linuxmafia.com 2016/linuxmafia.com.tar/linuxmafia.com/pub/skeptic/newsletters/basis/randi2.txt

Internet Message Format | 1997-06-27 | 57KB

From: Wizard <[e-mail]>
Subject: The Deposition
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 06 Mar 92 21:32:15 EST
FOR DISTRIBUTION:

Well, friends, next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Washington,
D.C., should be REAL interesting.  On those days, Mr. Geller and I will
be deposing one another.  That means we'll be asking questions of one
another (under oath) in regard to the case.  I don't think Mr. Geller
is too happy about the upcoming event...

I have before me a detailed scientific report (from a not-yet-
published book) which says, definitively, that there is no value
whatsoever to "subliminal" tapes that promise all sorts of benefits via
"concealed" messages.  In fact, the tapes they tested HAD no hidden
messages in them at all.  Funny.  Mr. Geller has been selling and
endorsing a set of such tapes in the UK since at least June of 1990.
His ad says, "Just by listening, you can programme your unconscious
mind to...Boost your morale...Achieve more...Find a totally new you...A
you you'll like so much better, I guarantee it."

Geller has just served new writs on (1) Nature Magazine in the UK, (2)
my UK friend Michael Hutchinson, and (3) again, Prometheus Books.
Seems he's suing everyone in sight.  He still has the case against
Timex, too, and now he's threatening the Bay Area Skeptics.  He's a
busy chap!

I'll keep you all informed, of course.                          JR




From: [e-mail] (Page Stephens)
Subject: How are things going?
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 92 10:58:05 -0500

Rick,

Haven't heard from you recently. How is the threatened lawsuit
going?

I son't know what the hell to do with CSICOP because they appear
to be scared shitless about coming online with us because of their
fear of lawsuits.

Unless Randi wins against Uri I think we are really up a creek if
only because of the fact that R seems to be only person who is
willing to force the issue to its eventual denouement.

Pardon me for sounding so depressed about this problem but I just
don't see how the skeptics movement will ever be able to get back
together as long as CSICOP is not willing to take the bit in their
teeth and go ahead in facing the frivolous lawsuits they are faced
with.

Best,

Page





From: [e-mail] (Page Stephens)
Subject: We're All In Danger Unless We do Something Politically
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 92 11:42:19 -0500

We have recently received good news about the state of Uri's
lawsuit against Randi in one jurisdiction. On the other hand we
also know that Uri has been threatening both Randi and other
people with lawsuits in other jurisdictions.

The question I have is whether we can somehow or other use Uri's
lawsuits as a means of forcing a change in the law which would
allow the person sued to, if he or anyone else who uses the same
similar tactics, to pay for the expenses of the defendent.

A close friend of mine and the organization he represents as the
editor of their journal were both recently threatened by similar
lawsuits in this case not on the part of people who disagreed with
their goals but who, because they felt that because their
positions had been been misrepresented in the pages of the journal
felt they shoud go to the courts for redress and not attempt to
write articles defending their positions in the pages of the the
journal.

I could be wrong, but if the courts continue to let this type of
nonsense to exist then all of us, especially those of us who dare
to challenge anyone else in print, have lost our freedom of
speech.

Any ideas about how to go about changing the law in order to
protect us?

Best,

Page Stephens ([e-mail])




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Deposition of Geller
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 27 Mar 92 23:14:34 EST

FOR DISTRIBUTION:  Mr. Geller has agreed to a date of 15-17 of April for
his deposition in New York City.  To make one thing very clear, the judge
has said that my lawyers have the right to ask Mr. G to demonstrate his
claimed powers, under oath, during deposition.  Of course, Mr. G has the
right to refuse.  We are depending upon a previous Federal ruling for our
right to demand he prove his powers.  We'll see...

Meanwhile, REFLEX magazine will shortly publish an account of the case as
it is at this moment.  Press interest is in the matter is growing, and I'm
scheduled for several major interviews as soon as the deposition has been
completed.  I'll keep you all posted.

Mr. Geller recently made a trip to Budapest, reportedly to find the
missing daughter of an Hungarian millionaire.  When he returned to the UK,
the Daily Star ran a prominent article on his fabulous success at the job.
It was reported that he'd discovered the names of two kidnappers, the date
when the girl would return, etc.  Hearing about this article, a leading
Hungarian newspaper ran a piece saying, "The English think our police are
idiots."  It went on to refute the Geller account, saying that his visit
had been "a fiasco."  Seems there are varied opinions about the success of
his visit.                                               JR





From: [e-mail] (Scott Ballantyne)
Subject: Any other reports?
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 1 Apr 92 01:31 EST
Any chance of getting some of you who were at the deposition in DC to
add your observations/comments to JR's?  I know everone is busy, but
I'm sure I am not the only one who is curious to hear more about it,
if you have a spare moment to type a little here and there. Randi is
more restricted in what he can say as a participant than you might be.

Hopefully....
Scott
{[e-mail] | hotmomma![e-mail] | uunet!hotmomma!sdb}





From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Geller in Budapest
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 01 Apr 92 22:24:08 EST
FOR DISTRIBUTION:

        Recently, super-psychic Uri Geller was in Budapest at the request
of a rich Hungarian whose 18-year-old daughter went missing 8 months ago.
Geller was asked by the girl's father to help the Hungarian police find
her.  Geller arrived there in a great flurry of publicity and after
visiting with the girl's family for 72 hours, he made a number of
statements, all unsupported, about how and when the "kidnapped" girl
would be found, the names of the supposed kidnappers, and various other
vague impressions.
        Some of the statements reported to me by friends in Budapest, were
quite interesting.  Accoding to them, Geller said that the girl was
either alive or dead, that she was either in Hungary or outside, that if
she was outside the country she could be in Brazil -- or in Austria, and
that he would come back to Hungary if he gets further impressions.
        When the great psychic then returned home to England, he was
interviewed by the London Daily Star and got front-page coverage on what
appeared to be his astounding success, under the headline, "URI HUNTS
KIDNAP BEAUTY," "Geller uses mystic powers in a kidnap riddle" and
"GOLDEN NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK."  Geller is referred to as a "psychic
detective."  Said Uri to the Daily Star, "The trip was a success.  We got
there after conventional methods failed."  The article was illustrated
with color photos of the heiress in provocative glamor poses.
        Those in the scientific and skeptical community in Budapest who
heard about the Daily Star piece, were astonished at the differences
between Geller's version of his visit and what had actually taken place.
On March 18, the Hungarian newspaper "Esti Hirlap" (Evening News) ran a
front-page article titled, "URI'S HUNT: Why do the English see the
Hungarian police as stupid?"  The newspaper even reproduced the Daily
News article.
         I've had a translation of the article done.  It is highly
critical in nature, effectively comparing Geller's claims with the
actualities of his visit, and it ends with an astute observation that,
"The gullible will believe anything."
                                                        JR
PS:  I'm now told that my essay WILL appear in TIME next week.  This
time, it's almost positive.....?



From: [e-mail] (Scott Ballantyne)
Subject: Additional Info on DC Deposition.
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 2 Apr 92 17:06 EST

[Thanks to Chip Denman for the following very interesting account of
Gellers behaviour in DC.  He has given permission to redistribute this
if you wish.]

Other than Randi and his attorneys, Penn, Teller and I were the only
ones who were around for the depositions.  Unfortunately, none of us
were permitted by Mr. Geller to sit in on the actual proceedings.

When Mr. Geller arrived on our first morning, he dashed out of the elevator,
grabbed my hand and introduced himself warmly.  "Hi, I'm Uri!"
Of course, he recognized Penn and gave him a hearty handshake and a big
smile.   The fellow could have had a great career in retail sales.

Once the depositions began, there was little to do.  Mr. Geller seemed
to have trouble sitting still; even the receptionists were commenting on
his constant flitting in and out of the closed conference room.
Other folks associated with the law firm where this was taking place
would drop by just to catch the latest tidbits.  Clearly this case
is not exactly the norm for Washington.
On the rare breaks, Randi seemed alternately disgusted by the various
insinuations and renewed with determination to see this mess through
to its proper conclusion.

Of course, I wasn't inside to actually see it, but I understand that
things were livened up a bit when Randi, in making a point about the
simple nature of certain tricks, vanished a pen or pencil from the table.
That story even got a small mention in the Washington Post.

The next and final morning, Randi & I were there alone.
Once again, Randi's attorney asked permission for me to sit in; again it
was denied.  But just before things got underway, Mr. Geller came out
and apologized to me up, down, and sideways for having to exclude me.
Right.

I mostly sat out of sight--but within earshot--of the reception area.
(I took advantange of the forced confinement to write a talk that I
was to give at Johns Hopkins on Spiritualism and psychical research.  There
are some interesting parallels here to the 19th century.)  I could hear
Mr. Geller coming and going, looking for his lunch, etc.  I wondered what
would happen if I made myself more visable, so I took my computer and
moved to the outer area.  Sure enough, on his next trip through Mr. Geller
sat down on the sofa beside me to chat.  He wanted to know ALL about me.
Where did I live?  Did I use computers in my work?  Do I ever do outside
consulting?  I had the distinct impression that he REALLY wanted to know
who the hell I was and whether I was perhaps an expert digging up
useful bits o' information.  I suppose the vibes just weren't clear that
day.

As Randi has already said, the 1 1/2 days turned into 3 of Randi being deposed.
There was no time left to turn the tables.  As things wound down on the
last day, Paul Kurtz and Barry Karr were there, getting ready for their
turn the next day.  We stepped into a side room to chat about the whole
affair.  What a surprise to find Mr. Geller, literally ear to the door, every
time we looked into the hallway!



   Chip Denman
   President, National Capital Area Skeptics
   [e-mail]
         for whom I'm not speaking.
           NCAS  >encourages critical and scientific thinking
                 >serves as an information resource on extraordinary claims
                 >provides extraordinary evidence that skeptics are cool





From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: TIME
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 05 Apr 92 20:59:41 EDT

For distribution...

TIME Magazine will DEFINTELY run my essay next week.  Watch for it.  A
letter sent to TIME giving comments on it, would not be amiss....
                                                                JR



From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Isaac Asimov
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 06 Apr 92 09:29:21 EDT

        The news came this morning that Asimov has died.  His passing has
to be a loss to the community of skeptics, and I feel that I should share
with you a few observations on the phenomenon he represented.
        In recent months, Dr. Asimov suffered greatly from depression.
He'd undergone a triple bypass operation some two years ago, and I'm told
that depression often follows that procedure.  He'd given up writing and
even corresponding with friends.  My last card from him says merely, "I'm
very ill, and unable to become involved in new projects."  That was very
unlike Isaac.
        A prodigious talent, he possessed the ability to express clearly
and concisely the beauty of science and technology while also sweeping us
away with grand, fabulous scenarios set on imaginary planets in remote
and wonderful galaxies.  Isaac probably wrote more lucidly to express
science to the layman, than any other person we can think of.  Everything
from the Sun to the Bible came under his analytical eye and was the
better for the experience.  All of us were certainly well served by our
teacher.
        He had an ego.  A prodigious ego.  But I've often said that the
man had a perfect right to it.  He was paradoxical in some respects;
while he freely wrote of faster-than-light space vehicles streaking among
the stars, he had a life-long fear of flying here on Earth, and could
often be found standing in New York's Grand Central Station consulting
train schedules, rather than at an airport.
        Years ago, when I timidly wrote him to ask for an introduction to
one of my first books, he graciously replied by postcard (his favorite
form of postal communication) and merely asked how many words would be
required.  Having just seen Isaac on a television interview in which he
used a triple redundancy ("Some authors only write one book or poem, but
it becomes an eternal classic for all time"), and in a feeble attempt at
pulling his side-burns, I wrote back.  "Perhaps," I said, "one who uses
such figures of speech might not be capable of writing an introduction
for my new book!"  Almost instantly a postcard response was before me.
"Then tell me, sir, what horse's ass, when he wished to say, `The
unkindest cut,' would say instead, `The most unkindest cut of all'?"   I
surrendered the field quickly, having been unwise enough to attempt
fencing with Zorro.
        The man will always be with us through his books.  That is his
immortality; he can never be truly gone from among us.  And, for all we
know, that fear of flying may not have kept him from now soaring among
the nebulae and perhaps chasing down an interesting comet for closer
examination.  Thank you for being here, Dr. Asimov, and sharing your wit
and wisdom with us all.  We cannot forget you.
                                                        JR




From: Skeptics SIG <[e-mail]>
Subject:      [[e-mail]: Geller in Budapest]
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:         Tue, 7 Apr 1992 07:54:08 -0400

    ================= Begin forwarded message =================

    From: [e-mail] (James Randi)
    To: [e-mail]
    Subject: Geller in Budapest
    Date: Sat, 04 Apr


        Recently, super-psychic Uri Geller was in Budapest at the request
    of a rich Hungarian whose 18-year-old daughter went missing 8 months ago.
    Geller was asked by the girl's father to help the Hungarian police find
    her.  Geller arrived there in a great flurry of publicity and after
    visiting with the girl's family for 72 hours, he made a number of
    statements, all unsupported, about how and when the "kidnapped" girl
    would be found, the names of the supposed kidnappers, and various other
    vague impressions.
        Some of the statements reported to me by friends in Budapest, were
    quite interesting.  Accoding to them, Geller said that the girl was
    either alive or dead, that she was either in Hungary or outside, that if
    she was outside the country she could be in Brazil -- or in Austria, and
    that he would come back to Hungary if he gets further impressions.
        When the great psychic then returned home to England, he was
    interviewed by the London Daily Star and got front-page coverage on what
    appeared to be his astounding success, under the headline, "URI HUNTS
    KIDNAP BEAUTY," "Geller uses mystic powers in a kidnap riddle" and
    "GOLDEN NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK."  Geller is referred to as a "psychic
    detective."  Said Uri to the Daily Star, "The trip was a success.  We got
    there after conventional methods failed."  The article was illustrated
    with color photos of the heiress in provocative glamor poses.
        Those in the scientific and skeptical community in Budapest who
    heard about the Daily Star piece, were astonished at the differences
    between Geller's version of his visit and what had actually taken place.
    On March 18, the Hungarian newspaper "Esti Hirlap" (Evening News) ran a
    front-page article titled, "URI'S HUNT: Why do the English see the
    Hungarian police as stupid?"  The newspaper even reproduced the Daily
    News article.
         I've had a translation of the article done.  It is highly
    critical in nature, effectively comparing Geller's claims with the
    actualities of his visit, and it ends with an astute observation that,
    "The gullible will believe anything."
                                                        JR
    PS:  I'm now told that my essay WILL appear in TIME next week.  This
    time, it's almost positive.....?




From: Skeptics SIG <[e-mail]>
Subject:      [[e-mail]: More on the D.C.
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:         Tue, 7 Apr 1992 07:54:40 -0400
    ================= Begin forwarded message =================

    From: [e-mail] (Chip Denman)
    To: [e-mail]
    Subject: More on the D.C. Deposition of Geller
    Date: Sat, 04 Apr


    [Chip Denman is the President of the National Capital Area Skeptics,
    and as Randi mentioned in his own description of the event (already
    posted to this list) one of the people who provided significant moral
    support. Thanks to Chip for this very interesting side light on
    Geller's behavior during the deposition.]

    Other than Randi and his attorneys, Penn, Teller and I were the only
    ones who were around for the depositions.  Unfortunately, none of us
    were permitted by Mr. Geller to sit in on the actual proceedings.

    When Mr. Geller arrived on our first morning, he dashed out of the
    elevator, grabbed my hand and introduced himself warmly.  "Hi, I'm
    Uri!"  Of course, he recognized Penn and gave him a hearty handshake
    and a big smile.  The fellow could have had a great career in retail
    sales.

    Once the depositions began, there was little to do.  Mr. Geller seemed
    to have trouble sitting still; even the receptionists were commenting
    on his constant flitting in and out of the closed conference room.
    Other folks associated with the law firm where this was taking place
    would drop by just to catch the latest tidbits.  Clearly this case is
    not exactly the norm for Washington.  On the rare breaks, Randi seemed
    alternately disgusted by the various insinuations and renewed with
    determination to see this mess through to its proper conclusion.

    Of course, I wasn't inside to actually see it, but I understand that
    things were livened up a bit when Randi, in making a point about the
    simple nature of certain tricks, vanished a pen or pencil from the
    table.  That story even got a small mention in the Washington Post.

    The next and final morning, Randi & I were there alone.  Once again,
    Randi's attorney asked permission for me to sit in; again it was
    denied.  But just before things got underway, Mr. Geller came out and
    apologized to me up, down, and sideways for having to exclude me.
    Right.

    I mostly sat out of sight--but within earshot--of the reception area.
    (I took advantange of the forced confinement to write a talk that I
    was to give at Johns Hopkins on Spiritualism and psychical research.
    There are some interesting parallels here to the 19th century.)  I
    could hear Mr. Geller coming and going, looking for his lunch, etc.  I
    wondered what would happen if I made myself more visable, so I took my
    computer and moved to the outer area.  Sure enough, on his next trip
    through Mr. Geller sat down on the sofa beside me to chat.  He wanted
    to know ALL about me.  Where did I live?  Did I use computers in my
    work?  Do I ever do outside consulting?  I had the distinct impression
    that he REALLY wanted to know who the hell I was and whether I was
    perhaps an expert digging up useful bits o' information.  I suppose
    the vibes just weren't clear that day.

    As Randi has already said, the 1 1/2 days turned into 3 of Randi being
    deposed.  There was no time left to turn the tables.  As things wound
    down on the last day, Paul Kurtz and Barry Karr were there, getting
    ready for their turn the next day.  We stepped into a side room to
    chat about the whole affair.  What a surprise to find Mr. Geller,
    literally ear to the door, every time we looked into the hallway!



       Chip Denman
       President, National Capital Area Skeptics
             for whom I'm not speaking.
               NCAS  >encourages critical and scientific thinking
                     >serves as an information resource on extraordinary claims
                     >provides extraordinary evidence that skeptics are cool




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: More Asimov...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 07 Apr 92 19:06:23 EDT

Sorry, but I'm sort of bummed out by the loss of Isaac.  Just wanted to
share one more anecdote with you....

I won the second prize in one of his limerick contests.  The limerick had
to contain the name of a constellation, and had to deal with the future
or a science fiction theme.  This was my effort:

        An angry young student from Reticulum,
        Annoyed by the crazy curriculum,
        Said, "They've biorhythms, psi,
        And a rational pi.
        I hear Asimov's set to ridicule 'em!"

I couldn't find a better line for this one:

        Two lusty young lasses from Leo,
        Sang together, not well, but con brio.
        Their very loud roars
        Brought rents to their drawers.
        Said their agent (from Spain) "hace frio?"

This is sort of my celebration of Isaac having been here.  He was
something else, and I hope you'll pardon my preoccupation with the
subject.                                          JR




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Yet more....
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 08 Apr 92 11:22:23 EDT
Just this moment, I heard from a friend on the Star List that a man he
knew once boasted that he'd read everything Asimov ever wrote.  The guy's
wife corrected him.  Said she, "Nonsense.  He writes faster than you can
read!"                                                 JR




From: Marvin Minsky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Yet more....
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 8 Apr 92 23:47:11 -0400
I just wrote this not, for possible inclusion in New York Times this
weekend.---

      I first encountered Asimov's ideas some 50 years ago. I was just
beginning my teens and he was only in his early 20-- yet he seemed
centuries ahead.  I was entranced by his stories about space and time,
but the ideas about robots affected me most and after "Runaround"
appeared in the March 1942 issue of Astounding, I never stopped
thinking about how minds might work.  Surely we'd some day build
robots that think --but how would they think, and about what?  Surely
logic might work for some purposes, but not for others.  And how to
build robots with common sense, intuition, consciousness, and emotion?
How, for that matter, do brains do those things?  And in the same
period, Robert A. Heinlein's 1940 novel "Waldo" was already turning me
to think about the mechanical aspects of robots.
      Having just exhausted the teachings of Jules Verne and
H.G.Wells, these stories (along with those of Arthur C. Clarke,
Frederik Pohl, and Ted Sturgeon) arrived just in time for me -- and
eventually I came to  share the personal friendship of these great
teachers.   Why call them "teachers"?  Because they show us ways to
explore new ideas by exercising the vital "what if" capacity  that so
often declines as we grow older and more  sensible.  Another such
writer, Larry Niven, once explained, "our job is to keep on
daydreaming for you."
      Isaac always encouraged his readers to try to see the world as
comprehensible, to despise superstition and moral cowardice, and to
think and speak as clearly and simply as possible.  He was  never
falsely modest, but was always honest, unpretentious, and humorous.
To me he was among the finest of modern philosophers.

Marvin Minsky




From: Taner Edis <[e-mail]>
Subject:      Randi in Time
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:         Thu, 9 Apr 1992 14:53:50 EDT

        James Randi's essay has appeared in this weeks Time magazine
(at least the US edition) as anticipated.  There's nothing really in
it that is fresh information for skeptics, but for the public at
large, the piece may be illuminating.
        If you have read and liked the essay, it may be useful to send
a few words on the back of a postcard to Time as a letter to the
editor.  Such a magazine has a much larger circulation than "Skeptical
Inquirer" or similar skeptic publications, and lets one do other than
preach to the converted.  Appreciation for Randi's viewpoint could
help Time decide that there is some payoff in a more skeptical
attitude towards some stuff they publish; and, at the least, if enough
mail comes in to justify a representative being printed, there'd be
something else in their letters section besides the inevitable griping
from those whose beliefs were insulted.
        I urge you to put pen in hand -- there's a quasi-political
aspect to skepticism; it's not just an intellectual discussion on the
scientific status of weird claims.

        Taner Edis



From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wednesday deposition...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 13 Apr 92 00:10:34 EDT

I'll be arriving in NYC Tuesday to attend our deposition of Geller that
starts Wednesday.  We've assembled a long list of authorities who have
colorful opinions of UG's "powers," and a number of scientists who were
actually deceived by him and are now aware of it.  The big question about
all this is, when are Geller and his lawyers going to get real?  There is
no way that I can see for him to win this case, and I'm a bit puzzled
about why he thinks he can win.  My essay in this week's TIME magazine has
already caused some excitement (I don't yet know if it showed up in the
international edition) and I expect a lot of flack from it.  The Natural
Law Party in the UK (the Mahareshi's political arm), I'm informed, did
zero in the election.  Doug Henning, running in Blackpool, came in fourth
in a group of four candidates.  Not bad.                       JR



From: Marvin Minsky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Wednesday deposition...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 92 23:54:58 -0400

Hope all goes well.  Wish I could help.  I once met Geller visiting at
SRI, and I was horrified: he actually performed the psychic
reading-drawings-in-envelopes by using the hoary
"open-the-next-one-first" trick. It was revolting.  (Of course, I know
most of the common methods.  Raymond Smullyan is my wife's cousin and
lived with us for a year.)





From: Jim Kutz <[e-mail]>
Subject:      Letter from Randi on depositions.
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:         Thu, 16 Apr 1992 05:46:20 -0400
         [ Forwarded message ]

    Message #87 (98 is last):
    Date: Mon Apr 13 04:22:00 1992
    From: [e-mail] (James Randi)
    Subject: Wednesday deposition...
    To: [e-mail]


    I'll be arriving in NYC Tuesday to attend our deposition of Geller that
    starts Wednesday.  We've assembled a long list of authorities who have
    colorful opinions of UG's "powers," and a number of scientists who were
    actually deceived by him and are now aware of it.  The big question about
    all this is, when are Geller and his lawyers going to get real?  There is
    no way that I can see for him to win this case, and I'm a bit puzzled
    about why he thinks he can win.  My essay in this week's TIME magazine has
    already caused some excitement (I don't yet know if it showed up in the
    international edition) and I expect a lot of flack from it.  The Natural
    Law Party in the UK (the Mahareshi's political arm), I'm informed, did
    zero in the election.  Doug Henning, running in Blackpool, came in fourth
    in a group of four candidates.  Not bad.                       JR

###




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: The Geller Deposition
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 24 Apr 92 14:16:49 EDT

My deposition of Uri Geller took place April 15-17th.  It was to continue
over the following Monday, but I picked up a New York bug and was laid
up, unable to attend.  As expected, when we asked Mr. G to demonstrate his
wonderful powers, he was unable to do so because there were not enough
sympathetic persons in the vicinity.  We were denied the satisfaction of
witnessing, at long last, proof of his abilities.  Sigh.

However, very interesting information was developed during the question-
ing, and we videotaped the entire proceedings.

At the close of the Friday session, Mr. G introduced us to his family,
though I was on the telephone at that time and unable to meet them.

The lawyer for CSICOP also questioned Mr. G for some period of time.

I really don't know what the next step is in this ongoing drama.  However,
I've had overtures from three different PBS programs concerning coverage
of the entire adventure.  Also, a major publisher is now discussing a
contract for a book based on my TIME magazine essay of April 16.

According to Bob Steiner, the James Randi Fund is doing well.

I'm off to speak in Baltimore on April 30th, in NYC May 1st, and then to
Frankfurt, Germany, and Sweden, Finland and Norway.  I'll return here May
26th.  I'm at MIT on June 9th.

All for now.  I'll send stuff from Germany via the GWUP e-mail facility.
That's: Amardeo Sarma, CompuServe 100042,322.                 JR




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: News from Hungary...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 24 Apr 92 14:30:22 EDT
I've received a report from Hungary that the father of the "kidnapped"
girl, 18-year-old Helga Farkas, the one Geller was asked to locate, has
now offered the entire ransom money (about US$250,000) for information
about her whereabouts.  It was specifically stated, I'm told, that
Geller's information was not helpful.  That, inspite of all the fuss made
in the UK newspapers about his efforts.  The Hungarian police have
refused to re-open the case.




From: Jim Kutz <[e-mail]>
Subject:      News items re Randi / Geller
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:         Sat, 25 Apr 1992 21:50:23 -0400
    Date: Sat Apr 25 03:41:00 1992
    From: [e-mail] (James Randi)
    Subject: News from Hungary...
    To: [e-mail]


    I've received a report from Hungary that the father of the "kidnapped"
    girl, 18-year-old Helga Farkas, the one Geller was asked to locate, has
    now offered the entire ransom money (about US$250,000) for information
    about her whereabouts.  It was specifically stated, I'm told, that
    Geller's information was not helpful.  That, inspite of all the fuss made
    in the UK newspapers about his efforts.  The Hungarian police have
    refused to re-open the case.                            JR

    -------------------------------------------------------------------

    Date: Sat Apr 25 03:41:00 1992
    From: [e-mail] (James Randi)
    Subject: The Geller Deposition
    To: [e-mail]


    My deposition of Uri Geller took place April 15-17th.  It was to continue
    over the following Monday, but I picked up a New York bug and was laid
    up, unable to attend.  As expected, when we asked Mr. G to demonstrate his
    wonderful powers, he was unable to do so because there were not enough
    sympathetic persons in the vicinity.  We were denied the satisfaction of
    witnessing, at long last, proof of his abilities.  Sigh.

    However, very interesting information was developed during the question-
    ing, and we videotaped the entire proceedings.

    At the close of the Friday session, Mr. G introduced us to his family,
    though I was on the telephone at that time and unable to meet them.

    The lawyer for CSICOP also questioned Mr. G for some period of time.

    I really don't know what the next step is in this ongoing drama.  However,
    I've had overtures from three different PBS programs concerning coverage
    of the entire adventure.  Also, a major publisher is now discussing a
    contract for a book based on my TIME magazine essay of April 16.

    According to Bob Steiner, the James Randi Fund is doing well.

    I'm off to speak in Baltimore on April 30th, in NYC May 1st, and then to
    Frankfurt, Germany, and Sweden, Finland and Norway.  I'll return here May
    26th.  I'm at MIT on June 9th.                          JR

    -----------------------------------------------------------------

    Date: Fri Apr 17 13:02:00 1992
    From: [e-mail] (Scott Ballantyne)
    Subject: geller-hotline FAQ
    To: [e-mail]


    I post this periodically to save wear and tear on the staff --- some
    (so far, only 3) questions come up over and over again - here are the
    answers:

    1) What is the address of the James Randi Fund?

            James Randi Fund
            c/o Robert Steiner, CPA
            P.O. Box 659
            El Cerrito, CA 94530

    Make your checks out to 'The James Randi Fund'

    2) Is Randi going to be lecturing about Geller anywhere?

    Yes and no. Randi is prevented from saying much about Geller or the
    case by legal constraints.  However, he is still lecturing and saying
    what he can.  Here is his current schedule:

                    April 3 - Spokane, Washington
                    April 30 - Johns Hopkins
                    May 1 - NYC
                    May 5 to 10 - Frankfurt, Germany
                    May 12 to 17 - Sweden
                    May 18 to 23 - Finland
    (tentative)     May 24 to 26 - Trondheim, Norway
                    June 9 - MIT
                    July 12 to 19 - Italy
                    June 25 to 29 - Asimov seminar, NY
                    October 31 to November 2 - Alberta, Canada


    4) How can I get old hotline messages?

    You can't, yet.  It's not hard to arrange, but no one has had the
    time to do it.


    -------------------  end of enclosed items  ----------------

                        passed along as news by

               Jim Kutz ( [e-mail] )


--
Facts speak for themselves.
Opinions are those of the author.




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Timex...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 28 Apr 92 00:13:56 EDT

I've been informed that the Geller suit against Timex, brought by him two
years ago for the use of an actor doing spoon-bending in one of their
commercials, has been dismissed. Out of four suits he has brought, that's
three down and one to go.  Also, the Hungarian millionaire in Budapest is
now offering the "ransom" (US$250,000) to all comers who can add anything
to the case.  It would appear that Mr. Geller's efforts weren't very
useful there, since the police have officially refused to re-open that
case.  More anon, from Europe.
                                                        JR.



From: Amardeo Sarma <[e-mail]>
Subject: Update from Germany...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 07 May 92 02:22:02 EDT

Hello from Germany.  I'm here to attend a skeptics' conference.  The
Geller deposition is not yet completed, pending his return to the
USA.  The three days we spent with him were indeed interesting.  After
Germany, I'm visiting other Scandinavian countries and obtaining
professional magicians' opinions on Mr. Geller's performances as seen
on videotape.  So far, I have obtained some 400 signatures.  After
all, the experts in conjuring should be the conjurors, don't you
think?  The Geller camp has access to these messages, obviously, and
since I have nothing to hide, they are welcome to it.  I've just been
informed of an hilarious series of charges being circulated about me,
that I'm a specially-trained agent of the CIA hired to spread
disinformation about the wonders of psychic realities.  Ho hum.  Let
them flounder around in their fantasies.  I can be contacted via e-mail
until May 11th, at CompuServe 100042,322.  After that - well, I'll let
you know.  Cheers!                        JR




From: [e-mail] (Scott Ballantyne)
Subject: New address for list.
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 20 May 92 04:39 EDT
wizards-star-list has a new address (and so do I):

        to post to the list use

[e-mail]

        for requests/administrivia/biznes

[e-mail]

        mail directly to me:

[e-mail]

Regards,
sdb




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Returned...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 27 May 92 17:44:52 EDT

I've just returned from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Norway, and I'm
TIRED!  All (with one exception) lectures were well-organized, well-
attended and well-publicized.  A very successful trip indeed.  Met new
friends along the way, too.  Mr. G. is now apparently concerned about
the magicians' signatures I'm gathering after I show a tape of one of his
performances.  Well, I've now been givenan additional tape (from Norway)
which is equally interesting.  Mr. G. has informed me that he believes he
has some sort of "copyright" on these tapes, though I'm unable to deter-
mine any such fact.   He dislikes my showing them, which indicates a
possible interest in an attempt to prohibit me from doing so! Interesting!

Several new persons in Europe are being added to the Star List, and this
will be their first message.  Welcome aboard!

I'll be lecturing at MIT this coming 9th of June.                    JR



From: Marvin Minsky <[e-mail]>
Subject: Returned...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 27 May 92 22:39:48 -0400

Oh good.  I have to be away on June 8-11.  Hate to miss you at MIT.
Where at MIT are you lecturing?  I'll want to tell everyone on the
local net!

-- marvin





From: Jim Kutz <[e-mail]>
Subject:       Randi v. Geller update.
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date:          Fri, 29 May 1992 03:24:18 -0400
                     [ forwarded news item ]

    Date: Thu May 28 00:00:00 1992
    From: [e-mail] (James Randi)
    Subject: Returned...
    To: [e-mail]


    I've just returned from Germany, Sweden, Finland and Norway, and I'm
    TIRED!  All (with one exception) lectures were well-organized, well-
    attended and well-publicized.  A very successful trip indeed.  Met new
    friends along the way, too.  Mr. G. is now apparently concerned about
    the magicians' signatures I'm gathering after I show a tape of one of his
    performances.  Well, I've now been givenan additional tape (from Norway)
    which is equally interesting.  Mr. G. has informed me that he believes he
    has some sort of "copyright" on these tapes, though I'm unable to deter-
    mine any such fact.   He dislikes my showing them, which indicates a
    possible interest in an attempt to prohibit me from doing so! Interesting!

    I'll be lecturing at MIT this coming 9th of June.                    JR


                     [ end of forwarded news item ]

--
Facts speak for themselves.
Opinions are those of the author.



From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Update
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 12 Jun 92 11:09:20 EDT

There are some new folks, mostly academics, now on the *Star List* and we
welcome them.  Those of you in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Hungary
and Germany will pardon me if I cannot use the umlauts and the other
correct accents to properly spell your names, but we're at the mercy of
this rather outdated and parochial Compu-$erve system, and we must await
its proper entry onto the international scene.
         My recent trip to Europe was very productive.  I obtained the
opinions of many more professional magicians and academics concerning the
nature of Mr. Geller's performances as seen on videotape, and Mr. Geller
is now actively trying to prevent me from referring to these tapes.
Perhaps he is now aware that there is exceedingly interesting evidence
there....
        While I have your electronic ears, I'd like to put to rest a new
claim being made by certain detractors.  Those of you who know me well
will find no new information in what follows, but there are some of you
who might not be as well informed.
         The opposing camp has reached 'way down into the sewer, even
deeper than before, and they've come up with the accusation that I'm an
active anti-Semite.  I hardly need assure you that they would pull off
the miracle of the age if they could produce one shred of evidence to
support that claim, but like any undenied rumor, this could perhaps color
the picture among those who don't know better.  (Incidentally, this new
accusation includes CSICOP, the Humanist movement and all those who have
been supporting me.)
         My record speaks for itself; I have never, ever, held any
racial, religious, ethnic or color bias of any sort, and all of my life I
have fought vigorously against bigotry.  Years ago, when I really needed
work, I refused contracts to work in the Deep South where audiences were
segregated.  More recently, I was offered big money to work in South
Africa, but I refused the employment because of apartheid.  My major book
was dedicated to my Jewish landlady who was my second mother, and kept me
going when things were really tough; I revere her memory greatly.  I am
angered and dismayed that in their desperation my enemies have chosen to
try this scurrilous tactic; their inability to produce a legitimate case
is perhaps best shown by this latest move.
        My newest book, "Conjuring," is in the final stages of proofing,
revision and other necessary evils.  I've just returned from lecturing at
MIT, where I gained further academic support in this battle, and I worked
on two PBS presentations that will be seen soon (I'll keep you informed).
Those TV programs will strike the enemy rather hard, I believe, and
further our cause yet more.
         I look forward, along with all of you, to the appearance of the
next Penn & Teller book.  If you thought "Cruel Tricks" was powerful, you
ain't seen nothin' yet, as they say.  These guys are certainly prominent
allies in this battle.  I can't wait....
         Factum est.                                                  JR





From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Currently....
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 05 Jul 92 11:04:06 EDT
Hello friends!  I've been away for a while, and it's been weeks since
I've been able to issue a bulletin or even a simple update.  Sorry about
that, but other issues have interfered.  It seems, according to those
close to the Geller vs. Randi case, that Mr. Geller is now without the
same legal representative.  It's not quite clear exactly why, though I've
heard various explanations.  I'll update you when it becomes clear.

CSICOP, it appears, is in an excellent position legally.  Mind you, I'm
not doing badly either, and I can smell victory.  The problem is, as
always, that it is going to take many months to arrive at a resolution of
the case, both for CSICOP and myself.  The Fund needs to be kept up, and I
will remind you that administrator Bob Steiner awaits further welcome
contributions at:
                        The James Randi Fund
                        c/o Robert Steiner, CPA
                        P.O. Box 659
                        El Cerrito, CA  94530

PLEASE: Do not send any contributions directly to me, and make them
payable to The James Randi Fund, not to me.  Mr. Steiner informs me of
each contributor, and I try (boy, do I try!) to thank each person
personally.  I think the ultimate thank-you will be when I am able to
announce the unconditional victory over the opposition.

I must make one thing quite clear:  The latest issue of Skeptical
Inquirer has a plea for contributions to the CSICOP Defence fund.  My
name is mentioned in the text as one of those who has been sued, and
though I am quite, 100%, sure that there was no intention for it to be
suggested that my defence would be supported from that fund, several
persons have called to point out to me that possibility.  I am NOT being
defended from that fund, but I must tell you that individuals within
CSICOP have personally, privately, contributed to The James Randi Fund
(JRF), and their concern has been acknowledged by me.  But, similarly, I
do not wish any false impression to exist, that CSICOP receives funds
from the JRF.  The two funds are quite separate.  Understood?

I've been getting data input from all over, and I'm being made aware that
Mr. Geller has been denounced in very colorful and strong terms many
times in the past.  I can use any such references to continue building my
case, so please send me any and all such information.  Also, his claims
to fabulous wealth and income (I have many of these) are useful.  You can
send all information to:

                        James Randi
                        12000 NW 8th Street
                        Plantation, FL  33325-1406

Since Mr. Geller launched his nonsensical claim about my "anti-Semitism,"
I've received welcome support from several Jewish organizations that are
aware of the truth about all that.  One group within Israel are more than
just annoyed about it, and have promised strong action.  To date, the
Geller camp has announced that I am:
                an anti-Semite
                a communist
                a former jailbird
                a child molester
                a pornographer
                a thief.
Alas, I admit that I'm only a conjuror, a skeptic, an escape artist, an
actor, a writer, an amateur archaeologist and an amateur astronomer.
Nothing there at all that would interest the National Enquirer.  What
fascinates me is that I've NEVER been accused of anything to do with
drugs - using, selling or possessing any illicit substance!  Maybe that's
being saved for a big surprise up ahead.  Nothing, but nothing, would
surprise me....!  I find that these folks are capable of any manner and
degree of character assassination.

I found out the source of the accusation that I stole a rare first-edition
of The Prophecies of Nostradamus from a now-deceased friend. The discovery
was no surprise at all, since this person has been involved in other brave
attempts to destroy my reputation.  But, since adding this latest sin to
the list, our slimy little villain has make the ultimate error.  When the
present matter has been resolved, we'll drop on this apostle like a ton
of stuff.

Stay tuned!                                             JR




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject:
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 07 Jul 92 16:18:57 EDT
Good news, folks!  The judge in the Geller vs. Randi et al, case, has
just granted CSICOP a dismissal with sanctions.  That means that CSICOP
may be able to recover their legal costs - and perhaps much more.  Of
course, that improves my situation enormously, as well.  Things are
really looking up, and I know that we're all happy for the folks at
CSICOP.  Seems that the system works, after all!                    JR



From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: The latest...
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 06 Aug 92 00:19:31 EDT

Things are quiet on the Geller vs. Randi front.  Mr. Geller's lawyer is no
longer working for him due to a problem.  My lawyers are working hard,
with surprises to come shortly.  The James Randi Fund is sagging a bit, as
victory seems more apparent.  CSICOP is exultant, since they can now
anticipate being granted specific sanctions by the judge.  I hope they can
recoup their losses.  I have a TV crew coming in here tomorrow, interviews
and photo dates next week.  This case, and another investigation I have
coming up, will make a lot of news.  The Italian TV people have granted me
rights to show tapes of Mr. Geller at work, tapes in which certain very
interesting things show up.  The claim had been made that copyrights to
the video material would prevent my using these tapes.  Not so.  I'm free
to use them.  The co-operation of the media has been very gratifying, and
a MAJOR television show will be doing a full hour on me and my battle.
I'm told that someone has been showing around a copy of the deposition
that Geller did with me in Baltimore.  Not a wise move!  That material is
federally protected, at present.  Someone will be hearing from me.  So,
things are improving more every day.  Thanks to all you folks who have
supported me so willingly, we can anticipate an earlier victory.  Stay
tuned to this station!                                    JR




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: The James Randi Fund
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 20 Aug 92 21:23:23 EDT

Friends:  Though the NYC law firm is representing me "pro bono," and the
James Randi Fund has been supporting only the expenses of that office,
those expenses have been rather steep.  We're now about $6,000 short of
being up to date on covering those costs.  Payments to the Fund have
(expectedly) dropped off, and it needs a major transfusion of $$$.
        Mr. Geller's camp is on the defensive now, with the Timex case
dismissed, CSICOP dropped from the action, sanctions awarded CSICOP from
Geller and his lawyer suspended.  The victory is in sight, and we need
reinforcements...
        If you have any ideas on accomplishing this, please let me know.
One way would be to advertise the need via e-mail, in wide distribution.
We need to hit this hard so that the momentum of our procedure is
maintained.  Relaxing now could be fatal.
        I'm in the process of changing lecture agencies, since that
business is suffering from the recession.  My personal finances are at an
all-time low right now, but I'm hanging on.  My major problem is to keep
the battle going.
        Lemme know what you think can be done, will you?  And now, back to
the Republican Circus in Texas....
                                                        JR



Distribution:
  *Scott Ballantyne >INTERNET:[e-mail]
  *Chip Denman >INTERNET:[e-mail]
  Jim Kutz [70375,1316]
  *Rick Moen >INTERNET:[e-mail]
  *Brian Siano >INTERNET:[e-mail]
  *Page Stephens >INTERNET:[e-mail]




From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Where'd you go....?
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 29 Oct 92 18:27:59 EST
(Original to Scott Ballantyne, copy to Rick Moen.)

Hi!  I looked for you following the lecture, but you'd vanished.  Were
you abducted?  Translated?  Something worse?

Some time ago I sent you a message to be forwarded to Jun Jugaku.  Did
that happen?  If so, I didn't receive a reply.  The gentleman had said,
in a previous communication, that his fax line would receive during
certain hours, and I didn't know whether those hours still applied.  If
the message didn't get sent, would you try to get it through for me?

MESSAGE:  Uri Geller has now served me with a legal action from Japan,
demanding Y150,000,000 for libel.  I've told the court in Tokyo that I
cannot defend this action, since I've no financial means to hire a
Japanese lawyer.  Can you please tell me what the Statute of Limitations
is in Japan?  Also, does a tape of the Kodansha interview exist?  My fax
machine is on 24 hours per day: 1-305-370-1129.  I am going to Russia in
three days, staying there until November 15.  Thank you very much for any
assistance you may offer me.                      James Randi.

Scott, I originally contacted Jugaku through Moen, so I'll send a copy of
this to him, too.

Next time I'm in NYC, let's spend some time talking!           JR



Distribution:
  *Scott Ballantyne >INTERNET:[e-mail]
  *Rick Moen >INTERNET:[e-mail]





From: James Randi <[e-mail]>
Subject: Japan
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Date: 29 Sep 92 09:47:04 EDT
Rick:  Can you forward the following message to Jun Jugaku, please?  That
was being done through Ikeuchi, I believe.  If Jun (or anyone who can be
in touch with him) has an e-mail address, I'd like to have that, too.
Thanks.

Jugaku-san:  Uri Geller has now officially served his lawsuit against me
in Japan.  I must now respond to that summons.
        I need to know three things.  First, what is Kodansha doing about
this case?  Second, does the audio tape of my interview still exist?
Third, if the audio tape does exist, has Geller's lawyer obtained a copy
of it or a transcript of it?
        I have been defending myself against Geller for three years now,
and it has been VERY expensive.  Because of my present very poor
financial situation, I have written to the court in Japan to tell them
that I cannot afford to defend myself in this action.  I have no money to
employ a lawyer in Japan, and I have explained that to the court.  I am
now awaiting the response of the court.
        I have your phone number (81-423-74-0450) so that I could send
faxes directly to you and avoid bothering Rick Moen or Ikeuchi.  Will it
be OK if I fax you between 9 am and 5 pm (10 pm to 6 am Japanese Standard
Time)?  My fax number (1-305-370-1129) is in fax mode 24 hours a day, so
any hour is OK for me.
        Jun, I will appreciate any assistance you can offer in this
matter.  Obviously, Geller is attempting to break me financially by all
these actions, and does not hope to win the lawsuits.  He has announced
law suits in: USA, UK, Germany, Hungary, and each separate state of the
USA.
        Many thanks for your interest.                 James Randi.