a gravity mill (esla)

[Jonathan]

I agree with Oxygon. There are far more people who claim to be able to see the future than there are who claim to be able to make a PMM, so it definitly counts as a paranormal ability. Keep in mind, despite the usual connotations, paranormal is defined as that which science has yet to explain.

[MrTim]

I've e-mailed him. That should put the rumor to rest one way or the other....

[Kirk]

Any PM machine qualifies. I even described an inertial reaction wheel and he said that would qualify for the reward too.

He is dogma bound. The reaction wheel is workable but requires a lot of mass. Not cheap to build but would work as long as the earth rotates. There is a maximum day length because the reaction is 2x the rotation of the earth and that energy has to be enough to overcome the drag of the boat.

A large wheel is brought to rest with the earth and then turned 180. It is then rotating 15 degrees per hour contrary to the earth for a net motion of 30 degrees per hour. Imagine the wheel in a cylindrical boat and the energy extracted turns the wheel orientation. Every 180 you stop it and that energy is the output. Should be enough to keep the boat rotating.
That qualifies for the prize. He emailed me thusly.(Randi)

[epistemologicide]

thanx jim!!!

helps alot

im still going to persue the idea, ill pay the 5$
and return with the data

[MrTim]

MrTim (paraphrased):
"Does your $1M reward for proof of paranormal activity also apply to a working PM machine?"

Mr.Randi wrote back:

Yes, it does. A PM machine would be – by definition – paranormal!
James Randi

Okaaay....
Just so you all know, it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. I just wanted to put it to rest so that this topic doesn't keep coming up all the @#%& time....

[Oxygon]

I think he'd still find a way to wiggle out of paying...

... if it's really possible... then it wasnt paranormal? right...

wiggle room.

[jim_mich]

wiggle room.

I was thinking the same thing.

[MrTim]

Abnormal, yes. Paranormal, no.
It would be interesting to know what kind of controlled tests a device would have to be put through to 'pass'.
Personally, if I was going to reveal a working machine in a blaze of publicity, I'd go with Penn & Teller.... ;)

[Oxygon]

if I was going to reveal a working machine in a blaze of publicity, I'd go with Penn & Teller.... ;)

... good idea.

[racer270]

which one would you pick to be the spokesman???????? (LOL)

[jim_mich]

Penn & Teller? Never heard of them. Had to do a search to find out they are Magicians. Guess I just don't keep up with things like I used to.

[edweird]

After watching their bullet trick, I gotta wonder if they are already into some sort of time/energy/mass manipulation.

[jim_mich]

5. In all cases, applicant will be required to perform the preliminary test either before an appointed representative, if distance and time dictate that need, or in a location where a member of the JREF staff can attend. This preliminary test is to determine if the applicant is likely to perform as promised during a formal test. To date, no applicant has passed the preliminary test, and this has eliminated the need for formal testing in those cases. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may re-apply, but re-application can take place only after 12 months have elapsed since the preliminary test.

6. All expenses such as transportation, accommodation, materials, assistants, and/or all other costs for any persons or procedures incurred in pursuit of the reward, are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Neither the JREF nor JR will bear any of the costs

While reading the above rules it appears the applicant must pay ALL the expenses incurred in pursuit of the reward. I can see the applicant paying his own expenses such as travel, lodging, assistants, etc. but I wonder does the applicant also pay for the JREF staff or representative's time, travel, lodging, etc.? Hmmmm... That's one way to eliminate a possible winner from applying.