StopSylviaBrowne: A Sylvia Browne College Transcript

[RSLancastr]

New article added today:

A Sylvia Browne College Transcript (http://www.stopsylviabrowne.com/articles/sylviabrownetranscript.shtml)

"Browne supplies a copy of a college transcript. Is it valid? Does it prove her claim to have a Master's Degree?"

[pspaddict]

Every time I read one of your investigative articles, RS, I'm in awe. You're so under Browne's skin it's hysterical. Your impartial and neutral tone is just as impressive. I don't think I'd have as much self-control if I had such a high profile charlatan by the balls.

I'm curious what Sylvia Browne herself would say to you in a private conversation should it ever happen. Maybe she'll give you a reading, somewhere along the lines of "I see the letter U and the letters W-I-N..."

[CFLarsen]

Psst....you misspelled the name of the "GoSylviaBrowne.com - A "Fan Site?" website (in the left menu).

[Rawkarma]

Great article. The misrepresentation of your email correspondence with Heather on her forum is not surprising in the slightest.

This reminds me of Uri Geller and his predilection for bending spoons with the mind alone, and when everyone else can perform this just as easily without the need; if Sylvia Browne really wants to prove she has a Master's Degree in English Literature, then she too is going about it the hard way.

Having not gone to the Go Sylvia forums before, I did find Heather's avatar cute:

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/14252460cdde2aef7c.jpg

Angry? Much?

[The Great Hairy One]

Great article there, Mr Lancaster. I especially like the Epilogue, that's absolutely classical stuff.

:clap:

Cheers,
TGHO

[Miss Whiplash]

Great article yet again!

Look for a PM about the phone situation.

[alfaniner]

In the email, Heather told me that Sylvia Browne wanted to speak with me personally. Was there a number where she could reach me today?

Funny how quickly she was able to find a way to reach you, yet it is impossible for her to contact Randi about the Challenge because "she didn't know how to reach him".

[Walk The Line]

Excellent article!!

If a person is claiming that they have a degree from an accredited institution, it is fairly simple to prove such a thing. All one has to do is ask for a copy of your transcript from the institution and then scan and post that document on a website. Easy as 1-2-3.

The fact that Sylvia Browne hasn't posted her transcript, which would prove her Master's degree, is damning.

[Orangutan]

Great article yet again!

Look for a PM about the phone situation.

I don't know what you PM'd, but I would suggest getting a pay as you go phone exclusively for Sylvia. Something like a "Go Phone" They start at something like $30. And you already know you only have to ask.

If you are worried about harassment on that number so what on that number, so what? It's a disposable item. :)

Again. Thanks for all you do Rob.

[Chimera]

Argh! How supremely annoying that Heather is acting as if you won't return messages, and that you refuse to post proof that she has supplied you with, when it is Sylvia's camp that is guilty of precisely those things.

It's a shame that we'll never get to see the unblurred transcripts--let's not hold our collective breaths waiting to hear from Sylvia on something so obviously incriminating. How odd that the transcripts were even sent to you in the first place--they lean more toward proof of Sylvia LYING about a master's degree rather than coming close to proving it.

Kudos to you, RSL. I admire your tenacity.

[Lisa Simpson]

Claiming that she hasn't received correspondence is a favorite tactic of Sylvia's. Mr. Randi sent her several certified letters, which she claimed not to have received. It isn't a far stretch from that to this telephone nonsense.

[The_Fire]

Great article. The misrepresentation of your email correspondence with Heather on her forum is not surprising in the slightest.

This reminds me of Uri Geller and his predilection for bending spoons with the mind alone, and when everyone else can perform this just as easily without the need; if Sylvia Browne really wants to prove she has a Master's Degree in English Literature, then she too is going about it the hard way.

Having not gone to the Go Sylvia forums before, I did find Heather's avatar cute:

http://forums.randi.org/imagehosting/14252460cdde2aef7c.jpg

Angry? Much?

Someone obviously don't have much experience with Tarot:

The Magician (Rider Waite):
Skill, Diplomacy
address: Sickness, pain,loss, disaster, self confidence, will

Or to recapitulate:
Mr. Randi uses skill and diplomacy to address sickness, pain, loss,disaster, self confidence and will-power.
All of these things are things which Mr. Randi takes up on a regular basis to prevent people like Saliva from preying on the innocent, bereaved and grieving.

I fail to see the obvious attempted insult.

[Miss Whiplash]

I don't know what you PM'd, but I would suggest getting a pay as you go phone exclusively for Sylvia. Something like a "Go Phone" They start at something like $30. And you already know you only have to ask.

If you are worried about harassment on that number so what on that number, so what? It's a disposable item. :)

Again. Thanks for all you do Rob.

That's what I PM'd. As Heather is reading, I wanted to keep it private.

Ah, well...

~~~~~ [waves to Heather]

[Walk The Line]

It's a shame that we'll never get to see the unblurred transcripts--let's not hold our collective breaths waiting to hear from Sylvia on something so obviously incriminating. How odd that the transcripts were even sent to you in the first place--they lean more toward proof of Sylvia LYING about a master's degree rather than coming close to proving it.

The fact that she sent them to Robert at all is quite the coup. He has really gotten under Sylvia's skin, as evidenced by the fact that she sent him a transcript which doesn't even verify an undergraduate degree!

Hey Sylvia, just post your transcript on your website, and blur/redact any sensitive or private information (such as a Social Security Number). It isn't hard!

[headscratcher4]

Robert...great work. Facinating as always. This is so easy for SB. The date of any degree -- undergrad and grad -- are easy to determine and identify, as are the awarding institutions. How difficult would it be for Sylvia to say: I got the Masters at XX University in 196_ -- call the regisrar, they'll verify it. It would put it to bed. It would undermine her Ex's credibility completely. It would give her fans something to crow about..."see, she tells the truth..."

Instead, she tries to propogate a half truth. She's better edcuated than her ex. thinks, but maybe not as lofty an education as she claims. It is an important point. If she lies about her academic achievments, it suggests she is, at best, capable of significant exageration regarding all her claimed achievements. For example is her estimation of her "accuracy" an exageration, or something that should be given creedence?

This is an easy test for SB. It requires no registerd letters. It just requires an affirmative statement of alleged facts. She has failed miserably.

Go, go, go....great job!

[RenaissanceBiker]

Transcripts, shmanscripts. How about a diploma? I have 3 college degrees and I don't keep a copy of my transcripts lying around. I do have my diplomas on the wall, next to my honorable discharge from the US Army. I know a diploma could be easily faked but it would be something.

eta: A person doesn't just misplace a diploma. I'm very proud of mine. If I lost them in a fire or something I would contact the Universities to get them replaced. SB seems to be proud of her academic accomplishments. She should be able to provide a picture or scan of her diploma.

[Walk The Line]

Transcripts, shmanscripts. How about a diploma? I have 3 college degrees and I don't keep a copy of my transcripts lying around. I do have my diplomas on the wall, next to my honorable discharge from the US Army. I know a diploma could be easily faked but it would be something.

It is easier and cheaper for someone to get a transcript. In addition, most universities require transcripts be printed on special transcript paper, which is harder to duplicate than a common diploma.

eta: A person doesn't just misplace a diploma. I'm very proud of mine. If I lost them in a fire or something I would contact the Universities to get them replaced. SB seems to be proud of her academic accomplishments. She should be able to provide a picture or scan of her diploma.

Having worked in a Registrar's Office, I can say that yes, people do misplace diplomas. You wouldn't think that people could misplace something that important, but it happens.

[headscratcher4]

Actually, as noted, she need not show transcript or diploma. All she needs is to say: I -- under this name -- graduated from under-graduate and masters programs in these years at these schools. The registrar, I believe, will verify even though the transcript itself may be private.

[wahrheit]

Very well done, as usual. :thumbsup:

I just don't get it, why would they send you that college transcript, when the question is whether she has a Master's Degree in English. What's the big deal in proofing the existence of a Master's Degree? None, one might think.

[Walk The Line]

Actually, as noted, she need not show transcript or diploma. All she needs is to say: I -- under this name -- graduated from under-graduate and masters programs in these years at these schools. The registrar, I believe, will verify even though the transcript itself may be private.

One of the problems that Robert pointed out to me was that we don't even know what university Sylvia attended for her Master's. The university that she stated she went to, does not exist. Thus, a transcript from the institution she did attend for her Master's would clear that up.

[cal]

With the arrival of the transcripts, makes me wonder of ex-hubby and wife lied to even or to get back at Sylvia?

Nice job, Robert!

[RSLancastr]

Every time I read one of your investigative articles, RS, I'm in awe.Thanks, pspa!

Psst....you misspelled the name of the "GoSylviaBrowne.com - A "Fan Site?" website (in the left menu).Aha!! Someone else pointed this out in the last article, but I thought they said it was in the links section, so I couldn't find it. Fixed!

Great article.Thanks, Rawk.

if Sylvia Browne really wants to prove she has a Master's Degree in English Literature, then she too is going about it the hard way.Indeed.

Having not gone to the Go Sylvia forums before, I did find Heather's avatar cute:Yes, I got a smile out of that as well. Perhaps it is the first card in the new Skeptic's Tarot? :)

Great article there, Mr Lancaster. I especially like the Epilogue, that's absolutely classical stuff.Thanks, TGHO!

Great article yet again!Thanks, Vamp!

Funny how quickly she was able to find a way to reach you, yet it is impossible for her to contact Randi about the Challenge because "she didn't know how to reach him".:D

Excellent article!!Thanks, WTL!

The fact that Sylvia Browne hasn't posted her transcript, which would prove her Master's degree, is damning.Well, it certainly is curious.

I don't know what you PM'd, but I would suggest getting a pay as you go phone exclusively for Sylvia.Yes, this is indeed what Vamp suggested, and was something I considered that day. I may do it in the future. THanks, Orangu!

It's a shame that we'll never get to see the unblurred transcriptsYou're not missing much. They are pretty boring, as transcripts go.

Kudos to you, RSL. I admire your tenacity.Thanks, Chimera!

It isn't a far stretch from that to this telephone nonsense.Yup.

I fail to see the obvious attempted insult.Well, if there is an attempted insult, perhaps it is that Randi is "just a magician," as some of his detractors say. When of course, being called a magician is far from an insult, and "magician" is only one of Randi's many accomplishments anyway.

That's what I PM'd. As Heather is reading, I wanted to keep it private.Well, I don't see there being any harm in Heather or SB knowing I'm using a disposable phone, should I decide to go that route.

Robert...great work. Facinating as always.Thanks, 'scratcher!

This is an easy test for SB. It requires no registerd letters. It just requires an affirmative statement of alleged facts. She has failed miserably.So far, anyway!

Transcripts, shmanscripts. How about a diploma?That would work too!

As far as people not misplacing a diploma: I can easily imagine someone just tossing it into a box out in the garage. Not everyone has the need (or desire) to display it up on a wall, and if they ever need to prove it (for a job interview or whatever), they would use a transcript anyway.

Very well done, as usual. :thumbsup:Thanks, Wahr!

I just don't get it, why would they send you that college transcript, when the question is whether she has a Master's Degree in English.I think that Browne was mostly interested in proving that Gary Dufresne was wrong about at least one thing in the interview, thus implying that he could be wrong about the rest.

With the arrival of the transcripts, makes me wonder of ex-hubby and wife lied to even or to get back at Sylvia?I guess it is possible Cal, but I don't get that impression. It was something which Browne could (and did) easily disprove, so why would he make up a lie about it? My impression is that he may have forgotten, or more likely, that he never knew. But again, that is simply my impression. And when I spoke with him on the phone about it, he seemed genuinely surprised, asking questions aimed at poking a hole in the evidence, such as how many hours were on the transcript for each year.

Nice job, Robert!Thanks, Cal!

[Madalch]

As far as people not misplacing a diploma: I can easily imagine someone just tossing it into a box out in the garage. Not everyone has the need (or desire) to display it up on a wall, and if they ever need to prove it (for a job interview or whatever), they would use a transcript anyway.
Agreed. I have five certificates that resemble diplomas.

My BSc is filed somewhere- I never thought to put it on display while I worked on my PhD. By the time I got my PhD, I was sick of the field, and never framed it, either.

I've got three certificates that I earned on the way to get my Licentiate (which, apparently gives me the right to act in a licentious fashion)- the first one's framed at home, the third's in my office, and the second one (being butt-ugly) is filed somewhere.

[cal]

I suppose the ex could have forgotten about it. But either way, it still sounds like the only "degree" she has is "Con job, PhD." :D

[Minarvia]

Nice article, Rob! The foot-dragging that goes on in Syl's camp is amazing. They are upset about the questions but do not answer them when it would be very simple for them to do so. And no way would I give Syl my phone # either. If she wants to speak with you she can call YOU, as you said. I'm surprised she would actually "condescend" to speak to you herself. I would expect she would have Rossi or some other flunky do it.
Heather Brown seems to be reasonably intelligent, so why doesn't she see that her misrepresenting of facts will likely just blow up in her face and make both her and Sylvia look bad? I think she underestimates how many people will see her site then yours and begin to ask themselves all the right questions.

[strathmeyer]

Great article yet again!

Look for a PM about the phone situation.

Don't they have pay phones where you're from? How on earth do you buy illegal narcotics, then?

[BenK]

If she will still call you, you could try a anonymous service like this (Call-Safe (http://www.call-safe.com/)). I haven't used one myself so I can't vouch for how well it works I had only heard of this type of service before in a podcast. Also note the charges for this service.

[Miss Whiplash]

Don't they have pay phones where you're from? How on earth do you buy illegal narcotics, then?

They still make pay phones?

[grayman]

I suppose the ex could have forgotten about it. But either way, it still sounds like the only "degree" she has is "Con job, PhD." :D

Piled higher and Deeper?

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

Yo...there's such a thing as a disposable phone?! I've heard of getting a new SIM card for a cell if you're in the mob or buying something from them but a disposable phone?!

[C.W.]

Don't they have pay phones where you're from? How on earth do you buy illegal narcotics, then?
No, no, all good drug dealers use disposable phones now.

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

I'm sorry...a disposable phone?!

[C.W.]

From what I understand, they are a really cheap pre-paid cellular phone. When the minutes are done (or you think the government has caught on to your phone) you dump it and get another. I believe they are purchased at convenience stores and drug stores.

[Horatius]

I'm surprised she would actually "condescend" to speak to you herself. I would expect she would have Rossi or some other flunky do it.



She may not want anyone else to be involved in the conversation who could be called upon as a witness. That way, anything that RSL reports can be dismissed as a he-said-she-said thing, if it ever ends up in court.


Not that I'm accusing her of anything, mind you! Just a possibility!

[Kilgore Trout]

Even though it might not be a huge expense for a disposable phone, I don't see why RSL should have to pay for something like that. Regardless, I see no reason a call can't be set up with a public number at one of Sylvia's companies. Her website even lists the phone number of the Sylvia Browne Corporation for the world to see. I can't see any situation where it's more reasonable for her to get RSL's home phone number (or cell or whatever) than for him to call her at her business.

(and again, great work, RSL! Though it does seem that Heather did a lot of the leg-work herself.. :p )

[Questioninggeller]

New article added today:

A Sylvia Browne College Transcript (http://www.stopsylviabrowne.com/articles/sylviabrownetranscript.shtml)

"Browne supplies a copy of a college transcript. Is it valid? Does it prove her claim to have a Master's Degree?"

That was really nice of Browne (to allow a rep.) to give you a transcript proving she's being lying about a master's degree.

You really should email her a thank you. It's not often a liar digs their own hole.

[Hauteden]

As always excellent work Robert

Others have suggest a "disposable" phone, so I will suggest Skype. Skype is a VoIP software client for your PC. In my experience sound quality is as good as a traditional land-line. As long as you have a PC and microphone and speakers or a Headset you have all the equipment you need. You would want the Skypein feature so you could get a phone number others could call. But take a look at it, I use it as a second line.

Hauteden

[Dr. Lao]

$ylvia could have just attended the Hovind "college", which is convieniently located in some dude's house that will give you a degree for a nice "love donation"

[streamlet]

A "love donation"? I'm having flashes of a certain episode of That Seventies Show.

[alfaniner]

Um, RSL... ever thought of charging $750 for a 20-minute phone call from Sylvia Browne?

:p

[EvilSmurf]

[tinfoil hat]I think that the Transcript (and Sylvia's subsequent reaction) may be a gambit to goad you into printing the transcript and opening you up to a lawsuit.[/tinfoil hat]

[Questioninggeller]

On Browne wanting to talk with Robert, the question is why?

Two practical reasons:

1) To offer to buy his silence.
2) To gain information for some type of pursuit to shut him down (criminal or civil lawsuit?).

I think Robert was right to refuse the phone call, and to refuse such offer in the future. As there is nothing to discuss (see reasons above).

Browne can contact Randi take the test and prove her abilities. That in turn, would be a major blow to the website and critics. Or provide just proof of an MA (like photocopying the diploma).

She brought attorneys into the matter right off the bat. As a result, Robert should be very careful about communicating with her in any form. A slip of the tongue or of the key stroke is what they are waiting for. As the material on the website has gotten even more pointedly critical (her ex-calling her a liar) I can't imagine she has become any less irrate from the starting point of the attorney's original letter.

Judging how Heather set up Robert (http://www.gosylviabrowne.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=451) with the whole transcript claiming he didn't post it. That alone should tell you to be wary of receiving contact and how they will twist the communication.

[CFLarsen]

Tape everything.

[chillzero]

Um, RSL... ever thought of charging $750 for a 20-minute phone call from Sylvia Browne?

:p

Love it :D

[Rasmus]

Would it be a good idea to update the page on the interview and include the information that Sylvia did in fact spend more than a year at college? And if you did that, you could also set up links between the articles.

If you are aiming to obtain Sainthood anytime soon, you might want to follow up with Mr Dufresne on this.

[rjh01]

Just been comparing the two articles by Robert. Mr Dufresne may know nothing about the college work done by Mrs Browne. She dropped out of college in mid 1958 and married Mr Dufresne 10 months later in April 1959. She did not obtain any degree or Masters at any stage.

There was one subject done by Mrs Browne in 1960 but that does not mean anything.

If anything, this gives credibility to what Mr Dufresne says, not the other way round.

[PastBrowneFan]

Today 12:24 AM
CFLarsen
Tape everything

That is a very good idea, even though it is not admissable, and in some cases is not legal, people that have had past dealings with SB & Co. would advise taping.

After all, when anyone from SB & Co. calls, they are taping their call. Legal in CA? NO, but they do not care about laws when it applies to them.

[pspaddict]

A small recommendation that may or may not be useful: take screenshots of the GSB.com forum posts that have significance, like that post of Heather Brown's. RSL, it might benefit you to provide the excerpts you quote with screenshots from the actual website in your articles. We've all seen how easily unflattering things can disappear at the website, and since Heather's post is being used against Browne's side it could disappear at any moment. If the posts disappear then all we'd have is your word, and though it'd golden, it'd serve everyone better (including those on Sylvia Browne's side) to see the actual post.

I'd do it but I'm IP banned. Do'h.

[RSLancastr]

Nice article, Rob! The foot-dragging that goes on in Syl's camp is amazing.Thanks, Minarvia! Yes, it certainly makes one wonder, doesn't it?

If she will still call you, you could try a anonymous service like this (Call-Safe (http://www.call-safe.com/)).Interesting Ben, thanks!

I'm sorry...a disposable phone?!I've never seen them, but have heard of them on the news and crime shows. Evidently very popular with criminals.

I can't see any situation where it's more reasonable for her to get RSL's home phone number (or cell or whatever) than for him to call her at her business.[QUOTE]Agreed, though I understand she isn't at her office that often. From what I hear, she does most of her "phone readings" from her home.

[QUOTE](and again, great work, RSL! Though it does seem that Heather did a lot of the leg-work herself.. :p )Thanks!

That was really nice of Browne (to allow a rep.) to give you a transcript proving she's being lying about a master's degree.Well, it doesn't really do that, but it sure is... odd.

As always excellent work RobertThanks, Haut!

Others have suggest a "disposable" phone, so I will suggest Skype.Interesting idea, thanks. Though on that particular day I was at work, and could not have taken the call from my desk.

Um, RSL... ever thought of charging $750 for a 20-minute phone call from Sylvia Browne?Actually, that was suggested to me at the time, and I considered passing the thought along through Heather. :)

[tinfoil hat]I think that the Transcript (and Sylvia's subsequent reaction) may be a gambit to goad you into printing the transcript and opening you up to a lawsuit.[/tinfoil hat]I had considered that possibility as well.

She brought attorneys into the matter right off the bat. As a result, Robert should be very careful about communicating with her in any form.Yup.

Tape everything.:)

Would it be a good idea to update the page on the interview and include the information that Sylvia did in fact spend more than a year at college? And if you did that, you could also set up links between the articles.D'oh!! I had done that, but had forgotten to upload the updated page. Done now - thanks for the reminder, Rasmus!

If you are aiming to obtain Sainthood anytime soon, you might want to follow up with Mr Dufresne on this.Believe me, I have, though I am expecting no calls from the Vatican.

If anything, this gives credibility to what Mr Dufresne says, not the other way round.I shuold have gone into that in the article. I'll take another look.

A small recommendation that may or may not be useful: take screenshots of the GSB.com forum posts that have significance, like that post of Heather Brown's.I will consider doing so, pspa. Thanks.

[JoeTheJuggler]

Transcripts and diplomas aside, she can't even provide the name of the university where she supposedly earned a master's degree!

Then Heather provides a transcript showing that she didn't even earn a bachelor's degree from that college.

As for the "teaching credential", that's murkier. In Missouri, you only need 60 college credits to be a substitute teacher. If they're not claiming a teaching certificate, you could argue that 60 hours is a teaching credential.

Other than the "about the author" section in books and the text quoted from the website, is there a record of Sylvia herself making the claim?

I'll bet that particular claim will quietly disappear from future books. Or she'll say someone else wrote the bio and she never even read it. Ditto the website.

Has anyone written the publisher? I think they'd have to answer for this sort of thing.

[RSLancastr]

Other than the "about the author" section in books and the text quoted from the website, is there a record of Sylvia herself making the claim?

From the September 3, 2001 Larry King Live show (the same show where she agreed to take the Challenge):

KING: How do you explain this medical aspect?

BROWNE: I don't know. My master's degree is in English literature, so I don't know where it comes from.

[Baron Samedi]

From the September 3, 2001 Larry King Live show (the same show where she agreed to take the Challenge): Quote:
KING: How do you explain this medical aspect?

BROWNE: I don't know. My master's degree is in English literature, so I don't know where it comes from.

Could she be talking about the degree held by "her master"? She doesn't claim to channel some creepy spirit guide a la JZ Knight, does she?

[Dr. Lao]

That is a very good idea, even though it is not admissable, and in some cases is not legal, people that have had past dealings with SB & Co. would advise taping.

After all, when anyone from SB & Co. calls, they are taping their call. Legal in CA? NO, but they do not care about laws when it applies to them.


Drive on over to AZ, you can tape phone calls here!!!

[ChristineR]

Could she be talking about the degree held by "her master"? She doesn't claim to channel some creepy spirit guide a la JZ Knight, does she?

She doesn't channel, but she gets her best info from her spirit guide, Francine.

That sounds almost like a joke to me, but if people really do turn into spirit guides after death, the Francines of the world would be included.:rolleyes:

[JeffJ]

Could she be talking about the degree held by "her master"? She doesn't claim to channel some creepy spirit guide a la JZ Knight, does she?

Yes she actually does!!
Of course!! Brilliant theory. :) Shes probably talking about her spirit guide, "Francine" (I believe), who Sylvia probably also refers to her as her "Master"............ when theyre alone.
That explains the confusion.

[The_Fire]

Say.....doesn't the US have some sort of law against giving out medical advice without being a REAL doc?

[JeffJ]

She doesn't channel, but she gets her best info from her spirit guide, Francine.

That sounds almost like a joke to me, but if people really do turn into spirit guides after death, the Francines of the world would be included.:rolleyes:

:D I think she has stopped her channeling, but I could swear I recall reading (maybe on SSB.com) that Francine used to take over Sylvia's body and speak through her. Something crazy like that.
Maybe Robert can clarify?

[pspaddict]

Say.....doesn't the US have some sort of law against giving out medical advice without being a REAL doc?

I'm sure Sylvia Browne could weasle her way around this easily. Her defense could be that she only suggests, recommends medical treatment, not order it. She also doesn't prescribe any medicine, merely suggests they ingest over-the-counter stuff. This advice is no different than if your parents told you to seek out a doctor or take aspirin if you complained about stomach aches, or something.

[Questioninggeller]

Well, it doesn't really do that, but it sure is... odd.


Yes, one cannot prove a negative, and I understand you want to becareful about your statements to avoid getting into trouble, but...

Every transcript of someone who completed college says the name of the student, the degree earned, and the year completed at the top. She did not send one with that information to you.

Moreover, the best thing to do in this situation is for Browne to email or post a copy of her diploma. As the transcripts provide private details, the diploma gives the name, year, school, and subject/degree without saying she got C+ in a class three decades ago.

Why someone would send their transcript in a situation like this if they earned a BA (and MA) makes no sense.

Moreover, I'd ask Browne want she did for her MA. Did she take exams or write a body of research? If she did graduate research it would be publicly available via an abstract would be listed by UMI (http://www.proquest.com/products_pq/descriptions/pqdt.shtml) and the university that awarded the degree.

Avila University currently does not have a MA program in English ( http://www.avila.edu/gradprograms/index.htm ) nor does its library list any material written by Sylvia Shoemaker or Dufresne ( http://wilo.missouri.edu/search~S1 ). A school that awarded Browne an MA for graduate research would have her listed in the library catalog. I found nothing by her in library catalogs where she claimed to attended ( http://cnd-verso.auto-graphics.com/homepages/advanced.asp or http://opac.sfsu.edu/ ).

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

I believe she's fine as long as she's not "practising medicine without a license". Otherwise, my grandmothers would be lifers.

[Gord_in_Toronto]

Give her Randi's number? :eye-poppi

[RSLancastr]

Could she be talking about the degree held by "her master"? She doesn't claim to channel some creepy spirit guide a la JZ Knight, does she?Yes, her "spirit guide" is named Francine.

Drive on over to AZ, you can tape phone calls here!!!Just a hop, skip and a three hour drive! :)

:D I think she has stopped her channeling, but I could swear I recall reading (maybe on SSB.com) that Francine used to take over Sylvia's body and speak through her. Something crazy like that.
Maybe Robert can clarify?Yes, she still does that, though not as often as she used to.

Here's an email article about it on the site:

http://www.stopsylviabrowne.com/articles/tvtalk_trancereading.shtml

[Minarvia]

Francine is not her only guide, Sylvia claims. She does have another, a male whose name I cannot recall. For some reason he is not as well known as Francine.

[Euromutt]

After all, when anyone from SB & Co. calls, they are taping their call. Legal in CA? NO, but they do not care about laws when it applies to them.Actually, it is legal in California, provided all parties to the conversation give their consent.
California Penal Code, Section 632 (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=4137333357+2+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve) (scroll down):632. (a) Every person who, intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication, by means of any electronic amplifying or recording device, eavesdrops upon or records the confidential communication, whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device, except a radio, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), or imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding one year, or in the state prison, or by both that fine and imprisonment. [...]Bold mine.

So there it is; if Sylvia Browne wants to talk to RSLancaster, he can ask her to consent to the conversation being taped. If she refuses, the conversation ends right there. Otherwise, do make sure you get her to repeat her agreeing to be taped on the actual tape, to forestall any claims to the contrary which might arise later.

[NotARepublican]

Francine is not her only guide, Sylvia claims. She does have another, a male whose name I cannot recall. For some reason he is not as well known as Francine.
Yes, this other guide is named Raheim, and he's allegedly an Indian who lived hundreds of years ago and smoked hashish.

The funniest part about this is that SB claims that he was actually Dal Brown's spirit guide (the second husband who went to jail and was convicted alongside Sylvia of securities fraud). Sylvia once claimed that Dal "went dark," or became a dark entity, and that dark entities have no spirit guides--and that Raheim became Sylvia's guide after that.

I wonder--now many years later--what has become of Raheim since Sylvia and Dal are back together again, in fact living together in her huge mansion in the Gold Country of CA.

Did Raheim become Dal's guide again? Interestingly, according to SB's philosophy, once you go dark, you stay dark--which begs a more important question: why is she back with him, if this is the case?

[PastBrowneFan]

Was going to post something, but read your post NotARepublican, and forgot what I was going to write now. So, High Five NAR.

Yep, the other guide she gets information from is really Dal's guide, but SB does still "channel" her Guide, only now she does it a her $1000 a pop "Spiritual Salon".

Hummmm, need money, people won't pay $1000 to spend the day with you, so throw in the Spirit Guide to put on public display. Sounds like something PT Barnum would do to get the money from the suckers.

NAR, I think RSL would be interested in some info you may have. The more info there is, the more apparent it becomes when so many verify the same things.

[NotARepublican]

Was going to post something, but read your post NotARepublican, and forgot what I was going to write now. So, High Five NAR.

Yep, the other guide she gets information from is really Dal's guide, but SB does still "channel" her Guide, only now she does it a her $1000 a pop "Spiritual Salon".

Hummmm, need money, people won't pay $1000 to spend the day with you, so throw in the Spirit Guide to put on public display. Sounds like something PT Barnum would do to get the money from the suckers.

NAR, I think RSL would be interested in some info you may have. The more info there is, the more apparent it becomes when so many verify the same things.
RSL and I have talked. Thanks for your suggestion.

And have you talked with him?

[PastBrowneFan]

Yep.

[nails3jesus0]

Tape everything.


CHECK THE LAWS FOR YOUR STATE FIRST! In new jersey its a felony to record a conversation without consent, and where i live its not. you have to be really, really careful.

What is legal in every state is retaining emails though, and thats an unbiased record of what was said. I say do everything through email just to make things easier.

[Dr. Lao]

Sylvia is running scared.

Folks are on to her grifting and scamming.

She is like a caged animal, fighting back.

She can't win, the forces of reason and the power of teh intrawebs are too much.

[Mr. Scott]

Because Sylvia Browne is nefarious, litigous, and wealthy, I offer you, Robert, these suggestions:

1) Engage in no private communications with Sylvia Browne or her organization. If the webmaster of the go sylvia site is indeed Paul's girlfriend, as she claims to be, she is part of the organization*.

2) The only phone number you should give her (or them) is of your lawyer (if you have your lawyer's permission).

3) Have your lawyer review all letters, including emails, to Sylvia or her organization before sending them.

You know, they have the email and snail mail of StopSylviaBrowne.com they can get right from the site (You could remind the go-bot Heather of this).

I would NOT speak or write to Sylvia or her organization if I were you because anything you write or say may be used against you.

*go-bot Heather Brown claims to be Paul DuFresne's girlfriend. It is currently on top of her blog page (http://www.gosylviabrowne.com/blog/). It's all in the family! ETA: At first I thought it may have been an April Fool, but that blog entry was posted March 23rd.

[pgwenthold]

2) The only phone number you should give her (or them) is of your lawyer (if you have your lawyer's permission).


I think this is what I would do. Have her talk to your agent (your lawyer). Your attorney can relay any questions to you. His number is public record.

Never talk to her directly.

[rjh01]

She as run out of clean ways to shut doen the site, now she may get dirty. That document does not support her case, so it may be a trap.

[boojum]

CHECK THE LAWS FOR YOUR STATE FIRST! In new jersey its a felony to record a conversation without consent, and where i live its not. you have to be really, really careful.



Are you sure about this? I ask because of the recent case in Kearny, NJ in which a high school student recored his history teacher "preaching" Christianity in class. From what I've read about that case, in NJ taping is legal as long as at least one party to conversation is aware of it.

[Dr. Lao]

$ylvia get dirty?

It must be them black evil forces that have seeped in and are controlling her.

Its because she cares so much, she let her guard down and let that dark energy in.

Everyone send in a prayer, and $50, and I think she will get better.

:D

[nails3jesus0]

Are you sure about this? I ask because of the recent case in Kearny, NJ in which a high school student recored his history teacher "preaching" Christianity in class. From what I've read about that case, in NJ taping is legal as long as at least one party to conversation is aware of it.



I dont know if one party recording laws for telephone communications apply the same as they would in a public place (like a school). I am pretty sure nj makes it illegal to record phone calls without both parties consent, perhaps i am wrong but there are definatley states where it is illegal.

[Euromutt]

Are you sure about this? I ask because of the recent case in Kearny, NJ in which a high school student recored his history teacher "preaching" Christianity in class. From what I've read about that case, in NJ taping is legal as long as at least one party to conversation is aware of it.
A lecture in a classroom wouldn't be a confidential conversation, which is one criterium set in the California statute I cited some posts ago. To compare, note that said statute does not treat a conversation conducted via radio as confidential communication, which makes sense, given that both parties are literally broadcasting every word they're saying.

(I cited the California statute because RSL is in greater Los Angeles, and Browne's office is in Campbell, in Silicon Valley.)

[chran]

A small recommendation that may or may not be useful: take screenshots of the GSB.com forum posts that have significance, like that post of Heather Brown's. Ha!

The topic or post you requested does not exist (http://www.gosylviabrowne.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=451)

:dl:

[grayman]

From here (http://www.gosylviabrowne.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=112):

My new blog entry just in case you haven't seen it:

I have had several people message me asking how they should handle the juvenile and utterly obnoxious people who come into the forum or guestbook and post hateful messages...

[snip]

Nowhere on my website does it try to convince anyone to believe in Sylvia's abilities or follow the Gnostic philosophy.

Those who hate Sylvia Browne, God, spirituality, or the rights to free speech and religion don't have to come in here!

Yes, my website is a public site. Yes, I am deleting (and will continue to delete) all messages that badmouth Sylvia or my spirituality. I have never said that I'm looking for a debate or a fight and therefore do not have to allow such postings. I am not deleting them because they contradict what I believe in or because I am trying to make Sylvia look better, I am deleting them because they are stupid!!

And from here (http://www.gosylviabrowne.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=465):
OMG, you thought you had me for a sec....if you haven't figured it out yet, I am an intelligent human being, STEFAN from The Netherlands.

I banned you once and now you tried to use a different IP address and user name. I will see you every single time, moron.

You are not wanted here and you will not be tolerated here. Here's a link for you to spew your garbage: www.randi.org

Moneyman, it's in reference to the guy who came in here a little while ago named AII and crystalfanatic, the other day (I think it was yesterday) he came in here as Apeiron. I also wouldn't be surprised if he was the racist, Vincencula. He's from the Netherlands.

In the immortal words of one of my heros:
"How 'bout NO, you crazy dutch bastard"-- Dr. Evil in Goldmember

Bolding mine.

[rjh01]

The thread on gosylviabrowne is here GoSylviaBrowne (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?p=2502529#post2502529)

[Minarvia]

Soooooo...I take it that there has been no further action from Sylvia's camp to produce proof that she has ANY sort of degree, much less a Master's degree?

[JoeTheJuggler]

Soooooo...I take it that there has been no further action from Sylvia's camp to produce proof that she has ANY sort of degree, much less a Master's degree?

I think you're looking for this response (http://www.randi.org/sylvia/crickets.html).

[Minarvia]

I think you're looking for this response (http://www.randi.org/sylvia/crickets.html).


Ha! I guess I was! :D

[RSLancastr]

Soooooo...I take it that there has been no further action from Sylvia's camp to produce proof that she has ANY sort of degree, much less a Master's degree?None of which I'm aware, Minarvia.

[Spektator]

I wouldn't want to tackle the search myself, but Dissertation Abstracts mainains files of virtually every Ph.D. dissertation and Master's thesis done in the U.S.A.

You might be able to search online now; there is a reference to D.A. Online here:

http://library.dialog.com/bluesheets/html/bl0035.html

[EeneyMinnieMoe]

No need for that. She's a proven college dropout.:)

[Spektator]

Mainains? Did I, the erstwhile proofreader for a major academic publisher, write "mainains"?

Should be "maintains," of course. Pobody's nerfect.