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RSLancastr · 11th December 2007, 06:33 AM

From the August 10th "Ask Sylvia" podcast, the subject of which was "tulpas" (beings supposedly brought into existance by the thoughts and willpower of people).

Originally Posted by Browne

"Today we're going to be talking about tulpas.

T-U-L-P-A-apostrophe-S."

I would hope that someone with a Master's Degree in English Literature would have more than a fifth-grade education in spelling.

Locknar · 11th December 2007, 06:48 AM

LOL

Nucular · 11th December 2007, 06:51 AM

Is it the apostrophic error of which you speak? Because if we're being pedants, that makes it a punctuation, rather than spelling, mistake

Still, maybe she thinks that if you've made a word up to start with, you can apply any rules to it you like...

ColumbusRyan · 11th December 2007, 06:52 AM

Maybe Francine spells it like that.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 07:23 AM

Originally Posted by Nucular

Still, maybe she thinks that if you've made a word up to start with, you can apply any rules to it you like...

It's a known word, she's not the one who made it up.

Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking. Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark. And even if it was a spelling mistake, I've seen some of those made by many educated people. No one is perfect.

Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework.

headscratcher4 · 11th December 2007, 07:25 AM

Clearly, you don’t know your mystical, pseudo Aramaic…..

Lisa Simpson · 11th December 2007, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

It's a known word, she's not the one who made it up.

Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking. Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark. And even if it was a spelling mistake, I've seen some of those made by many educated people. No one is perfect.

Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework.

I disagree. She claims to have a Master's Degree, but doesn't know one of the simplest rules of the English Language. My son in 7th grade knows that rule. She should be called out on all her claims.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 07:51 AM

But I think that the fact she doesn't have a Master's Degree has already been covered a few times before and on the website itself. You could say that it was even somewhat proven since she doesn't give any evidence of that. So it seems pretty out of place to keep correcting her over every mistake she does. It seems like a cynical thing to do as it has nothing to do with her psychic claims, and only makes it look like making fun of someone's education. Something that I'm against of, Sylvia Browne or not.

EeneyMinnieMoe · 11th December 2007, 08:19 AM

She mistook the plural (tulpas) for the possessive (tulpa's)? That's not a fifth grade spelling mistake, that's a first grade spelling mistake.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 08:28 AM

Still not sure why it's a SPELLING mistake in the first place. This is what they also teach around first grade:

Punctuation helps readers break writing into logical units, making it easier to follow. Punctuation includes all the conventional signs used to separate words: spaces, first-line indentation of paragraphs, blank lines, uppercase letters, and various marks or stops (commas, periods, semicolons, and so on)

Did people here skip that class?

Garrette · 11th December 2007, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

Still not sure why it's a SPELLING mistake in the first place. This is what they also teach around first grade:

Punctuation helps readers break writing into logical units, making it easier to follow. Punctuation includes all the conventional signs used to separate words: spaces, first-line indentation of paragraphs, blank lines, uppercase letters, and various marks or stops (commas, periods, semicolons, and so on)

Did people here skip that class?

In this case, it's both a spelling mistake and a punctuation error. The punctuation indicating possessive prohibited the proper spelling for the plural.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 08:44 AM

My teacher always used to say that stuff is related to punctuation, I don't remember anything about spelling. And I always thought I was an educated person.

waltdakind · 11th December 2007, 09:05 AM

I, for one, enjoy hearing every mistake she makes. She is one of the few people who I feel no remorse following a bit of schadenfreude at her expense.

It's yet another confirming instance of what a fraud she is. If she is to make the claim of having a Master's Degree in English Literature, she should at least show us the courtesy of familiarizing herself with the use of the apostrophe, which as far as I am concerned is not a little mistake.

While it is indeed an error in punctuation, I can understand referring to the thread as a spelling lesson since she was in the act of instructing her listeners how to spell "tulpas".

I wonder if a politely worded e-mail instructing her on the use of the apostrophe would lead to a correction in a later podcast?

DJM · 11th December 2007, 09:35 AM

I've seen worse mistakes done by reporters. Even on StopSylvia.com there have been some amusing mistakes with spelling and grammar that were corrected by the visitors, and yet no one would hint that Robert isn't educated enough.

If all the Sylvia debunking was a TV show, I would say that this thread has just jumped the shark.

Silly Green Monkey · 11th December 2007, 09:45 AM

but that comparison would only be valid if RSL claimed to have advanced degrees in English as well.

EeneyMinnieMoe · 11th December 2007, 09:56 AM

I actually agree. Putting the apostrophe in the wrong place is the kind of brainfart thing we all do once in a while that's in no way indicative or reflective of our language skills.

This specifically I wouldn't castigate her for...but she still has a vocabulary of about 200 words and sounds like your friend's redneck grandmother.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey

but that comparison would only be valid if RSL claimed to have advanced degrees in English as well.

Do you really think any of her believers care about her degrees in English? Is that one of the claims that makes them spend so much money on her? No, they care about her being a psychic, that she can predict the future, to speak with their dead relatives.

Only ones who seem to care about this issue are the skeptics themselves, which makes this kind of debunking pretty pointless.

ObscureReferenceMan · 11th December 2007, 10:02 AM

DJM,

In Robert's defense (not that he needs defending by me, but I really like the guy, and thought I'd chime in), he did make the post here, where we all laugh and point at Sylvia. And NOT at his SSB site, where, yes, it might seem a little too petty to point out.

Piscivore · 11th December 2007, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by waltdakind

I, for one, enjoy hearing every mistake she makes. She is one of the few people who I feel no remorse following a bit of schadenfreude at her expense.

Feel it, sure. But trumpeting it on the streetcorner makes one look like one has an biased anti-Sylvia agenda rather than a commitment to fact and reason.

Quote:

It's yet another confirming instance of what a fraud she is.

No, it is a silly mistake. Let's not go overboard.

Quote:

If she is to make the claim of having a Master's Degree in English Literature, she should at least show us the courtesy of familiarizing herself with the use of the apostrophe, which as far as I am concerned is not a little mistake.

Yes, it is. Given the number of spelling and punctuation errors I see in the newspaper, magazines and even published books- made by people who are supposed to be professional wordsmiths- this is a non-issue.

DJM has got the truth of it.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by ObscureReferenceMan

DJM,

In Robert's defense (not that he needs defending by me, but I really like the guy, and thought I'd chime in), he did make the post here, where we all laugh and point at Sylvia. And NOT at his SSB site, where, yes, it might seem a little too petty to point out.

But remember that this is not a closed forum, many of Sylvia's supporters could be reading it here as well. So in my opinion posting petty threads wouldn't help much to make them take the skeptics seriously.

I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site.

ObscureReferenceMan · 11th December 2007, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

But remember that this is not a closed forum, many of Sylvia's supporters could be reading it here as well. So in my opinion posting petty threads wouldn't help much to make them take the skeptics seriously.

I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site.

True. But even though this site is "open", it's not the SSB site. Putting unflattering articles, facts or links here is just our way of having a laugh. Items posted at SSB are (I believe) done so to show Sylvia's true colors.

Also, I've read almost everything on Robert's site, and I believe he is one of the most fair and balanced writers I know.

RSLancastr · 11th December 2007, 10:17 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking.

I would agree with you had I based a whole article on the site around this. As it is, I started a thread here about it, as I found it humorous, and knew that some here would as well.

Quote:

Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark.

Punctuation is part of spelling lessons, or at least it was when I was a kid. Had I made the mistake in the OP on a spelling test, it would have been marked incorrect.

Quote:

Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework.

I appreciate the advice, but will continue to mention things here on the forum which I may not on the site. And, who knows, I might even put together an article with a dozen or more of her biggest howlers, English-wise. Such as the time she praised one of her ministers by saying "I have always held you up to others as the modicum of virtue."

Originally Posted by DJM

Even on StopSylvia.com there have been some amusing mistakes with spelling and grammar that were corrected by the visitors, and yet no one would hint that Robert isn't educated enough.

Sure, typos galore, as well as some out-and-out errors. But I have never claimed to have any degree in anything, let alone a Master's in English Lit.

Quote:

If all the Sylvia debunking was a TV show, I would say that this thread has just jumped the shark.

Sorry you feel that way, but thanks for letting me know.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Sure, typos galore, as well as some out-and-out errors. But I have never claimed to have any degree in anything, let alone a Master's in English Lit.

Sorry you feel that way, but thanks for letting me know.

Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss.

But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you.

Piscivore · 11th December 2007, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by ObscureReferenceMan

Also, I've read almost everything on Robert's site, and I believe he is one of the most fair and balanced writers I know.

I agree.

Kilgore Trout · 11th December 2007, 10:32 AM

I found it amusing. Didn't seem like a simple sort of mistake because she was speaking at the time, and chose to spell it, seemingly for the benefit of her listeners.

L-E-C-I-T-H-I-N.

RSLancastr · 11th December 2007, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by EeneyMinnieMoe

I actually agree. Putting the apostrophe in the wrong place is the kind of brainfart thing we all do once in a while that's in no way indicative or reflective of our language skills.

Yes, I would imagine that I have incorrectly used the 's to indicate a plural, especially via keyboard, where I have been known to make to/too our/are type errors galore.

But to spell it aloud with the apostrophe?

Originally Posted by DJM

I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site.

Well, I'm always interested in criticism of the site. I would be interested in your pointing out to me (if you haven't already) where I have used "this specific approach" on the site.

RSLancastr · 11th December 2007, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Piscivore

DJM has got the truth of it.

Et tu, Piscus?

Locknar · 11th December 2007, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss.

But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you.

Well…I think you are reading a bit more into this then what I believe Robert intended.

Overall, it was a simple mistake…but what makes it funny (vs say the smoking gun that proves she is a fraud) is that she claims to have a Masters Degree in English Lit.

Is it a bit on the nit-picky side…yes. However, as the saying goes “you reap what you sow”…she makes a point of being Ms Proper English, with her spelling lesions, correcting folks, etc.

Now…if Robert did an entire article based on just this single incident, I’d agree with you. In this case, it’s just a funny anecdote.

Nucular · 11th December 2007, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Locknar

spelling lesions

FramerDave · 11th December 2007, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss.

But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you.

Lighten up, Frances.

NobbyNobbs · 11th December 2007, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by DJM

But I think that the fact she doesn't have a Master's Degree has already been covered a few times before and on the website itself. You could say that it was even somewhat proven since she doesn't give any evidence of that. So it seems pretty out of place to keep correcting her over every mistake she does. It seems like a cynical thing to do as it has nothing to do with her psychic claims, and only makes it look like making fun of someone's education. Something that I'm against of, Sylvia Browne or not.

The fact that she doesn't have psychic abilities has also been covered a few times before, but that's no reason to let up.

I say, if she makes claims and the evidence shows otherwise, that evidence should be brought to light.

DJM · 11th December 2007, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Well, I'm always interested in criticism of the site. I would be interested in your pointing out to me (if you haven't already) where I have used "this specific approach" on the site.

I remember a few times that you've sarcastically mentioned the Master Degree after Sylvia made some sort of mistake in English. And you mentioned earlier you might do an article just about that.

That approach, which has nothing to do with psychics or the paranormal, or even evidence about her not having a degree, as many another educated people make such stupid mistakes sometimes. It seems more like an excuse to make fun of her, rather than actually trying to prove something.

Alice Shortcake · 11th December 2007, 11:03 AM

I agree with Locknar. The humour is in the fact that Sylvia, a best-selling author with a Master's degree in English, actually went to the trouble of spelling the word out aloud and got it wrong. If you're going to borrow entities from Tibetan mysticism the least you can do is get their names right!

Minarvia · 11th December 2007, 12:24 PM

I would hate to have some of this crowd around when once in a while I laugh at an off-colour joke or some silly physical comedy.

But, each to his own.

Personally, I found Rob's post amusing. I can't help but chuckle when Sylvia does such a thing.

Piscivore · 11th December 2007, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Et tu, Piscus?

I have to say something critical of you every now and again to maintain some semblance of credibility.

CFLarsen · 11th December 2007, 12:44 PM

She qualifies for Vice President of the United States.

bjb · 11th December 2007, 01:27 PM

The issue is not Sylvia's lack of education, but her lack of education in spite of claiming to hold an advanced degree in English. She's been asked to provide evidence of her degree but so far, she has not been able to do so. Therefore, it is fair to bring up these mistakes because they are evidence that Sylvia has made a false claim about herself.

If she never claimed to have an MA, then it would not be fair to attack based on a claim she never made. If she did claim to have an MA *and* she produced the evidence, once again, it would not be fair to criticize her because she would have made a simple mistake that anybody might make. However, Sylvia claims a master's degree but shows no documentation for one, and makes mistakes that a graduate student should never make. Criticizing these mistakes is appropriate not because it attacks Sylvia's lack of education, but her lack of credibility.

Zep · 11th December 2007, 02:36 PM

It's an unintentional joke with the same base as this: "I are nott a enginear, butt now i can spel itt!"

I don't think it's related in any way to Sylvia per se. It's to do with the claimed command of the written language. Frankly, I would find it just as funny coming from the current US president (or Dan Quayle

). At the other end of the scale, it would be horrifying coming from a Nobel laureate in literature. Sylvia, the person, claims to have a degree in English Literature, which should put her nearer the top of the scale than the bottom. So my reaction is one of one giant *SNORT!*, plus a distinct skepticism of her so-called degree.

JoeTheJuggler · 11th December 2007, 02:43 PM

Originally Posted by DJM

Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss.

But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you.

DJM, maybe you're missing the point that while Sylvia claims to have a Master's in English, she doesn't really have one.

Someone once wrote an article on the subject:

http://stopsylviabrowne.com/articles...anscript.shtml

rwguinn · 11th December 2007, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by EeneyMinnieMoe

She mistook the plural (tulpas) for the possessive (tulpa's)? That's not a fifth grade spelling mistake, that's a first grade spelling mistake.

One word for all youse folks:
Hawai'i

I am told that that is the preferred spelling.
so, tulpa's is not necessarily possesive.
it's part of the word.

11th December 2007, 06:33 AM	#1
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,644	Sylvia Browne: A Spelling Lesson From the August 10th "Ask Sylvia" podcast, the subject of which was "tulpas" (beings supposedly brought into existance by the thoughts and willpower of people). Originally Posted by Browne "Today we're going to be talking about tulpas. T-U-L-P-A-apostrophe-S." I would hope that someone with a Master's Degree in English Literature would have more than a fifth-grade education in spelling.
	__________________ 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?

11th December 2007, 06:48 AM	#2
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,490	LOL
	__________________ Member Simpson 15 and Ex-defendant in Simpson v. Randi, et al. \| StopSylvia.com \| JREF Forum Twitter

11th December 2007, 06:51 AM	#3
Nucular Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Brane 6, Brahman's Dream Posts: 3,050	Is it the apostrophic error of which you speak? Because if we're being pedants, that makes it a punctuation, rather than spelling, mistake Still, maybe she thinks that if you've made a word up to start with, you can apply any rules to it you like...
	__________________ From the UK? Sceptical? Like forums? Well my psychic powers tell me that the UK Skeptics' Forum is for you - 8 out of 10 sceptics demand to know where these figures came from. Non sunt in coeli, quia fvccant vvivys of heli (Flen Flyys, c.15th Century) Get out of my head, Nucular (kmortis)

11th December 2007, 06:52 AM	#4
ColumbusRyan Student Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 48	Maybe Francine spells it like that.
ColumbusRyan Student Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 48

11th December 2007, 07:23 AM	#5
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Originally Posted by Nucular Still, maybe she thinks that if you've made a word up to start with, you can apply any rules to it you like... It's a known word, she's not the one who made it up. Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking. Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark. And even if it was a spelling mistake, I've seen some of those made by many educated people. No one is perfect. Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 07:25 AM	#6
headscratcher4 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: USA Posts: 7,759	Clearly, you don’t know your mystical, pseudo Aramaic…..
	__________________ Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. -- Homer Simpson

11th December 2007, 07:34 AM	#7
Lisa Simpson THE Lisa Simpson Administrator Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: 123 Fake Street Posts: 20,110	Originally Posted by DJM It's a known word, she's not the one who made it up. Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking. Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark. And even if it was a spelling mistake, I've seen some of those made by many educated people. No one is perfect. Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework. I disagree. She claims to have a Master's Degree, but doesn't know one of the simplest rules of the English Language. My son in 7th grade knows that rule. She should be called out on all her claims.
	__________________ That's what the Internet does -- you get a free bonus prize of Stupid Lies with every box of Delicious Facts. - cracked.com Facts are satanic litter on the heavenly highway to blind faith! - Betty Bowers

11th December 2007, 07:51 AM	#8
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	But I think that the fact she doesn't have a Master's Degree has already been covered a few times before and on the website itself. You could say that it was even somewhat proven since she doesn't give any evidence of that. So it seems pretty out of place to keep correcting her over every mistake she does. It seems like a cynical thing to do as it has nothing to do with her psychic claims, and only makes it look like making fun of someone's education. Something that I'm against of, Sylvia Browne or not.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 08:19 AM	#9
EeneyMinnieMoe Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,660	She mistook the plural (tulpas) for the possessive (tulpa's)? That's not a fifth grade spelling mistake, that's a first grade spelling mistake.

11th December 2007, 08:28 AM	#10
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Still not sure why it's a SPELLING mistake in the first place. This is what they also teach around first grade: Punctuation helps readers break writing into logical units, making it easier to follow. Punctuation includes all the conventional signs used to separate words: spaces, first-line indentation of paragraphs, blank lines, uppercase letters, and various marks or stops (commas, periods, semicolons, and so on) Did people here skip that class?
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 08:33 AM	#11
Garrette Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 10,637	Originally Posted by DJM Still not sure why it's a SPELLING mistake in the first place. This is what they also teach around first grade: Punctuation helps readers break writing into logical units, making it easier to follow. Punctuation includes all the conventional signs used to separate words: spaces, first-line indentation of paragraphs, blank lines, uppercase letters, and various marks or stops (commas, periods, semicolons, and so on) Did people here skip that class? In this case, it's both a spelling mistake and a punctuation error. The punctuation indicating possessive prohibited the proper spelling for the plural.
	__________________ My kids still love me.

11th December 2007, 08:44 AM	#12
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	My teacher always used to say that stuff is related to punctuation, I don't remember anything about spelling. And I always thought I was an educated person.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 09:05 AM	#13
waltdakind Student Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Somerset, NJ Posts: 30	Nitpicking is fine by me I, for one, enjoy hearing every mistake she makes. She is one of the few people who I feel no remorse following a bit of schadenfreude at her expense. It's yet another confirming instance of what a fraud she is. If she is to make the claim of having a Master's Degree in English Literature, she should at least show us the courtesy of familiarizing herself with the use of the apostrophe, which as far as I am concerned is not a little mistake. While it is indeed an error in punctuation, I can understand referring to the thread as a spelling lesson since she was in the act of instructing her listeners how to spell "tulpas". I wonder if a politely worded e-mail instructing her on the use of the apostrophe would lead to a correction in a later podcast?

11th December 2007, 09:35 AM	#14
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	I've seen worse mistakes done by reporters. Even on StopSylvia.com there have been some amusing mistakes with spelling and grammar that were corrected by the visitors, and yet no one would hint that Robert isn't educated enough. If all the Sylvia debunking was a TV show, I would say that this thread has just jumped the shark.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Last edited by DJM; 11th December 2007 at 09:38 AM.

11th December 2007, 09:45 AM	#15
Silly Green Monkey Cowardly Lurking in the Shadows of Greatness Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Colorado Posts: 3,093	but that comparison would only be valid if RSL claimed to have advanced degrees in English as well.

11th December 2007, 09:56 AM	#16
EeneyMinnieMoe Philosopher Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 6,660	I actually agree. Putting the apostrophe in the wrong place is the kind of brainfart thing we all do once in a while that's in no way indicative or reflective of our language skills. This specifically I wouldn't castigate her for...but she still has a vocabulary of about 200 words and sounds like your friend's redneck grandmother.

11th December 2007, 10:00 AM	#17
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Originally Posted by Silly Green Monkey but that comparison would only be valid if RSL claimed to have advanced degrees in English as well. Do you really think any of her believers care about her degrees in English? Is that one of the claims that makes them spend so much money on her? No, they care about her being a psychic, that she can predict the future, to speak with their dead relatives. Only ones who seem to care about this issue are the skeptics themselves, which makes this kind of debunking pretty pointless.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 10:02 AM	#18
ObscureReferenceMan Muse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 569	DJM, In Robert's defense (not that he needs defending by me, but I really like the guy, and thought I'd chime in), he did make the post here, where we all laugh and point at Sylvia. And NOT at his SSB site, where, yes, it might seem a little too petty to point out.
	__________________ Mrs. T: What does it presage? Mrs. O: You have green, scaly skin, and a soft yellow underbelly with a series of fin-like ridges running down your spine and tail. Although lizardlike in shape, you can grow anything up to thirty feet in length with huge teeth that can bite off great rocks and trees. You inhabit arid sub-tropical zones and wear spectacles. Mrs. T: It's very good about the spectacles!

11th December 2007, 10:07 AM	#19
Piscivore Smelling fishy Join Date: May 2004 Location: Home is wherever I'm with you Posts: 26,561	Originally Posted by waltdakind I, for one, enjoy hearing every mistake she makes. She is one of the few people who I feel no remorse following a bit of schadenfreude at her expense. Feel it, sure. But trumpeting it on the streetcorner makes one look like one has an biased anti-Sylvia agenda rather than a commitment to fact and reason. Quote: It's yet another confirming instance of what a fraud she is. No, it is a silly mistake. Let's not go overboard. Quote: If she is to make the claim of having a Master's Degree in English Literature, she should at least show us the courtesy of familiarizing herself with the use of the apostrophe, which as far as I am concerned is not a little mistake. Yes, it is. Given the number of spelling and punctuation errors I see in the newspaper, magazines and even published books- made by people who are supposed to be professional wordsmiths- this is a non-issue. DJM has got the truth of it.
	__________________ [R]evenge is a dish best served screaming and insane. - TM "...untrustworthy obnoxious twerp." - CFLarsen

11th December 2007, 10:08 AM	#20
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Originally Posted by ObscureReferenceMan DJM, In Robert's defense (not that he needs defending by me, but I really like the guy, and thought I'd chime in), he did make the post here, where we all laugh and point at Sylvia. And NOT at his SSB site, where, yes, it might seem a little too petty to point out. But remember that this is not a closed forum, many of Sylvia's supporters could be reading it here as well. So in my opinion posting petty threads wouldn't help much to make them take the skeptics seriously. I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Last edited by DJM; 11th December 2007 at 10:09 AM.

11th December 2007, 10:15 AM	#21
ObscureReferenceMan Muse Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 569	Originally Posted by DJM But remember that this is not a closed forum, many of Sylvia's supporters could be reading it here as well. So in my opinion posting petty threads wouldn't help much to make them take the skeptics seriously. I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site. True. But even though this site is "open", it's not the SSB site. Putting unflattering articles, facts or links here is just our way of having a laugh. Items posted at SSB are (I believe) done so to show Sylvia's true colors. Also, I've read almost everything on Robert's site, and I believe he is one of the most fair and balanced writers I know.
	__________________ Mrs. T: What does it presage? Mrs. O: You have green, scaly skin, and a soft yellow underbelly with a series of fin-like ridges running down your spine and tail. Although lizardlike in shape, you can grow anything up to thirty feet in length with huge teeth that can bite off great rocks and trees. You inhabit arid sub-tropical zones and wear spectacles. Mrs. T: It's very good about the spectacles!

11th December 2007, 10:17 AM	#22
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,644	Originally Posted by DJM Robert, I really appreciate your hard work you've done with the Stop Sylvia website, but I believe all these Master's Degree remarks are a bit pointless and only seems like nitpicking. I would agree with you had I based a whole article on the site around this. As it is, I started a thread here about it, as I found it humorous, and knew that some here would as well. Quote: Educated people can make mistakes as well. Even you made a mistake by calling this thread A Spelling Lesson, as I'm pretty sure apostrophe is indeed considered a punctuation mark. Punctuation is part of spelling lessons, or at least it was when I was a kid. Had I made the mistake in the OP on a spelling test, it would have been marked incorrect. Quote: Perhaps you should stick to exposing Sylvia's psychic claims, as I'm sure her believers couldn't care less about her fifth-grade homework. I appreciate the advice, but will continue to mention things here on the forum which I may not on the site. And, who knows, I might even put together an article with a dozen or more of her biggest howlers, English-wise. Such as the time she praised one of her ministers by saying "I have always held you up to others as the modicum of virtue." Originally Posted by DJM Even on StopSylvia.com there have been some amusing mistakes with spelling and grammar that were corrected by the visitors, and yet no one would hint that Robert isn't educated enough. Sure, typos galore, as well as some out-and-out errors. But I have never claimed to have any degree in anything, let alone a Master's in English Lit. Quote: If all the Sylvia debunking was a TV show, I would say that this thread has just jumped the shark. Sorry you feel that way, but thanks for letting me know.
	__________________ 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?

11th December 2007, 10:25 AM	#23
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Originally Posted by RSLancastr Sure, typos galore, as well as some out-and-out errors. But I have never claimed to have any degree in anything, let alone a Master's in English Lit. Sorry you feel that way, but thanks for letting me know. Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss. But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Last edited by DJM; 11th December 2007 at 10:26 AM.

11th December 2007, 10:28 AM	#24
Piscivore Smelling fishy Join Date: May 2004 Location: Home is wherever I'm with you Posts: 26,561	Originally Posted by ObscureReferenceMan Also, I've read almost everything on Robert's site, and I believe he is one of the most fair and balanced writers I know. I agree.
	__________________ [R]evenge is a dish best served screaming and insane. - TM "...untrustworthy obnoxious twerp." - CFLarsen

11th December 2007, 10:32 AM	#25
Kilgore Trout Wuse Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tralfamadore Posts: 1,443	I found it amusing. Didn't seem like a simple sort of mistake because she was speaking at the time, and chose to spell it, seemingly for the benefit of her listeners. L-E-C-I-T-H-I-N.
	__________________ “I don't even know how to count.” -- Sylvia BrowneThis is invisible.“We're playing for blood, the stake is EARTH.” -- L. Ron HubbardThis is invisible.“I don't feel strong.” -- Uri Geller

11th December 2007, 10:40 AM	#26
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,644	Originally Posted by EeneyMinnieMoe I actually agree. Putting the apostrophe in the wrong place is the kind of brainfart thing we all do once in a while that's in no way indicative or reflective of our language skills. Yes, I would imagine that I have incorrectly used the 's to indicate a plural, especially via keyboard, where I have been known to make to/too our/are type errors galore. But to spell it aloud with the apostrophe? Originally Posted by DJM I like Robert too, just have a problem with this specific approach. Which sadly I've also read in some of his articles on his own site. Well, I'm always interested in criticism of the site. I would be interested in your pointing out to me (if you haven't already) where I have used "this specific approach" on the site.
	__________________ 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?

11th December 2007, 10:41 AM	#27
RSLancastr www.StopSylvia.com Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Salem, Oregon Posts: 15,644	Originally Posted by Piscivore DJM has got the truth of it. Et tu, Piscus?
	__________________ 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?

11th December 2007, 10:52 AM	#28
Locknar Sum of all evils ^tm Deputy Admin Join Date: May 2007 Location: 25.50 N, 77.54 W Posts: 14,490	Originally Posted by DJM Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss. But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you. Well…I think you are reading a bit more into this then what I believe Robert intended. Overall, it was a simple mistake…but what makes it funny (vs say the smoking gun that proves she is a fraud) is that she claims to have a Masters Degree in English Lit. Is it a bit on the nit-picky side…yes. However, as the saying goes “you reap what you sow”…she makes a point of being Ms Proper English, with her spelling lesions, correcting folks, etc. Now…if Robert did an entire article based on just this single incident, I’d agree with you. In this case, it’s just a funny anecdote.
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11th December 2007, 10:56 AM	#29
Nucular Illuminator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Brane 6, Brahman's Dream Posts: 3,050	Originally Posted by Locknar spelling lesions
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11th December 2007, 10:57 AM	#30
FramerDave Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 727	Originally Posted by DJM Yes, because all the people with a Master Degree are perfect and never make any mistakes. I've read so many books by educated and well respected authors with funny spelling mistakes which even the editors (who I suppose also know a thing or two about English) seemed to miss. But looks like you are having a lot of fun with this issue, so I will try not to ruin it for you. Lighten up, Frances.
FramerDave Muse Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 727

11th December 2007, 11:00 AM	#31
NobbyNobbs Gazerbeam's Protege Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: The Mended Drum Posts: 5,631	Originally Posted by DJM But I think that the fact she doesn't have a Master's Degree has already been covered a few times before and on the website itself. You could say that it was even somewhat proven since she doesn't give any evidence of that. So it seems pretty out of place to keep correcting her over every mistake she does. It seems like a cynical thing to do as it has nothing to do with her psychic claims, and only makes it look like making fun of someone's education. Something that I'm against of, Sylvia Browne or not. The fact that she doesn't have psychic abilities has also been covered a few times before, but that's no reason to let up. I say, if she makes claims and the evidence shows otherwise, that evidence should be brought to light.
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11th December 2007, 11:02 AM	#32
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791	Originally Posted by RSLancastr Well, I'm always interested in criticism of the site. I would be interested in your pointing out to me (if you haven't already) where I have used "this specific approach" on the site. I remember a few times that you've sarcastically mentioned the Master Degree after Sylvia made some sort of mistake in English. And you mentioned earlier you might do an article just about that. That approach, which has nothing to do with psychics or the paranormal, or even evidence about her not having a degree, as many another educated people make such stupid mistakes sometimes. It seems more like an excuse to make fun of her, rather than actually trying to prove something.
DJM Muse Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 791

11th December 2007, 11:03 AM	#33
Alice Shortcake Muse Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: York, England Posts: 750	I agree with Locknar. The humour is in the fact that Sylvia, a best-selling author with a Master's degree in English, actually went to the trouble of spelling the word out aloud and got it wrong. If you're going to borrow entities from Tibetan mysticism the least you can do is get their names right!
	Last edited by Alice Shortcake; 11th December 2007 at 11:04 AM.

11th December 2007, 12:24 PM	#34
Minarvia fading orb Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,221	I would hate to have some of this crowd around when once in a while I laugh at an off-colour joke or some silly physical comedy. But, each to his own. Personally, I found Rob's post amusing. I can't help but chuckle when Sylvia does such a thing.
	Last edited by Minarvia; 11th December 2007 at 12:26 PM.

11th December 2007, 12:30 PM	#35
Piscivore Smelling fishy Join Date: May 2004 Location: Home is wherever I'm with you Posts: 26,561	Originally Posted by RSLancastr Et tu, Piscus? I have to say something critical of you every now and again to maintain some semblance of credibility.
	__________________ [R]evenge is a dish best served screaming and insane. - TM "...untrustworthy obnoxious twerp." - CFLarsen