StopSylvia email: "oh no" - Page 2

Olowkow · 2nd July 2012, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by Psi Baba

You know, it's funny, I enjoy these threads about the e-mails Robert receives and yet I never feel compelled to go back and view the Stop Sylvia site. The posts with the e-mails are pretty much self-contained. But now, after having read your post, I realize that it's been a while since I've looked at Robert's site, so I think I'll go and do just that. Thanks for suggesting it!

Good point, I have read everything to see there, and really don't bother going any more either. I may go over and buy a T shirt!

RSLancastr · 2nd July 2012, 07:46 PM

Originally Posted by mikeyx

Bestest Psychic EVeeeeeeeeeer!

Sadly, even With her near-zero "accuracy rating", this is quite possibly true.

mikeyx · 3rd July 2012, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Sadly, even With her near-zero "accuracy rating", this is quite possibly true.

now was that so hard?

RSLancastr · 3rd July 2012, 09:28 AM

What, saying that even though she is not psychic in the least, that makes her no worse at it than the rest of the frauds?

LarianLeQuella · 6th July 2012, 10:54 AM

I will always click on an RSL post that mentions emails. I find them educational and wonderful to read. As a much more abrasive personality, I would like to think I can learn rom RSL. I also find it fascinating to read about how people may embrace critical thinking based on evidence. I am currently working on introducing my sister-in-law to some aspects of critical thinking, and I just find it difficult to approach things as kindly as RSL does. Hence why I click and read.

YMMV.

RSLancastr · 6th July 2012, 12:02 PM

Very kind of you to say, LLQ - thanks!

Best of luck with your S-I-L.

Madalch · 6th July 2012, 12:15 PM

I, too, always enjoy RSL's threads. And I'm not talking about his purple shirts.

RSLancastr · 6th July 2012, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Madalch

I, too, always enjoy RSL's threads. And I'm not talking about his purple shirts.

My purple pants, then? My purple hat? My purple bandana?

Thanks, Madalch!

Minarvia · 9th July 2012, 12:45 PM

Thank you for sharing once again, Robert! I really enjoy these threads. At first, I have to admit that I thought this writer was being sarcastic, but as I read on, I realised differently.

It's so nice to hear that others, such as myself, were able to allow myself to use reason to shed my belief in her and other such things.

P.S. I also love my own deck of Dr. Who cards; especially since they show ALL the Companions, even thee forgotten ones and not just the new incarnation of the show. I love Classic Who and grew up with it. And just to say it - my fave Doctor isn't Baker, it's a close tie between Troughton and Pertwee.

Sorry for derail!

RSLancastr · 9th July 2012, 12:57 PM

Originally Posted by Minarvia

Thank you for sharing once again, Robert! I really enjoy these threads. At first, I have to admit that I thought this writer was being sarcastic, but as I read on, I realised differently.

It's so nice to hear that others, such as myself, were able to allow myself to use reason to shed my belief in her and other such things.

P.S. I also love my own deck of Dr. Who cards; especially since they show ALL the Companions, even thee forgotten ones and not just the new incarnation of the show. I love Classic Who and grew up with it. And just to say it - my fave Doctor isn't Baker, it's a close tie between Troughton and Pertwee.

Sorry for derail!

To continue the derail...

My favorite Dr. Who would have to be Baker (if I have the names straight, anyway...), probably because he was the first one I saw when my local PBS station started playing the show back in (IIRC) the late 1970s.

I think that the last episode I watched was "The Five Doctors", which introduced Baker's replaement, who struck me as a blond pretty boy, lacking all of the playfulness that Baker brought to the role. I don't think I've seen an episode since.

Marduk · 9th July 2012, 01:03 PM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

I think that the last episode I watched was "The Five Doctors", which introduced Baker's replaement, who struck me as a blond pretty boy, lacking all of the playfulness that Baker brought to the role. I don't think I've seen an episode since.

you're lucky you missed Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker then

RSLancastr · 9th July 2012, 01:48 PM

Good to know - thanks, Marduk!

Minarvia · 10th July 2012, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by Marduk

you're lucky you missed Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker then

Yeah, I missed them, too. Troughton was VERY playful ("Oh, my giddy aunt!") comes to mind, as well as his cute clownishness. I loved Pertwee, the gentleman dandy of action, Hartnell, the original and everybody's "grandpa" and yes, Baker. Baker is popular because he is most people's "first" Doctor. And he is indeed good. But Davison was all right, but after him, I fell away from the series.

The new one to me is too dark, too serious, and with all the family baggage and stuff; it just doesn't appeal to me. I do intend to give it another try someday, tho. Maybe I was just not in the frame of mind when I saw a few of the 9th and 10th Doctors.

I suppose to stay on track somewhat, I'll have to add a line about the email regarding Sylvia.

Honestly, I really am proud of the sender to be so open-minded as to reconsider her (his?) beliefs and even be willing to give Sagan's book a try. I just bought it (Demon-Haunted World) and can't wait to read it. I've read all sorts of reviews about that book and altho some say Sagan tries too hard to convince and repeats himself, I'll judge for myself. I also suspect that since he was not primarily a writer that some repetition is probably to be expected.

RSLancastr · 10th July 2012, 10:33 AM

Minarvia, please let us know what you thnk of Sagan's book.

My correspondence re the OP seems to have wrapped up. he/she seemed to be tiring of it, so I sent the followig:

Quote:

[Name]:

Again, thank you for your correspondence. I have enjoyed the exchange of ideas.

Best regards,

-Robert

His/Her reply:

Quote:

it's fine, thank you for being gracious. sorry if i sounded rude at all. get well soon! completely!

A welcome change from his/her initial email, in which his or her opinion seemed to be that I deseved my health problems!

ExMinister · 10th July 2012, 01:54 PM

I have now read probably a hundred books since 2007 on science and skepticism and I still can't think of a better one to recommend in these circumstances than Sagan's.

Minarvia, I did not find him repetitive at all. The entire book held my attention and in fact I re-read it recently and it had the same effect on me all over again! I am curious what you think about it. As Robert said, his beautiful Better Half, who I adore, was not nearly as impressed as I was, so who knows.

In fact I just loaned a copy to someone else I know recently, and her reaction was, "Poor Sagan, he just doesn't get it." (!) She remains a fan of Sylvia's!

I guess it just speaks to some of us more than others. I hope it speaks to this correspondent, but even if it doesn't, I think it's great that she/he was willing to consider the web site material and correspond the way she did.

Minarvia · 10th July 2012, 02:31 PM

I'll definitely let you all know what I think of the book. I started it today! He is already feeling like a "real" human and not simply a text-book style writer. In one short day Carl Sagan already has me feeling those "awwwww..." moments when he is reflecting upon the support and kindness of his parents.

He has already hit upon the problem of pseudoscience being so prevalent in mainstream society that reason hardly can gain a toehold.

So already I am understanding where he is coming from, having been there myself, and feeling certain that this is one book that will not only help me appreciate science and reason even more, but understand it better. I'm pretty confident that this book won't go over my head as far as content, and that in itself is reassuring.

Femke · 11th July 2012, 03:32 AM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

<snip>
A welcome change from his/her initial email, in which his or her opinion seemed to be that I deseved my health problems!

Wasn't that the other thread?

RSLancastr · 11th July 2012, 07:50 AM

Quite right, Femke! Thanks!

2nd July 2012, 10:11 AM	#41
Olowkow Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,790	Originally Posted by Psi Baba You know, it's funny, I enjoy these threads about the e-mails Robert receives and yet I never feel compelled to go back and view the Stop Sylvia site. The posts with the e-mails are pretty much self-contained. But now, after having read your post, I realize that it's been a while since I've looked at Robert's site, so I think I'll go and do just that. Thanks for suggesting it! Good point, I have read everything to see there, and really don't bother going any more either. I may go over and buy a T shirt!
Olowkow Illuminator Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 4,790	__________________ Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie, which we ascribe to heaven. --Shakespeare

2nd July 2012, 07:46 PM	#42
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Originally Posted by mikeyx Bestest Psychic EVeeeeeeeeeer! Sadly, even With her near-zero "accuracy rating", this is quite possibly true.
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

3rd July 2012, 08:36 AM	#43
mikeyx Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,570	Originally Posted by RSLancastr Sadly, even With her near-zero "accuracy rating", this is quite possibly true. now was that so hard?
mikeyx Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 3,570

3rd July 2012, 09:28 AM	#44
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	What, saying that even though she is not psychic in the least, that makes her no worse at it than the rest of the frauds?
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

6th July 2012, 10:54 AM	#45
LarianLeQuella Elf Wino Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: 3rd Rock from the Sun Posts: 1,995	I will always click on an RSL post that mentions emails. I find them educational and wonderful to read. As a much more abrasive personality, I would like to think I can learn rom RSL. I also find it fascinating to read about how people may embrace critical thinking based on evidence. I am currently working on introducing my sister-in-law to some aspects of critical thinking, and I just find it difficult to approach things as kindly as RSL does. Hence why I click and read. YMMV.
	__________________ My crappy blog that no one should be forced to read. Ever... But I like traffic and comments, so have at it if you please. Larian LeQuella Armyn ab Treanid

6th July 2012, 12:02 PM	#46
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Very kind of you to say, LLQ - thanks! Best of luck with your S-I-L.
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

6th July 2012, 12:15 PM	#47
Madalch The Jester Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The wet coast. Posts: 8,697	I, too, always enjoy RSL's threads. And I'm not talking about his purple shirts.
	__________________ As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of resolving approaches zero. -Vaarsuvius It's a rum state of affairs when you feel like punching a jar of mayonnaise in the face. -Charlie Brooker

6th July 2012, 03:29 PM	#48
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Originally Posted by Madalch I, too, always enjoy RSL's threads. And I'm not talking about his purple shirts. My purple pants, then? My purple hat? My purple bandana? Thanks, Madalch!
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

9th July 2012, 12:45 PM	#49
Minarvia fading orb Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,212	Thank you for sharing once again, Robert! I really enjoy these threads. At first, I have to admit that I thought this writer was being sarcastic, but as I read on, I realised differently. It's so nice to hear that others, such as myself, were able to allow myself to use reason to shed my belief in her and other such things. P.S. I also love my own deck of Dr. Who cards; especially since they show ALL the Companions, even thee forgotten ones and not just the new incarnation of the show. I love Classic Who and grew up with it. And just to say it - my fave Doctor isn't Baker, it's a close tie between Troughton and Pertwee. Sorry for derail!
	__________________ "Hercules, what is a secret?" "Why, a secret is something you tell practically everybody confidentially." Wheeler and Woolsey in "Diplomaniacs."

9th July 2012, 12:57 PM	#50
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Originally Posted by Minarvia Thank you for sharing once again, Robert! I really enjoy these threads. At first, I have to admit that I thought this writer was being sarcastic, but as I read on, I realised differently. It's so nice to hear that others, such as myself, were able to allow myself to use reason to shed my belief in her and other such things. P.S. I also love my own deck of Dr. Who cards; especially since they show ALL the Companions, even thee forgotten ones and not just the new incarnation of the show. I love Classic Who and grew up with it. And just to say it - my fave Doctor isn't Baker, it's a close tie between Troughton and Pertwee. Sorry for derail! To continue the derail... My favorite Dr. Who would have to be Baker (if I have the names straight, anyway...), probably because he was the first one I saw when my local PBS station started playing the show back in (IIRC) the late 1970s. I think that the last episode I watched was "The Five Doctors", which introduced Baker's replaement, who struck me as a blond pretty boy, lacking all of the playfulness that Baker brought to the role. I don't think I've seen an episode since.
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc? Last edited by RSLancastr; 9th July 2012 at 12:59 PM.

9th July 2012, 01:03 PM	#51
Marduk Banned Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Newbury, Berkshire Posts: 10,242	Originally Posted by RSLancastr I think that the last episode I watched was "The Five Doctors", which introduced Baker's replaement, who struck me as a blond pretty boy, lacking all of the playfulness that Baker brought to the role. I don't think I've seen an episode since. you're lucky you missed Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker then

9th July 2012, 01:48 PM	#52
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Good to know - thanks, Marduk!
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

10th July 2012, 08:38 AM	#53
Minarvia fading orb Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,212	Originally Posted by Marduk you're lucky you missed Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker then Yeah, I missed them, too. Troughton was VERY playful ("Oh, my giddy aunt!") comes to mind, as well as his cute clownishness. I loved Pertwee, the gentleman dandy of action, Hartnell, the original and everybody's "grandpa" and yes, Baker. Baker is popular because he is most people's "first" Doctor. And he is indeed good. But Davison was all right, but after him, I fell away from the series. The new one to me is too dark, too serious, and with all the family baggage and stuff; it just doesn't appeal to me. I do intend to give it another try someday, tho. Maybe I was just not in the frame of mind when I saw a few of the 9th and 10th Doctors. I suppose to stay on track somewhat, I'll have to add a line about the email regarding Sylvia. Honestly, I really am proud of the sender to be so open-minded as to reconsider her (his?) beliefs and even be willing to give Sagan's book a try. I just bought it (Demon-Haunted World) and can't wait to read it. I've read all sorts of reviews about that book and altho some say Sagan tries too hard to convince and repeats himself, I'll judge for myself. I also suspect that since he was not primarily a writer that some repetition is probably to be expected.
	__________________ "Hercules, what is a secret?" "Why, a secret is something you tell practically everybody confidentially." Wheeler and Woolsey in "Diplomaniacs."

10th July 2012, 10:33 AM	#54
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Minarvia, please let us know what you thnk of Sagan's book. My correspondence re the OP seems to have wrapped up. he/she seemed to be tiring of it, so I sent the followig: Quote: [Name]: Again, thank you for your correspondence. I have enjoyed the exchange of ideas. Best regards, -Robert His/Her reply: Quote: it's fine, thank you for being gracious. sorry if i sounded rude at all. get well soon! completely! A welcome change from his/her initial email, in which his or her opinion seemed to be that I deseved my health problems!
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?

10th July 2012, 01:54 PM	#55
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,749	I have now read probably a hundred books since 2007 on science and skepticism and I still can't think of a better one to recommend in these circumstances than Sagan's. Minarvia, I did not find him repetitive at all. The entire book held my attention and in fact I re-read it recently and it had the same effect on me all over again! I am curious what you think about it. As Robert said, his beautiful Better Half, who I adore, was not nearly as impressed as I was, so who knows. In fact I just loaned a copy to someone else I know recently, and her reaction was, "Poor Sagan, he just doesn't get it." (!) She remains a fan of Sylvia's! I guess it just speaks to some of us more than others. I hope it speaks to this correspondent, but even if it doesn't, I think it's great that she/he was willing to consider the web site material and correspond the way she did.
ExMinister RSL Acolyte Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 2,749	__________________ www.stopsylvia.com

10th July 2012, 02:31 PM	#56
Minarvia fading orb Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,212	I'll definitely let you all know what I think of the book. I started it today! He is already feeling like a "real" human and not simply a text-book style writer. In one short day Carl Sagan already has me feeling those "awwwww..." moments when he is reflecting upon the support and kindness of his parents. He has already hit upon the problem of pseudoscience being so prevalent in mainstream society that reason hardly can gain a toehold. So already I am understanding where he is coming from, having been there myself, and feeling certain that this is one book that will not only help me appreciate science and reason even more, but understand it better. I'm pretty confident that this book won't go over my head as far as content, and that in itself is reassuring.
	__________________ "Hercules, what is a secret?" "Why, a secret is something you tell practically everybody confidentially." Wheeler and Woolsey in "Diplomaniacs."

11th July 2012, 03:32 AM	#57
Femke Goddess of the Glowing Sunsets Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 486	Originally Posted by RSLancastr <snip> A welcome change from his/her initial email, in which his or her opinion seemed to be that I deseved my health problems! Wasn't that the other thread?
	__________________ Epiphanette (a very small epiphany): that kind of tingly, excited feeling of realizing that you were wrong, and that you have to change your world view accordingly. - With thanks to Weak Kitten and Blue Sock Monkey. I am 100% confident all psychics and mediums are frauds. If you agree add this to your sig.

11th July 2012, 07:50 AM	#58
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,526	Quite right, Femke! Thanks!
	__________________ Who is "Kaz?" Read about her at www.StopKaz.com. Curious about Sylvia Browne? Read about her at www.StopSylvia.com. Ever wonder "What's the Harm?" with psychics, alternative medicine, etc?