Comments for The Amazing Show starring James Randi http://itricks.com/randishow The Amazing Show features world-famous skeptic James Randi. Sat, 23 May 2009 07:15:14 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 Comment on James Randi On “I’ve Got A Secret” by Brandon http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=39&cpage=1#comment-211 Brandon Sat, 23 May 2009 07:15:14 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=39#comment-211 The video won't play because it's set to private. Please check your privacy settings so that we may watch it. The video won’t play because it’s set to private. Please check your privacy settings so that we may watch it.

]]> Comment on Happy Days: Part One by Don Lacey http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=34&cpage=1#comment-166 Don Lacey Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:47:47 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=34#comment-166 Marion Ross! I did yell it at the computer. Tom Bosley was the "Dad" Marion Ross! I did yell it at the computer.
Tom Bosley was the “Dad”

]]> Comment on Why Do People Hate Skeptics? by erikh http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=33&cpage=1#comment-161 erikh Wed, 22 Oct 2008 06:35:55 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=33#comment-161 Hi Mr. Randi, I listened to your podcast excited to hear a new take on this position, and while I do find your answers well-moderated, I must admit these aren't new things. I would like to propose an alternate theory to this problem, which is just human nature at its best... Belief of this nature is so personal that it's impossible to dictate it with logic or reason. You can advocate it, but that's part of the problem; advocating a personal choice to people like it's the only logical option flies in the face of, well, a personal choice. In this way atheism (and to a lesser degree, raw skepticism) is a religion in that it intends to prove that its core belief is the only belief; and while that may be founded in logic and reason, it's not any less annoying to hear than someone who knocks on your door and tells you that their belief is any better.. And this goes much farther than religion.. For example, in the last few weeks I have met no less than 3 politicians running in my area trying to get my vote, and while being very polite about the whole subject, went to great lengths to sway my personal choice. I guess what I think you missed ultimately is the fact that you can tell people what atheism is, but when you start telling them that its the only real choice is when they hate it. We see this play out in religion all the time at grander scales, because religion has holy treasures that are often fiercely fought over; hell, the American Revolutionary War is a great example, even if it wasn't (in spirit) for a specific sect. Greater society typically ostracizes and protests (or worse) against political leaders who use religion as the foundation of their leadership; I would hope I don't have to name names here, but the point is hopefully clear... people like having this personal choice, it defines their moral compass, it defines (yes, even for atheists) who they are. Being able to logically define the origin or existence of something less personal is considerably detached in comparison. I also believe that the traditionally religious tend to view a faith as having morality and those who don't have a faith as amoral. Perhaps that is what you should be addressing -- this misconception -- instead of attempting to convince people that god doesn't exist. Ultimately people are judged on their behavior, but as I'm sure you know, first impressions count for a lot. I hope this is not too long, and I'm glad that a friend sent me over here, as I really enjoy what I've heard so far. Thank you for your organization and show! Hi Mr. Randi,

I listened to your podcast excited to hear a new take on this position, and while I do find your answers well-moderated, I must admit these aren’t new things.

I would like to propose an alternate theory to this problem, which is just human nature at its best…

Belief of this nature is so personal that it’s impossible to dictate it with logic or reason. You can advocate it, but that’s part of the problem; advocating a personal choice to people like it’s the only logical option flies in the face of, well, a personal choice.

In this way atheism (and to a lesser degree, raw skepticism) is a religion in that it intends to prove that its core belief is the only belief; and while that may be founded in logic and reason, it’s not any less annoying to hear than someone who knocks on your door and tells you that their belief is any better.. And this goes much farther than religion.. For example, in the last few weeks I have met no less than 3 politicians running in my area trying to get my vote, and while being very polite about the whole subject, went to great lengths to sway my personal choice.

I guess what I think you missed ultimately is the fact that you can tell people what atheism is, but when you start telling them that its the only real choice is when they hate it. We see this play out in religion all the time at grander scales, because religion has holy treasures that are often fiercely fought over; hell, the American Revolutionary War is a great example, even if it wasn’t (in spirit) for a specific sect.

Greater society typically ostracizes and protests (or worse) against political leaders who use religion as the foundation of their leadership; I would hope I don’t have to name names here, but the point is hopefully clear… people like having this personal choice, it defines their moral compass, it defines (yes, even for atheists) who they are.

Being able to logically define the origin or existence of something less personal is considerably detached in comparison. I also believe that the traditionally religious tend to view a faith as having morality and those who don’t have a faith as amoral. Perhaps that is what you should be addressing — this misconception — instead of attempting to convince people that god doesn’t exist. Ultimately people are judged on their behavior, but as I’m sure you know, first impressions count for a lot.

I hope this is not too long, and I’m glad that a friend sent me over here, as I really enjoy what I’ve heard so far. Thank you for your organization and show!

]]> Comment on The Magic Clown by Mike Dufort http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-157 Mike Dufort Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:08:38 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30#comment-157 The best answer I've come up with to "How are you?" is: "I'm not unwell, thank you." This confuses the questioner and gives you a chuckle at the same time watching them try to figure out what you said. The best answer I’ve come up with to “How are you?” is: “I’m not unwell, thank you.” This confuses the questioner and gives you a chuckle at the same time watching them try to figure out what you said.

]]> Comment on The Listener Mail Sampler by Niobe http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=31&cpage=1#comment-156 Niobe Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:25:27 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=31#comment-156 That's a succinct answer to the last question. As for the Crowley question, I believe Hubbard and him engaged in some sex Magick (TM) rituals and did some oldschool dark arts ceremonies together. If they were alive today I'm sure they would be emo-vampire kids with a myspace page. That’s a succinct answer to the last question.

As for the Crowley question, I believe Hubbard and him engaged in some sex Magick (TM) rituals and did some oldschool dark arts ceremonies together. If they were alive today I’m sure they would be emo-vampire kids with a myspace page.

]]> Comment on The Magic Clown by marxy http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-154 marxy Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:24:41 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30#comment-154 A great story, thanks. Can I request that you tell the story of the "Carlos" hoax that you organised here in Australia? A great story, thanks.

Can I request that you tell the story of the “Carlos” hoax that you organised here in Australia?

]]> Comment on The Magic Clown by Dave Stoddart http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30&cpage=1#comment-150 Dave Stoddart Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:37:31 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=30#comment-150 The Magic clown with James Randi deffinitly got a run in Australia when i was a kid!!!! Early to mid seventies. I have a memory of it starting with a shot of his face and as he turned his nose like a switch the colour changed. The Magic clown with James Randi deffinitly got a run in Australia when i was a kid!!!! Early to mid seventies. I have a memory of it starting with a shot of his face and as he turned his nose like a switch the colour changed.

]]> Comment on Dragon*Con by John C. Randolph http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28&cpage=1#comment-148 John C. Randolph Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:54:45 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28#comment-148 Good heavens! Nobody took The Amazing One to an SF con before this? Someone is certainly remiss. I'm astounded that Asimov never got you to a con. I've always thought of SF fandom as what Mensa was always trying to be: a social venue where you can have an intelligent conversation on pretty much any topic at all. -jcr Good heavens! Nobody took The Amazing One to an SF con before this? Someone is certainly remiss. I’m astounded that Asimov never got you to a con.

I’ve always thought of SF fandom as what Mensa was always trying to be: a social venue where you can have an intelligent conversation on pretty much any topic at all.

-jcr

]]> Comment on Dragon*Con by Applicant http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28&cpage=1#comment-147 Applicant Sun, 21 Sep 2008 18:47:21 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28#comment-147 It appears that Randi is still vocalizing falsehoods even through Alison Michelle Smith of the JREF corrected him several days before and posted the truth on the JREF Forum. This podcast is documented proof that Randi is NOT telling the TRUTH. I will be the very first to buy the DVD of DragonCon! It appears that Randi is still vocalizing falsehoods even through Alison Michelle Smith of the JREF corrected him several days before and posted the truth on the JREF Forum. This podcast is documented proof that Randi is NOT telling the TRUTH.
I will be the very first to buy the DVD of DragonCon!

]]> Comment on Dragon*Con by Squid http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28&cpage=1#comment-146 Squid Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:47:36 +0000 http://itricks.com/randishow/?p=28#comment-146 My best friend is the gentleman that Mr. Randi mentions having breakfast with who has acromegly. He felt quite honored to be having breakfast with Mr. Randi, and talked about it at quite some legnth afterwards. I just wanted to thank him for that wonderful experience. It means a lot to both him, and myself. Thank you again. Squid (The cult survivor from the 1st panel.) My best friend is the gentleman that Mr. Randi mentions having breakfast with who has acromegly. He felt quite honored to be having breakfast with Mr. Randi, and talked about it at quite some legnth afterwards. I just wanted to thank him for that wonderful experience. It means a lot to both him, and myself. Thank you again.

Squid
(The cult survivor from the 1st panel.)

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