"Science And Sanity: An Introduction To Non-Aristotelian Systems And General Semantics" - By Alfred Korzybski. Great books for anyone that wants to be familiar with semantics and the problems of current language.
"Manhood Of Humanity" - The Science And Art Of Human Engineering" also by Korzybski is another fantastic book.
he talked about farmers use antibiotics and grovth hormones. i dont want to say that my collegs is bad but antibiotics and grovth hormons to the animals is truly bad!!!
@fattigbonddrang I ran into somebody who suspects that is what's causing young girls to enter puberty early, as well as aiding the obesity epidemic. It sounds rational.
yah, i know dude is awesome n' all, but how old is he? back in the day centuries before i was even born, he looked JUST THE SAME. maybe asking somebody on youtube the answer instead of googling it, would destroy the true magic of that question? lol
Whenever people say "straight line" it drives me insane. All lines are straight! If you're looking at a "line" that isn't straight, you're looking at a curve.
I get what Randi is saying here, but there is a huge difference between inaccurate use of a word and the "well, you know" filler words. The former are used in writing too and can lead to real miscommunication and deceit, whereas the latter are a necessary evil of the spoken language. They serve to buy the speaker some time to formulate their thoughts and most of us use them or have a lot of "erms" and "ahs" in our sentences.
Am Grace Fishery l have 35 Kg Gold Dust And stone to invest in your country , please kindly help me out to receive the Gold so that l will come over for the business , please send me your details to furnish you with my details .
There are actual facts to support...uh...the 39.99 vs 40.00 prices, ya know? Advertising guys do scientific like tests and things to find out real facts about how people make decisions to buy stuff, ya know?
Seriously, you're a smart cookie, Mr. Randi - and most people just aren't.
I can prove God is REAL Mr. Randi. I found the True Location of the Garden of Eden. I found where God left His WATERMARK of it. Make sure you contact me to give me that million.
Redundancy is the unnecessary use of either needless, tautological, pleonastic, superfluous or unnecessary text, by which one repeats, in duplication, the same, identical, aforesaid things over and over and over and over and over again, beyond what would be needed or required to explain, or make comprehensible, the intended or signified meaning of that which one wishes to convey (Uncyclopedia.....yes you guessed right: from Uncyclopedia)
@TheEpisteme yes,a shitload is better to use than a ton,because it's a non-specific amount,a shitload is interchangable with a "lot",whereas a ton assumes that someone has measured out 2000 pounds of martha stewart towels. other words you can use would be a "fuckton",a "Metric fuckton" or,"Holy fucking shit thats a fucking fuckton of shit"
I saw a MacDonald ad some years ago where they stated they were using real chicken breast in their McNuggets. So I turned to my mom who was also watching and said,"So what did they use before?".
@devpunk93 That's a serious question! All the great atheists are eiter old, very old or sick, I wonder myself who should follow this brilliant brilliant men, this really disturbs me...
@JamesRandiFoundation I enjoy listening to you. However, speaking of "overused" words I have noticed that you say "you see" alot. Just thought it might amuse you to note that.
Randi is *just now* getting around to being tired of watching television because people on the news talk too much?
I'm surprised they don't insert a couple 'very's in front of every adjective just to get a few extra seconds of advertising revenue generating programming.
That's not to say that I think we should all speak in modifier-free robot language. We have modifiers in the spoken language for reasons *other* than just so local newscasters can burn airtime.
@zEropoint68 News casters also, keep in mind, are operating on a really precise time basis. When you're hearing a string of useless modifiers or redundant adjectives, it could very well be that the caster was told he had to add a second to the copy as read to make the show time out right.
You remember the kind of garbage that came out of you in third grade composition class when you were asked to describe a five word concept in five hundred? Same difference.
so he doesn't agree with the use of emphasis in speech. this reminds me of the george carlin bit on the way words have been altered over the years. big deal. if everyone spoke in the same way, speech would be dull. also, if you're being asked by authorities if you were responsible for the death of so and so, are you really just going to say, "no"?
From a linguistic point of view what is mentioned here are on the one hand of course euphemisms, which have always been around but also language evolution, which is just as natural. There's nothing to be worried about. It's normal that some people are afraid of the language deteriorating but it won't happen. It just changes over time.
Im so ashamed that my mother beleives in john edward and sylvia browne, ive directed her to mr Randi and she redicules him as a joke. and disblevies his tests of homeopathy, i feel sorry for my family
@deathman1021 That's nothing, my mother actually invited a team from a swedish tv-series called "haunted houses" (loosley translated) because she had felt and evil presense, my sister actually payed 850$ (around 7000 sek) to talk with sylvia browne, my grandmother still thinks the earth is round and that all space-launches are fake. Though my father and grandfather are normal
@deathman1021 There are more important things in life than what irrational beliefs people hold. You seem to care about your mother and family a great deal. You did the right thing, but if she doesn't want to listen to reason, I hope that won't come between you and her.
@deathman1021 well dont feel sorry for them.as i say if you experience something spiritual and it works for you,,,,,,,well bless them.i believe herbs are far better than other medication.i believe that a part of the brain that is not being used can be used and can do miraculous things.your mind is a powerful tool.i did a test with my friend.i believe i see chinese people everywhere.pretty soon he saw chinese people everywhere as well.see what i mean?use the brain in a positive way and u will see
@deathman1021 yes i have but im a foreigner.and sometimes i forget that not everybody thinks in the ways of the old ones or witches.what i meant was that your brain can play tricks on you.and if you are positive in your thinking or negative it can be very powerful.
@deathman1021 you're not alone, my mom is a homeopath and believes in and "studies" astrology. I wanted to drive off a cliff until I met folks like James Randi.
I'm under the impression that extraneous words and phrases like "you know" and "like", may simply be used as a way to fill a moment of silence while we consider what we wanted to say next. Either that or people use them because they pick up the habit from someone else. It's not hard for memes or conventions, even stupid ones (just look at the internet), to be transferred from person to person.
There are studies that show the use of 9's in price tags work. As a species we seem to be very bad at snap judgments about value. If the first (most important) number is smaller, it must be a lower price.
These sort of things won't be abandoned as long as there is benefit to be derived from their use, and in the case of price tags or advertising language there most certainly is.
The usage of filler expressions such as "like" and "ya know?" is thruoughly and very amusingly explored by the (former) teacher Taylor Mali, titled "Like Lilly Like Wilson" (tshNfYWPlDg) and "Like_youknow" (SCNIBV87wV4). Have fun. :)
Jeeze,I've just discovered the cure for insomnia,who would've thought it? And,I'd just like to say,to speedskate,yes,we gays DO love poop-se..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
I even use I mean, like and well in writing, especially when communicating something awkward. It's an unavoidable habit in real life, but I don't see anything wrong with it. Cliché or not, they do not prevent effective communication, and sometimes can help to make communication more fluid by serving as connectives.
@michaelscola first of all his name is james randi, not randi james. second, you must not have listened to his whole sentence which was that we communicate verbally AND through writing. third, CONSCIOUS. and humans are NOT the only animals capable of that form of thought, there are several other animals which display such ability, look to the ape family of which we are a member. Also, we have instincts as well.
Nobody's perfect, "So many different people"? as opposed to so many of the same people? "So many people," would have sufficed but I get the point, especially about the word "Like."
I disagree with only one topic -- the use of hyperbole and metaphor. Sure, "a ton of problems" is a horrendously trite expression, but the principle behind it is what adds beauty to English, which is not just a means of communicating, but an art form as well. When we say "he ran his hand over the surface," we don't actually mean that his hand sprouted legs and started jogging. Metaphor is ingrained into our language at its core. Chairs don't really have arms, nor do rivers have mouths.
While I largely agree with what is said in the video, I do have to take issue with the use of the UK and the English to mean the same people/country. As a Scot I may not much like it (I don't) but the UK is more than England. I normally wouldn't bother to mention it but if we are talking about accurate use of language then it does seem appropriate.
LOL! I had a professor in university who would say "y'know" after every few words. I wanted to run up to her and shout: "NO, I DON'T KNOW! IF I DID, I WOULDN'T BE IN YOUR CLASS! SO, WOULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN IT PROPERLY?"
I like James Randi, but this video of him ranting about redundancies in language is kind of boring and irrelevant. It just seems like the rantings of somebody succumbing to senality.
Well, a plummeting drop is far more descriptive than a 'drop'. Like, a roller coaster starts out with a plummeting drop, but by the end they're more of gradual declines, y'know?
People notice my way of precise formulating what I have to say (at least in my mother language) and people find it annoying at times since they do not get the washed up fast-food jibberish. It is really hard to talk without those phrases but one can succeed if he has friends to watch him and make a remark everytime one is using one of the phrases. I think it is worth it even if people find you annoying because of it.
Mr. Randi: As much as I appreciate this video (since English is my second language and sometimes slang follows erratic phylological tracks), I'm afraid there is a reason for prices that end in 9. Apparently, this pricing trend started as a mean to force clerks to open the cash register and give customers change, registering the purchase so the clerk wouldn't steal the money. Saving a penny is not really of any economic comfort, so this explaination makes sense. Wouldn't you agree?
@Theboxheadnetwork IDIOT! ! AN IGNORANT BUFFOON MUSHROOM! I Believe beyond your limited mind! Is that how the old fart manipulated your damn brains! I feel sorry for your azz! Now I know you're another dumb idiot stuck between Randi's smelly ballz! HOW SAD! HAHAHAHAHAHA
the price ends with .99 becouse of human psychology trick (the dollars say - the item costs 14$ not 15$) not the one cent saving, I am suprised, Randi should know it.
@archis84 hahah of course he knows! Thats actually the point dude! Why to try to make people believe somthing is 49.99 and not 50.00, when 50.00 is more straitghtforward and direct? Only an idiot doesn't see 50.00 when he "sees" 49.99.
You know, If someone asked me if Randi made a decent point in this video I would certainly say, absolutely! Like y'all may think this is minor stuff but you are absolutely wrong. The way you speak reflects and affects the way you think. If you communicate in a more accurate, precise, straight to the point way, you will be also thinking in an absolutely less exaggerated and repetitive way. ]:-)
Another blind old man who is an theist and doesn't believe in God. Where do you think you came out of buddy? From your mama's azz? And who created your mama? Such ignorant fool!
Another stupid dumb azz old man trying to prove something that he doesn't have any knowledge of. This is another example of a shameless old fart who cheated a kid from Utah after the poor kid proved him wrong of his psychic ability to turn the pages of the telephone book! He instead of paying the kid the money that he promised, he cheated him. What an azzhole and a liar he really is...pple, don't listen and waste time on this ugly old fart who needs a life and a wife! Really!
This psychic was able to turn pages of the phone book with his breath, not his mind. When small pieces of paper were added around the book, the so-called powers suddenly disappeared. That is, he couldn't turn the pages without giving away his secret.
@ManicEightBall why would small pieces of papers added. That is cheating!!! Simple as what the boy did what exactly what he said he could do, but this old fart likes to prove people wrong by cheating people and by not wanting to give money to people as he promised. He's a fake, a lair and a cheater!!
Whatever. I thought that was the video you were talking about. If you saw a different video that showed Randi failing, tell me which one and I'll take a look. By your unwillingness to look at both sides fairly, I think I know what I'll find, but I'll wait until then to decide.
@raging4lcoholic WOW! WHAT A MORON YOU REALLY ARE BUDDY! The old fart cheated this boy from UTah of paying him the money he promised by putting stuff around and on the phone book. He shouldn't have done that. That wasn't a deal with this kid. It's what you call cheating!!! Besides, I don't waste my time and energy seeing any of this stupid fuck's videos. I just love to put his azz to shame for lying and for cheating others! A sick old fool always trying to prove something to get attention!
@wdeadman49 You may be interested to know that the "kid" (James Hydrick) actually confessed that he was just blowing on the phone book. See video here on youtube; "James Hydrick confesses".
Actually, Mr. Randi, gas prices are even less of a savings than you think. If gas prices are 1.99/gallon (I wish!), if you look closely, they are really 1.999/gallon saving you .1 cents. You have to buy 10 gallons to save you a penny:P. lol.
but his point is sound. peple are way too careless with how they communicate under many guises... "artistic expression," "increasing market share," among others. and thats a slippery slope if there ever was one.
"..our language skills should be carefully controlled and restrained."
All well and good, but others have thought like that. There have always been movements to regulate things such as grammar, spelling, syntax, etc. and they have never worked. Languages are fluid and ever changing. In a hundred years I wouldn't be surprized if "to" completely replaces "too" which disappears entirely from English or is considered as archaic as "thou."
@TarpleeXD That was some very intelligent input. Good use of capitalisation too.
Jokes aside, Randi makes a very good point; people are using too many redundant words in their speaking and writing. It is painful to hear and even more painful to read. I think this applies to all languages (at least the ones I speak), but it is most prominent in english. Althought they may seem like trivial things, they are gradually encouraging the ´stupidification´ of the people and our languages.
@CapnDingo, I agree it is quite petty. I am quite a fan of James Randi as well, his ability to use logic and reasoning and apply it to controversial issues (namely the paranormal) is brilliant and well worth the attention. First of all, his comments on language in advertising is fair, accurate and worthy of concern. As far as speech used in personal conversation, does it really matter as long as the point is obtained? Also, slang is part of human culture and I believe can add to communication
The power of words is a gift to the human race. I ask, why bypass it? To be accepted by another person, whom through patience, is willing to take time out of their lives to actually listen; why not exemplify said gesture with an equally accurate appraisal of ones thoughts? The smallest of care in conversation can produce an exponentially greater response from its consumer. Please remember also, that it's not just their time you'll be wasting, it's your own. I'm coldplayISshit. Thanks for reading
I like 99% of James Randi's videos but this one struck me as slightly, I don't know, petty? Seems like a waste of time to rag on people's speech patterns that are truly doing no harm.
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@CapnDingo This is just an old man rambling stupid stuff, because he couldn't follow the devlopment of "speaking to people", and still followes the "corect" way, which is the way you write, and it is so dull to listen to someone who speaks like that.
it doesnt matter who does it, somebody has to cover this bit aswell - but you dont like that, do you? you'd love to see the less fortunate dolts being ripped off by everyone with a pulse, wouldnt you? its a smart move to cover the base he's best at, there are people covering the corporate base with their lawyer army and huge backing. P&T bullshit as example. so, why are you so fixated on Randi doing it instead? did he prove YOU as a fraud or whats the real reason behind this "furore" of yours?
It is not at all redundant to say that a tragedy is unfortunate.
While it's implied that all tragedies are unfortunate, you can still emphasize the unfortunate-ness of a tragedy further, and it adds color to our language.
Often times you may want to emphasize a specific element of a word that encapsulates many ideas.
"Strict orders" may seem redundant, but it's really just emphasizing that the strictness of the orders are especially important, more-so than otherwise
OMG. Blah blah blah blah.... that's what I read... blah blah.... and again, I'm NOT talking about James Randi... Jeeez.... haven't you got somewhere else to be? or does no one want to listen to you in real life either?
To anyone who reads these messeges, could you please tell mr. randi that I've been waiting for a response. it's time for me to put a stop in all this nonsense about fake psychics. I'm real and I know of and elder who came before me and he is real too. I am impervious to illness and I say that If You want the proof, it's right here trying to slap you in the face for ignoring it. I'm willing to bet my life against his Million, in my opinion the stakes couldn't be higher.
I've noticed the repeated use of certain phrases and words in conversation too, particularly "dude" and "fool". It almost seems like a tick to me, though I think its most obvious function is to make our narratives sound fuller. The sad reality is that in moment to moment conversation we rarely have more than 3 or 4 important words to say. Maybe it is our insatiable appetite for robust conversation, not our lack of information to share that is the problem.
I think what they mean by "Natural chicken" was the biblical interpretation of natural...IE,it was a heterosexual chicken,who doesn't eat shellfish,i think
yeeeah.....even if that were true,and it's not...i'd be willing to bet that James Randi would happily give you that million dollars,if you could produce any evidence that any god existed...that would in fact crush the atheist movement
I can bet you are going to try and "submit" your ghost box and by the sounds of it... there is nothing to it. But as said in the comments to that video, provide the proof you were rejected. I get the feeling you were not and with the video you made I don't think you have a chance in heck of proving anything paranormal anyway.
More so James Randi has already caught Peter Popoff using radio tricks, I suspect in a Faraday Cage your "ghost voices" stop completely. But James Randi could up better.
"Tyranny of words"- By Stuart chase
"Science And Sanity: An Introduction To Non-Aristotelian Systems And General Semantics" - By Alfred Korzybski. Great books for anyone that wants to be familiar with semantics and the problems of current language.
"Manhood Of Humanity" - The Science And Art Of Human Engineering" also by Korzybski is another fantastic book.
teewilson333 2 weeks ago
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teewilson333 2 weeks ago
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So� Strange feedback on this video once more.
altonmiranda49 3 weeks ago
I'm saying what I mean, this guy is great. I find him to be both thought inspiring, and comedic.
TheAppacheman 1 month ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
I love everything said and agree with it all.
You know, I mean, like, all.
oneupagain 2 months ago
20 years from now, the top 5 of America's Most Wanted are going to be chickens.
matrixphijr 2 months ago
Mr. Randi, you are my hero.
Diemedes 2 months ago
he talked about farmers use antibiotics and grovth hormones. i dont want to say that my collegs is bad but antibiotics and grovth hormons to the animals is truly bad!!!
fattigbonddrang 3 months ago
@fattigbonddrang I ran into somebody who suspects that is what's causing young girls to enter puberty early, as well as aiding the obesity epidemic. It sounds rational.
lowellriggsiam 3 months ago
@lowellriggsiam it can be one of the couses yes...
fattigbonddrang 3 months ago
yah, i know dude is awesome n' all, but how old is he? back in the day centuries before i was even born, he looked JUST THE SAME. maybe asking somebody on youtube the answer instead of googling it, would destroy the true magic of that question? lol
xBLOODBAFx 3 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
@xBLOODBAFx JFGI AND STFU
CrRonaldo7 3 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
@CrRonaldo7
damn dude lol i was trying to compliment him...:/ lol
guess i come off as an asshole on the internet. he really is funny as hell when disproving ppl that think they have powers. hahaha
xBLOODBAFx 3 months ago
He reminds me a lopt of Geaorge Carlin but a little less agressive. He also had a greate passion for language specially to avoid euphemism
rubentg1 3 months ago
Whenever people say "straight line" it drives me insane. All lines are straight! If you're looking at a "line" that isn't straight, you're looking at a curve.
pluralZZ9 4 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
Is he writing all of this or just some? Or none maybe? Anyone know?
soocl0se 5 months ago
I get what Randi is saying here, but there is a huge difference between inaccurate use of a word and the "well, you know" filler words. The former are used in writing too and can lead to real miscommunication and deceit, whereas the latter are a necessary evil of the spoken language. They serve to buy the speaker some time to formulate their thoughts and most of us use them or have a lot of "erms" and "ahs" in our sentences.
NewFormofSilence 5 months ago
Am Grace Fishery l have 35 Kg Gold Dust And stone to invest in your country , please kindly help me out to receive the Gold so that l will come over for the business , please send me your details to furnish you with my details .
Regard Grace Fishery
Email: G_FISHERY@YAHOO.COM
gracefishery1 5 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
i hope someday i can meet Mr. Randi himself
KorruptCorporations 5 months ago
There are actual facts to support...uh...the 39.99 vs 40.00 prices, ya know? Advertising guys do scientific like tests and things to find out real facts about how people make decisions to buy stuff, ya know?
Seriously, you're a smart cookie, Mr. Randi - and most people just aren't.
dan91709 6 months ago
love ya Randi, you can say trunk if ya want
MrBrittish 6 months ago
love it!!!!
ecks2elev2 6 months ago
Prove me wrong Mr. James Randi or COUGH UP.
downyourtube 6 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I can prove God is REAL Mr. Randi. I found the True Location of the Garden of Eden. I found where God left His WATERMARK of it. Make sure you contact me to give me that million.
downyourtube 7 months ago
You know, James Randi is, like, awesome.
I mean, it's a definite fact.
I actually annoyed myself there....
bareakon 7 months ago
does anyone have this guys number so i can jump him
dmz4144hen 7 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
Where in the U.S. did this guy find gas for $2.00 a gallon!? In 2009 at that! 5:29
CaptStormwind 8 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
What he said !
FrankaDith 8 months ago
Redundancy is the unnecessary use of either needless, tautological, pleonastic, superfluous or unnecessary text, by which one repeats, in duplication, the same, identical, aforesaid things over and over and over and over and over again, beyond what would be needed or required to explain, or make comprehensible, the intended or signified meaning of that which one wishes to convey (Uncyclopedia.....yes you guessed right: from Uncyclopedia)
gaurish108 8 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
Thumbs up if this guy reminds you of Andy Roonie (however you spell it)
Roenazarrek 8 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
Is shitload a better term to use than a ton?
TheEpisteme 8 months ago in playlist James Randi Speaks
@TheEpisteme yes,a shitload is better to use than a ton,because it's a non-specific amount,a shitload is interchangable with a "lot",whereas a ton assumes that someone has measured out 2000 pounds of martha stewart towels. other words you can use would be a "fuckton",a "Metric fuckton" or,"Holy fucking shit thats a fucking fuckton of shit"
ViralMessiah 7 months ago
Almost reminds me of George Carlin the way he describes the English language.
robm9790 9 months ago 9
Unnatural Chicken! That's where McNuggets come from!
frosted1030 9 months ago
@frosted1030
I saw a MacDonald ad some years ago where they stated they were using real chicken breast in their McNuggets. So I turned to my mom who was also watching and said,"So what did they use before?".
PortVienna80 4 months ago
"Almost invariably begin every singe response" - ???
costatropicalgranada 9 months ago
That's not a tirade, it's a Rant :)
concernedagain 9 months ago
I use, the words, "Like" and "ya know" a lot. But I can't stop, it's like, ya know. Hard.
nate556 9 months ago
I am so scared. He is very old now. What happens after he dies? I don't want him to die ! Who would take the place of James Randi!?! :(
devpunk93 9 months ago
@devpunk93 That's a serious question! All the great atheists are eiter old, very old or sick, I wonder myself who should follow this brilliant brilliant men, this really disturbs me...
atheistfromaustria 9 months ago
@JamesRandiFoundation I enjoy listening to you. However, speaking of "overused" words I have noticed that you say "you see" alot. Just thought it might amuse you to note that.
Cash8452 9 months ago
Randi is *just now* getting around to being tired of watching television because people on the news talk too much?
I'm surprised they don't insert a couple 'very's in front of every adjective just to get a few extra seconds of advertising revenue generating programming.
That's not to say that I think we should all speak in modifier-free robot language. We have modifiers in the spoken language for reasons *other* than just so local newscasters can burn airtime.
zEropoint68 9 months ago
@zEropoint68 News casters also, keep in mind, are operating on a really precise time basis. When you're hearing a string of useless modifiers or redundant adjectives, it could very well be that the caster was told he had to add a second to the copy as read to make the show time out right.
You remember the kind of garbage that came out of you in third grade composition class when you were asked to describe a five word concept in five hundred? Same difference.
zEropoint68 9 months ago
is the poster behind him a houdini poster?
880330145789 9 months ago
Randi says "you see" and "of course" all the time out of habit, so he's not in a great position to criticize
happymyster 10 months ago
Mr Randi, you can use my screen whenever you want ^_^
geminirat84 10 months ago
Lol expression at 4:13. Love his logic.
zacharyrod1st 10 months ago
so he doesn't agree with the use of emphasis in speech. this reminds me of the george carlin bit on the way words have been altered over the years. big deal. if everyone spoke in the same way, speech would be dull. also, if you're being asked by authorities if you were responsible for the death of so and so, are you really just going to say, "no"?
scat4u 11 months ago
Randi is half genius, half crotchety old man.
thepeff 11 months ago
From a linguistic point of view what is mentioned here are on the one hand of course euphemisms, which have always been around but also language evolution, which is just as natural. There's nothing to be worried about. It's normal that some people are afraid of the language deteriorating but it won't happen. It just changes over time.
GaolisVideoLog 11 months ago
Im so ashamed that my mother beleives in john edward and sylvia browne, ive directed her to mr Randi and she redicules him as a joke. and disblevies his tests of homeopathy, i feel sorry for my family
deathman1021 11 months ago 67
@deathman1021 That's nothing, my mother actually invited a team from a swedish tv-series called "haunted houses" (loosley translated) because she had felt and evil presense, my sister actually payed 850$ (around 7000 sek) to talk with sylvia browne, my grandmother still thinks the earth is round and that all space-launches are fake. Though my father and grandfather are normal
maxsil89 7 months ago
@deathman1021 There are more important things in life than what irrational beliefs people hold. You seem to care about your mother and family a great deal. You did the right thing, but if she doesn't want to listen to reason, I hope that won't come between you and her.
acr08807 6 months ago
@deathman1021 don't worry you evolved, you children will evolve too :) Mine is the same too, guess can't teach a close mind new tricks.
linkuei83 6 months ago
@deathman1021 well dont feel sorry for them.as i say if you experience something spiritual and it works for you,,,,,,,well bless them.i believe herbs are far better than other medication.i believe that a part of the brain that is not being used can be used and can do miraculous things.your mind is a powerful tool.i did a test with my friend.i believe i see chinese people everywhere.pretty soon he saw chinese people everywhere as well.see what i mean?use the brain in a positive way and u will see
witchcerridwen 5 months ago
@witchcerridwen you mean you believe herbs are better than real medicine.
and for the record we use 100% of our brains, that 10 % thing is a myth.
and are you kidding me, you really think that because you saw asian people all over the place you have special mind powers?
thats just stupid
deathman1021 5 months ago
@deathman1021 appaerently u havent understood me well.cause thats not at all what i meant.thats what u wanna read.
witchcerridwen 5 months ago
@witchcerridwen well based on what was in the text i took the meaning that was there, you just have poor english skill i guess.
deathman1021 5 months ago
@deathman1021 yes i have but im a foreigner.and sometimes i forget that not everybody thinks in the ways of the old ones or witches.what i meant was that your brain can play tricks on you.and if you are positive in your thinking or negative it can be very powerful.
witchcerridwen 5 months ago
@deathman1021 you're not alone, my mom is a homeopath and believes in and "studies" astrology. I wanted to drive off a cliff until I met folks like James Randi.
spinynorman1982 2 months ago
Petrol and gas are different things.
CallumJStewart 11 months ago
@CallumJStewart Actually its just dialect, they refer to the same thing
deathman1021 11 months ago
I'm under the impression that extraneous words and phrases like "you know" and "like", may simply be used as a way to fill a moment of silence while we consider what we wanted to say next. Either that or people use them because they pick up the habit from someone else. It's not hard for memes or conventions, even stupid ones (just look at the internet), to be transferred from person to person.
download333 1 year ago
There are studies that show the use of 9's in price tags work. As a species we seem to be very bad at snap judgments about value. If the first (most important) number is smaller, it must be a lower price.
These sort of things won't be abandoned as long as there is benefit to be derived from their use, and in the case of price tags or advertising language there most certainly is.
download333 1 year ago
@download333 I've got a friend who is taken in by this. If he sees an item for $29.99 he will refer to it as twenty dollars.
GummoNZ 10 months ago
@GummoNZ then your friend needs to learn how to read :P
nuberiffic 10 months ago
Damn, he's turned into Andy Rooney
kpreston69 1 year ago 2
The usage of filler expressions such as "like" and "ya know?" is thruoughly and very amusingly explored by the (former) teacher Taylor Mali, titled "Like Lilly Like Wilson" (tshNfYWPlDg) and "Like_youknow" (SCNIBV87wV4). Have fun. :)
mkarnerfors 1 year ago
"Chat" would also be an improper word, but "monologue" sounds pedantic.
shackupyourstruly 1 year ago
Two years without these chats? At least, there's Youtube. I found him last year looking for Carl Sagan video clips.
shackupyourstruly 1 year ago
"Well," is an interjection, as Schoolhouse Rock informed me: "or by a comma if the feeling's not as strong."
shackupyourstruly 1 year ago
he looks like Charles Darwin
eadlie24 1 year ago
Jeeze,I've just discovered the cure for insomnia,who would've thought it? And,I'd just like to say,to speedskate,yes,we gays DO love poop-se..zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
popazz1 1 year ago
Dr. James Randi,
maybe we'll meet before we go to heaven
do we not worry by one million dollar
Ciaou. ..Greetings
martini4948 1 year ago
Many Thanks.
martini4948 1 year ago
He's gay
speedskate2010 1 year ago
@speedskate2010 Indeed. I don't see how that's relevant to anything here though.
Wewk1337 1 year ago
@Wewk1337 gay's love poop sex
speedskate2010 1 year ago
saying James Randi is awesome would be a redundancy
Wesleyfromindy2 1 year ago 55
@Wesleyfromindy2 I cannot agree less, this guy is awsome.
niclaz300 9 months ago
@Wesleyfromindy2 I could not agree less, this guy is awsome.
niclaz300 9 months ago
@Wesleyfromindy2 So would be saying he is amazing:)
RUBENSolol 9 months ago
@Wesleyfromindy2 quite; it goes without saying, so saying it is indeed reduntant. : )
ZachRose88 5 months ago
lol all he does is point out obvious stuff for dumb people and they still dont listen James Randi is awsome
april0293 1 year ago
All those tautologies, oh my! However, few are as prevalent as "PIN number" :)
un2mensch 1 year ago
I'll never be bored listening to this man.
Nightrazr 1 year ago
Up with pedantry! Death to colloquialism! ...Jesus! Randi has to be the biggest frikken' bonehead on the planet.
(Cue the seething hatred from the mindless Randi-bots upset that I dare to blaspheme their ultra-benevolent savior in 3... 2... 1...)
BloatedSensations 1 year ago
@BloatedSensations You won't get hate from us "Randi Bots", all you'll get is: If you say so, Prove it, prove that he's a "frikken' bonehead".
Samaelmaza 1 year ago
@Samaelmaza "You won't get hate from us "Randi Bots"
It would appear that you are incredibly wrong.
BloatedSensations 1 year ago
@BloatedSensations missing a glaringly obvious point says more about your own intelligent level than it ever will about james randi.
concern about careless language=pedantry? you're a moron
zackhanscom 1 year ago
@zackhanscom Thank-you for being oh so predictable.
BloatedSensations 1 year ago
I even use I mean, like and well in writing, especially when communicating something awkward. It's an unavoidable habit in real life, but I don't see anything wrong with it. Cliché or not, they do not prevent effective communication, and sometimes can help to make communication more fluid by serving as connectives.
FibonaziProductions 1 year ago
i wish randi was my grandfather...id be alot wiser for it.
petrino 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
your an idiot randi james...... animals can communicate verbaly. (mating calls or seaguls calling its bredren when it finds food)
humans have one thing that makes them different then animals is our thought proccess. we have a contious thus we make decisions and contemplate.
animals use subcontious, meaning they know what to do to survive without thinking. they use instinct.
you spent your whole life thinking your so smart......your a dumbass and exclude the mental plain of reality.
michaelscola 1 year ago
your an idiot randi james...... animals can communicate verbaly. (mating calls or seaguls calling its bredren when it finds food)
humans have one thing that makes them different then animals is our thought proccess. we have a contious thus we make decisions and contemplate.
animals use subcontious, meaning they know what to do to survive without thinking. they use instinct.
you spent your whole life thinking your so smart......your a dumbass and exclude the mental plain of reality.
michaelscola 1 year ago
@michaelscola first of all his name is james randi, not randi james. second, you must not have listened to his whole sentence which was that we communicate verbally AND through writing. third, CONSCIOUS. and humans are NOT the only animals capable of that form of thought, there are several other animals which display such ability, look to the ape family of which we are a member. Also, we have instincts as well.
to summarize, your post = epic fail.
osss10 1 year ago
@michaelscola you are dumb listen to what he says
april0293 1 year ago
You think "boot" vs "trunk" is confusing? A transmission can be abbreviated to "tranny".
Try explaining that when you have to go pick one up downtown!
DukeNavarre 1 year ago
Nobody's perfect, "So many different people"? as opposed to so many of the same people? "So many people," would have sufficed but I get the point, especially about the word "Like."
RantzinmyPantz 1 year ago
I disagree with only one topic -- the use of hyperbole and metaphor. Sure, "a ton of problems" is a horrendously trite expression, but the principle behind it is what adds beauty to English, which is not just a means of communicating, but an art form as well. When we say "he ran his hand over the surface," we don't actually mean that his hand sprouted legs and started jogging. Metaphor is ingrained into our language at its core. Chairs don't really have arms, nor do rivers have mouths.
Wolvenblaze 1 year ago
@Wolvenblaze [contd.]
"She peeked at her ticking wrist" is so much more expressive than "She looked at her watch."
In fact, an even more common version is a metaphor in itself: "She checked the time."
Wolvenblaze 1 year ago
Good evening, Mr. Randi. I really enjoyed the ZenArcher introductory style, and it was a pleasure to hear you as always!
Now if you only read the comments, though.
RebornAleph 1 year ago
I use "I mean","like" and "well" a lot. It's kind of enbarising.
Disthron 1 year ago
While I largely agree with what is said in the video, I do have to take issue with the use of the UK and the English to mean the same people/country. As a Scot I may not much like it (I don't) but the UK is more than England. I normally wouldn't bother to mention it but if we are talking about accurate use of language then it does seem appropriate.
Keep up the good work!
Tumsh 1 year ago
Well, it's like, I really very much, you know.... Ahhh, the hell with it. It is interesting listening to this man speak, though.
puuuuuuch 1 year ago
old dead cunt
RosscoRussell 1 year ago
RANDI ANDY
RosscoRussell 1 year ago
I find watching James Randi on Youtube to be, uh you know, like, so much better than TV.
ahioud 1 year ago
I hate the overuse of' "you know".
kwill81 1 year ago
If I got into to power I'm going to add 1 cent to the price of EVERYTHING
Mattysmyth0593 1 year ago
Did anyone notice "Recored: 1/2/2009" in the description?
SeanoMcCool18 1 year ago
LOL! I had a professor in university who would say "y'know" after every few words. I wanted to run up to her and shout: "NO, I DON'T KNOW! IF I DID, I WOULDN'T BE IN YOUR CLASS! SO, WOULD YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN IT PROPERLY?"
colourfulwithaU 1 year ago
I like James Randi, but this video of him ranting about redundancies in language is kind of boring and irrelevant. It just seems like the rantings of somebody succumbing to senality.
doksekko 1 year ago
Well, a plummeting drop is far more descriptive than a 'drop'. Like, a roller coaster starts out with a plummeting drop, but by the end they're more of gradual declines, y'know?
Spudtion 1 year ago
People notice my way of precise formulating what I have to say (at least in my mother language) and people find it annoying at times since they do not get the washed up fast-food jibberish. It is really hard to talk without those phrases but one can succeed if he has friends to watch him and make a remark everytime one is using one of the phrases. I think it is worth it even if people find you annoying because of it.
Fjonan 1 year ago
Mr. Randi: As much as I appreciate this video (since English is my second language and sometimes slang follows erratic phylological tracks), I'm afraid there is a reason for prices that end in 9. Apparently, this pricing trend started as a mean to force clerks to open the cash register and give customers change, registering the purchase so the clerk wouldn't steal the money. Saving a penny is not really of any economic comfort, so this explaination makes sense. Wouldn't you agree?
koshkatoverdrive 1 year ago
@Theboxheadnetwork IDIOT! ! AN IGNORANT BUFFOON MUSHROOM! I Believe beyond your limited mind! Is that how the old fart manipulated your damn brains! I feel sorry for your azz! Now I know you're another dumb idiot stuck between Randi's smelly ballz! HOW SAD! HAHAHAHAHAHA
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@wdeadman49 Tell me more about yourself - how does it feel to be an ignorant, offensive moron?
SimulacronX 1 year ago
the price ends with .99 becouse of human psychology trick (the dollars say - the item costs 14$ not 15$) not the one cent saving, I am suprised, Randi should know it.
archis84 1 year ago
@archis84 hahah of course he knows! Thats actually the point dude! Why to try to make people believe somthing is 49.99 and not 50.00, when 50.00 is more straitghtforward and direct? Only an idiot doesn't see 50.00 when he "sees" 49.99.
nestorlovesguitar 1 year ago
You know, If someone asked me if Randi made a decent point in this video I would certainly say, absolutely! Like y'all may think this is minor stuff but you are absolutely wrong. The way you speak reflects and affects the way you think. If you communicate in a more accurate, precise, straight to the point way, you will be also thinking in an absolutely less exaggerated and repetitive way. ]:-)
valg8 1 year ago
Another blind old man who is an theist and doesn't believe in God. Where do you think you came out of buddy? From your mama's azz? And who created your mama? Such ignorant fool!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
Well said Mr. Randi. My favorite is when people say "OVER exaggerate.".
forzaruta 1 year ago
Why doesn't this chap live in a sensible country then?
paronomasiaster 1 year ago
Another stupid dumb azz old man trying to prove something that he doesn't have any knowledge of. This is another example of a shameless old fart who cheated a kid from Utah after the poor kid proved him wrong of his psychic ability to turn the pages of the telephone book! He instead of paying the kid the money that he promised, he cheated him. What an azzhole and a liar he really is...pple, don't listen and waste time on this ugly old fart who needs a life and a wife! Really!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@wdeadman49
This psychic was able to turn pages of the phone book with his breath, not his mind. When small pieces of paper were added around the book, the so-called powers suddenly disappeared. That is, he couldn't turn the pages without giving away his secret.
ManicEightBall 1 year ago
@ManicEightBall why would small pieces of papers added. That is cheating!!! Simple as what the boy did what exactly what he said he could do, but this old fart likes to prove people wrong by cheating people and by not wanting to give money to people as he promised. He's a fake, a lair and a cheater!!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@ManicEightBall I don't believe that! I saw the video where he turned these pages not by any breath at all!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@wdeadman49
We may be talking about different people. Watch this video:
James Randi exposes James Hydrick
watch?v=QlfMsZwr8rc
ManicEightBall 1 year ago
@ManicEightBall No thanks! I know all about the poor cry babe old fart!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@wdeadman49
Whatever. I thought that was the video you were talking about. If you saw a different video that showed Randi failing, tell me which one and I'll take a look. By your unwillingness to look at both sides fairly, I think I know what I'll find, but I'll wait until then to decide.
ManicEightBall 1 year ago
@wdeadman49
wow you are a moron, did you see the video of it? the kid got proven to be a fake
raging4lcoholic 1 year ago
@raging4lcoholic WOW! WHAT A MORON YOU REALLY ARE BUDDY! The old fart cheated this boy from UTah of paying him the money he promised by putting stuff around and on the phone book. He shouldn't have done that. That wasn't a deal with this kid. It's what you call cheating!!! Besides, I don't waste my time and energy seeing any of this stupid fuck's videos. I just love to put his azz to shame for lying and for cheating others! A sick old fool always trying to prove something to get attention!
wdeadman49 1 year ago
@wdeadman49 You may be interested to know that the "kid" (James Hydrick) actually confessed that he was just blowing on the phone book. See video here on youtube; "James Hydrick confesses".
cablepanos 1 year ago
Actually, Mr. Randi, gas prices are even less of a savings than you think. If gas prices are 1.99/gallon (I wish!), if you look closely, they are really 1.999/gallon saving you .1 cents. You have to buy 10 gallons to save you a penny:P. lol.
Ripley747 1 year ago
i always knew Randi was a grammar nazi!
but his point is sound. peple are way too careless with how they communicate under many guises... "artistic expression," "increasing market share," among others. and thats a slippery slope if there ever was one.
tehKap0w 1 year ago
60 minutes should have replaced Roony with Randi decades agp
akgregor 1 year ago
Did he say "Very frequently" ? Just asking.
Sonicmountain09 1 year ago
George Carlin would've LOVED this, I can imagine.
Thanks Mr. Randi.
JulianWepfer 1 year ago
A plummeting drop in prices: the prices are lowering with a magnitude decreasing over time
The current political uncertainty of today: uncertainty of what will be on CSPAN in two hours (quickly replaced later that day)
A deadly fatality: a death which results in possible deaths of those who witness it
A definate fact: well, not one of those pansy facts, you know?
And to any marketing execs reading: my favorite prices are those that include tax.
klutterkicker 1 year ago
Then you've got decimated which is always misused.
enilenif 1 year ago
"..our language skills should be carefully controlled and restrained."
All well and good, but others have thought like that. There have always been movements to regulate things such as grammar, spelling, syntax, etc. and they have never worked. Languages are fluid and ever changing. In a hundred years I wouldn't be surprized if "to" completely replaces "too" which disappears entirely from English or is considered as archaic as "thou."
Guitcad1 1 year ago
i can smell the shit in your old man beard from here you bible basher
TarpleeXD 1 year ago
@TarpleeXD That was some very intelligent input. Good use of capitalisation too.
Jokes aside, Randi makes a very good point; people are using too many redundant words in their speaking and writing. It is painful to hear and even more painful to read. I think this applies to all languages (at least the ones I speak), but it is most prominent in english. Althought they may seem like trivial things, they are gradually encouraging the ´stupidification´ of the people and our languages.
Quintessence777 1 year ago
@CapnDingo, I agree it is quite petty. I am quite a fan of James Randi as well, his ability to use logic and reasoning and apply it to controversial issues (namely the paranormal) is brilliant and well worth the attention. First of all, his comments on language in advertising is fair, accurate and worthy of concern. As far as speech used in personal conversation, does it really matter as long as the point is obtained? Also, slang is part of human culture and I believe can add to communication
thesuit333 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing.
TonyBtheEG 1 year ago
Your days of freeloading on my screen is over, James! You shall no longer leach screen time sponsored by my monitor...But you're welcome.
Bleachfanoftheyear 1 year ago
The power of words is a gift to the human race. I ask, why bypass it? To be accepted by another person, whom through patience, is willing to take time out of their lives to actually listen; why not exemplify said gesture with an equally accurate appraisal of ones thoughts? The smallest of care in conversation can produce an exponentially greater response from its consumer. Please remember also, that it's not just their time you'll be wasting, it's your own. I'm coldplayISshit. Thanks for reading
coldplayISshit 2 years ago
I like 99% of James Randi's videos but this one struck me as slightly, I don't know, petty? Seems like a waste of time to rag on people's speech patterns that are truly doing no harm.
CapnDingo 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@CapnDingo This is just an old man rambling stupid stuff, because he couldn't follow the devlopment of "speaking to people", and still followes the "corect" way, which is the way you write, and it is so dull to listen to someone who speaks like that.
101markus 2 years ago
it's not waste of time... it's good to understand what he is saying so that the general public is aware of these stuff.
abeismain 1 year ago
My random meaningless addendum to my talking is anywho. I have been trying not to say it as my new years resolution.
cryingsoftly 2 years ago
it doesnt matter who does it, somebody has to cover this bit aswell - but you dont like that, do you? you'd love to see the less fortunate dolts being ripped off by everyone with a pulse, wouldnt you? its a smart move to cover the base he's best at, there are people covering the corporate base with their lawyer army and huge backing. P&T bullshit as example. so, why are you so fixated on Randi doing it instead? did he prove YOU as a fraud or whats the real reason behind this "furore" of yours?
somberlight 2 years ago 10
Nicely said.
SammySamIAm2 2 years ago
@somberlight No, I disagree.
It is not at all redundant to say that a tragedy is unfortunate.
While it's implied that all tragedies are unfortunate, you can still emphasize the unfortunate-ness of a tragedy further, and it adds color to our language.
Often times you may want to emphasize a specific element of a word that encapsulates many ideas.
"Strict orders" may seem redundant, but it's really just emphasizing that the strictness of the orders are especially important, more-so than otherwise
AnonymousElektron 1 year ago
OMG. Blah blah blah blah.... that's what I read... blah blah.... and again, I'm NOT talking about James Randi... Jeeez.... haven't you got somewhere else to be? or does no one want to listen to you in real life either?
SammySamIAm2 2 years ago
Ruined by the pedantic ending against the emergence of discourse particles.
MrKrov 2 years ago
Oh my god. You have to be one of the biggest losers I've ever come across. And I'm NOT talking about Randi.
SammySamIAm2 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
To anyone who reads these messeges, could you please tell mr. randi that I've been waiting for a response. it's time for me to put a stop in all this nonsense about fake psychics. I'm real and I know of and elder who came before me and he is real too. I am impervious to illness and I say that If You want the proof, it's right here trying to slap you in the face for ignoring it. I'm willing to bet my life against his Million, in my opinion the stakes couldn't be higher.
leutious1 2 years ago
Always Love His 2 cents worth of the World. You Know how it Is and that is the way it Goes, Can't fool Him
kolb49 2 years ago
This made me laugh because I have a problem with saying "like, I mean, you know" myself!
I do have an excuse though, I'm from Jersey, youknowhatImean?
flabslapper 2 years ago
verbal communication is incapable of capturing the entire nuances of truly effective communication.
much involves tone, spikes in exclamation, hard vocab words, and body language.
Phead128 2 years ago
@tttapmmman : James Randi is the man and will fuck your girl in front of you.
STFUNOWlol 2 years ago 2
i like his eyebrows. makes him looks like an owl.
cassidy99ful 2 years ago 2
bla bla bla
lakeshoreful 2 years ago
This is like, ya know a good, well, I mean cool video, basically.
xXAkridXx 2 years ago
10cts item selling at 9 cts is a saving of 10pct..not bad there haha
leemmee 2 years ago
that ...is real natural reaction to yours or our... curiosities & want of attention :)
leemmee 2 years ago
I've noticed the repeated use of certain phrases and words in conversation too, particularly "dude" and "fool". It almost seems like a tick to me, though I think its most obvious function is to make our narratives sound fuller. The sad reality is that in moment to moment conversation we rarely have more than 3 or 4 important words to say. Maybe it is our insatiable appetite for robust conversation, not our lack of information to share that is the problem.
Mercurybath 2 years ago
I think what they mean by "Natural chicken" was the biblical interpretation of natural...IE,it was a heterosexual chicken,who doesn't eat shellfish,i think
ViralMessiah 2 years ago
What a hypocrite! He just went on a tirade about useless expressions and then used three of them in a row at the end of his video.
rnvogel05 2 years ago
Did you see him wink? That might be a clue that he was joking... :-)
CMalburn 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
the NEW ATHEISM movement has been completely crushed...click on my name for the ur l to see how...
88strangelove 2 years ago
yeeeah.....even if that were true,and it's not...i'd be willing to bet that James Randi would happily give you that million dollars,if you could produce any evidence that any god existed...that would in fact crush the atheist movement
ViralMessiah 2 years ago
Comment removed
lunaticn2006 2 years ago
I can bet you are going to try and "submit" your ghost box and by the sounds of it... there is nothing to it. But as said in the comments to that video, provide the proof you were rejected. I get the feeling you were not and with the video you made I don't think you have a chance in heck of proving anything paranormal anyway.
More so James Randi has already caught Peter Popoff using radio tricks, I suspect in a Faraday Cage your "ghost voices" stop completely. But James Randi could up better.
DoomsdayR3sistance 2 years ago