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[CharlieDigital]

It's funny because Mudkips busts out his "I'm a scientist" line quite often. This is at least the second time this week he's busted it out.

He talks about science and being a "scientist" and then ends with heaven and philosophy.....

 

[besada]

I predict she does offer to cast a curse, but wants $30 per person.

If this turns out to be a correct prediction, I fully expect the rest of you to acknowledge my psychic powers.

It's funny because Mudkips busts out his "I'm a scientist" line quite often. This is at least the second time this week he's busted it out.

I just assumed that everyone else had already figured out that everything Mudkips says is wrong.

 

[way more]

I just assumed that everyone else had already figured out that everything Mudkips says is wrong.

Yeah, but it's still fun to make fun of him.

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

The psychic's livelihood relies on the human mind's instinctual need to create connections between objects and events. It's why we feel guilt when we think we could have prevented something. We're constantly looking for cause and effect, and we're always trying to make our environment make sense.

"The psychic told me I'd get in trouble with the law" and then you get pulled over for speeding is just your brain trying to rationalize the two events. They're connected. It's like tagging keywords on blog posts. Your brain tagged both events with "police." You made the connection. The psychic wins because now you believe it. If you never ended up getting pulled over, you would have never made any connection and would have just forgotten the psychic ever even predicted that, but because it happened, you rationalized it quickly. You stop considering coincidence because you're thinking that the prediction has to be proven by something.

 

[Cubsfan23]

Steve is a common name, and if you hadn't had an uncle named Steve you'd have had one named Sean or Seth or something she could claim was what she was sensing. As for the girl, the real question did she say you'd meet her because you would, or are you with her because she told you you'd be. Good job, you let a fraud dictate who you'd date!

:lol :lol :lol @ you writing it off for it being a common name......like there's only a few common names out there

 

[Liu Kang Baking A Pie]

"Uncle Steve" was a perfect guess. What would have happened if that psychic guessed the wrong name? You would have corrected them with a closely connected idea. They're betting that you will, because you want them to be right and not a scam. "No, but I do have an uncle named Stanley." "Yes, that's right, Stanley." And the conversation would have continued along the same path as before.

It's interesting how we perceive lucky guesses as totally lucky guesses when we do it ourselves, but if someone else does it, we think they had a power or way of knowing. We're rationalizing it. If you make a totally lucky guess on a school test and get it right, you're thinking "ha, awesome." If the psychic makes a totally lucky guess, we're thinking "fuck, this person is for real." No, they just nailed the guess just as you did when you correctly pulled something out of your ass on school tests. In the school example, the teacher didn't know you didn't study, so the teacher perceives it as you having known the right answer all along. Psychics are hoping you perceive their wild guesses as legit knowledge as well.

 

[ckohler]

A curse is such a ridiculously ill-defined example of supernatural powers. It's just saying "something bad will happen to Joe because I decree it." Well, duh. Bad shit happens all the time wether people will it so or not.

Nothing will come of this because it's impossible for there to be any conclusive link between the events and the curse. Even if all the people getting cursed got onto the same bus at the same time and that bus exploded ten seconds after she curses these people, the gasoline in the tank of the bus would STILL have contributed more to the event occurring than her voodoo powers.

 

[JumpJeff84]

"Uncle Steve" was a perfect guess. What would have happened if that psychic guessed the wrong name? You would have corrected them with a closely connected idea. They're betting that you will, because you want them to be right and not a scam. "No, but I do have an uncle named Stanley." "Yes, that's right, Stanley." And the conversation would have continued along the same path as before.

It's interesting how we perceive lucky guesses as totally lucky guesses when we do it ourselves, but if someone else does it, we think they had a power or way of knowing. We're rationalizing it. If you make a totally lucky guess on a school test and get it right, you're thinking "ha, awesome." If the psychic makes a totally lucky guess, we're thinking "fuck, this person is for real." No, they just nailed the guess just as you did when you correctly pulled something out of your ass on school tests. In the school example, the teacher didn't know you didn't study, so the teacher perceives it as you having known the right answer all along. Psychics are hoping you perceive their wild guesses as legit knowledge as well.

I agree that a lot of so-called psychics do this, but not in all cases. Like any profession, there are bad ones and good ones. I think fake psychics are just pretty common because it's a very small percentage of people who really have any powers.

I'm not stupid...I know that the vast majority of psychics are completely phony, and I understand the concept of cold reading. I do know that there are certain dark forces out there however, and that some people can reach out to them. Gina's one of the real ones.

 

[Stalfos]

All psychics are phony you are deluding yourself.

 

[Mudkips]

I just assumed that everyone else had already figured out that everything Mudkips says is wrong.

Ha. I am a scientist.
Give me a list of all factual statements I have made, and then show me how many of them are wrong. Being a cold logical asshole who disagrees with GAF's ideals and political views doesn't make me wrong.

And this thread clearly is about people just shitting on any possibility of anything existing beyond their myopic view of the world.

 

[Wickerbasket]

I agree that a lot of so-called psychics do this, but not in all cases. Like any profession, there are bad ones and good ones. I think fake psychics are just pretty common because it's a very small percentage of people who really have any powers.

I'm not stupid...I know that the vast majority of psychics are completely phony, and I understand the concept of cold reading. I do know that there are certain dark forces out there however, and that some people can reach out to them. Gina's one of the real ones.

I think it's pretty cool that you believe in this despite all evidence to the contrary. It's very rare nowadays to meet someone who still has the imagination and will to believe in the unbelievable.

Some people may say you're a fool for believing, but I bet your world's a lot more colourful because of it.

Spoiler

I want to believe in Karma, there's no evidence to support it but I feel my life is more interesting believing in it than not. That's probably how a lot of religious folk feel.

 

[JumpJeff84]

I think it's pretty cool that you believe in this despite all evidence to the contrary. It's very rare nowadays to meet someone who still has the imagination and will to believe in the unbelievable.

Some people may say you're a fool for believing, but I bet your world's a lot more colourful because of it.

Spoiler

I want to believe in Karma, there's no evidence to support it but I feel my life is more interesting believing in it than not. That's probably how a lot of religious folk feel.

Thanks. But I believe what I believe based on things I've seen and experienced, not because I want to.

 

[besada]

Ha. I am a scientist.

Yes, and I believe that. See, we can both tell ridiculous lies on the internet.

 

[way more]

double post. So here is a picture of a unicorn in outer space.

 

[impirius]

I'd like a curse!

Please mention to Gina that the more specific the effects and timeframe of the curse are, the better. "The grass in your yard will die on Tuesday" is a lot better than "something bad will happen to you this week".

If this works out, we can set up a controlled experiment and prove beyond a doubt that these powers are real. A curse is a small price to pay for a potential breakthrough!

 

[CharlieDigital]

Ha. I am a scientist.

Is it just me or does Mudkips sound like he's 12 in anyone else's mental image of him?

Mudkips: perhaps you'd be so kind as to provide a published paper?

 

[way more]

Ha. I am a scientist.
Give me a list of all factual statements I have made, and then show me how many of them are wrong. Being a cold logical asshole who disagrees with GAF's ideals and political views doesn't make me wrong.

And this thread clearly is about people just shitting on any possibility of anything existing beyond their myopic view of the world.

I think the jump from "people used to believe in the world was flat," to "ESP and psychics are real" is the absence of logic. And lolz at saying mysticism is a political view.

Haha, and "myopic world view." Yeah, because traveling abroad and studying other cultures would prove that fairies are real. Quit trying to make not believing in elves a hate crime. It's offensive to people that are harnessed for actual bigotry.

 

[Wickerbasket]

Thanks. But I believe what I believe based on things I've seen and experienced, not because I want to.

That's what I mean though, it's like people who've seen ghosts/aliens etc and, instead of focusing on hard facts, they just go with what they believe to be true through experience.

It's admirable, that in an age when Science is slowing trampling over mythology with hard facts, that people can still cling to more adventurous ideas. I love reading about conspiracy theories, aliens, monsters and such because I believe the possibility of something like that existing makes the world a more interesting place.

That doesn't mean I believe in any of them personally, but the possibility being there is always interesting.

 

[besada]

Is it just me or does Mudkips sound like he's 12 in anyone else's mental image of him?

Mudkips: perhaps you'd be so kind as to provide a published paper?

I assumed he was fourteen. If he really is an adult, that's even more terrifying.

 

[JumpJeff84]

Updated List

1. Shandeus
2. Josephdebono
3. Forearms
4. Leunam
5. Kave_Man
6. Besada
7. Chichikov
8. Hilbert
9. Haunted
10. NGAMER9
11. Majik
12. Ad Infinitum
13. Ri'Orius
14. LabouredSubterfuge
15. Ourobolus
16. TheBlackKing
17. mac
18. impirius

 

[EatChildren]

And this thread clearly is about people just shitting on any possibility of anything existing beyond their myopic view of the world.

There exists no experimental environments and tests that have concluded or shown positive evidence to suggest the existence of psychic phenomenon, and there is a mountain of variables suggesting it does not exist at all.

That, to me, is a pretty goddamn rational scientific stance.

 

[CharlieDigital]

There exists no experimental environments and tests that have concluded or shown positive evidence to suggest the existence of psychic phenomenon, and there is a mountain of variables suggesting it does not exist at all.

That, to me, is a pretty goddamn rational scientific stance.

But he's a scientist!

I assumed he was fourteen.

Close!

 

[Dude Abides]

If anyone gets worried about their curse, I have a collection of rocks that will dispel curses. I'm charging $50 apiece plus shipping. I suggest you order one ASAP so it gets to you before noon PST. When you feel no effects from the curse, you'll know my rock worked!

 

[PflargBlarg]

This thread is great. Whoomp, please tell Gina to curse me when you go to your apartment. I'm really looking forward to it.

I want to be cursed so that this can be proven. If it's some vague kind of curse I'm going to call bullshit on it.

 

[Wickerbasket]

If anyone gets worried about their curse, I have a collection of rocks that will dispel curses. I'm charging $50 apiece plus shipping. I suggest you order one ASAP so it gets to you before noon PST. When you feel no effects from the curse, you'll know my rock worked!

I'm not cursed, but I'm scared of bears. Do you have any rocks that keep bears away? Preferably in the shape of a larger bear.

Edit: Someone should make a general supernatural thread, it'd be fun to read about random stuff like this all in one place. I would do it, but I don't trust myself to and I want to keep my thread making privileges.

 

[JumpJeff84]

This thread is great. Whoomp, please tell Gina to curse me when you go to your apartment. I'm really looking forward to it.

I want to be cursed so that this can be proven. If it's some vague kind of curse I'm going to call bullshit on it.

Go to my apartment? I'm not sure I follow....

I'll add you to the list, though.

Updated List

1. Shandeus
2. Josephdebono
3. Forearms
4. Leunam
5. Kave_Man
6. Besada
7. Chichikov
8. Hilbert
9. Haunted
10. NGAMER9
11. Majik
12. Ad Infinitum
13. Ri'Orius
14. LabouredSubterfuge
15. Ourobolus
16. TheBlackKing
17. mac
18. impirius
19. Wormdundee

 

[CharlieDigital]

The thought just occurred to me (and maybe this was already discussed in the thread) but how will Gina know who to curse based on their GAF handles?

What are the parameters that allow the curse to take effect? Does she need to know at least everyone's real name and have a picture (DeathNote-style)? Maybe a name is enough? Or is her spiritual power strong enough to overcome the obfuscation provided by GAF handles?

 

[Firehead]

Go to my apartment? I'm not sure I follow....

I'll add you to the list, though.

Throw me down for some freshly squeezed curse juice.

 

[JumpJeff84]

The thought just occurred to me (and maybe this was already discussed in the thread) but how will Gina know who to curse based on their GAF handles?

What are the parameters that allow the curse to take effect? Does she need to know at least everyone's real name and have a picture (DeathNote-style)? Maybe a name is enough? Or is her spiritual power strong enough to overcome the obfuscation provided by GAF handles?

Believe me, I will discuss all of this with her. If she tells me she can't do it, then so be it. I think she'll be capable though.

Updated List

1. Shandeus
2. Josephdebono
3. Forearms
4. Leunam
5. Kave_Man
6. Besada
7. Chichikov
8. Hilbert
9. Haunted
10. NGAMER9
11. Majik
12. Ad Infinitum
13. Ri'Orius
14. LabouredSubterfuge
15. Ourobolus
16. TheBlackKing
17. mac
18. impirius
19. Wormdundee
20. Firehead

 

[EatChildren]

I do want to clarify Whoompthereitis that if your psychic makes the mistake of accidentally cursing me in the attempt to curse one of the many other members accepting the curse then I will be contacting my gypsy and counter-cursing you for all the soul you have.

 

[Mr. B Natural]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_reading

Just watched these based on some posters on Gaf's recommendation and I found them fantastic and interesting -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btP_vy5cQq4

Seance -
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Part 5
Part 6

Messiah -
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

Part 8

Stuff still physiologically blowing my mind even when he occasionally explains what is happening. Does he have a show where he takes it one step at a time and explains how and why what happens happens and how he cold reads in depth?
I wonder if america would accept a show like this? I wonder how many millions of dollars Mr. Brown is passing up by not taking advantage of people with his ridiculous amount of skill in cold reading.

Oh and put me on your list there whoomp

 

[JumpJeff84]

Updated List

1. Shandeus
2. Josephdebono
3. Forearms
4. Leunam
5. Kave_Man
6. Besada
7. Chichikov
8. Hilbert
9. Haunted
10. NGAMER9
11. Majik
12. Ad Infinitum
13. Ri'Orius
14. LabouredSubterfuge
15. Ourobolus
16. TheBlackKing
17. mac
18. impirius
19. Wormdundee
20. Firehead
21. Mr. B Natural

 

[Chichikov]

Put me on the list where you ask for good things to happen to people.

GAF bigotry shows up again.

As a scientist, if there exists some means by which someone legitimately has psychic or other "supernatural" abilities, I sure as fuck want to know about it, study it, and utilize it.

Sure, 99.9999% of the shit is clearly a fraud, but there are many things that simply can't be explained by cold reading, luck, and a willingness to believe. I'm certainly no believer in any specific claims, but I'm open to the possibility. Just as The Great Randini is.

People used to adamantly believe the world was flat, that the earth was the center of the universe, that mechanical flight was impossible, that a nuclear bomb would consume the entire atmosphere, that the sound barrier could not be breached, that space travel was impossible, etc.

Today we're dealing with teleportation, entanglement, antimatter, quantum computing, etc. on a regular basis. This voodoo is so fucking weird most people don't even know that they should be impressed by it.

There are more things in heaven and earth, GAF, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

What sort of scientist?
Everything in your post tell me that you don't understand even the most basic concepts of the scientific method, so you may have a diploma and a job "in science" (though I seriously doubt it) but you my friend, are not a scientist.

By the way, I'm (among other things) a physics and math major, so feel free to use big words when explaining to me how I'm wrong.

Edit: Also, FYI, in the real world, people seldom define themselves as "scientist", you're a mathematician, biologist, chemist, physicist or whatever, I don't think I ever met someone who call themselves "a scientist" outside of a James Bond movie.

 

[CharlieDigital]

What sort of scientist?
Everything in your first post tell me that you don't understand the basic concepts of the scientific method, so you may have a diploma and a job "in science" (though I seriously doubt it) but you my friend, are not a scientist.

I would like to see any reference to his name in any scientific publication. This is the only way that I will accept his "I am a scientist" line. He can even be listed as a contributing author or research assistant or whatever.

 

[Ourobolus]

Could you move me to #13 on the list? I just want to make sure that I get extra attention.

 

[Chichikov]

Could you move me to #13 on the list? I just want to make sure that I get extra attention.

I'll trade down with you, but you'll need to throw in some expiring contract, 2nd round pick or something.

 

[ronito]

I fear it's too easy to say "Put your name on this list and something bad will happen to you!"

Shit son, bad stuff happens to people all the time.

Why not make it irrefutable? I mean she's got powers and all that.

Let's make some rules.

She has 3 days.
There needs to be chicken involved in some way.

Then we could know for sure.

Last thing I want to see is someone coming back and saying "I stubbed my toe it's true!!!"

 

[Leunam]

Last thing I want to see is someone coming back and saying "I stubbed my toe it's true!!!"

That was my plan. :lol

 

[ronito]

That was my plan. :lol

OMG you've been cursed already!!! All hail Gina!!

 

[SlasherJPC]

Hey Whomp. I have my thoughts on all this but I'm far from close minded. So I don't want to be cursed but it would be cool if you could get her to give me a reading based on my handle alone. But are you just handing out curses? lol if so DOH!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sestrugen]

The thought just occurred to me (and maybe this was already discussed in the thread) but how will Gina know who to curse based on their GAF handles?

What are the parameters that allow the curse to take effect? Does she need to know at least everyone's real name and have a picture (DeathNote-style)? Maybe a name is enough? Or is her spiritual power strong enough to overcome the obfuscation provided by GAF handles?

How dare you question Gina you infidel? She already knows every single one of you, she even knows about the people not on the list!

 

[DogWelder]

Ha. I am a scientist.
Give me a list of all factual statements I have made, and then show me how many of them are wrong. Being a cold logical asshole who disagrees with GAF's ideals and political views doesn't make me wrong.

And this thread clearly is about people just shitting on any possibility of anything existing beyond their myopic view of the world.

Really, you are a scientist? Because as far as I know, a scientist wouldn't go anywhere near the ethereal. Science is only concerned with observable phenomena, by definition. So no, you are not a scientist. You are just masquerading as one to give yourself credibility.

 

[opticalmace]

What sort of scientist?
Everything in your post tell me that you don't understand even the most basic concepts of the scientific method, so you may have a diploma and a job "in science" (though I seriously doubt it) but you my friend, are not a scientist.

By the way, I'm (among other things) a physics and math major, so feel free to use big words when explaining to me how I'm wrong.

Edit: Also, FYI, in the real world, people seldom define themselves as "scientist", you're a mathematician, biologist, chemist, physicist or whatever, I don't think I ever met someone who call themselves "a scientist" outside of a James Bond movie.

Agreed 100%. I am in a similar situation, and have worked with a lot of astronomers and physicists.

 

[sestrugen]

Really, you are a scientist? Because as far as I know, a scientist wouldn't go anywhere near the ethereal. Science is only concerned with observable phenomena, by definition. So no, you are not a scientist. You are just masquerading as one to give yourself credibility.

Maybe he carries himself as a paranormal scientist? :lol

 

[Ri'Orius]

Could you move me to #13 on the list? I just want to make sure that I get extra attention.

Hell no! I'm sure I earned that coveted #13 spot due to my misdeeds or something. It's karma or something, I'm sure of it.

 

[Forearms]

The thought just occurred to me (and maybe this was already discussed in the thread) but how will Gina know who to curse based on their GAF handles?

What are the parameters that allow the curse to take effect? Does she need to know at least everyone's real name and have a picture (DeathNote-style)? Maybe a name is enough? Or is her spiritual power strong enough to overcome the obfuscation provided by GAF handles?

I'm pretty sure something bad is going to happen to his arms... just saying.

 

[CharlieDigital]

Maybe he carries himself as a paranormal scientiest? :lol

His posts are ridiculously stupid, but I must admit to holding a shred of desire to meet him IRL to witness the wackiness, first hand as he struts around, acting all scientificky and always arguing everything from a position of absolute authority. Nearly everything he posts confounds me...

 

[Mystic Theurge]

Put me down on the curse list too.

 

[Jinaar]

*Checks if anyone died prematurely*

Nope. No one died too soon.

*Will check back on Saturday night*

 

[IZZO]

:lol

Put me down for a curse.

life is boring let's make it interesting.