About Rationally Speaking


Rationally Speaking is a blog maintained by Prof. Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher at the City University of New York. The blog reflects the Enlightenment figure Marquis de Condorcet's idea of what a public intellectual (yes, we know, that's such a bad word) ought to be: someone who devotes himself to "the tracking down of prejudices in the hiding places where priests, the schools, the government, and all long-established institutions had gathered and protected them." You're welcome. Please notice that the contents of this blog can be reprinted under the standard Creative Commons license.

Friday, October 20, 2006

The most unreal reality show ever

Don't get me started on so-called “reality” shows, or I'll never stop. But this one is worth noting: infamous “spoon bender” Uri Geller, the buffoon who has claimed for decades to be able to bend metal by sheer mental power, has announced a new reality show (on Israeli television, but I'm sure Fox will purchase the rights soon) to name an “heir” to Geller's highly questionable heritage.

The “American Idol”-like show will seek “riveting and amazing” performances by wanna-be mind-over-matter performers, and even viewers equipped with mere “intuitive powers” will be allowed to call in. Golly, I just can't wait to see the first episode!

Interestingly, Geller said: “This is not a show where people have to prove to me that they are for real,” which is a good thing, since he has never been able to rise to that minimum standard himself!
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6 comments:

  1. JerOctober 20, 2006 8:49 PM

    Actually, I kind of like the idea. Wouldn't be great if there was such a show in the US and the judges were James Randi, Michael Shermer amd Massimo Pigliucci? I don't know if any one would make it throught he first round, but THAT show whould entertain ME for hours.

    We already know Randi is perfect as the "Simon Cowell" character; what about you M, are you Randy Jackson or Paula Abdul?

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 21, 2006 1:23 AM

    I suppose I'm not really qualified to comment on reality shows since I've only watch snippets of a very few of them. But comment I will! To me they are so contrived and so far removed from reality that it boggles the mind to think that they have gained such popularity with the American public.

    But then this is the populace who for the last six years embraced an administration that daily creates an alternate reality and sells it to those who will believe (sadly far too many do) as the real thing.

    Let's call it Fantasy America!

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  3. SheldonOctober 21, 2006 4:04 PM

    Noah,
    Part of the dynamic of American Idol is the conflict between the other judges. So I say we have James Randi, and two other gullible believer hosts.

    I would rather demote Massimo from the program because I don't want him taken away from his blog or columns he writes for Phil. Now, Skeptical Inquirer etc.
    Sorry Massimo, no show spot for you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 26, 2006 2:50 PM

    Uri is good at bending spoons, but I'd like to see him try a girder! I mean, why just spoons and forks. You'd think his "powers" would have some useful applications somehow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 29, 2006 7:22 PM

    Daniel,

    Uri cannot even bend a paper or anything with his mind. It was a hoax.

    Is your statement meant that as a joke?

    ReplyDelete
  6. abhiDecember 26, 2007 8:38 AM

    my views http://abhishekbrave.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

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