We need a hero.

[SRW]

While reading through the thread started by the ever intriguing Jas: Smile & Nod (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52646)

I got to thinking that there must be something better we can do.

Medium - the show about the psychic "investigator (gag) " has been renewed for another year, primetime live is out pimping faith healers, the discovery channel runs shows with a highly woo woo slant and bias. Court T.V. has psychic detectives who go unchallenged... and even when a skeptical view is presented it is increasingly marginalized. What to do, what to do.

My first idea is that we need a spokesperson; someone with credibility and an unblemished reputation, who can shame some of these high profile psychics into taking the JREF challenge.


Then I saw the link Yahweh posted in the above thread.

that sums up psychic detectives (http://www.klaaskids.org/pg-mc-hazards.htm). And I started to think about who would be the best person to enlist in this crusade.

The person I came up with is John Walsh. If anyone would be upset about the vultures who prey on parents of missing children it would be him. Also the psychics love to go after Randi's honesty, but I don't see them doing the same to Mr Walsh. Anyone have any better Ideas, or suggestion on how to get Mr Walsh to take up the JREF
cause?

[DeVega]

Derren Brown. Although he has stated he does not wish to be known as a 'de-bunker' he just keeps on doing it by stealth!!! LOL!

Seriously, he is great.

DeVega

[Jas]

I'm intriguing?!?

I think people like George Carlin and Penn & Teller do a pretty good job. The only problem is that they seem to be limited to HBO (I can't seem to get Bullsh!t up here in Canada), and such. If only they could get more airtime.

[Chocolate Chip]

Well here's a page chocked full of celebrity atheists, take your pick:

http://www.celebatheists.com/

I think you may need more than one spokesman. Perhaps a spokesman for each age group.

For the young:

Eddie Vedder
I would pick someone with as much appeal to younger people as possible. Someone who has mass appeal can relate to the younger crowd.

For the middle aged:

Jack Nicholson or Bill Gates (maybe a tag-team!?)
These two are widely popular because of talent, on screen and in the boardroom. Both are highly successful at what they do, and whenever one of these guys speak, people listen.

For the older crowd:

Randi is about all I can think of right now. For obvious reasons :)

[SRW]

Good Suggestions but what I am looking for is someone who could go verify the 1,000,000 and be believed. Most of the believers look at celebrities who are atheists and would think that they were on Randi's side.

What I would really want is someone without a skeptic or believer POV but would be believed if he said the Million is there and psychic detectives have no excuse but to be tested.

Which is why I suggested John Walsh. As his son was murdered, I would expect he would love for Mediums to be able to be true and really find missing kids, but would be very vocal in exposing frauds.



Americas most wanted with John Walsh (http://www.amw.com/)

[Chocolate Chip]

Good Suggestions but what I am looking for is someone who could go verify the 1,000,000 and be believed. Most of the believers look at celebrities who are atheists and would think that they were on Randi's side.

Damn !!!! Sorry 'bout my previous post, totally off !!! Long day at work :D

[Chocolate Chip]

OK, let's see if I get it right this time. Basically you want someone with sparkling credentials, that will be seen as totally unbiased to referee the JREF challenge.

Now since you already picked Jon Walsh, and he does seem like a good candidate, so here would be mine:

The most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite.
I don't think he's doing too much these days, so he would have the time, and I do think he's still alive.

[SRW]

Originally posted by Chocolate Chip
OK, let's see if I get it right this time. Basically you want someone with sparkling credentials, that will be seen as totally unbiased to referee the JREF challenge.

Now since you already picked Jon Walsh, and he does seem like a good candidate, so here would be mine:

The most trusted man in America, Walter Cronkite.
I don't think he's doing too much these days, so he would have the time, and I do think he's still alive.

I think he is still around, I was also thinking of Peter Jennings as he is retiring and might have some extra time.

[delphi_ote]

Originally posted by Jas
I'm intriguing?!?

I think people like George Carlin and Penn & Teller do a pretty good job. The only problem is that they seem to be limited to HBO (I can't seem to get Bullsh!t up here in Canada), and such. If only they could get more airtime.

P&T are on Showtime, not HBO. If you can't get Showtime either, then I recommend getting the DVDs (second season was released recently and is on its way to my home!)

[Dr Adequate]

Funny you should say that...
Originally posted by maddafinga (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52384)
Dr Adequate, you're my hero! Originally posted by supercorgi (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52818)
Dr. A, you are my hero!
Fighting Inadequacy Everywhere!

Does the post come with a salary?

And can I wear a purple cape and silver boots?

* preens *

[hodgy]

There's only one serious contender for this.

The woman who has debunked more dodgy stories than any other skeptic on this or any other forum. I have followed her career over the past 30 years and she must have investigated hundreds of paranormal phenomena.

Every single time she has uncovered the truth behind the rumours and superstition. She has saved many people from losing their money to charlatans of all descriptions and always makes a point of finding out who stands to make money from a particular scam.

Who is this wonderful woman? You all know her:

Extended drum roll

...

...

... (very extended)

Clash of cymbals

Its Velma Dinkley off Scooby Doo of course.

[Dr Adequate]

Our new public image?

http://www.velmadinkley.com/velma.jpg

[SRW]

Originally posted by Dr Adequate
Funny you should say that...

Fighting Inadequacy Everywhere!

Does the post come with a salary?

And can I wear a purple cape and silver boots?

* preens *


If you can convince one well known "psychic" to take the JREF challenge I will personally purchase a cape and silver boots for you.

As for pay you should be able to sell the story to the tabloids.

[Chocolate Chip]

The woman who has debunked more dodgy stories than any other skeptic on this or any other forum. I have followed her career over the past 30 years and she must have investigated hundreds of paranormal phenomena... snip..Its Velma Dinkley of Scooby Doo of course.

http://www.velmadinkley.com/velma.jpg

Well... she does look good in that mini skirt........

I gotta start getting out of the house again..:(

[c4ts]

I much prefer the Evil Skeptic A-Theist Conspiracy (http://www.angelfire.com/alt/c4ts/franko/) myself, but somehow I don't think an exaggerated villanous stereotype works as a "hero."

[hodgy]

Originally posted by Chocolate Chip


Well... she does look good in that mini skirt........

I gotta start getting out of the house again..:(

:D Or else stay at home and contribute to the other big debate:

- Betty Rubble or Wilma Flintstone???

[Chocolate Chip]

hodgy:
Or else stay at home and contribute to the other big debate:
- Betty Rubble or Wilma Flintstone???


Why limit my options? Take both. :D