Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!floyd!harpo!decvax!mcnc!idis!mi-cec!dvk
From: dvk@mi-cec.UUCP (Dan Klein)
Newsgroups: net.misc
Subject: ESP
Message-ID: <200@mi-cec.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 8-Feb-84 11:49:23 EST
Article-I.D.: mi-cec.200
Posted: Wed Feb  8 11:49:23 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 10-Feb-84 09:11:37 EST
Lines: 31

I have observed "paranormal" phenomena, so you will have a hard time
convincing me that they don't exist.  I put the quotes around paranormal
because for me, they are simply normal.  (The subject in question is
me).  Now, as to reliability, it isn't.  Nor is it reproducable on demand.
It is not scientifically verifiable, because often the situation leading
up to its observance are not of an experimentally reproducable nature.

But:  It also is not coincidence.  Example:  I have not talked to Andrea
in 2 months, nor have I really thought about her.  Suddenly I get the
inspiration to call.  As I am walking to the phone, it rings.  Andrea is
calling me.  The same thing happens with my sister (often we find ourselves
saying "I was just going to call you").

I am willing to write off my telepathic/empathetic abilities to simply
the power of observation.  However the telephone episodes are another story.
I can attribute a "mental link" to my sister as being linked to our filial
association.  Andrea is not related though.  Can I prove anything?  No.
You have to take my word for it, and I think I am a bit more believable than
Uri Geller, because 1) I am a scientist, and not a charlatan actor, and 2) I
realize that I can't prove anything, so I don't come in with drum roll and
fanfare.

I have also tried telekenisis, and I can't to it.  Not even on a mote of
dust, or a smoke particle.  But I can slow my heart - that is a more
believable system.  I also can't do precognition.  (If I could, I'd go
play the lottery a lot).  But occasionally, I am empathic and telepathic.
No, I can't "read your mind".  It depends on who, and where, and when.  But
it does happen.


			-Dan Klein, Mellon Institute, Pittsburgh