Play That Beautiful Music

My stepsister, Fiona McCallister, has released a CD of her beautiful hammered dulcimer music. The hammered dulcimer is a precursor to the piano; a stringed instrument played by striking the strings with hammers. It’s a Persian instrument that became popular throughout Europe starting in the 11th Century. The pieces on this disc are so captivating and soothing, and are mostly from 17th and 18th Centuries, including the more popular pieces “Greensleeves” and “Scarborough Fair,” as well as one original piece she wrote for her daughter. You can hear samples on the CD site. It’s a great thing to listen to when you need to be reminded that there is still beauty in this world.

Why Sylvia Browne Is No Psychic

Sylvia Browne, one of those "Talking to the Dead" hacks, was on Larry King Live last Friday and I just had to share one of the calls with you. If any of you had any doubts remaining that these people aren’t doing what they claim, let this put them to rest. Listen for yourself (212K mp3 file).

Her, John Edward, James Van Praagh, and all of those other "psychics" are just preying on the grieving and the vulnerable. Their techniques are that of cold reading, and it’s not even good cold reading. I’ve seen stage magicians, who admit that it’s just a trick, do the exact same thing with a skill that puts these people to shame. You may be grieving, but you don’t have to be vulnerable. Protect yourself and your loved ones from these frauds.