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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13476 Posts |
 Posted - 06/12/2009 : 12:07:21
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Both @tomic and I received this email:
Hi David,
I work for a production company and we are currently casting for a scientific expert for a new show in development, profiling people who claim they have extra-sensory gifts, talents or extraordinary abilities. The experts job is to determine whether this talent is a
true gift or the explanation of a scientific event. The type of experts we're looking for are people who have:
CREDIBILITY: Background in physics, engineering, science, etc. is a MUST.
RELATABILITY AND PERSONALITY: You must be able to break down scientific terms into every day speak so that anyone can understand. Humor, quirkiness and the ability to be banter is also appealing in the person we're looking for.
I came across your site and thought that you or a member of your staff would be perfect for the show. I would love to speak with you more about this. Please call me at the number below if you are interested in hearing more information. You can also email me here or at Thesupernatural2009@gmail.com. I look forward to speaking with you.
Thank you!
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Cally Speed
Leftfield Pictures
545 8th Avenue
Suite 14 South
New York, NY 10018
(I removed the phone numbers. If you are interested, I have them. Kil)
W: www.leftfieldpictures.com |
If you would like to represent us, and you have the requisite qualifications, let me know soon!
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Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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H. Humbert
SFN Die Hard
USA
4574 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 12:31:14 [Permalink]
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| CREDIBILITY: Background in physics, engineering, science, etc. is a MUST. |
Well, I consider myself a fairly well-read skeptic, but unfortunately I don't have a background in any of these fields. Since ESP isn't scientific, I wonder why they want someone with a scientific background. It sounds, as the job title indicates, that the producers feel a "sciency" job title is necessary to instill credibility with the public. I guess the average viewer would call shenanigans if they saw a gas station attendant or pastry chef debunk a psychic, even though psychics themselves presumably can come from any walk of life.
Of course, what they really need is someone with a background in magic and mentalism.
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"A man is his own easiest dupe, for what he wishes to be true he generally believes to be true." --Demosthenes
"The first principle is that you must not fool yourself - and you are the easiest person to fool." --Richard P. Feynman
"Face facts with dignity." --found inside a fortune cookie |
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Kil
Evil Skeptic
USA
13476 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 13:22:23 [Permalink]
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Originally posted by H. Humbert
| CREDIBILITY: Background in physics, engineering, science, etc. is a MUST. |
Well, I consider myself a fairly well-read skeptic, but unfortunately I don't have a background in any of these fields. Since ESP isn't scientific, I wonder why they want someone with a scientific background. It sounds, as the job title indicates, that the producers feel a "sciency" job title is necessary to instill credibility with the public. I guess the average viewer would call shenanigans if they saw a gas station attendant or pastry chef debunk a psychic, even though psychics themselves presumably can come from any walk of life.
Of course, what they really need is someone with a background in magic and mentalism.
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Right. A magician would be best I think. And why not just go after one of the higher profile skeptics? But anyhow, it's their show... |
Uncertainty may make you uncomfortable. Certainty makes you ridiculous.
Why not question something for a change?
Genetic Literacy Project |
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HalfMooner
Dingaling
Philippines
15831 Posts |
Posted - 06/12/2009 : 16:40:38 [Permalink]
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I think I detect a foregone conclusion in this part:The experts job is to determine whether this talent is a
true gift or the explanation of a scientific event. |
The use of "this talent" implies its reality. Then what the "expert" panel has to decide is whether the talent is 1) "a true gift," or 2) the "explanation for a scientific event."
This is a forced choice, a false dichotomy. No "this alleged talent does not exist" choice seems to be allowed. The "gift" choice implies the "talent" is from a god, while the "explanation" choice has things, at best, bass-ackwards, having a phenomenon "explain" a "scientific event."
These guys needed to at least have someone with a basic understanding of logic and/or science involved in defining what they want to do -- unless, of course, their real goal is simply to promote woo.
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“Biology is just physics that has begun to smell bad.” —HalfMooner
Here's a link to Moonscape News, and one to its Archive. |
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend
Sweden
9687 Posts |
Posted - 06/14/2009 : 02:02:22 [Permalink]
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False dichotomy indeed. Huge pressure will be placed on the science-guy, because as it is presented:
If the science panel fail to explain the "talent", the program will default to a magical explanation rather than a "we don't know". |
Dr. Mabuse - "When the going gets tough, the tough get Duct-tape..."
Dr. Mabuse whisper.mp3
"Equivocation is not just a job, for a creationist it's a way of life..." Dr. Mabuse
Support American Troops in Iraq:
Send them unarmed civilians for target practice..
Collateralmurder. |
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Dr. Mabuse
Septic Fiend
Sweden
9687 Posts |
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Any takers?
