Proof of Life After Death!! - Page 13

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 04:29 AM

Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 29th November 2012, 04:36 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...

You said you thought it was maybe "more than coincidence". And it's not strange, it's cold reading. That you even thought it strange, rather than staggeringly mundane, generalised and inaccurate should give you pause for thought.

Quote:

And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

It's certainly far easier not to let anybody challenge your beliefs, isn't it? The sad thing is that your repeated refusal to answer any questions put to you is an indicator that you're remaining ignorant wilfully.

Resume · 29th November 2012, 04:47 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course

... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

When you come back here, would you mind answering the question about your title, that is, do you think it's accurate? Do you think you've offered credible proof of the afterlife?

Thanks in advance.

Resume · 29th November 2012, 04:49 AM

delete

Resume · 29th November 2012, 04:50 AM

Originally Posted by dafydd

Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium.

Is that near Antwerp?

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 05:17 AM

Originally Posted by Resume

Is that near Antwerp?

Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium.

Slowvehicle · 29th November 2012, 05:18 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course

... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

How may times are you going to "leave"?
Before you do, would you mind answering the question(s) about the appropriateness (and honesty) of your thread title?

Garrette · 29th November 2012, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course

... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

It is a shame. Your entire "proof" rests on the premise that you, personally, cannot be fooled. When it is demonstrated that (1) you can be fooled and (2) it is nothing to be ashamed of since humans are wired to be fooled and some people are expert at it, you depart, insinuating that those who have presented fact instead of belief are the negative ones.

Come to the light, Robin. Come to the light. There is much joy here...

Resume · 29th November 2012, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by dafydd

Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium.

Is Puzzled as well

?

Slowvehicle · 29th November 2012, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by dafydd

Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium.

Woo you calling an Twerp?

poblob14 · 29th November 2012, 06:17 AM

Originally Posted by meg

Oops. Yep, you are right. Guess I'm so used to Penn doing all the talking that my brain just subconsciously switched the author

My mistake. Thanks.

Easy enough to do. Penn's the talker, but Teller is a better writer, in my opinion. (It's pretty easy in going through their books to see who wrote what.)

carlitos · 29th November 2012, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by GregInAustin

Is this evasion, willful ignorance or simply an honest mistake?

Attention whoring 101.

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

And so I will pose a final challenge to the members of this thread...

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

K you guys win...I'm outta here. Running, screaming to the land of believers! But it was fun while it lasted! Peace.

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

OK... Little too ugly here for this little light. Peace to all. And of course...Light.

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

though I done here officially...too much negative energy and I don't mean skeptics and questions...I mean the truly dark comments).

Originally Posted by Slowvehicle

How may times are you going to "leave"?

I see a number between 5 and 100. Something with an "S" sound.

Garrette · 29th November 2012, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by carlitos

I see a number between 5 and 100. Something with an "S" sound.

Wow! Eleven timeS! Absolute proof because I cannot be fooled!

[/believer]
[dark energy]

Slowvehicle · 29th November 2012, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Garrette

Wow! Eleven timeS! Absolute proof because I cannot be fooled!

[/believer]
[dark energy]

[/thread]

truethat · 29th November 2012, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course

... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

It isn't strange. That's what you don't seem to understand. John Edward knows that people coming to see him want some sort of closure with a person who lost a loved one.

And like I said, just because he can pick things up from you doesn't mean there's proof of life after death.

What if he really is psychic. Let's use that for a second. Say he's psychic and can pick up things from you?

How does him being able to do that prove there is Life After Death?

fuelair · 29th November 2012, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by dafydd

Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium.

Annnnnnnd what are they doing about it? And why does Belgium want to surround Antwerp? What did it ever do to Belgium? Enquirer minds want to NO!!!

Garrette · 29th November 2012, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by fuelair

And why does Belgium want to surround Antwerp? What did it ever do to Belgium?

Oh, hush, now and let Schlieffen dogs lie.

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 08:40 AM

Slapende honden!

quarky · 29th November 2012, 09:37 AM

Well,

This has become awkward. I thought I'd try to lighten the mood with a little off-the-cuff essay, which might require a new thread; though it's appropriate here:

The cold readings of everyday cons.

Do you ever get the feeling that you haven't really reached your potential? That you were destined for something better than this run of the mill rat race?
Perhaps you feel that you have unresolved issues or a slight chemical imbalance.

This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's what makes you special.
Millions of people that feel like you do, have found help with new "Prozacium".
Clinically proven effectiveness is available now in 3 shapes and colors, to suit your personality.

(Oops, I had no idea that would pop out. Pretty cool idea, though, eh?)

Anyway, as poorly written and ridiculous as the above was, one could replace it with nearly any add for anything that you don't need, including exterminators, hair coloring; diet sodas; beer with extra water; 4 bathrooms; a car that will get you to the next red light in 2.3 seconds; a president that would have a beer with you; a casket that shows respect for your dead mother; etc, etc.

The American Dream.
Shop 'till you drop.

(Brought to you by Cold Reading International, LLC.)

Jon. · 29th November 2012, 10:45 AM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course

... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

Is she really pulling out the old "you're actually psychic even though you deny it!" routine?

quarky · 29th November 2012, 10:59 AM

I know I am, but I hate money.
Hence, self-deprecation.

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jon.

Is she really pulling out the old "you're actually psychic even though you deny it!" routine?

I remember years ago reading an article by the British writer Colin Wilson. The details are a bit vague after all this time, but Randi showed him Paul Curry's card trick, Out Of This World. It's a clever,impressive trick. Colin Wilson was amazed and said that it was up to Randi to prove that he was not psychic.

AdMan · 29th November 2012, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by dafydd

I remember years ago reading an article by the British writer Colin Wilson. The details are a bit vague after all this time, but Randi showed him Paul Curry's card trick, Out Of This World. It's a clever,impressive trick. Colin Wilson was amazed and said that it was up to Randi to prove that he was not psychic.

I've heard this seriously claimed of Randi elsewhere as well--that maybe he has actual psychic powers but for whatever reason(s), maybe professional jealousy with other psychics, he pretends he doesn't.

Skeptic Ginger · 29th November 2012, 11:43 AM

Originally Posted by Garrette

....

Come to the light, Robin. Come to the light. There is much joy here...

GeeMack · 29th November 2012, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by Pixel42

She also seems to be ignoring posts pointing out that such experiences can never constitute good evidence, let alone proof, of life after death, because mundane explanations such as cold reading, hot reading and lucky guesses can never be eliminated. That's why the scientific method was invented, so we could compensate for our fallible perceptions and cognitive biases and discover the truth. The fact that Edward and his ilk flatly refuse to subject themselves to proper scientific testing, even when given a million dollar incentive to do so, tells any sensible person all they need to know about them.

Ignorance is indeed bliss...

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

[...] I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace.

I do understand the process of grief, so I'm not unsympathetic. But it's a damned shame that some people find it so difficult to deal with the death of a loved one in a healthy, forward moving way. If someone close to me was so incapable of accepting the death of a parent that they'd allow themselves to be conned by such an obvious scam artist as Edward, I would insist that they seek professional help from a qualified grief counselor...

"Your father is dead. Get over it. There are healthy ways to do that. Believing that your dad is magically communicating with you through a minor celebrity who does his stuff on a TV program is not healthy. Again, your father is dead, belly up, deceased, a-gonner, pushin' up daisies, kaput, D-E-A-D dead. He's not coming back, and he's not sending you signs from the other side. Accept it."

Someday the OP may wake up and realize she's been scammed. On one hand, accepting reality is usually a good thing. On the other, sooner seems like a much better time than later to do it.

tsig · 29th November 2012, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by dafydd

Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium.

Any comment that seeks to provide a rational explanation.

meg · 29th November 2012, 01:06 PM

Can you imagine just how horrible it would be to be one of those dead people that John Edward contacts?

Just imagine, fairly happy old grampa kicks the bucket and starts floating around "watching over" what he thought was his happy loving family, only to find out the one daughter does stuff in the bedroom he never even heard of before, and it leaves scars. His grandson bought some pot laced with something and now, unbeknownst to anyone else, he's turning into a 15 year old meth addict. Granddaughter Judy is 4 months pregnant and hasn't told anyone yet. Son Jim, it turns out has a bit of a problem with the bottle, and drives around while snockered. Everyone talks trash about his sister, who's a bit of a klepto. Daughter Emily is out of a job, but just keeps shopping and shopping racking up more and more debt. None of these idiots even bothered to go through his file cabinet, or they would have known there was another life insurance policy in there. They're all fighting and fighting over who gets what out of his house.

Turns out "watching over" means seeing e v e r y t h i n g. He sees every poop, every masturbatory stroke, every nose pick. Every dark and ugly thought that crosses their minds. And he also sees that the brother he was so angry at in life never actually did steal that money. It really was the shady business partner after all. Damn.

And then those ninnyhammers pony up hundreds of dollars to go see some mentalist act. And the charlatan tells them he's talking to old grampa loud and clear. He tells em gramps had something going on in his brain, because well, between strokes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and good old dementia, what old person doesn't? And he tells em gramps had something going on with his heart, because that's the number one killer of old people, but when they look confused, he quickly moves his hand down and says, "no.. stomach.. this area" and their eyes light up and they know this is really the real deal, here! Then he says something about someone in uniform, a pekinese dog, roller skating, a series of several colors, a certain brand of tequila, some household appliances, a catholic prayer card with a picture of a cloud, does the word cobol mean anything to you?, the Mary Tyler Moore show, chess pieces, and a wood cutting tool.

And the family gasps with awe and wonder, and weeps with joy that grampa came through, because one of them had just bought a microwave not too long ago, and another saw a picture of Ed Asner in the paper! What are the freaking odds of that?!?!?!?! We are now true believers!!!

And poor old dead gramps just has to watch and watch and watch forever apparently.

That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up.

quarky · 29th November 2012, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by meg

Can you imagine just how horrible it would be to be one of those dead people that John Edward contacts?

Just imagine, fairly happy old grampa kicks the bucket and starts floating around "watching over" what he thought was his happy loving family, only to find out the one daughter does stuff in the bedroom he never even heard of before, and it leaves scars. His grandson bought some pot laced with something and now, unbeknownst to anyone else, he's turning into a 15 year old meth addict. Granddaughter Judy is 4 months pregnant and hasn't told anyone yet. Son Jim, it turns out has a bit of a problem with the bottle, and drives around while snockered. Everyone talks trash about his sister, who's a bit of a klepto. Daughter Emily is out of a job, but just keeps shopping and shopping racking up more and more debt. None of these idiots even bothered to go through his file cabinet, or they would have known there was another life insurance policy in there. They're all fighting and fighting over who gets what out of his house.

Turns out "watching over" means seeing e v e r y t h i n g. He sees every poop, every masturbatory stroke, every nose pick. Every dark and ugly thought that crosses their minds. And he also sees that the brother he was so angry at in life never actually did steal that money. It really was the shady business partner after all. Damn.

And then those ninnyhammers pony up hundreds of dollars to go see some mentalist act. And the charlatan tells them he's talking to old grampa loud and clear. He tells em gramps had something going on in his brain, because well, between strokes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and good old dementia, what old person doesn't? And he tells em gramps had something going on with his heart, because that's the number one killer of old people, but when they look confused, he quickly moves his hand down and says, "no.. stomach.. this area" and their eyes light up and they know this is really the real deal, here! Then he says something about someone in uniform, a pekinese dog, roller skating, a series of several colors, a certain brand of tequila, some household appliances, a catholic prayer card with a picture of a cloud, does the word cobol mean anything to you?, the Mary Tyler Moore show, chess pieces, and a wood cutting tool.

And the family gasps with awe and wonder, and weeps with joy that grampa came through, because one of them had just bought a microwave not too long ago, and another saw a picture of Ed Asner in the paper! What are the freaking odds of that?!?!?!?! We are now true believers!!!

And poor old dead gramps just has to watch and watch and watch forever apparently.

That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up.

Meg,
I'm almost awe struck by the power of your post, and several others.
I'll have to nom this one, as may others.

I can only conclude that you are a psychic of great maturity.
I long to be that sort of psychic, myself.

Having this power; this ability...it's mostly an annoyance. Material wealth is far beneath us; we heed a higher calling. If anything, our mission is to draw attention away from the existence of our powers; through debunking the clunky junior psychics like JE.

That is what you're saying, right?
Randi and I can totally dig where you're coming from.
(Though I didn't ask him.)

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by meg

That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up.

So that's why Lucifer means ''bringer of light''. I can do without Robin's version of light.

poblob14 · 29th November 2012, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by AdMan

I've heard this seriously claimed of Randi elsewhere as well--that maybe he has actual psychic powers but for whatever reason(s), maybe professional jealousy with other psychics, he pretends he doesn't.

Arthur Conan Doyle claimed this of Houdini.

I've told this story before: I once was doing some card tricks for my nephews. On one trick, after choosing a card, the older one, a smart alec (can't imagine where he gets that from!), tried to mess me up by burying the card with several cuts before I was really "ready" for that, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, I was tracking his not-too-neat cuts as best I could and planning my "out" when he proceeded to cut his own card directly to the top.

I sat back, folded my arms, told him to tap the deck, and entered Uncle Immortality.

Point of all these stories is, sometimes stuff just happens, and the supernatural has nothing to do with it, True Belief notwithstanding.

Nay_Sayer · 29th November 2012, 02:19 PM

Robin two years ago I lost my father, I know that I'd give anything for another day, hour even minute with him. I know the allure of someone claiming they can speak to the dead seems to good to pass up. But John Edward is a con man who, much like a hungry vulture, preys on the victims of loss and mourning.

I'll share a personal story; The week after my fathers passing I was getting numerous phone calls, condolences and that sort of thing. However one was from a local medium claiming she had connected to my father from beyond. It was the usual fare of cold reading with some seemingly impossible guessing, I say seemingly because I caught on to the fact that she had gotten most of her info from the obituary we had printed.

I decided to ask her three specific questions:

1: What was the exact cause of death
2: What were his last words?
3: What is in his hand crafted wooden chest?

At this point (Much like John if you watch enough of his shtick when he gets too many misses) the spirit was apparently "pulling away".

I must reiterate, It's a con game, a shameful, vile disgusting con game and I must ask why does he need 800$[1] to connect with the dead?

[1] [http://johnedward.net/private-readings] source for his prices.

Belz... · 29th November 2012, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

Considering the rapidity of your response I must guess you did not actually read the blog or any of the comments. The truth is... a completely closed-mind is a very dangerous mindset.

You mean a completely closed mine like one who accepts life after death as a reality despite a complete absence of evidence and the obvious contradiction with all known physics ?

Belz... · 29th November 2012, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch

Communicating with those who have crossed over is not the same as talking to someone on your iphone with a crystal clear connection...

Why not ?

quarky · 29th November 2012, 02:49 PM

The blurriness of psychic transmission follows suit with the blur of Big Foot and UFOs.

"Yee shall know the truth through its blurriness."

If it could just become a little bit blurier, I could believe.

I need HD blur before I sign on.

meg · 29th November 2012, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by quarky

Meg,
I'm almost awe struck by the power of your post, and several others.
I'll have to nom this one, as may others.

I can only conclude that you are a psychic of great maturity.
I long to be that sort of psychic, myself.

Having this power; this ability...it's mostly an annoyance. Material wealth is far beneath us; we heed a higher calling. If anything, our mission is to draw attention away from the existence of our powers; through debunking the clunky junior psychics like JE.

That is what you're saying, right?
Randi and I can totally dig where you're coming from.
(Though I didn't ask him.)

Aw shucks, Quarky. Thank you.

You figured me out. But you are too kind. Especially with that whole "great maturity" bit. It's true, though. I am a grizzled old crankypants, nearing the grave with every wheezy rattled breath.

Of course no one can really say what happened with Robin's session, because Robin doesn't really remember.

But I'm pretty sure the message JE was getting was really for Stuart and Stella Stesterston, who were sitting just over from Robin and Doug. See, the Stesterston's neighbor is very sick in the head. He stabbed a woman named Valerie (twice) in the stomach, watched her die, then shoved her in his fridge, and threw her pearls in the harbor the next day. Oh, the bloody fingerprints! That poor girl was trying to warn the Stesterstons, because he plans to snatch their daughter Rhoda next. If Robin and Doug hadn't been so "OMG I have a fridge! That's my dad! It's gotta be!" they might have gotten the message.

Robin will never read it, though. She doesn't like my posts. Says they're too dark.

pakeha · 29th November 2012, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Jon.

Is she really pulling out the old "you're actually psychic even though you deny it!" routine?

Yeah.
Rather endearing, isn't it?

What are the odds that conman explained to her she has all the potential to be a gifted medium herself and she just needs to nurture her gift to be able to be just like him, a gift to mankind?

dafydd · 29th November 2012, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by pakeha

Yeah.
Rather endearing, isn't it?

What are the odds that conman explained to her she has all the potential to be a gifted medium herself and she just needs to nurture her gift to be able to be just like him, a gift to mankind?

And a gift to her bank manager.

quarky · 29th November 2012, 03:03 PM

Meg, it's hard to believe you're from Kansas.

That old adage "We're not in Kansas anymore" may have lost its punch.

Maybe we're all in Kansas now.

(Domini, Domini, for give me lord, for I know not much stuff. And stuff.)

Delighted you're here, old girl, whomsoever you may be.

SezMe · 29th November 2012, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by meg

Robin will never read it, though. She doesn't like my posts. Says they're too dark.

Well, ya know she has something there. All the characters in your posts are completely black on my screen.

quarky · 29th November 2012, 04:15 PM

Racism?

29th November 2012, 04:29 AM	#481
dafydd Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belgium (Flatland) Posts: 31,444	Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium.
	__________________ Yesterday upon the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that he would go away.

29th November 2012, 04:47 AM	#483
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course ... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. When you come back here, would you mind answering the question about your title, that is, do you think it's accurate? Do you think you've offered credible proof of the afterlife? Thanks in advance.
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015

29th November 2012, 04:49 AM	#484
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015	delete
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015	Last edited by Resume; 29th November 2012 at 04:50 AM.

29th November 2012, 04:50 AM	#485
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015	Originally Posted by dafydd Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium. Is that near Antwerp?
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015

29th November 2012, 05:17 AM	#486
dafydd Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belgium (Flatland) Posts: 31,444	Originally Posted by Resume Is that near Antwerp? Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium.
	__________________ Yesterday upon the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that he would go away.

29th November 2012, 04:36 AM	#482
Squeegee Beckenheim Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4,250	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange... You said you thought it was maybe "more than coincidence". And it's not strange, it's cold reading. That you even thought it strange, rather than staggeringly mundane, generalised and inaccurate should give you pause for thought. Quote: And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. It's certainly far easier not to let anybody challenge your beliefs, isn't it? The sad thing is that your repeated refusal to answer any questions put to you is an indicator that you're remaining ignorant wilfully.

29th November 2012, 05:18 AM	#487
Slowvehicle Master Poster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: ...not where I seemed, nor was calculated to be...but no-one need worry... Posts: 2,159	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course ... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. How may times are you going to "leave"? Before you do, would you mind answering the question(s) about the appropriateness (and honesty) of your thread title?
	__________________ "Science is a wall against which we crash all of our ideas. The ones that survive are the ones we keep, but they are still subjected to periodic crash tests." -Foster Zygote "And in science the default is that you're wrong. EVERYONE is wrong. You only can be not wrong if you have evidence to back up your claim." -Dinwar "That is not my circus; those are not my monkeys." -Howard Tayler

29th November 2012, 05:29 AM	#488
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,540	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course ... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. It is a shame. Your entire "proof" rests on the premise that you, personally, cannot be fooled. When it is demonstrated that (1) you can be fooled and (2) it is nothing to be ashamed of since humans are wired to be fooled and some people are expert at it, you depart, insinuating that those who have presented fact instead of belief are the negative ones. Come to the light, Robin. Come to the light. There is much joy here...
	__________________ My kids still love me.

29th November 2012, 05:51 AM	#489
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015	Originally Posted by dafydd Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium. Is Puzzled as well?
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,015

29th November 2012, 05:59 AM	#490
Slowvehicle Master Poster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: ...not where I seemed, nor was calculated to be...but no-one need worry... Posts: 2,159	Originally Posted by dafydd Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium. Woo you calling an Twerp?
	__________________ "Science is a wall against which we crash all of our ideas. The ones that survive are the ones we keep, but they are still subjected to periodic crash tests." -Foster Zygote "And in science the default is that you're wrong. EVERYONE is wrong. You only can be not wrong if you have evidence to back up your claim." -Dinwar "That is not my circus; those are not my monkeys." -Howard Tayler

29th November 2012, 06:17 AM	#491
poblob14 Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 223	Originally Posted by meg Oops. Yep, you are right. Guess I'm so used to Penn doing all the talking that my brain just subconsciously switched the author My mistake. Thanks. Easy enough to do. Penn's the talker, but Teller is a better writer, in my opinion. (It's pretty easy in going through their books to see who wrote what.)
poblob14 Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 223

29th November 2012, 06:35 AM	#492
carlitos "más divertido" Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11,465	Originally Posted by GregInAustin Is this evasion, willful ignorance or simply an honest mistake? Attention whoring 101. Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch And so I will pose a final challenge to the members of this thread... Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch K you guys win...I'm outta here. Running, screaming to the land of believers! But it was fun while it lasted! Peace. Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch OK... Little too ugly here for this little light. Peace to all. And of course...Light. Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch though I done here officially...too much negative energy and I don't mean skeptics and questions...I mean the truly dark comments). Originally Posted by Slowvehicle How may times are you going to "leave"? I see a number between 5 and 100. Something with an "S" sound.

29th November 2012, 07:16 AM	#493
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,540	Originally Posted by carlitos I see a number between 5 and 100. Something with an "S" sound. Wow! Eleven timeS! Absolute proof because I cannot be fooled! [/believer] [dark energy]
	__________________ My kids still love me.

29th November 2012, 07:24 AM	#494
Slowvehicle Master Poster Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: ...not where I seemed, nor was calculated to be...but no-one need worry... Posts: 2,159	Originally Posted by Garrette Wow! Eleven timeS! Absolute proof because I cannot be fooled! [/believer] [dark energy] [/thread]
	__________________ "Science is a wall against which we crash all of our ideas. The ones that survive are the ones we keep, but they are still subjected to periodic crash tests." -Foster Zygote "And in science the default is that you're wrong. EVERYONE is wrong. You only can be not wrong if you have evidence to back up your claim." -Dinwar "That is not my circus; those are not my monkeys." -Howard Tayler

29th November 2012, 07:24 AM	#495
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,623	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course ... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. It isn't strange. That's what you don't seem to understand. John Edward knows that people coming to see him want some sort of closure with a person who lost a loved one. And like I said, just because he can pick things up from you doesn't mean there's proof of life after death. What if he really is psychic. Let's use that for a second. Say he's psychic and can pick up things from you? How does him being able to do that prove there is Life After Death?
truethat Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 8,623	__________________ “Do not argue with an idiot they drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” ― Mark Twain

29th November 2012, 08:11 AM	#496
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,898	Originally Posted by dafydd Antwerp is surrounded by Belgium. Annnnnnnd what are they doing about it? And why does Belgium want to surround Antwerp? What did it ever do to Belgium? Enquirer minds want to NO!!!
fuelair Cythraul Enfys Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 28,898	__________________ There is no problem so great that it cannot be fixed by small explosives carefully placed. Wash this space! We fight for the Lady Babylon!!!

29th November 2012, 08:37 AM	#497
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,540	Originally Posted by fuelair And why does Belgium want to surround Antwerp? What did it ever do to Belgium? Oh, hush, now and let Schlieffen dogs lie.
	__________________ My kids still love me.

29th November 2012, 08:40 AM	#498
dafydd Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belgium (Flatland) Posts: 31,444	Slapende honden!
	__________________ Yesterday upon the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that he would go away.

29th November 2012, 09:37 AM	#499
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	Well, This has become awkward. I thought I'd try to lighten the mood with a little off-the-cuff essay, which might require a new thread; though it's appropriate here: The cold readings of everyday cons. Do you ever get the feeling that you haven't really reached your potential? That you were destined for something better than this run of the mill rat race? Perhaps you feel that you have unresolved issues or a slight chemical imbalance. This is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it's what makes you special. Millions of people that feel like you do, have found help with new "Prozacium". Clinically proven effectiveness is available now in 3 shapes and colors, to suit your personality. (Oops, I had no idea that would pop out. Pretty cool idea, though, eh?) Anyway, as poorly written and ridiculous as the above was, one could replace it with nearly any add for anything that you don't need, including exterminators, hair coloring; diet sodas; beer with extra water; 4 bathrooms; a car that will get you to the next red light in 2.3 seconds; a president that would have a beer with you; a casket that shows respect for your dead mother; etc, etc. The American Dream. Shop 'till you drop. (Brought to you by Cold Reading International, LLC.)
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	Last edited by quarky; 29th November 2012 at 09:38 AM.

29th November 2012, 10:45 AM	#500
Jon. Increasing entropy since 1970 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: On the Clapham omnibus Posts: 3,509	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch I said I thought it was strange...I did not say I was going to go run and write a blog about you. Thought maybe it was a confirmation for YOU to listen to your gut more than I think you do...and I felt...psychically of course ... that you needed to hear that. And while I am not running off to write a blog about you I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. Is she really pulling out the old "you're actually psychic even though you deny it!" routine?
	__________________ In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. I don't appeal to the masses, and they don't appeal to me. - Graham Parker Calling modern day fundamentalists medieval is giving them about a thousand years of philosophical advancement they do not have. - Jorghnassen

29th November 2012, 10:59 AM	#501
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	I know I am, but I hate money. Hence, self-deprecation.
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454

29th November 2012, 11:25 AM	#502
dafydd Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belgium (Flatland) Posts: 31,444	Originally Posted by Jon. Is she really pulling out the old "you're actually psychic even though you deny it!" routine? I remember years ago reading an article by the British writer Colin Wilson. The details are a bit vague after all this time, but Randi showed him Paul Curry's card trick, Out Of This World. It's a clever,impressive trick. Colin Wilson was amazed and said that it was up to Randi to prove that he was not psychic.
	__________________ Yesterday upon the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that he would go away.

29th November 2012, 11:39 AM	#503
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,160	Originally Posted by dafydd I remember years ago reading an article by the British writer Colin Wilson. The details are a bit vague after all this time, but Randi showed him Paul Curry's card trick, Out Of This World. It's a clever,impressive trick. Colin Wilson was amazed and said that it was up to Randi to prove that he was not psychic. I've heard this seriously claimed of Randi elsewhere as well--that maybe he has actual psychic powers but for whatever reason(s), maybe professional jealousy with other psychics, he pretends he doesn't.
AdMan Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 7,160	__________________ It is far better to grasp the universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring. - Carl Sagan

29th November 2012, 11:43 AM	#504
Skeptic Ginger formerly skeptigirl Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Shifting through paradigms Posts: 40,515	Originally Posted by Garrette .... Come to the light, Robin. Come to the light. There is much joy here...
	__________________ (*Tired of continuing to hear the "Democrat Party" repeatedly I've decided to adopt the name, ~~Pubbie Party, Repubs~~ "Republics" and Republic Party in response.)

29th November 2012, 12:28 PM	#505
GeeMack Philosopher Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Not Bandiagara Posts: 7,172	Originally Posted by Pixel42 She also seems to be ignoring posts pointing out that such experiences can never constitute good evidence, let alone proof, of life after death, because mundane explanations such as cold reading, hot reading and lucky guesses can never be eliminated. That's why the scientific method was invented, so we could compensate for our fallible perceptions and cognitive biases and discover the truth. The fact that Edward and his ilk flatly refuse to subject themselves to proper scientific testing, even when given a million dollar incentive to do so, tells any sensible person all they need to know about them. Ignorance is indeed bliss... Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch [...] I am however running...once again running, screaming AND arms flailing to the Land of Believers. There's no place like home. Peace. I do understand the process of grief, so I'm not unsympathetic. But it's a damned shame that some people find it so difficult to deal with the death of a loved one in a healthy, forward moving way. If someone close to me was so incapable of accepting the death of a parent that they'd allow themselves to be conned by such an obvious scam artist as Edward, I would insist that they seek professional help from a qualified grief counselor... "Your father is dead. Get over it. There are healthy ways to do that. Believing that your dad is magically communicating with you through a minor celebrity who does his stuff on a TV program is not healthy. Again, your father is dead, belly up, deceased, a-gonner, pushin' up daisies, kaput, D-E-A-D dead. He's not coming back, and he's not sending you signs from the other side. Accept it." Someday the OP may wake up and realize she's been scammed. On one hand, accepting reality is usually a good thing. On the other, sooner seems like a much better time than later to do it.
	Last edited by GeeMack; 29th November 2012 at 12:30 PM.

29th November 2012, 12:53 PM	#506
tsig a carbon based life-form Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 26,688	Originally Posted by dafydd Which dark comments? Puzzled, Belgium. Any comment that seeks to provide a rational explanation.

29th November 2012, 01:06 PM	#507
meg psychic reader Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas USA Posts: 1,398	Can you imagine just how horrible it would be to be one of those dead people that John Edward contacts? Just imagine, fairly happy old grampa kicks the bucket and starts floating around "watching over" what he thought was his happy loving family, only to find out the one daughter does stuff in the bedroom he never even heard of before, and it leaves scars. His grandson bought some pot laced with something and now, unbeknownst to anyone else, he's turning into a 15 year old meth addict. Granddaughter Judy is 4 months pregnant and hasn't told anyone yet. Son Jim, it turns out has a bit of a problem with the bottle, and drives around while snockered. Everyone talks trash about his sister, who's a bit of a klepto. Daughter Emily is out of a job, but just keeps shopping and shopping racking up more and more debt. None of these idiots even bothered to go through his file cabinet, or they would have known there was another life insurance policy in there. They're all fighting and fighting over who gets what out of his house. Turns out "watching over" means seeing e v e r y t h i n g. He sees every poop, every masturbatory stroke, every nose pick. Every dark and ugly thought that crosses their minds. And he also sees that the brother he was so angry at in life never actually did steal that money. It really was the shady business partner after all. Damn. And then those ninnyhammers pony up hundreds of dollars to go see some mentalist act. And the charlatan tells them he's talking to old grampa loud and clear. He tells em gramps had something going on in his brain, because well, between strokes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and good old dementia, what old person doesn't? And he tells em gramps had something going on with his heart, because that's the number one killer of old people, but when they look confused, he quickly moves his hand down and says, "no.. stomach.. this area" and their eyes light up and they know this is really the real deal, here! Then he says something about someone in uniform, a pekinese dog, roller skating, a series of several colors, a certain brand of tequila, some household appliances, a catholic prayer card with a picture of a cloud, does the word cobol mean anything to you?, the Mary Tyler Moore show, chess pieces, and a wood cutting tool. And the family gasps with awe and wonder, and weeps with joy that grampa came through, because one of them had just bought a microwave not too long ago, and another saw a picture of Ed Asner in the paper! What are the freaking odds of that?!?!?!?! We are now true believers!!! And poor old dead gramps just has to watch and watch and watch forever apparently. That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up.
	__________________ "If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he next comes to drinking and sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination." - Thomas DeQuincey

29th November 2012, 01:52 PM	#508
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	Originally Posted by meg Can you imagine just how horrible it would be to be one of those dead people that John Edward contacts? Just imagine, fairly happy old grampa kicks the bucket and starts floating around "watching over" what he thought was his happy loving family, only to find out the one daughter does stuff in the bedroom he never even heard of before, and it leaves scars. His grandson bought some pot laced with something and now, unbeknownst to anyone else, he's turning into a 15 year old meth addict. Granddaughter Judy is 4 months pregnant and hasn't told anyone yet. Son Jim, it turns out has a bit of a problem with the bottle, and drives around while snockered. Everyone talks trash about his sister, who's a bit of a klepto. Daughter Emily is out of a job, but just keeps shopping and shopping racking up more and more debt. None of these idiots even bothered to go through his file cabinet, or they would have known there was another life insurance policy in there. They're all fighting and fighting over who gets what out of his house. Turns out "watching over" means seeing e v e r y t h i n g. He sees every poop, every masturbatory stroke, every nose pick. Every dark and ugly thought that crosses their minds. And he also sees that the brother he was so angry at in life never actually did steal that money. It really was the shady business partner after all. Damn. And then those ninnyhammers pony up hundreds of dollars to go see some mentalist act. And the charlatan tells them he's talking to old grampa loud and clear. He tells em gramps had something going on in his brain, because well, between strokes, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and good old dementia, what old person doesn't? And he tells em gramps had something going on with his heart, because that's the number one killer of old people, but when they look confused, he quickly moves his hand down and says, "no.. stomach.. this area" and their eyes light up and they know this is really the real deal, here! Then he says something about someone in uniform, a pekinese dog, roller skating, a series of several colors, a certain brand of tequila, some household appliances, a catholic prayer card with a picture of a cloud, does the word cobol mean anything to you?, the Mary Tyler Moore show, chess pieces, and a wood cutting tool. And the family gasps with awe and wonder, and weeps with joy that grampa came through, because one of them had just bought a microwave not too long ago, and another saw a picture of Ed Asner in the paper! What are the freaking odds of that?!?!?!?! We are now true believers!!! And poor old dead gramps just has to watch and watch and watch forever apparently. That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up. Meg, I'm almost awe struck by the power of your post, and several others. I'll have to nom this one, as may others. I can only conclude that you are a psychic of great maturity. I long to be that sort of psychic, myself. Having this power; this ability...it's mostly an annoyance. Material wealth is far beneath us; we heed a higher calling. If anything, our mission is to draw attention away from the existence of our powers; through debunking the clunky junior psychics like JE. That is what you're saying, right? Randi and I can totally dig where you're coming from. (Though I didn't ask him.)
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454

29th November 2012, 01:53 PM	#509
dafydd Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Belgium (Flatland) Posts: 31,444	Originally Posted by meg That's got to be some new kind of level of hell that even Dante couldn't have thought up. So that's why Lucifer means ''bringer of light''. I can do without Robin's version of light.
	__________________ Yesterday upon the stairs I met a man who wasn't there He wasn't there again today I wish that he would go away.

29th November 2012, 02:00 PM	#510
poblob14 Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 223	Originally Posted by AdMan I've heard this seriously claimed of Randi elsewhere as well--that maybe he has actual psychic powers but for whatever reason(s), maybe professional jealousy with other psychics, he pretends he doesn't. Arthur Conan Doyle claimed this of Houdini. I've told this story before: I once was doing some card tricks for my nephews. On one trick, after choosing a card, the older one, a smart alec (can't imagine where he gets that from!), tried to mess me up by burying the card with several cuts before I was really "ready" for that, if you know what I mean. Anyway, I was tracking his not-too-neat cuts as best I could and planning my "out" when he proceeded to cut his own card directly to the top. I sat back, folded my arms, told him to tap the deck, and entered Uncle Immortality. Point of all these stories is, sometimes stuff just happens, and the supernatural has nothing to do with it, True Belief notwithstanding.
poblob14 Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 223

29th November 2012, 02:19 PM	#511
Nay_Sayer Muse Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Long Island Posts: 741	Robin two years ago I lost my father, I know that I'd give anything for another day, hour even minute with him. I know the allure of someone claiming they can speak to the dead seems to good to pass up. But John Edward is a con man who, much like a hungry vulture, preys on the victims of loss and mourning. I'll share a personal story; The week after my fathers passing I was getting numerous phone calls, condolences and that sort of thing. However one was from a local medium claiming she had connected to my father from beyond. It was the usual fare of cold reading with some seemingly impossible guessing, I say seemingly because I caught on to the fact that she had gotten most of her info from the obituary we had printed. I decided to ask her three specific questions: 1: What was the exact cause of death 2: What were his last words? 3: What is in his hand crafted wooden chest? At this point (Much like John if you watch enough of his shtick when he gets too many misses) the spirit was apparently "pulling away". I must reiterate, It's a con game, a shameful, vile disgusting con game and I must ask why does he need 800$[1] to connect with the dead? [1] [http://johnedward.net/private-readings] source for his prices.

29th November 2012, 02:28 PM	#512
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In the details... Posts: 28,446	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch Considering the rapidity of your response I must guess you did not actually read the blog or any of the comments. The truth is... a completely closed-mind is a very dangerous mindset. You mean a completely closed mine like one who accepts life after death as a reality despite a complete absence of evidence and the obvious contradiction with all known physics ?
	__________________ The Onmyouza Theatre, An unofficial international fanclub forum dedicated to the Japanese heavy metal band Onmyo-Za: "In the interests of time and space, it is not unreasonable to cite one point at a time. Citing 30 is the equivalent of citing none. Obviously." - Robert Prey "Physical evidence must be observed and interpreted by witnesses which makes it subjective and subject to mistakes and to fraud." - Robert Prey

29th November 2012, 02:30 PM	#513
Belz... Fiend God Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: In the details... Posts: 28,446	Originally Posted by Robin Stettnisch Communicating with those who have crossed over is not the same as talking to someone on your iphone with a crystal clear connection... Why not ?
	__________________ The Onmyouza Theatre, An unofficial international fanclub forum dedicated to the Japanese heavy metal band Onmyo-Za: "In the interests of time and space, it is not unreasonable to cite one point at a time. Citing 30 is the equivalent of citing none. Obviously." - Robert Prey "Physical evidence must be observed and interpreted by witnesses which makes it subjective and subject to mistakes and to fraud." - Robert Prey

29th November 2012, 02:49 PM	#514
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454	The blurriness of psychic transmission follows suit with the blur of Big Foot and UFOs. "Yee shall know the truth through its blurriness." If it could just become a little bit blurier, I could believe. I need HD blur before I sign on.
quarky Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 20,454

29th November 2012, 02:50 PM	#515
meg psychic reader Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas USA Posts: 1,398	Originally Posted by quarky Meg, I'm almost awe struck by the power of your post, and several others. I'll have to nom this one, as may others. I can only conclude that you are a psychic of great maturity. I long to be that sort of psychic, myself. Having this power; this ability...it's mostly an annoyance. Material wealth is far beneath us; we heed a higher calling. If anything, our mission is to draw attention away from the existence of our powers; through debunking the clunky junior psychics like JE. That is what you're saying, right? Randi and I can totally dig where you're coming from. (Though I didn't ask him.) Aw shucks, Quarky. Thank you. You figured me out. But you are too kind. Especially with that whole "great maturity" bit. It's true, though. I am a grizzled old crankypants, nearing the grave with every wheezy rattled breath. Of course no one can really say what happened with Robin's session, because Robin doesn't really remember. But I'm pretty sure the message JE was getting was really for Stuart and Stella Stesterston, who were sitting just over from Robin and Doug. See, the Stesterston's neighbor is very sick in the head. He stabbed a woman named Valerie (twice) in the stomach, watched her die, then shoved her in his fridge, and threw her pearls in the harbor the next day. Oh, the bloody fingerprints! That poor girl was trying to warn the Stesterstons, because he plans to snatch their daughter Rhoda next. If Robin and Doug hadn't been so "OMG I have a fridge! That's my dad! It's gotta be!" they might have gotten the message. Robin will never read it, though. She doesn't like my posts. Says they're too dark.
	__________________ "If once a man indulges himself in murder, very soon he comes to think little of robbing; and from robbing he next comes to drinking and sabbath-breaking, and from that to incivility and procrastination." - Thomas DeQuincey Last edited by meg; 29th November 2012 at 03:09 PM.