[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 483: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/bbcode.php on line 112: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is no longer supported, use preg_replace_callback instead
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4752: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4754: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4755: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/includes/functions.php on line 4756: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at [ROOT]/includes/functions.php:3887)
$1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever : JREF / Randi Challenge • SCEPCOP Forum








View Active Topics          View Your Posts          Latest 100 Topics          Switch to Mobile

$1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Discussions about the James Randi Educational Foundation and its Million Dollar Challenge.

$1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby really? » 10 Mar 2011, 08:05

Note Banachek now oversees the Challenge

Written by Sadie Crabtree
Wednesday, 09 March 2011 15:29

Rules changed to encourage new applications and ensure anyone with actual paranormal abilities could win the million-dollar prize

Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.—The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) announced on Wednesday that the organization’s famed Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge would be opened to more new applicants, with a lower bar for entry. The JREF holds $1 million in an investment account at a New York financial firm1, ready to be awarded to anyone who can demonstrate a paranormal ability under fair conditions that prevent fraud or error. The prize has grown from just $1,000 since it was established more than 40 years ago by magician and skeptic James Randi, and it has yet to be claimed.

Before today, applicants for the prize were required to submit press clippings and a letter from an academic to demonstrate the seriousness of their application. Now, applicants will only have to submit one or the other—demonstrating that somewhere, at some point in time, some independent person has taken their claim seriously. Applicants who cannot provide this evidence have a new, third option: submitting a public video that demonstrates their ability. The JREF will choose some of these video applications for further testing. This option gives potential applicants without media or academic documentation a way to be considered for testing, and allows the JREF to use online video and social media to reach an even wider audience with the Challenge.

[Read the new rules] http://www.randi.org/site/1m-challenge/ ... pplication

“We have a longstanding commitment to investigate paranormal claims in a fair and scientific way,” JREF President D.J. Grothe said. “The Million Dollar Challenge is a tool that people everywhere can use to evaluate paranormal and pseudoscientific claims, by asking, ‘if this claim were true, why hasn’t someone proven it and won the million?’ We hope the changes announced today will make it even more effective.”

Although those offering the prize are skeptical of all claims of psychic powers, and every applicant tested so far has failed, the tests are designed to be easy for any genuine psychic to pass. Professional statisticians and scientists work with applicants to develop tests that minimize the possibility of charlatans winning by mere chance, while also minimizing the possibility of any actual psychic losing by “bad luck.”

“Some applicants have agreed on what we all considered to be fair rules for the test, failed, and then said the tests were too hard,” said Banachek, director of the JREF’s Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge and one of the world’s leading mentalists. “But our tests are always winnable if you’re a psychic who can really do what you claim. Even if your third eye isn’t 20/20, or you’re an astrologer whose stars aren’t the brightest in the sky, we will work with you to develop a protocol that you can pass if your claimed ability is real.”

Notes:

1. Statement, Evercore Wealth Management
really?
 
Posts: 1009
Joined: 06 Mar 2010, 20:58

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby derrida » 11 Mar 2011, 04:39

Perfect!!
cant wait

i hope to see a parade of whackos..
but it will be awesome if at least one.. can actually prove he has some ability outside of the conventional
derrida
 
Posts: 308
Joined: 08 Oct 2010, 04:29

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby VAWT » 05 Aug 2011, 10:16

Is the challenge still to be tested without the presence of scientists as I interpretate what is meant in the challenge rules? Then why is James at TED conferences which are lectured by scientists?

What is the real purpose of the James Randi challenge other than what appears to by a niche for debunkers to make money as guest speakers at science conventions?
User avatar
VAWT
 
Posts: 21
Joined: 01 Dec 2010, 23:50

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Arouet » 05 Aug 2011, 11:01

Huh? It's not only scientists who lecture at TED. what on earth are you talking about? What a weird bump.
User avatar
Arouet
 
Posts: 2544
Joined: 07 Aug 2010, 03:07

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Craig Browning » 05 Aug 2011, 20:17

User avatar
Craig Browning
 
Posts: 1526
Joined: 13 Feb 2010, 05:20
Location: Northampton, MA

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Arouet » 05 Aug 2011, 20:28

Craig: do you think someone should have won but didn't because Randi stepped in and pretended they didn't pass when in fact they did? If so, put the example forward and let's discuss it.

(and please, no tl/dr post filled with generalizations: put something specific on the table!)
User avatar
Arouet
 
Posts: 2544
Joined: 07 Aug 2010, 03:07

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby really? » 06 Aug 2011, 20:47

really?
 
Posts: 1009
Joined: 06 Mar 2010, 20:58

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Craig Browning » 06 Aug 2011, 20:57

User avatar
Craig Browning
 
Posts: 1526
Joined: 13 Feb 2010, 05:20
Location: Northampton, MA

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Arouet » 06 Aug 2011, 21:12

Craig: it's not playing fetch to ask someone to back-up their claim.

"it's a long list of folks, we both know this" is not evidence. Put forward an example, and let's see how Randi measures up. You've suggested that people should have won the challenge but Randi pretended then didn't meet the test: let's see an example.
User avatar
Arouet
 
Posts: 2544
Joined: 07 Aug 2010, 03:07

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby NinjaPuppy » 07 Aug 2011, 00:37

User avatar
NinjaPuppy
 
Posts: 4002
Joined: 28 Jul 2009, 20:44

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby ProfWag » 07 Aug 2011, 04:45

User avatar
ProfWag
 
Posts: 3847
Joined: 05 Aug 2009, 03:54

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby really? » 07 Aug 2011, 06:45

really?
 
Posts: 1009
Joined: 06 Mar 2010, 20:58

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Craig Browning » 07 Aug 2011, 23:49

No, you assume such.

I know of these things but do not know the exact place to put my hands on the details, I simply don't keep such material on hand or more accurately, I don't keep it as organized and ready to access as I probably should (given that what I do have has been saved for book research). On top of this, my mind simply don't work well enough these days to keep abreast of such. . . I have far more important things to focus on right now and can't juggle such distractions.

Eventually I hope to fill in all these blanks, but it won't be anytime soon. Sorry.
User avatar
Craig Browning
 
Posts: 1526
Joined: 13 Feb 2010, 05:20
Location: Northampton, MA

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby Arouet » 08 Aug 2011, 00:18

Fine, then why make the accusation? Or at least provide the disclaimer that you can't back it up.

However, I'm a little suspicious that you can't remember any details about a supposed testing for the MDC where the person passed the agreed upon test and then Randi arbitrarily declared that they hadn't. And I've never heard any of Randi's other critics bring up such a case.

What we have heard of are cases that never got to the testing stage because an agreement on protocol could not be reached. Perhaps that's what you meant.
User avatar
Arouet
 
Posts: 2544
Joined: 07 Aug 2010, 03:07

Re: $1,000,000 Paranormal Challenge Now Easier Than Ever

Postby ProfWag » 08 Aug 2011, 00:28

User avatar
ProfWag
 
Posts: 3847
Joined: 05 Aug 2009, 03:54

Next

Return to JREF / Randi Challenge

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests

cron