Uri Geller

From SkepticWiki

Uri Geller

1 Definition
2 Origins
3 Claims
4 Appearance on The Tonight Show
5 Trivia
6 External links

[edit] Definition

Uri Geller (born December 20, 1946 in Tel Aviv, Israel) claims to have a number of supernatural powers, the best known of which is the ability to bend spoons with the power of his mind.

[edit] Origins

Much of Uri's early life is subject to controversy. Uri's descriptions differ from those of other sources and are in some cases internally contradictory. Uri has given at least two stories about how he discovered his alleged powers. What is fairly solid is that he worked as a fashion model and then later moved on to doing shows in Israeli nightclubs. Uri claims that he demonstrated his powers during these shows. Critics claim that they were just conventional magic shows. It has also been claimed that bending metal objects is a very common trick in Israel[1].

[edit] Claims

Geller has claimed a multitude of paranormal powers, which have included:

The ability to bend cultery, keys, or other metal objects.
Remote viewing, in particular, the ability to reconstruct a drawing he has not seen.
Telekinesis, especially in deflecting compass needles, and starting or stopping watches.
The ability to predict, or even psychically affect, the outcome of sports events.

[edit] Appearance on The Tonight Show

Geller was invited in 1973 to appear on the popular TV show by its host, Johnny Carson. Carson was himself an amateur stage magician and consulted with his friend James Randi as how to thwart any attempt at sleight of hand by Geller. Randi advised that any cutlery to be bent should only be provided by Carson, and that under no circumstances should Geller or any of his people have access to it beforehand.

Before an audience of millions, a visibly embarrassed Geller was unable to bend any of Carson's spoons, and indeed was the victim of some audience laughter. Many members of the public who had previously averred to Geller's powers were to reverse their views on the basis of this show. Geller has had other similar experiences[2]].