James Randi, despite being a talented magician and illusionist, is best know as a champion of scientific scepticism and a debunker of what he calls “woo-woo”, a term he uses to describe all manner of pseudo-science and paranormal craziness, from telekinesis to water diving.
People who are vocally passionate about a subject are often asked to ‘put their money where their mouth is.’ James Randi is certainly not afraid of doing just that. His organisation, The James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) sponsor ‘The One Million Dollar Paranormal Challenge’, which offers the titular cash prize to anyone able to demonstrate a paranormal ability under controlled scientific test conditions.
Given the prize on offer, it’s unsurprising that the amount of applications the JREF receive is pretty high. What is surprising, are the wild claims candidates make. Here are some of the weirdest cases the JREF have covered;
The UFO Summoner
This candidate, who goes under the name Prophet Yahweh (yes, that’s his legally recognised name) claimed that he could summon spaceships, and other super natural airborne objects, at will. As you may have guessed from his distinctive moniker, there was an off kilter religious theme running through his thinking.
In order to demonstrate his powers to the JREF, he proposed that they meet at a set date in Las Vegas, where he would beckon down not one, but two spaceships for their observation.
Unfortunately, his application never got to the test stage. The JREF where put off from pursuing their investigations when Prophet Yahweh started suggesting that having an armed guard at the test would be good idea, what with him being such a high profile character and all…
In fairness he had promised to give the money to worthy causes, housing and feeding the poor. Then again, he also promised to issue a holy decree, causing a space ship to appear above the gambling capital of the world, so it’s probably best to take his claims with a pinch of salt…
The Psychic Urination Inducer
This applicant claimed to be able to affect the bodies of people around her using the power of her mind. Rosy Hunter boasted that she was able to direct this power to a number of ends, such as inducing fits of uncontrollable weeping, feelings of illness and, of course, urination.
The JREF set up a test (which was broadcast over the net using a webcam) but unfortunately for Mrs Hunter her subject was able to maintain the dryness of his under garments for the duration of the half hour experiment. Consequently the $1,000,000.00 remains safely in the vaults of the JREF.
The Possessor of the Ark of the Covenant
Gary Vaughan claimed to be in possession of a container which, as well as fulfilling it’s primary function of containing stuff, also did a nice sideline in “fusing heaven and earth” when used correctly under Gary’s instruction.
So what does fusing heaven and earth actually consist of? According to Gary’s account it sounds like a bit of a let down. “One observes giant rocks and gaseous balls hovering inside the room” apparently. Meh..
Garry found the container after exploring an “ancient and long lost realm” for 31 years, which goes to show, if you hang in there, good things can happen.
Alas, he wasn’t quiet so persistent in making his claims to the JREF and, after making initial contact, failed to complete his application.
The Non-Human
This candidate didn’t claim to have any particular powers, but believed they qualified for the prize as they could demonstrate a supernatural phenomenon, namely that they weren’t human.
Her application never got tested. For one thing proving someone is not human is testing for a negative result, and the challenge requires candidates to test their positively to verify their claim.
However, that consideration pales into comparison with the candidate’s demands that the JREF contact the secret service, insisting that they knew all about her case and could verify her claims…Eventually the candidate withdrew and sought psychiatric help.
The Audio Critic
Michael Anda makes the list for claiming one of the most specific, most useless abilities on record.
Fanatical audiofiles among you may remember a few years back a company called Golden Sound releasing a product called the Golden Sound Intelligence Chip (GSIC), which they claimed enhanced the sound quality of CDs.
The effectiveness of the product was refuted by so many credible sources that, when Mr Anda claimed he could differentiate between discs treated with GSIC and those left untreated, the JREF were willing to consider it a supernatural phenomenon.
Tests never went ahead, as the candidate kept asking for the date to set back, using a number of weird excuses (such as not wanting to win the challenge and become famous before his high school reunion!)
His application was terminated when he started making death threats to employees of the JREF. Whatever GSIC enhanced music he’d been listening to had clearly exerted a bad influence on him!
About the author: Darren Cole woks in recruitment and has seen some pretty weird applications himself over the years, especially through jobcentreonline and other such resources.