Penn & Teller, what do you guys think of them?

Big Dog

I got turned on to Penn & Teller recently and have gone back and watched almost every episode of "Bullshit!" and I have to say I am pretty impressed. Anybody else here watch them, if so what do you think? Do they have most of it right or are they as full of crap as everyone else?

Terry

It is important work they do exposing fraud in belief systems.

I'm a little too old to appreciate their "Fuck" this and "fuck" that patter; but, it puts them (somehow) into endearment with the younger crowd.

James Randi provided the model for what they do. He is a hero of theirs.

I wish there were a hundred Prime Time shows that had the courage to tackle the bullshit which the majority of people swallow as gospel.

T.

Elsewhere

Yup! I love the show and rent the DVDs from NetFilx when they come out.

Nathan Natas

I too appreciate the important ministry of Penn & Teller.

Wouldn't it be GREAT if they would do a segment on the absolute pseudo-science BULLSH!T that is aired on the so-called DISCOVERY channel. Nostradamus, Flying Saucers, Big Foot - all cheerfully "documented" on the Discovery Channel.

rem

I think they are great, but it's probably only preaching to the choir. For instance, they had an episode on ghost hunters that I would love to have one of my buddies see, but it's just a little too over the top. Don't get me wrong, it cracked me up, but I just don't see it appealing to the unconverted.

rem

Big Dog

REM, I saw that episode, I was rolling on the floor. I agee though, they come off as pretty harsh and the die hards probably won't listen, but I think the fence sitters might be won over.

stillajwexelder

I think they are great and well worth a watch

luna2

I haven't seen them in a long time as I don't watch a great deal of television any more and have never rented their videos. I think the last time I did catch them, they were doing their regular act which included a lot of rather gory-looking stuff. I'm a wimp and don't like looking at even fake gore, so I changed the channel. As Terry mentioned, I found the language a bit much too.

I think it's great that they expose frauds, but I guess I've missed those shows. I'll have to keep an eye out for them.

Big Dog

Terry and Luna, its funny you should mention their language, I just watched an episode of their show about profanity.

peacefulpete

I also think they do a service but Teller is a blowhard. I know this sells but like Michael Moore he sensationalizes and alianates as much as informs. They did a second hand smoke story that was just irresponsible. They repeatedly implied that since the link between second hand smoke and lung cancer is tenuous (though the link can be argued) that the entire range of air polution related ailments and health issues should be disregarded. (eg. asthma) I wonder if it can be proven that burning dog crap causes lung cancer? If not, am i being unreasonable to not allow someone to do it at the table in the supper club? Public nuisanace laws should suffice to impose indoor public smoking bans but the additive power of nicotine blinds some smokers to the offensiveness of their habit and since they vote it requires a greater motivation for politians pass the bans. As a result the facts have been stretched a bit. Cancer is a scarey word and has the impact needed.

Penn & Teller, what do you guys think of them?

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