their own comfortable setting? I keep thinking, Yeah, or maybe it's because then you don't have to pay for office space...or have anyplace where anyone can actually find you. It's like ALF or ELF - just this loose network of people with no real connnection to each other who are going to be really difficult to track down when things deteriorate...


I was interested in this claim as well...how do they determine that they are more accurate working out of their homes? What is the test/criterion? Could a Psyi working out of her home...pass the JR Challenge?

Also, why isn't this a claim that the FTC or the local authorities would be interested in...there is, of course, no way you can prove it, but it is to the quality of the service...isn't it false and misleading?

[Belgian thought]

These figures do not make sense.

The 98% must be those who did not predict they would not get the job when applying - hence 100% fail in their predictive powers and rightly rejected.

Those who predicted they get the job, and applied are the those belonging to the 2% - 100% hit.

I pity those who predicted they would not get the job, and did not apply since they are equally as good as the 2% who did.

That means even more than 9,000 could have applied.

Must be hard work being a Psychic.