[Focault's Pendulum]

Not meaning any disrespect to you or others who may be taken with John Edwards. But, unfortunatley for some....I could be considered the resident expert here.

I spent the better part of thirty years studying, teaching, and professionally performing in the magical theatre arts.

Edwards for those who might be unaware is not a mentalist, such as Kreskin. Mentalism is a version of magic which uses a magician's stock and trade secrets to another end....that of reading the mind. Edwards, like the article's author rightfully expresses utilizes a numbers/percentage game in accumulating hits. He is in fact, a well dressed fortune teller from the boardwalk, sans the crystal ball.

Cold readings are his stock and trade. It takes some one of intelligence and quick mental reactions.to carry it off. He relies on the implied acquiesence of the subject in order to be succesful. As soon as resistance is met, he moves on to another subject. His idea of performing in front of a large audience(while not new) allows him more opportunities and a lesser risk of failure.

Some twenty years ago, I predicted the five front page headlines of the Asbury Park Press (a broadsheet daily newspaper in NJ). It was seen in front of a live crowd and broadcast over WADB FM radio. The prediction was made four weeks prior, sealed in an envelope, into a zippered wallet, then locked in a jeweler's display case and placed in a store window, on view 24 hours a day. I got five out of five.

How did I do it? The same way John Edwards does.....Showmanship.

[EggsAckley]

This whole thread is such a huge tempest in a tiny teapot. I NEVER said I believe in Edward. I SAID that watching his show gave me the courage to TRY receiving "messages" from my recenly-dead relatives. WHooooo Boy! Did that turn the rude dudes loose!

Apparently, to some on this thread, I'm a big fat sinner for thinking that my dead relatives have communicated with me. And I didn't do it through ANY medium other than myself. I simply vowed that I would NOT keep out anything that seemed real. And I HAVE experienced several incidents that convince me that I am receiving data. I'd never try it on other people because 1) I can't really do it on demand, and 2) it's none of my business. They have to do it on their own.

I appreciate your hands-on experience, and am glad to hear of it. My beef is that I don't like being literally yelled at for something that is REALLY none of these Freepers' concern. The passion and fury that guides their skepticism gives away some sort of agenda, one which I do not understand. Thank YOU for being civil.