Faith-Healer 'John of God' featured on CNN's AC360

chainlink · 23rd December 2010, 02:30 AM

CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviews Oprah Winfrey's hand-picked "skeptics" who went to see faith-healer 'John of God'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxF8ROlrDSs

@ 3:00 in the video:

Dr. Sanjay Gupta:

"A lot of people out there claim that these types of things that John of God are doing is just quackery, just sleight of hand ... "

Dr Jeff Rediger, M.D.:

"I do believe that some of what goes on down there is sleight of hand, I also believe however, there are things that happen that cannot be explained by sleight of hand, so I have come to believe, somewhat reluctantly, and with difficulty figuring out how to accommodate this in my world view, that the world is a more mysterious place than I had understood."

I think it's amazing that in this day and age, educated people -- faced with something they can't easily figure out -- (even if from a known trickster) will automatically attribute it as possibly supernatural.

One would think that in the 30+ years that this world-famous faith-healer has been in operation, there must have been at least some degree of objective analysis of his incredible claims. But this news show seems to treat him as if he is some complete unknown who just stepped into the limelight: a newly discovered 'phenomenon' that deserves additional study.It's a shame that CNN could not find a real skeptic to go on the show opposite these two gullible people.

So, the show leads us to believe, that because this stage performer has apparently not (yet) been 100% dis-proven, his claims of paranormal ability need to be taken seriously.

Resume · 23rd December 2010, 06:21 AM

Can't the nitwit producers of these shows apply Google to the word skeptic? Almost any mouse-click would yield a better choice than the ones they put on the air.

LTC8K6 · 23rd December 2010, 06:36 AM

Originally Posted by Resume

Can't the nitwit producers of these shows apply Google to the word skeptic? Almost any mouse-click would yield a better choice than the ones they put on the air.

They want viewers...and they know exactly what they are doing and who they are putting on the air.

Resume · 23rd December 2010, 06:46 AM

Originally Posted by LTC8K6

They want viewers...and they know exactly what they are doing and who they are putting on the air.

While that's certainly true, doesn't AC360 pander a tad less than Oprah's crew?

Sledge · 23rd December 2010, 08:56 AM

Why would I take a medical doctor's word on whether something is sleight of hand? So stupid.

KingMerv00 · 23rd December 2010, 08:59 AM

What John of God does isn't magic tricks, it's flat out ********. He jams metal objects up noses, shines lights, scrapes eyeballs, and makes incisions in a non-sterile environment. John of God doesn't have enough self-respect to learn something as cool as sleight of hand.

skepticalbeliever · 23rd December 2010, 01:12 PM

I was just going to post this. Why doesn't the harvard educated professor present his information in a scientific way? I mean, it should be easy to prove what powers John of God has or doesn't have. I would like to see it.

He hinted there was evidence people were being healed, but didn't show any lol.

My uncle's friend took their child to him. The child suffers from all kinds of debilitating problems from what I know. I don't know what ones exactly. But the kid was not healed or cured by John of God.

Skeptic Ginger · 23rd December 2010, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by skepticalbeliever

I was just going to post this. Why doesn't the harvard educated professor present his information in a scientific way? I mean, it should be easy to prove what powers John of God has or doesn't have. I would like to see it.

He hinted there was evidence people were being healed, but didn't show any lol......

It is a mistake to think an intelligent educated person, even a practicing neurosurgeon like Gupta, have learned much about rational and irrational views of the Universe.

On the other hand, a physician has a dilemma when it comes to challenging false beliefs. If one is too blunt the patient will leave and fail to be helped by scientific evidence based medicine. So quite often physicians adopt the position of not challenging people's beliefs.

wardenclyffe · 23rd December 2010, 02:31 PM

Remember, Gupta is also a proponent of "Facilitated Communication" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_communication).

Ward

chainlink · 23rd December 2010, 02:43 PM

We can be sure it was no accident that only "woo-woo" people were picked to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show. It seems that these TV shows always manage to dredge up some doctorate-degreed kook, who can then be paraded about, as if to dress up these wacky ideas with the stamp of legitimacy.

One would think that virtually every MD would recognize such things as placebo effect, controlled studies, and the concept of efficacy - all things related to standard scientific methodologies.

But such rational thinking is alien to Dr. Jeff Rediger. Instead he spouts the nonsense of thinking "Gee, I can't figure it out -- It might very well be magic."

The sad part is that these irrational "kook doctors" like Jeff Rediger can enjoy a rich career on the TV talk show circuit, a place where any normal, level-headed MD would rarely - if ever - appear.

Originally Posted by Skeptic Ginger

On the other hand, a physician has a dilemma when it comes to challenging false beliefs. If one is too blunt the patient will leave and fail to be helped by scientific evidence based medicine. So quite often physicians adopt the position of not challenging people's beliefs.

Another factor is that the "alternative medicine" industry has for a long time has been filling people's heads with loud accusations that all doctors are corrupt (not just "ignorant"), and the FDA and drug companies conspire to run a scam. Many people seem to believe this, and refuse to trust the official medical establishment. And for those in the middle, MDs must be careful they don't do anything to alienate them, and push them squarely into the fold of quack medicine.

HumanityBlues · 25th December 2010, 01:30 AM

I know I shouldn't be surprised by these things. Long story short, a reporter from CNN went down to South America to witness a supposed faith healer, and appears totally smitten. I guess there really is a sucker born every minute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fg269kzIiE

ETA: Here is James Randi's take on the guy. I had never heard of him before today.

Mojo · 25th December 2010, 02:49 AM

Ah, well, if you mention "God", you see, it means it is religion and not woo, right?

For example, yesterday when I switched on the telly I caught a few seconds of a children's programme explaining the origins of the Christmas tree - they said it wasn't really part of the traditional British Christmas, but was an imported German tradition, "based on a superstition".

MattusMaximus · 25th December 2010, 09:06 PM

This is one reason why I no longer watch TV or cable

George II · 26th December 2010, 01:31 PM

I love this kind of "quality" journalism. The more I read about it the more disgusted I get. The thing that irritates me most about cases like this, is that so many people seem to think that they are too rational or too educated to be fooled by woo, and therefore, the BS they were fed with simply can't be woo.

Emet · 26th December 2010, 01:59 PM

Dr. Jeff is not just any old psychiatrist.

Quote:

Clinical Interests: Interdisciplinary interests in psychiatry and religion
Bio: Dr. Rediger is medical director at McLean Hospital Southeast, and an instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and publishes in the fields of medicine, psychiatry and spirituality. He is medical director of the Institute for Psychological & Spiritual Development in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

At least Dr. Sanjay isn't the current Surgeon General. Science-Based Medicine rated his book a 5 on the quackometer scale.

stilicho · 27th December 2010, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by HumanityBlues

I know I shouldn't be surprised by these things. Long story short, a reporter from CNN went down to South America to witness a supposed faith healer, and appears totally smitten. I guess there really is a sucker born every minute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fg269kzIiE

ETA: Here is James Randi's take on the guy. I had never heard of him before today.

These media outlets should try harder to differentiate between entertainment (or even advertising) and news or investigation. I guess the public really wants their investigative reporting to be in the form of anecdotes, glorification of flim-flam, and supernatural explanations for ordinary magic tricks.

I know it's anecdotal but here's something written by someone on Oprah's blog:

Posted: Tue 12/14/2010 9:40 PM

wintryweather : I personally know a boy, diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer at age 11, who visited John of God twice. Both times John told him emphatically - without any hesitation or conditions - that the boy would be healed. He was not, and died this past spring at the age of 13. Do you not see that J of G has rigged it so he is always right? If someone improves, or is healed, he takes credit even if they were seeking more conventional medical treatment, as many do. If the person dies, J of G can claim that it's because they didn't do their "40%" as he mentions in the article. He's covered either way. It's a scam!

( Source: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Spiritua...od-Susan-Casey )

George II · 27th December 2010, 08:28 AM

There appears to be two threads on this subject. Here is the other one:
http://www.internationalskeptics.com...d.php?t=195627

Kopji · 27th December 2010, 03:40 PM

Aargh.

I guess what bothers me is the message that 'John of God' represents a viable alternative to traditional medical care - especially for the poor. I don't see lines of wealthy people lining up, abandoning their cat scans and hospital care. Is this Oprah's personal doctor? Oh no but what a blessing he must be for those unfortunates who can't afford regular health care.

Encouragement to superstitious nonsense by those who should know better.

wardenclyffe · 27th December 2010, 04:21 PM

This is the subject of Randi's latest SWIFT entry:
http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/...r-blunder.html

Ward

Bikewer · 27th December 2010, 06:41 PM

I'm surprised that almost no one has mentioned that "John of God" is perpetrating almost exactly the same sort of quackery as his predecessor, "Arigo" or "Arigo of the rusty knife".

Yes, the very same eyeball scraping, rusty-knife incising.... Etc. All about 35 years ago when a credulous book was produced under the title "Arigo of the Rusty Knife".

His particular scam included the generation of unintelligible "prescriptions" written on scraps of paper. No one could read them...Except for his brother, the pharmacist. A few bottles filled with colored water sold for outrageous prices furnished the money aspect of the scam.

HumanityBlues · 28th December 2010, 01:54 AM

Originally Posted by Bikewer

I'm surprised that almost no one has mentioned that "John of God" is perpetrating almost exactly the same sort of quackery as his predecessor, "Arigo" or "Arigo of the rusty knife".

Yes, the very same eyeball scraping, rusty-knife incising.... Etc. All about 35 years ago when a credulous book was produced under the title "Arigo of the Rusty Knife".

His particular scam included the generation of unintelligible "prescriptions" written on scraps of paper. No one could read them...Except for his brother, the pharmacist. A few bottles filled with colored water sold for outrageous prices furnished the money aspect of the scam.

That one faith healer guy that James Randi caught in the 70s getting info through his ear piece (can't remember his name) was back at it again like 20 years later. These things are forgotten pretty fast.

I don't know what it is about this CNN clip, but it makes me madder than hell.

Wrathernaut · 28th December 2010, 04:26 AM

Originally Posted by HumanityBlues

That one faith healer guy that James Randi caught in the 70s getting info through his ear piece (can't remember his name) was back at it again like 20 years later. These things are forgotten pretty fast.

I don't know what it is about this CNN clip, but it makes me madder than hell.

That would be Peter Popoff.

He sells Miracle Water now.

Ormsby · 28th December 2010, 01:47 PM

The popular media has one simple mission - to make money. It does this by attracting readers/viewers because lots of readers/viewers = increased advertising revenues.
News editors and producers know very well that the vast bulk of the population is both supersticious, suggestible and more than willing to believe in the paranormal.
They know that the debunking of faith healers, psychics, religious leaders and such like has limited appeal.
Most people want to be astounded. Most people want to believe something's going on that boring old science can't explain. The editors/producers know this because they themselves have the same needs, or their family and friends do.
There's a saying in journalism: Know when to stop asking questions.
Standing a story up is what's important - and standing up a story that's got the ingredients to attract readers/viewers can be a matter of survival in a very compettive industry.
Finding out the truth of a matter is simply not on the agenda if it means a "good" story may fall flat.

Puppycow · 28th December 2010, 05:49 PM

Originally Posted by Resume

While that's certainly true, doesn't AC360 pander a tad less than Oprah's crew?

Apparently not.

23rd December 2010, 02:30 AM	#1
chainlink Scholar Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 97	Faith-Healer 'John of God' featured on CNN's AC360 CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta interviews Oprah Winfrey's hand-picked "skeptics" who went to see faith-healer 'John of God' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxF8ROlrDSs @ 3:00 in the video: Dr. Sanjay Gupta: "A lot of people out there claim that these types of things that John of God are doing is just quackery, just sleight of hand ... " Dr Jeff Rediger, M.D.: "I do believe that some of what goes on down there is sleight of hand, I also believe however, there are things that happen that cannot be explained by sleight of hand, so I have come to believe, somewhat reluctantly, and with difficulty figuring out how to accommodate this in my world view, that the world is a more mysterious place than I had understood." I think it's amazing that in this day and age, educated people -- faced with something they can't easily figure out -- (even if from a known trickster) will automatically attribute it as possibly supernatural. One would think that in the 30+ years that this world-famous faith-healer has been in operation, there must have been at least some degree of objective analysis of his incredible claims. But this news show seems to treat him as if he is some complete unknown who just stepped into the limelight: a newly discovered 'phenomenon' that deserves additional study.It's a shame that CNN could not find a real skeptic to go on the show opposite these two gullible people. So, the show leads us to believe, that because this stage performer has apparently not (yet) been 100% dis-proven, his claims of paranormal ability need to be taken seriously.
chainlink Scholar Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 97	Last edited by chainlink; 23rd December 2010 at 02:32 AM.

23rd December 2010, 06:36 AM	#3
LTC8K6 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Directly under a deadly chemtrail Posts: 21,423	Originally Posted by Resume Can't the nitwit producers of these shows apply Google to the word skeptic? Almost any mouse-click would yield a better choice than the ones they put on the air. They want viewers...and they know exactly what they are doing and who they are putting on the air.
	__________________ What a fool believes, no wise man has the power to reason away. What seems to be, is always better than nothing. 2 prints, same midtarsal crock..., I mean break?

23rd December 2010, 08:56 AM	#5
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7,114	Why would I take a medical doctor's word on whether something is sleight of hand? So stupid.
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 7,114	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

23rd December 2010, 01:12 PM	#7
skepticalbeliever Thinker Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 201	I was just going to post this. Why doesn't the harvard educated professor present his information in a scientific way? I mean, it should be easy to prove what powers John of God has or doesn't have. I would like to see it. He hinted there was evidence people were being healed, but didn't show any lol. My uncle's friend took their child to him. The child suffers from all kinds of debilitating problems from what I know. I don't know what ones exactly. But the kid was not healed or cured by John of God.
skepticalbeliever Thinker Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 201

23rd December 2010, 02:31 PM	#9
wardenclyffe Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,333	Remember, Gupta is also a proponent of "Facilitated Communication" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facilitated_communication). Ward
	__________________ ~~Na eth'er aa, ammre' en ank'aar'eith, d'emner'aa-, asd'reng'aather, em'n'err-aae...~ - Alenara Al'Kher'aat, aged 347

23rd December 2010, 06:21 AM	#2
Resume Troublesome Passenger Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 21,599	Can't the nitwit producers of these shows apply Google to the word skeptic? Almost any mouse-click would yield a better choice than the ones they put on the air.

23rd December 2010, 06:46 AM	#4
Resume Troublesome Passenger Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 21,599	Originally Posted by LTC8K6 They want viewers...and they know exactly what they are doing and who they are putting on the air. While that's certainly true, doesn't AC360 pander a tad less than Oprah's crew?

23rd December 2010, 08:59 AM	#6
KingMerv00 Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 14,459	What John of God does isn't magic tricks, it's flat out ********. He jams metal objects up noses, shines lights, scrapes eyeballs, and makes incisions in a non-sterile environment. John of God doesn't have enough self-respect to learn something as cool as sleight of hand.

23rd December 2010, 02:15 PM	#8
Skeptic Ginger Nasty Woman Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 93,858	Originally Posted by skepticalbeliever I was just going to post this. Why doesn't the harvard educated professor present his information in a scientific way? I mean, it should be easy to prove what powers John of God has or doesn't have. I would like to see it. He hinted there was evidence people were being healed, but didn't show any lol...... It is a mistake to think an intelligent educated person, even a practicing neurosurgeon like Gupta, have learned much about rational and irrational views of the Universe. On the other hand, a physician has a dilemma when it comes to challenging false beliefs. If one is too blunt the patient will leave and fail to be helped by scientific evidence based medicine. So quite often physicians adopt the position of not challenging people's beliefs.

23rd December 2010, 02:43 PM	#10
chainlink Scholar Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 97	We can be sure it was no accident that only "woo-woo" people were picked to appear on the Oprah Winfrey show. It seems that these TV shows always manage to dredge up some doctorate-degreed kook, who can then be paraded about, as if to dress up these wacky ideas with the stamp of legitimacy. One would think that virtually every MD would recognize such things as placebo effect, controlled studies, and the concept of efficacy - all things related to standard scientific methodologies. But such rational thinking is alien to Dr. Jeff Rediger. Instead he spouts the nonsense of thinking "Gee, I can't figure it out -- It might very well be magic." The sad part is that these irrational "kook doctors" like Jeff Rediger can enjoy a rich career on the TV talk show circuit, a place where any normal, level-headed MD would rarely - if ever - appear. Originally Posted by Skeptic Ginger On the other hand, a physician has a dilemma when it comes to challenging false beliefs. If one is too blunt the patient will leave and fail to be helped by scientific evidence based medicine. So quite often physicians adopt the position of not challenging people's beliefs. Another factor is that the "alternative medicine" industry has for a long time has been filling people's heads with loud accusations that all doctors are corrupt (not just "ignorant"), and the FDA and drug companies conspire to run a scam. Many people seem to believe this, and refuse to trust the official medical establishment. And for those in the middle, MDs must be careful they don't do anything to alienate them, and push them squarely into the fold of quack medicine.
chainlink Scholar Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 97

25th December 2010, 01:30 AM	#11
HumanityBlues Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,741	Cnn Embraces Woo (John of God) I know I shouldn't be surprised by these things. Long story short, a reporter from CNN went down to South America to witness a supposed faith healer, and appears totally smitten. I guess there really is a sucker born every minute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fg269kzIiE ETA: Here is James Randi's take on the guy. I had never heard of him before today.
	Last edited by HumanityBlues; 25th December 2010 at 01:38 AM.

25th December 2010, 02:49 AM	#12
Mojo Mostly harmless Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Nor Flanden Posts: 37,044	Ah, well, if you mention "God", you see, it means it is religion and not woo, right? For example, yesterday when I switched on the telly I caught a few seconds of a children's programme explaining the origins of the Christmas tree - they said it wasn't really part of the traditional British Christmas, but was an imported German tradition, "based on a superstition".
	__________________ "You got to use your brain." - McKinley Morganfield "The poor mystic homeopaths feel like petted house-cats thrown at high flood on the breaking ice." - Leon Trotsky

25th December 2010, 09:06 PM	#13
MattusMaximus Intellectual Gladiator Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 15,948	This is one reason why I no longer watch TV or cable
	__________________ Visit my blog: The Skeptical Teacher "We *** up the air, the water, we **** up each other. Why don't we just finish the job by flushing our brains down the toilet?"* -- John Trent, In the Mouth of Madness

26th December 2010, 01:31 PM	#14
George II Critical Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 309	I love this kind of "quality" journalism. The more I read about it the more disgusted I get. The thing that irritates me most about cases like this, is that so many people seem to think that they are too rational or too educated to be fooled by woo, and therefore, the BS they were fed with simply can't be woo.

26th December 2010, 01:59 PM	#15
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,295	Dr. Jeff is not just any old psychiatrist. Quote: Clinical Interests: Interdisciplinary interests in psychiatry and religion Bio: Dr. Rediger is medical director at McLean Hospital Southeast, and an instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He has a Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and publishes in the fields of medicine, psychiatry and spirituality. He is medical director of the Institute for Psychological & Spiritual Development in Cambridge, Massachusetts. At least Dr. Sanjay isn't the current Surgeon General. Science-Based Medicine rated his book a 5 on the quackometer scale.
Emet Illuminator Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 3,295	Last edited by Emet; 26th December 2010 at 02:00 PM.

27th December 2010, 07:12 AM	#16
stilicho Trurl's Electronic Bard Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 4,757	Originally Posted by HumanityBlues I know I shouldn't be surprised by these things. Long story short, a reporter from CNN went down to South America to witness a supposed faith healer, and appears totally smitten. I guess there really is a sucker born every minute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fg269kzIiE ETA: Here is James Randi's take on the guy. I had never heard of him before today. These media outlets should try harder to differentiate between entertainment (or even advertising) and news or investigation. I guess the public really wants their investigative reporting to be in the form of anecdotes, glorification of flim-flam, and supernatural explanations for ordinary magic tricks. I know it's anecdotal but here's something written by someone on Oprah's blog: Posted: Tue 12/14/2010 9:40 PM wintryweather : I personally know a boy, diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer at age 11, who visited John of God twice. Both times John told him emphatically - without any hesitation or conditions - that the boy would be healed. He was not, and died this past spring at the age of 13. Do you not see that J of G has rigged it so he is always right? If someone improves, or is healed, he takes credit even if they were seeking more conventional medical treatment, as many do. If the person dies, J of G can claim that it's because they didn't do their "40%" as he mentions in the article. He's covered either way. It's a scam! ( Source: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Spiritua...od-Susan-Casey )
	__________________ "Suppose you're thinking about a plate of shrimp. Suddenly someone will say, 'Plate' or 'Shrimp' or 'Plate of shrimp,' out of the blue... It's all part of the cosmic unconsciousness." -- REPO MAN LondonJohn: "I don't need to cite." Rolfe: "I really hate lawyers."

27th December 2010, 08:28 AM	#17
George II Critical Thinker Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 309	There appears to be two threads on this subject. Here is the other one: http://www.internationalskeptics.com...d.php?t=195627

27th December 2010, 03:40 PM	#18
Kopji Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 8,004	Aargh. I guess what bothers me is the message that 'John of God' represents a viable alternative to traditional medical care - especially for the poor. I don't see lines of wealthy people lining up, abandoning their cat scans and hospital care. Is this Oprah's personal doctor? Oh no but what a blessing he must be for those unfortunates who can't afford regular health care. Encouragement to superstitious nonsense by those who should know better.
Kopji Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 8,004

27th December 2010, 04:21 PM	#19
wardenclyffe Master Poster Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,333	This is the subject of Randi's latest SWIFT entry: http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/...r-blunder.html Ward
	__________________ ~~Na eth'er aa, ammre' en ank'aar'eith, d'emner'aa-, asd'reng'aather, em'n'err-aae...~ - Alenara Al'Kher'aat, aged 347

27th December 2010, 06:41 PM	#20
Bikewer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: St. Louis, Mo. Posts: 13,197	I'm surprised that almost no one has mentioned that "John of God" is perpetrating almost exactly the same sort of quackery as his predecessor, "Arigo" or "Arigo of the rusty knife". Yes, the very same eyeball scraping, rusty-knife incising.... Etc. All about 35 years ago when a credulous book was produced under the title "Arigo of the Rusty Knife". His particular scam included the generation of unintelligible "prescriptions" written on scraps of paper. No one could read them...Except for his brother, the pharmacist. A few bottles filled with colored water sold for outrageous prices furnished the money aspect of the scam.

28th December 2010, 01:54 AM	#21
HumanityBlues Graduate Poster Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,741	Originally Posted by Bikewer I'm surprised that almost no one has mentioned that "John of God" is perpetrating almost exactly the same sort of quackery as his predecessor, "Arigo" or "Arigo of the rusty knife". Yes, the very same eyeball scraping, rusty-knife incising.... Etc. All about 35 years ago when a credulous book was produced under the title "Arigo of the Rusty Knife". His particular scam included the generation of unintelligible "prescriptions" written on scraps of paper. No one could read them...Except for his brother, the pharmacist. A few bottles filled with colored water sold for outrageous prices furnished the money aspect of the scam. That one faith healer guy that James Randi caught in the 70s getting info through his ear piece (can't remember his name) was back at it again like 20 years later. These things are forgotten pretty fast. I don't know what it is about this CNN clip, but it makes me madder than hell.

28th December 2010, 04:26 AM	#22
Wrathernaut Thinker Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 243	Originally Posted by HumanityBlues That one faith healer guy that James Randi caught in the 70s getting info through his ear piece (can't remember his name) was back at it again like 20 years later. These things are forgotten pretty fast. I don't know what it is about this CNN clip, but it makes me madder than hell. That would be Peter Popoff. He sells Miracle Water now.
Wrathernaut Thinker Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 243

28th December 2010, 01:47 PM	#23
Ormsby New Blood Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	The popular media has one simple mission - to make money. It does this by attracting readers/viewers because lots of readers/viewers = increased advertising revenues. News editors and producers know very well that the vast bulk of the population is both supersticious, suggestible and more than willing to believe in the paranormal. They know that the debunking of faith healers, psychics, religious leaders and such like has limited appeal. Most people want to be astounded. Most people want to believe something's going on that boring old science can't explain. The editors/producers know this because they themselves have the same needs, or their family and friends do. There's a saying in journalism: Know when to stop asking questions. Standing a story up is what's important - and standing up a story that's got the ingredients to attract readers/viewers can be a matter of survival in a very compettive industry. Finding out the truth of a matter is simply not on the agenda if it means a "good" story may fall flat.
Ormsby New Blood Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 2	Last edited by Ormsby; 28th December 2010 at 01:53 PM.

28th December 2010, 05:49 PM	#24
Puppycow Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Yokohama, Japan Posts: 27,952	Originally Posted by Resume While that's certainly true, doesn't AC360 pander a tad less than Oprah's crew? Apparently not.
	__________________ A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool. William Shakespeare