But Geller seems to be paid as an entertainer with a message along the lines of 'I can do special things but you can too.' Not sure if Geller has ever had any 'victims' in the sense that Popoff, Edwards, Browne, and Van Prague use people.

Dowsing for oil and mineral deposits is not the same as taking money to "heal" people and put you in contact with dead relatives.

Dowsing for oil and mineral deposits is not the same as taking money to "heal" people and put you in contact with dead relatives.

Why don't you read the interview and decide for yourself.

I believe “fake psychic” is an oxymoron.

He is a fake psychic exploiting the art of magic, today more than ever, for his own personal gain."

Right! I had it bass-ackwards.

He does not think he has "psychic powers" and he clearly says so in the interview.

I, myself, personally, find tautology abhorrent.

how do you define tautology?

Geller did successfully bend a spoon on that Carson show, but that portion is never shown.

It's common knowledge and has been written about.

I think it signals the shape of things to come.

Certainly, the influential magicians of the past 10 years (and I mean in terms of public impact - Derren Brown, Chris Angel, David Blaine, Cyril - stars of youtube and of that other small screen, the telly) have already played it mentalist-style. And much of their impact has not been through playing cards, or coins. It has also been achieved mostly through a form on mind-control - at least that is what the public is led to believe...Is there much of a future for the close-up pad? I do not think so. The close-up kinda guy was an 80's creature. The future seems to belong to the mystery entertainer

And they were all doing Channing's act, almost verbatim, or pieces of his act. I didn't meet Channing in person until 1966, and he said, 'If you're getting back into the business, why don't you take my act? I don't think I'm going to be doing it much longer.' And I said, 'Well, Channing, why would I want to do that? Everybody in magic is doing your act.

so the idea that it’s the “future” (even starting in 1986) is flawed

I agree with that to a point, and it is certainly the point of the Berglas award to Geller. However, Kreskin (and Dunninger before him) predates Geller and was quite popular, though I do think that he became even more so after Geller hit the scene.

Dustin

Gee, somebody never shook hands with Kreskin.

Gee, somebody never shook hands with Kreskin.

Derren Brown would not be on TV if it were not for Uri Geller.

Whether they're working with dragon-painted tubes; coins, cards, and a close-up mat; or the latest $100 billet peek..it doesn't matter...it's always the same process: find the material that fits you, get comfortable in your own skin, connect with the audience, master your craft...

Is there a real market for adult entertainment with Dragon-painted tubes?

It isn't about "doing your thing". It's about connecting with the audience.

Geller was a pioneer in Mentalism! Created a mold which stands to this day.

Geller was a pioneer in Mentalism! Created a mold which stands to this day.

The best acts and the best shows all grew "organically."

Geller was a pioneer in Mentalism! Created a mold which stands to this day.

Please, he did not create the mold. He pandered to it.

How about discussing the interview with Uri in Genii.

I do however have a complaint to those who are responsible to keeping our art an honest one.

There are values that we as a society choose to live by. When people choose to call themselves magicians they are immediately defining themselves as actors playing a part - they are artists (no matter how much they stink or excell)

Would you consider giving the magic prize to a card hustler? no matter how perfect he is, I am sure you would consider your values in doing that. Or am I naive?

Guess there are people on this forum who praise this type of horseshit. Book a flight to Kansas and I will be more then glad to let folks here step in some.

I remember a story of two men who set out on a trip to Kansas once - to find a card hustler. I think many hold that up as an example of dedication to our art.

I assume that if we to subscribe to Ori's philosophy we should shun such characters - because to visit them, to support them, is only to encourage them to ply their trade on the unsuspecting. Center Deal, I will miss you most of all. Sorry!

How many books would vanish from our shelves - even DVDs, even?! Would our presentations have to change - lest we accidentally portray card hustling as attractive and send some innocent, sober child off on the path of pursuing ill gotten gain? Thanks Garnder/Marlo/Lorayne. I hope you sleep well at night.