In Which I Actually Feel Kinda Bad...But Only a Little
When you've got some time, take a look at this entry over at Skepchick, and the accompanying video clips.
Derek Ogilvie, the so-called "Baby Whisperer," who can allegedly receive telepathic images from babies, and has made a bundle of money selling his interpreting services from frustrated parents, has taken James Randi's Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge.
For those that don't know, James Randi, a prominent mentalist of the past, and life-long skeptic, has dedicated his later life to exposing frauds, but also has offered $1,000,000 to anyone who can prove that they do have a paranormal ability through an actual scientific test. Randi's group designs the tests, and (SPOILER ALERT) to date, nobody has ever passed a test displaying more than success by random chance.
Well, BBC recently aired a special documenting Ogilvie's test, and at first glance, it would appear that he's not an outright fraud, but is also incredibly self-deluded. Which is a shame, as I much prefer to see the frauds crushed.
At any rate, I've watched the first couple of parts of the special, and it's quite interesting. I recommend a quick watch.
Derek Ogilvie, the so-called "Baby Whisperer," who can allegedly receive telepathic images from babies, and has made a bundle of money selling his interpreting services from frustrated parents, has taken James Randi's Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge.
For those that don't know, James Randi, a prominent mentalist of the past, and life-long skeptic, has dedicated his later life to exposing frauds, but also has offered $1,000,000 to anyone who can prove that they do have a paranormal ability through an actual scientific test. Randi's group designs the tests, and (SPOILER ALERT) to date, nobody has ever passed a test displaying more than success by random chance.
Well, BBC recently aired a special documenting Ogilvie's test, and at first glance, it would appear that he's not an outright fraud, but is also incredibly self-deluded. Which is a shame, as I much prefer to see the frauds crushed.
At any rate, I've watched the first couple of parts of the special, and it's quite interesting. I recommend a quick watch.