A couple of thoughts as we amble (I love ambling. Moseying too.) into 1999:
I saw the Amazing Randy (professional skeptic and "debunker") on TV the other night crowing about how no one had yet claimed his $1 million prize--the one he offered to anyone who could demonstrate paranormal powers in a scientifically controlled setting and in the presence of witnesses.
Made me wonder:
I wonder if Mr. Randy, as the subject of such an experiment, could get and maintain an erection in such a setting? You know, cameras rolling, bright lights glaring, people staring at him saying "C'mon make it grow...Rise Amazing Randy, Rise! . . .we're waaaaitiiiing. Most men don't even have to "try", given the right stimulus and setting (sometimes it just happens without any provocation), but I wonder if he had to "try" and "prove" himself, just how he'd do.
Point is this: even non-paranormally gifted people fail to "prove" themselves all the time--especially in high pressure situations. For example, Greg Norman is a brilliant golfer, but in certain situations (U.S. majors) he has never been able to sink a winning putt. I know some very talented stage musicians who "freeze" in recording studios when tape begins to roll. I've known people who are side splittingly funny when among friends, but who have tried their schtick on stage and couldn't get a chuckle. There are many such examples of "failure" among all performers, in all walks of life. Does their inability to "prove" themselves all the time, in all settings, invalidate their gift? I don't think so.
Many of our "gifts" require a specific matrix of conditions for their unveiling. While many of the folks Mr. Randy has debunked were true charlatans, I suspect that some were genuinely gifted, but unable to perform in his dictated environment.
Anyway, I hope all of you posting and lurking Feelies have a wonderfully, physical, financial, emotional, and spiritually erect New Year.
Peace,
Rick |
