Barbara Walters and James Van Praagh

[Kilgore Trout]

http://www.theinsider.com/news/10783...mes_Van_Praagh

and

http://www.examiner.com/r-1202245~Ja...a_Walters.html

Seems Jimmy is ticked that his unsolicited and fraudulent medical advice upset Barbara Walters and she called him out over it.

Quote:

"I think it's a dangerous thing to do!" she said of Van Praagh.

Van Praagh was stunned and, he says, hurt when he saw the show.

And from the second link:

Quote:

Van Praagh, who told ET that Walters had "been very nice and accommodating to [him] before," says that when he gave her his reading, she was condescending and "very nasty." He said that Walters "misinterpreted what I was saying" and he considered Walters' follow-up comments on the July 17 show to be "a stab in the back."

A stab in the lower back, perhaps? Maybe effecting his white blood cell count?

[ExMinister]

Refreshing that she actually came right out and called a spade a spade. Now, if only everyone in Walters position would react as rationally and bluntly as she did here, the world would be a better place.

[nettiemoore]

I have really vague memories of Randi on a podcast somewhere speaking well of Barbara's skeptical tendencies ..... ?

[krelnik]

Of course, now that this has occurred, if Barbara Walters ever has any illness in the future that is associated with an elevated white blood cell count or any sort of back injury, Van Praagh will claim a retroactive hit.

[AndyD]

The Examiner page appears to take comments. I added one but can't see any others.

Doesn't one of Randi's Youtube's (I think it was Shermer v Van Praagh) show Walters as the one host who doubted Shermer and tended to believe there was some truth to Van Praagh's claims? Was that a long time ago and has she drifted toward skeptic since then?

[RSLancastr]

Did you see the scumbag on the linked video?

http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/07/63622/index.html

[Aitch]

Originally Posted by krelnik

Of course, now that this has occurred, if Barbara Walters ever has any illness in the future that is associated with an elevated white blood cell count or any sort of back injury, Van Praagh will claim a retroactive hit.

Bearing in mind that back problems are among the commonest problems (especially as you age - I have personal experience ), expect his claim fairly soon!

[AndyD]

Is the video of Walters' complaint available anywhere?

[dustbunny]

Well someone's been sharpening their claws. The audacity to ask for a public apology astounds me and then uses his previous clients (victims) to back himself up. We could do with a lot more celebrities airing their opinions on the likes of JVP. My frustration is that I don't get to see these shows but I'm grateful for the threads. The more public embarassment for these vultures the better.

[Minarvia]

Originally Posted by dustbunny

Well someone's been sharpening their claws. The audacity to ask for a public apology astounds me and then uses his previous clients (victims) to back himself up. We could do with a lot more celebrities airing their opinions on the likes of JVP. My frustration is that I don't get to see these shows but I'm grateful for the threads. The more public embarassment for these vultures the better.

I hear you. I don't get to see these shows either but am grateful for the threads.

Sooo...the only reason she's snarky with him is that she's jealous his book did better than hers? Oh, please. I think she's upset more at going to doctors with his bogus "concerns" and that he was wrong. A waste of her time and concern and of the doctors'.

I remember in some long ago Swift where Randi had a picture of Van Praagh and beneath it a caption illustrating that picture as a definition of the word "vapid."

The only saving grace Van Praagh has, imho, is that he isn't as obnoxious as Edward and Browne. He is more the simpering type, just as annoying, but not outright bullying like Edward and crass and classless like Browne.

[ExMinister]

I saw him at a seminar with Brian Weiss a few years ago and I noticed that he had gone from the gentle, compassionate-sounding Van Praagh from his earlier days, to sounding a lot like Sylvia Browne, cracking snide jokes, bullying people, and generally being sarcastic and snarky. My husband noticed it too, and even before I mentioned it, asked if I thought Van Praagh was now copying Sylvia Browne's style. I'd seen him in LA 10 years before and he came across much kinder and gentler then, so he has definitely changed.

I think when they get a taste of the fame and success they have been after all along, their true colors show.

Also, I think being told there is something wrong with your blood is scary sounding - like leukemia - versus a simple elevation in white blood count that might occur when the body fights off infection. I don't blame Walters at all for being upset at the false alarm.

ETA: Watching him on the video RSL linked to makes one eager for the day StopJamesVanPraagh makes its debut and perhaps some of that smugness (the same smugness Syliva Browne has had ) will disappear. Professional jealousy over a book - please!! that comment reveals more about what Van Praagh is concerned about than it does Barbara Walters.

[Fnord]

Browne calls Lancaster "Nasty" ... Van Praagh calls Walters "Nasty" ...

Do I detect a pattern here?

[dustbunny]

Originally Posted by Minarvia

I hear you. I don't get to see these shows either but am grateful for the threads.

Sooo...the only reason she's snarky with him is that she's jealous his book did better than hers? Oh, please. I think she's upset more at going to doctors with his bogus "concerns" and that he was wrong. A waste of her time and concern and of the doctors'.

I remember in some long ago Swift where Randi had a picture of Van Praagh and beneath it a caption illustrating that picture as a definition of the word "vapid."

The only saving grace Van Praagh has, imho, is that he isn't as obnoxious as Edward and Browne. He is more the simpering type, just as annoying, but not outright bullying like Edward and crass and classless like Browne.

Well said Minarvia, I've got to admit I've learnt so much more on this forum. The only snag is we have to wait, but it's well worth it. BW riled JVP big time and deservedly so. I think what did it more for Barbara Walters was when JVP was exposed by Michael Shermer. She definitely seemed flabber ghasted after watching JVPs reading on the lady where he denied asking if it was her mother or grandmother. But of course he thinks it's the book.

You're right about JVP not being as obnoxious as JE or SB too. I'm still chuckling over your john = toilet. That really helps whenever I think of him smirking. JVP's definitely milder, in fact I'm surprised he's hit out like he has. You never know, with any luck, Barbara Walters will start the ball rolling. It has to start somewhere.

[dustbunny]

Originally Posted by ExMinister

I saw him at a seminar with Brian Weiss a few years ago and I noticed that he had gone from the gentle, compassionate-sounding Van Praagh from his earlier days, to sounding a lot like Sylvia Browne, cracking snide jokes, bullying people, and generally being sarcastic and snarky. My husband noticed it too, and even before I mentioned it, asked if I thought Van Praagh was now copying Sylvia Browne's style. I'd seen him in LA 10 years before and he came across much kinder and gentler then, so he has definitely changed.

I think when they get a taste of the fame and success they have been after all along, their true colors show.

Also, I think being told there is something wrong with your blood is scary sounding - like leukemia - versus a simple elevation in white blood count that might occur when the body fights off infection. I don't blame Walters at all for being upset at the false alarm.

ETA: Watching him on the video RSL linked to makes one eager for the day StopJamesVanPraagh makes its debut and perhaps some of that smugness (the same smugness Syliva Browne has had ) will disappear. Professional jealousy over a book - please!! that comment reveals more about what Van Praagh is concerned about than it does Barbara Walters.

So maybe the snide attack on Barbara Walters shouldn't be such a surprise after all. It's amazing though when JVP's on tv the bullying and sarcastic remarks don't usually make an appearance. Well until he's cornered. Distasteful and childish is not the word especially when all BW was doing was telling the truth.

[Minarvia]

Originally Posted by dustbunny

Well said Minarvia, I've got to admit I've learnt so much more on this forum. The only snag is we have to wait, but it's well worth it. BW riled JVP big time and deservedly so. I think what did it more for Barbara Walters was when JVP was exposed by Michael Shermer. She definitely seemed flabber ghasted after watching JVPs reading on the lady where he denied asking if it was her mother or grandmother. But of course he thinks it's the book.

You're right about JVP not being as obnoxious as JE or SB too. I'm still chuckling over your john = toilet. That really helps whenever I think of him smirking. JVP's definitely milder, in fact I'm surprised he's hit out like he has. You never know, with any luck, Barbara Walters will start the ball rolling. It has to start somewhere.

Hee hee, thanks! I thought of that right when I saw the Youtube link someone posted and saw his smug face when he was lambasting Randi.
Someone said that if they had the chance they would stash a box of Massangil in his coat and just when a pic was being shot of him with Edward would whip it out and have it in the shot. I nearly choked on my Coke on that one.

I'm beginning to think these "mediums" aren't liking the extra grilling they've been getting recently, so to speak. They've cruised along for so many years raking in big bucks and now are having to start to watch out for who may be in the audience or the reading room. It's about darn time, too. And thanks to RSL for getting the ball rolling on the big fish!

[CFLarsen]

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Did you see the scumbag on the linked video?

http://www.etonline.com/news/2008/07/63622/index.html

Do not offend scumbags by comparing them to psychics.

Originally Posted by dustbunny

The audacity to ask for a public apology astounds me and then uses his previous clients (victims) to back himself up.

It's a clever move: He completely avoids the uncomfortable fact that he has given false medical advice, and instead makes it look as if this is nothing but a matter of opinion - of something that isn't really important.

He isn't demanding an apology because Walters said what he did was dangerous. He is demanding an apology because she hurt his wittle feelings!

And he knows enough people will fall for that.

Originally Posted by ExMinister

I saw him at a seminar with Brian Weiss a few years ago and I noticed that he had gone from the gentle, compassionate-sounding Van Praagh from his earlier days, to sounding a lot like Sylvia Browne, cracking snide jokes, bullying people, and generally being sarcastic and snarky. My husband noticed it too, and even before I mentioned it, asked if I thought Van Praagh was now copying Sylvia Browne's style. I'd seen him in LA 10 years before and he came across much kinder and gentler then, so he has definitely changed.

I think when they get a taste of the fame and success they have been after all along, their true colors show.

They don't change. They are just good at hiding it in normal situations, when they are in control. But, when under pressure, their masks fall, and their true self are revealed.

[Dreams_In_Digital]

Originally Posted by Fnord

Browne calls Lancaster "Nasty" ... Van Praagh calls Walters "Nasty" ...

Do I detect a pattern here?

It seems to be a fall back for when TV psychics aren't being fawned over and adored by the public or television reporters.

I say, bravo Barbara Walters. I searched my phlebotomy text book for white blood cell infections (he said infection so I'm going with it) and there aren't all that many infections[ having to do with white blood cells. The only one I could really find is leukemia, but most infections of the blood have to do with red blood cells. No wonder the poor woman was nervous!

And, I checked Amazon.com. Their top 100 list is updated hourly and Van Praagh's book is no where on there. Then I checked the New York Times Best Seller list on Amazon and Walters' book is at #8 and Van Praagh's book isn't listed. I'm guessing he was grasping at straws.

I really wish mediums like Van Praagh, Browne and Edward would at least crack open a medical text book before making claims like that. You think the would so they'd sound a little more credible. But then again if they made a dead on prediction instead of a vague one and were wrong they probably wouldn't be where they are now.

(Edited to fix spelling errors)

[ExMinister]

Originally Posted by CFLarsen

They don't change. They are just good at hiding it in normal situations, when they are in control. But, when under pressure, their masks fall, and their true self are revealed.

You know, when I read this this morning, I suddenly realized that you are exactly right. All this time I've been thinking that Sylvia Browne and these others start out somewhat sincere and become corrupt by money/power/fame, but now I realize you are right - They were arrogant and corrupt all along, and their public personas change to reveal their true colors only as they get famous enough that their arrogance begins to show more, and under duress.

But, as you say, now that I know what to look for, I can see the arrogance even in their early years! I suppose in the early years they have to try harder in order to get what they want but it's only a mask to cover their true slimy motives.

It's impossible for me to fathom what kind of monster could sit in a reading room across from a suffering human being, or stand in front of a room full of grieving people and knowingly fake communicating with the dead while a person stands before them sobbing in grief. Much easier to think they were self-deluded or sincere in the beginning. Horrifying to think they weren't. Does anyone else feel that way?

And if that's the way Barbara Walters feels, then she showed considerable restraint in only saying what she did.

[dustbunny]

Minarvia......Well said! Old toilet face and the rest are getting a bit nervous and rightly so. Anymore amusing synonymous captions like that are eagerly awaited.

CFLarsen......I really hope that JVP NEVER gets an apology from BW. The day that political correctness applies to these scam artists will be a bad day. JVP expects to be treated like someone who's actually telling the truth. That can never be right!

Dreams in Digital......I wonder if JVP's book was ever number 1 at all. You've done your research and can't find it on two very popular websites. If JVP's lied about that though he's even more of a disgrace. Maybe it was his way of promoting his book. Telling people it's number 1 makes him look more credible. Yuck!!

[Lisa Simpson]

He says Barbara Walters slammed him because his book is doing better than hers.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/p...85-told-spirit

[RSLancastr]

Originally Posted by Lisa Simpson

He says Barbara Walters slammed him because his book is doing better than hers.

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/p...85-told-spirit

Yup. Watch the video I linked to above to hear him say it.

[CFLarsen]

Originally Posted by ExMinister

You know, when I read this this morning, I suddenly realized that you are exactly right.

I usually am.

Originally Posted by ExMinister

All this time I've been thinking that Sylvia Browne and these others start out somewhat sincere and become corrupt by money/power/fame, but now I realize you are right - They were arrogant and corrupt all along, and their public personas change to reveal their true colors only as they get famous enough that their arrogance begins to show more, and under duress.

But, as you say, now that I know what to look for, I can see the arrogance even in their early years! I suppose in the early years they have to try harder in order to get what they want but it's only a mask to cover their true slimy motives.

It's impossible for me to fathom what kind of monster could sit in a reading room across from a suffering human being, or stand in front of a room full of grieving people and knowingly fake communicating with the dead while a person stands before them sobbing in grief. Much easier to think they were self-deluded or sincere in the beginning. Horrifying to think they weren't. Does anyone else feel that way?

And if that's the way Barbara Walters feels, then she showed considerable restraint in only saying what she did.

This is why I keep saying that it isn't the money that drives these people. Sure, it may be a part of the attraction, but I really think that the main driving force behind them is the power they wield over other people.

They discover a bigger kick than money: The power to control other people's lives. And they do it by manipulation.

When Sylvia Browne tells Opal Jo Jennings' grandmother that Opal is alive but is in sexual slavery in Japan, it is the pain that Browne inflicts that makes it possible to control the grandmother. If the grandmother receives a positive message, she isn't as vulnerable as if she is told that her granddaugther is raped daily - in a different country.

Browne could have banked on the easy guess: That Opal was dead (of course, that doesn't always work all that well, as we - and Shawn Hornbeck in particular - all know). That would have been hurtful to the grandmother, but also what she would be expecting. When she hears something as dreadful as that story Browne fed her, it isn't just the pain of knowing what is happening right now to Opal, it is the added guilt of not being able to stop it.

Most woos portray a very positive, gentle and loving attitude - because they know that it attracts people. But all we need to do is scratch their surface, just a little bit, and all the putrid evil comes bursting out.

[AndyD]

Quote:

Most woos portray a very positive, gentle and loving attitude - because they know that it attracts people. But all we need to do is scratch their surface, just a little bit, and all the putrid evil comes bursting out.

There's a link to a radio clip on the Australian "The One" (merged) thread (around page 4 I think) featuring one of the contestants on the TV show doing "psycchic medium" readings of callers. At one point she admits that she's skeptical of a lot of the things claimed as psychic phenomena.

Richard Saunders is also on the show and as soon as he starts debunking the obvious cold reading ("I'm getting a "D"), Charmaine, the reader, starts getting very narky about it all, constantly interrupting and suggesting that Saunders is the one who has no compassion for these people who seek relief through contact with their (un?)dead relatives.

I hope someone posts a clip of the Walters complaint soon.

[Niobe]

Originally Posted by ExMinister

he had gone from the gentle, compassionate-sounding Van Praagh from his earlier days, to sounding a lot like Sylvia Browne, cracking snide jokes, bullying people, and generally being sarcastic and snarky. My husband noticed it too, and even before I mentioned it, asked if I thought Van Praagh was now copying Sylvia Browne's style.

I think it's a mental survival tactic. He's dealing with legitimate human suffering, knows deep down he's BS-ing them, so he dehumanizes them by treating them as "sheeple".

Besides, he's probably heard it all, like the person at a helpdesk line. You might ask that question for the first time but he heard it 10 times today, every day for years. The annoyance turns into curt rude behavior. Couple this with years of undue praise, and he thinks his excrement don't smell.

Sylvia and James are vets for the afterlife tech support, with the attitude to match.

[CFLarsen]

Originally Posted by AndyD

There's a link to a radio clip on the Australian "The One" (merged) thread (around page 4 I think) featuring one of the contestants on the TV show doing "psycchic medium" readings of callers. At one point she admits that she's skeptical of a lot of the things claimed as psychic phenomena.

Richard Saunders is also on the show and as soon as he starts debunking the obvious cold reading ("I'm getting a "D"), Charmaine, the reader, starts getting very narky about it all, constantly interrupting and suggesting that Saunders is the one who has no compassion for these people who seek relief through contact with their (un?)dead relatives.

Yep: The moment their methods are explained in this....nasty fashion, they get mean. Really mean.

[AndyD]

The Walters video clip is here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgITYUjEGdk

[dustbunny]

Originally Posted by RSLancastr

Yup. Watch the video I linked to above to hear him say it.

I've just read the article on the link you've put. I had no idea he'd been married for a brief time. That does surprise me because he doesn't talk much about his personal life on camera.

We've all been babies and I've got a reasonably good memory but how the heck does he remember seeing his grandfather as a baby. I could be wrong but a crib suggests to me a baby and not a toddler. I have very few brief flashbacks as a toddler but a baby, no way, surely. The dental office one was a good one too. I am absolutely terrified of dentists but I've never thought of them as housing spirits. The office may be full of fear but not death.

Again he widens his diagnosis of BW's white blood cells. So in ten or twenty years time, if there really was a problem with it, JVP can boast he'd got it right. Maybe we should ask for time limits on these predictions, I doubt we'll get any though.

[AndyD]

This appears to be a clip from the episode Van Praagh was on when the incident occurred.

While a part says "great" that Walters dared to complain about his off-screen comment to her - about her - I wonder if he would have continued to enjoy her on-screen support if he'd stuck to just messing with the minds of the audience and viewing public?

At the end of the day, Walters and her peers are responsible for the fame these people enjoy at the expense of the gullible and, unlike "the unwashed masses", she can't argue ignorance of the controversy that surrounds them. People in her position would be well aware of the work of Randi, Shermer, et al and obviously choose to ignore it for the sake of television.

It looks like other clips are available from this episode.

(The final words from the audience member in this clip, re: "changing schools", are yet another example of fitting the reading to personal experience)

[dustbunny]

That's a valid point AndyD. BW and other celebrities are responsible for helping put these psychics where they are today. A lot of people listen to the stars. Boosting ratings is a large portion of what it's all about. It's about time these celebrities thought about the harm JVP, etc, are doing instead of being number one of TV.

[CFLarsen]

Originally Posted by AndyD

People in her position would be well aware of the work of Randi

She is. Walters have had Randi on one of her shows in the past.

[dustbunny]

Sometimes I think all celebrities are actors. They host these shows and agree with whoever is on at the time. One or two though will air their opinions and I respect them far more than the limelight seekers. Now Barbara Walters has made her statements about JVP she should stick to them and not retract through pressure from others.

[Niobe]

Originally Posted by CFLarsen

She is. Walters have had Randi on one of her shows in the past.

From the Randi youtube channel:

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

YouTube Video This video is not hosted by the JREF. The JREF can not be held responsible for the suitability or legality of this material. By clicking the link below you agree to view content from an external website.

I AGREE

Walters comes in at video 2 around the 7:55 mark.

[AndyD]

Just for the sake of exercising my more cynical side, I'm going to throw out the possibility that this will turn out to be a storm in a teacup that will spike the ratings for The View in coming weeks (and possibly for both books too).

If Van Praagh returns as a welcome guest on the show then we must assume it was all just a publicity stunt with both Walters and Van Praagh as willing participants.

[dustbunny]

Originally Posted by AndyD

Just for the sake of exercising my more cynical side, I'm going to throw out the possibility that this will turn out to be a storm in a teacup that will spike the ratings for The View in coming weeks (and possibly for both books too).

If Van Praagh returns as a welcome guest on the show then we must assume it was all just a publicity stunt with both Walters and Van Praagh as willing participants.

You're probably right. I'm sure JVP will welcome a future visit. You never know though it might damage his credibility to some believers in the meantime.