Yes but the article also points out that Randi's relentless attacks on Geller made Geller's (and his own) career flourish. Quote: " In 1975, Randi published "The Magic of Uri Geller," a sarcastic but exhaustive examination of the psychic's techniques, in which he argued that any scientist investigating the paranormal should seek the advice of a conjurer before conducting serious research. The campaign helped make them both more famous than ever. Even today, Geller credits Randi with helping him become a psychic phenomenon - "My most influential and important publicist," as Geller described him to me."
It is really an interesting article. Well worth the read. Marie Marie Helweg-Larsen, Ph.D. Professor l Department of Psychology Chair, Health Studies Certificate Program Office hours Fall 2014: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10:30-11:30 Kaufman 168 l Dickinson College Phone 717.245.1562 l Fax 717.245.1971 http://users.dickinson.edu/~helwegm/index.html -----Original Message----- From: Mike Palij [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, November 09, 2014 10:24 AM To: Teaching in the Psychological Sciences (TIPS) Cc: Michael Palij Subject: [tips] The Amazing Randi -- More Amazing Than You Could Have Imagined The Sunday NY Times Magazine (2014/11/07) has an interesting article on the life and work of "The Amazing Randi" or, his birth name, Randall James Zwinge. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/09/magazine/the-unbelievable-skepticism-of-the-amazing-randi.html?emc=edit_th_20141109&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=389166&_r=0 It is both an amazing story and a depressing story because it is fairly clear in its implications: one can get pretty far in this world, in terms of money, status, and power, by lying and being a fraud. Some of the reasons why Uri Geller has been so successful is captured in the following quote from the article: |Randi told me that he met Geller soon afterward. "Very flamboyant," |he recalled venomously. "Very charming. Likable, beautiful, affectionate, |genuine, forward-going, Handsome - everything!" His manner, |Randi explained, was the key to the techniques employed by Geller |and others like him. "That's why they call them con men. Because |they gain the confidence of the victim - and then they fool 'em." One wonders who would have been made the better "teacher"? It is clear who would get the higher ratings on "Rate My Professor". ;-) -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13234.b0e864a6eccfc779c8119f5a4468797f&n=T&l=tips&o=39930 or send a blank email to leave-39930-13234.b0e864a6eccfc779c8119f5a44687...@fsulist.frostburg.edu --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected]. To unsubscribe click here: http://fsulist.frostburg.edu/u?id=13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df5d5&n=T&l=tips&o=39933 or send a blank email to leave-39933-13090.68da6e6e5325aa33287ff385b70df...@fsulist.frostburg.edu
