Mark Lewis: Failed psychic

[CFLarsen]

Given that we have a real, genuine psychic posting here - Mark Lewis, (fortunately) the one and only - I thought it prudent to see if he actually is psychic.

June 6, 2001
"Asked if he had any predictions for the coming months, he replied...I also see a large earthquake in Canada, but remarkably few casualties."
MarkLewisEntertainment.com (http://www.marklewisentertainment.com/pr01.htm)

From the Canadian Geological Survey site (http://www.seismo.nrcan.gc.ca/sig_eq_report/eq_report_2001_e.php):
<code>
Date Magnitude Location
26-Dec-2001 3.4 Near Burton, B.C. / Pres de Burton, C.-B.
24-Dec-2001 3.8 68 km NW from Maniwaki, Que. / 68 km NO de Maniwaki, Que.
28-Nov-2001 4.2 281 km N from Yellowknife, N.W.T. Felt. / 281 km N de Yellowknife, T.N.-O. Ressenti.
12-Oct-2001 5.8 West coast Moresby Island, B.C. / Cote ouest de l'Ile de Moresby, C.-B.
14-Sep-2001 6.0 West of Vancouver Island, B.C. / A l'ouest de l'Ile de Vancouver, C.-B.
05-Sep-2001 5.1 Near Mackenzie King Island, N.W.T. / Pres d'ile Mackenzie King, T.N.-O.
14-Aug-2001 5.6 Byam Martin Channel, Nunavut. / Detroit de Byam Martin, Nunavut.
11-Aug-2001 4.9 Mackenzie Mountains, N.W.T. / Monts Mackenzie, T.N.-O.
10-Aug-2001 4.8 Mackenzie Mountains, Yukon - N.W.T. border. / Monts Mackenzie, frontiere Yukon - T.N.-O.
26-Jun-2001 5.7 140 km NW from HAINES JUNCTION Y.T. / 140 km NW de HAINES JUNCTION T.Y.
12-Jun-2001 4.0 Near Fort St. John, B.C. / Pres de Fort St. John, C.-B.
10-Jun-2001 5.0 Southern Olympic Peninsula, Washington. / Le sud de la Peninsule Olympic, Washington.
</code>

The magnitude is the Modified Mercalli (Mm) Intensity Scale Of 1931 (http://www.seismo.nrcan.gc.ca/magnitudes/mercalli_e.php).

No casualities were ever directly related to Canadian earthquakes. In fact, Canadian earthquakes have never caused the collapse of a building. Only some injuries were caused by the fall of objects.
Source (http://www.seismo.nrcan.gc.ca/questions/faq_e.php#victims)

Markie...your prediction was wrong. Assamatta with you? You are one lousy psychic.

(Oh, and don't bother to remove the prediction from your website. I just took a complete copy, for reference.)

[steenkh]

Splendid work, Claus!

Now, Mark Lewis has another prediction in the same paragraph:There will be a drug scandal involving a leading Canadian politician.

Any Canadian reader who can come up with a drug scandal involving a leading Canadian politician in the months after June 6, 2001? Let's say for the rest of the year 2001.

I tried to look for it myself, but I do not even recognise leading Canadian politicians, so I gave up.

[kookbreaker]

Hmmm, another fraudulent, arrogant, Randi-hating Canadian 'psychic'. Where have I seen this before?

[Mercutio]

Given that we already have one flame thread tangentially related to this individual, I hope we can keep this thread to a more practical "how does one evaluate the claims of a self-proclaimed psychic?" sort of thread...

So...hits and misses are a start (any hits? any more misses?). What else?

[Azrael 5]

Is this post from Magic Cafe forum,the same person:
Of course I am merely interested in making money. However thousands of dollars in the hands are better than a million dollars in the bush.I am a very busy man however I shall indeed deign to make not one but FOUR predictions. You will see them all come true within the next year.
;)First I predict that there will be a major earthquake in Canada but remarkably few casualties
Second there will be a major scandal in the Bush administration and someone will be arrested for it. I think it is drug related.

Third there will be a major news story regarding watermelons and it will result in the US coming under Scottish rule. This prediction alone should win me the Randi prize.
:D
Heres a link to the thread:http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=92941&forum=15&start=180 ;)

[Lisa Simpson]

Third there will be a major news story regarding watermelons and it will result in the US coming under Scottish rule.


Gotta love those Scots, they've been ruling the US for years now and I didn't even notice. Although...the new weather man on my favorite local news is a Scot and Craig Ferguson is taking over The Late Late Show. Hmmm...

[Mark Lewis]

I see that the reather silly Danish gentleman is trying to deflect me from my policy of only dealing with one idiot at at time.

It ain't gonna work.

Sorry. You will have to wait your turn. Once I have finished with this kookworm cretin I shall turn my full attention to you.

I shall then answer you in the way that you deserve. For now I shall simply say that you have not produced one smidgeon of evidence that I have made any predictions whatsoever.

I should get your facts straight and find out who you are dealing with before mouthing off.

I will not be posting on this terribly umimportant thread for the moment. You can find me in the flame wars section.

For the moment I have only two words to say to this rather silly Viking personage. The second one is "off"

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
[snip]
I shall then answer you in the way that you deserve. For now I shall simply say that you have not produced one smidgeon of evidence that I have made any predictions whatsoever.
[snip] Sorry, Lewis, but this thread is in a more serious section of the forum. Claus is examining your batting average (or, if it is not you, the batting average of an alleged psychic who shares your name), as an exercise in evaluating an alleged psychic. If you have any successful predictions which can be independently verified, it would be a tremendous help if you would list them (with sources, of course).

Claus lives for evidence, you know. If you can provide the evidence that you are indeed psychic, you will have stayed on topic and handed Claus his comeuppance, all in one swell foop. As I mentioned before, though, should you choose to merely toss insults and avoid addressing the serious topic, your choice will not be unnnoticed here.

BTW, I love the phrasing of your "non-denial denial" (as they said in All the President's Men). While saying Claus lacks even "one smidgeon of evidence", you also do not say that you are not the Lewis he names.

[Mark Lewis]

Thank you, Marmaduke.

I wasn't aware that Santa Claus lived in Denmark. One does learn all sorts of fascinating stuff here, I must say.

It does seem that this rather silly Danish gentleman who does not check his facts properly at least is using his real name even though I can't be sure.

Perhaps you could explain to me why virtually everybody here is posting under some anonymous name or other. It doesn't do much for the credibility of the posters here, you know. I must say I have not seen it on other forums.

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
Thank you, Marmaduke.

I wasn't aware that Santa Claus lived in Denmark. One does learn all sorts of fascinating stuff here, I must say.

It does seem that this rather silly Danish gentleman who does not check his facts properly at least is using his real name even though I can't be sure.

Perhaps you could explain to me why virtually everybody here is posting under some anonymous name or other. It doesn't do much for the credibility of the posters here, you know. I must say I have not seen it on other forums. So..."no", then, you have no data for any of the thousands of Mark Lewises out there, some of whom appear to claim psychic abilities, to support those claims.

As for your off-topic questions, feel free to start threads, or to search the forum, to find the answers you seek. I'd be happy to contribute in the appropriate location.

[Mark Lewis]

Marmaduke, my boy. I am not here to dance to your tune. You are here to dance to mine and I must say that you are doing it rather nicely.

I do not provide "data" to unbelievers simply because it is not necessary for me to do so. I am not claiming anything simply because I don't need to. You are not paying me anything. There are plenty of people who provide me with money for my psychic ability. I will talk to them. All you and your rather silly friends are providing me with is conversation. Guess who has my priority.

However I do have data in the form of thousands of words written in press articles about my work. If you are that bothered about it then look them up for yourself. I haven't the time I am afraid. You can't expect me to do everything for you, you know.

I notice you still haven't answered a very simple and reasonable question. I am truly puzzled as to why everyone is trying to hide their identity.

Sceptics are always doing that I notice. I remember when noted skeptic Joe Nickell (yes, Randi's future successor, they say) used to work for me he kept hiding from people and hoping they wouldn't see him. It seems that he was in great fear of them because they knew him as someone else and he figured they might be somewhat disapproving of him if they got their hands on him.

Yes. He DID work for me. I do remember that the FBI was looking for him at the time. Not an unusual situation for some of my former employees.

This of course was way before he became a stuffy professor.

I have been around you know. If you would stop being impertinent for a few moments you might actually be able to learn something from me.

Do try to improve yourself, Marmaduke. Your behaviour is somewhat unsatisfactory at the moment.

[Mercutio]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
Marmaduke, my boy. I am not here to dance to your tune. You are here to dance to mine and I must say that you are doing it rather nicely.
Happy to oblige. It does not bother me to continue to ask you for evidence. I am glad it pleases you, though.

I do not provide "data" to unbelievers simply because it is not necessary for me to do so. I am not claiming anything simply because I don't need to. You are not paying me anything. There are plenty of people who provide me with money for my psychic ability. I will talk to them. All you and your rather silly friends are providing me with is conversation. Guess who has my priority.
You might be interested in the "business astronomy" thread here. It seems you are not the only person who wants to be paid to play psychic, rather than defend their ability to do so.

However I do have data in the form of thousands of words written in press articles about my work. If you are that bothered about it then look them up for yourself. I haven't the time I am afraid. You can't expect me to do everything for you, you know.
I think there are many here who would be happy to check your words. Thus far, however, you have chosen not to confirm your identity as the author of some of these words. Which is it to be? Are you hiding? Or are you the author of the things which have been presented as your words? If you have written only some, pray tell which. Otherwise, you might be justifiably accused of trying to hide your identity.

I notice you still haven't answered a very simple and reasonable question. I am truly puzzled as to why everyone is trying to hide their identity.
I told you, start a thread on it or search for the previous ones. I hope that is not too complicated for you.

[Dr Adequate]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
I am not claiming anything...
Then you are not doing so at inordinate length.

Perhaps you would care to appear on these forums again when you wish to make a post with some content.

Thank you.

[SezMe]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
... [snip] Once I have finished with this kookworm cretin ...[snip]
Hey, kookbreaker, you're a cretin. Gawd, it must hurt...cut to the quick, in fact. Worse, your about to be finished off. We'll miss ya.

[CFLarsen]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
Sceptics are always doing that I notice. I remember when noted skeptic Joe Nickell (yes, Randi's future successor, they say) used to work for me he kept hiding from people and hoping they wouldn't see him. It seems that he was in great fear of them because they knew him as someone else and he figured they might be somewhat disapproving of him if they got their hands on him.

Yes. He DID work for me. I do remember that the FBI was looking for him at the time. Not an unusual situation for some of my former employees.

This of course was way before he became a stuffy professor.

I'll ask Nickell next month if this is true.

[kookbreaker]

Originally posted by SezMe
Hey, kookbreaker, you're a cretin. Gawd, it must hurt...cut to the quick, in fact. Worse, your about to be finished off. We'll miss ya.

Oh,-the-pain, the-pain.

[Mark Lewis]

Thank you, Santa.

Give Joe my regards when you see him. I haven't seen him for 28 years except on TV. He will no doubt remember me. I am the sort of person who sticks in the mind.

I did not have psychic power then. Joe will not be surprised to find that I have it now.

I am pleased that he is no longer in fear of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I remember when they turned up at his grandfather's (or was it his father's?) funeral looking for him. He fortunately didn't go and thus escaped their clutches.

When I saw him on TV I couldn't believe it was he. His appearance had completely changed. He looked like a boring and stuffy professor and I had some difficulty reconciling him with the long haired youth that I used to know. It was not until various people confirmed that he was indeed the miscreant that the authorities wanted to get their hands on so many years ago.

I am always seem to be employing well known sceptics. I had a twit named Ian Rowland work for me too.He was a mere child at the time. Recently he wrote a book on how to do psychic readings and detailed techniques that not a single psychic of my acquaintance has ever used. Since young Ian has never done a single paid reading in his life I am of the opinion that the book lacks authority and credibility.

Still. I won't interfere with the poor chap trying to earn a living. I have some sympathy for the way he has been hounded a little unfairly by various mentalists who feel that he has been guilty of exposing secrets of magic on TV. Still, he has laid his own bed and he must therefore lie in it.

I rather like Ian. He is a fellow egomaniac.

Now trot along Santa. Your presence is no longer needed. I shall summon you when you are next required.

[Anders W. Bonde]

C'mon, folks.

This Mark Lewis charachter ain't real - it's actually Monatgue Keen speaking from The Other Side.

Does that win me The Million?

Anyway, if he's a genuine kook/kook troll he's certainly helping the cause of skepticism - if he's a masquerading non-bleever then he's not helping the cause.

So, Mark Lewis, if you're the latter, do reconsider your arrogance and pompousness, will ya'? 'kyou.

[Xeriar]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
Sorry. You will have to wait your turn. Once I have finished with this kookworm cretin I shall turn my full attention to you.


Base attempts at sesquipidalianism aside, I wasn't under the impression that he is Christian. Are you, kookbreaker?

[kookbreaker]

Originally posted by Xeriar
Base attempts at sesquipidalianism aside, I wasn't under the impression that he is Christian. Are you, kookbreaker?

I was rasied under a polyglot of Christian religions, mostly the more benign ones. It made me the Atheist I am today.

[Zep]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
Thank you, Santa.

Give Joe my regards when you see him. I haven't seen him for 28 years except on TV. He will no doubt remember me. I am the sort of person who sticks in the mind.

I did not have psychic power then. Joe will not be surprised to find that I have it now.

I am pleased that he is no longer in fear of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I remember when they turned up at his grandfather's (or was it his father's?) funeral looking for him. He fortunately didn't go and thus escaped their clutches.

When I saw him on TV I couldn't believe it was he. His appearance had completely changed. He looked like a boring and stuffy professor and I had some difficulty reconciling him with the long haired youth that I used to know. It was not until various people confirmed that he was indeed the miscreant that the authorities wanted to get their hands on so many years ago.

I am always seem to be employing well known sceptics. I had a twit named Ian Rowland work for me too.He was a mere child at the time. Recently he wrote a book on how to do psychic readings and detailed techniques that not a single psychic of my acquaintance has ever used. Since young Ian has never done a single paid reading in his life I am of the opinion that the book lacks authority and credibility.

Still. I won't interfere with the poor chap trying to earn a living. I have some sympathy for the way he has been hounded a little unfairly by various mentalists who feel that he has been guilty of exposing secrets of magic on TV. Still, he has laid his own bed and he must therefore lie in it.

I rather like Ian. He is a fellow egomaniac.

Now trot along Santa. Your presence is no longer needed. I shall summon you when you are next required. 3/10. A rather poor effort, really. You might care to try being more sincere in your sarcasm. Otherwise you will just have to resort to adding devastating wit, which you certainly haven't shown any evidence of yet. Honestly, Mark, a repeat performance of this magnitude will simply leave you at the bottom of the class and a laughing-stock. Your parents won't be impressed either. Oh, that's right - you don't have any. Well, I'm sorry and all that, but all of us have burdens to bear, and being an analphabetic pseudo-pompous twat is yours.

[elle_inquisitor]

Ralph Klein is the Premiere of Alberta and he is notorious for his battles with the bottle. He's gone to treatment a few times. That's hardly a scandal considering he's been in office for several terms. Canadian politicians are generally a tame lot of buffoons.

Now can you quantify your capabilities and tell me what I think of them?

[EvilBiker]

...Since young Ian has never done a single paid reading in his life...
Yeah, probably because he has a conscience.

[Ashles]

Mark Lewis (http://www.marklewisentertainment.com/pr01.htm)

Oh I see now. He's sort of a Derren Browne wannabe.

Mark Lewis an illusionist but with the pretence of psychic ability in the same way that Derren is an illusionist with the pretence of psychological manipulation.
(Except, obviously, Derren is about a million times more successful and better known.)

Right, got it.

[Roadtoad]

Been there, seen that.

"Oh, I don't have to provide anything as mundane as data!" Of course not. That would not only prove one wrong, but a FRAUD!

I'm going back to reading Sagan. It makes more sense.

[Mark Lewis]

Actually Ashtray old chap. I made Derren famous in the first place.
It's a long story and I don't think you are intellectually advanced enough to follow it.

[Dr Adequate]

Roadtoad, YOU ARE PSYCHIC!

You managed to answer the Lewis troll's last post a day before he posted it.
Originally posted by Roadtoad
Been there, seen that.

"Oh, I don't have to provide anything as mundane as data!" Of course not. That would not only prove one wrong, but a FRAUD!
It's a long story how he made Derren Brown famous, and we wouldn't understand.
:dl:

[Ashles]

Actually Ashtray old chap. I made Derren famous in the first place.
It's a long story and I don't think you are intellectually advanced enough to follow it.


You're really thrashing about in deperation now aren't you?

Psychic persona - failed
Jolly prankster - failed
Authority on the trickery of psychics - failed
Rude and unimaginitive troll - Still just about managing this one

('Ashtray', oh my aching ribs - your deft touch with satire is so elegant, are you channeling Swift?)

[Jeff Corey]

Originally posted by elle_inquisitor
Ralph Klein is the Premiere of Alberta and he is notorious for his battles with the bottle...
Is that a Klein bottle joke? If so, it's rather one-sided and singularly lacking in volume.
http://www.kleinbottle.com/

[Lisa Simpson]

Originally posted by Ashles

('Ashtray', oh my aching ribs - your deft touch with satire is so elegant, are you channeling Swift?)

He calls me "madam" like that is an insult.

From the Cambridge dictionary:

madam (WOMAN)
noun
1 [U] a formal and polite way of speaking to a woman:
[as form of address] May I carry your cases for you, Madam?

[Mark Lewis]

No Lisa my dear. I have forgiven you now.
I have seen the light. I am supposed to be a man of the cloth you know and forgiveness and compassion are my business.

I believe I was wrong to call you Madam in the prostitutional sense and I do apologise for that. It was far too harsh.

When I call you Madam from now on I mean it purely in the polite sense.

[TragicMonkey]

Originally posted by Mark Lewis
No Lisa my dear. I have forgiven you now.
I have seen the light. I am supposed to be a man of the cloth you know and forgiveness and compassion are my business.

I believe I was wrong to call you Madam in the prostitutional sense and I do apologise for that. It was far too harsh.

When I call you Madam from now on I mean it purely in the polite sense.

If you wish to be truly polite, you will offer her taquitos and a clown with no head.

[Roadtoad]

Originally posted by Dr Adequate
Roadtoad, YOU ARE PSYCHIC!

You managed to answer the Lewis troll's last post a day before he posted it.

It's a long story how he made Derren Brown famous, and we wouldn't understand.
:dl:

Maybe, but I still don't get no million.

Yo, Lewis: Come in for Roadtoad's Two For One Sale! GET A CLUE AND A LIFE!