That his show is aired on the science fiction channel doesn’t seem to strike his followers as a bit odd. “But”, you protest, I’ve watched the show and noted that Edwards is mostly correct, so how could he be a fraud?” Editing. Yes, the show is heavily edited, and his wrong guesses end up on the cutting room floor.

I don’t know if this psychic lady is related to Mr. Edwards, but I’m starting to see the modus operandi here. All one has to do is find something that people love, attach some awful event to that special something and then be on hand to make things right. It matters little how ridiculous that problem solving solution might appear. Conversely, the crazier the claim, the better are its chances for success. In keeping with this method of madness, I’ve come up with an idea of my own and thought I’d share it with you.

People love to eat. In fact, one either eats on a regular basis or they end up speaking with Mr. Edwards from the other side. As professional connoisseurs of fine foods, we frequently discover that what we like to eat doesn’t always like us, and there be hell to pay should we decide to allow our cravings to overcome our good sense. Given these facts, why not become a Food Psychic. Go ahead and laugh if you must, but this could be a very palatable scam.

Most food was very much alive before we killed it for our consumption. Be it plant life, animals, fish, or even Jello, some life was attached to them before their untimely demise. I suspect that the constipation and acid indigestion we often suffer are just food’s way of fighting back. If we could somehow reach these departed food groups, or those about to be sacrificed, and cut a deal with them, then perhaps there would no longer be a need for Pepcid or other anti-acid medications. I’ve no clue what sort of deal would be palatable to food, but if us humans can dupe ourselves with such ease, then just how difficult could it be to con, pork chops, chili beans or french-fries?

What really scares me about all of this blatant nonsense is that after 31 years of law enforcement work, I honestly believe that this food psychic baloney would actually result with the fleecing of hundreds of people. Of this I am certain. Then, too, I have no doubt that my sarcastic treatment of Mr. Edwards and the pet psychic will lead some to view me as insensitive to those who seek out the services of such unscientific practitioners of the unknown, a.k.a., con artists. This, however, would be an incorrect assessment because I do understand the mechanics of fraud, I know how and why people fall prey to con artists, and I also know that we do these people a disservice by allowing con artists to go about their business without any interference.

When reporting on these pathetic situations, the media does so with tongue in cheek, and with the belief that most people know these scams for what they are. Why this approach only adds to the problem will be discussed in another article. For now, based on experience, it would not be unreasonable to surmise that the ability to read between the lines is anything but a universal trait, and that many people will assume these charlatans actually have something of value to offer.

I really must end here because Brandy, my cocker spaniel, just told me that unless I stop harassing pet psychics, she’ll poop on my newly installed carpet.