John Edward
John Edward (born October 19, 1969 as John Edward MaGee, Jr. in Glen Cove, New York) is the creator and host of the TV show Crossing Over with John Edward. The show features what is said to be communication with the dead.Skeptics call it a scam or a hoax. Believers point out that Edward was tested under controlled labratory conditions by psychologist Gary Schwartz, who concluded his abilities were genuine. Part of the test involved "reading" the subject while knowing nothing about them and before talking to them or seeing them, which precludes cold reading. Skeptics then reply that CSICOP's Ray Hyman has severely critiqued Schwartz's methods. Dr. Schwartz replies that Dr. Hyman has simply ignored many facts, and that this is not acceptable in science.
A typical John Edward reading on his TV show begins with John coming up with a letter or a sound in someone's name that he is communicating with ("I'm getting an 'R' sound" or "I'm getting a C or a K sound...did anyone have someone pass away with that sound in their name?"). Someone will usually then raise their hand and he will continue asking them questions relating to them, or the deceased, making many guesses (some of which are right, some of which are wrong), until he finally comes up with a description of the deceased. He then usually follows by saying that the deceased is with him right now and that he/she sends their love.
Skeptics say that his techniques are identical with the technique of cold reading, one of the ways many demonstrated hoax psychics fool their clients and audiences. The show is rumoured to be heavily edited, with a half-hour show taking up to six hours to tape, in which failed attempts are removed. Finally, it is also alleged that Edwards' staff collect information on people before a reading takes place - a technique termed "hot reading". This charge the show's producers heatedly deny. This sort of back-and-forth is characteristic of the entire field, which arouses strong emotions.
The show has attracted many believers, as evidenced by its popularity. In defense of John Edward, many believers point out unique things that he has said about dead people that they believe he could not have known unless he could in fact communicate with the deceased.
As well as his television show, Edward sells tickets for public readings, and has written several bestselling books on his work and how to develop "psychic" powers.
Episode 615 (November 27, 2002) of the television comedy South Park was devoted to satirizing Edward, during which he wins the Biggest Douche in the Universe Award.