Isn't this special?

Saw this sign on the sidewalk in Ellicott City. I don't know about you, but I'd certainly want my reading to be special. 

I should find out what is being read though. My palm, tea leaves, Tarot cards, a new play, Fifty Shades of Gray?

Not-so-psychic psychic spam

I really don't understand why none of the psychics who spam me can't foresee that the only thing I'm going to do with their spam is make fun of it.
 
Actually, I do understand. *smirk*

In the community: Woo vs Woo Deux

Visit beautiful old Main Street in Ellicott City and you can find restaurants, antiques, unique shops, and woo.

Tarot reading: You pay what it's worth

More woo email today:

I'm actually starting to look forward to these woo-mails, as I find them amusing blog material.

In the community: Woo vs woo?

How does a customer decide which woo to choose? 

Are astrology and tarot cards complementary woo or competing woo?

Is this the woo equivalent of an interfaith center in which different irrational practices may be practiced by people who, although they share a building and a belief in silly things, don't share the same belief in the same silly things?

Can you get two different predictions if you do both woos? If not, why even offer two woos? Wouldn't one woo be enough woo?

And, really, if the astrologer and/or card reader could truly predict the future, would they have set up shop in Dundalk, Maryland? Not dissing Dundalk, but seriously. Someone who can predict the future bases herself in the obscurity of Dundalk? Why? Could it be because enough gullible people willing to pay someone to tell them fairy tales about their future live in the Dundalk area?

Community College Woo

I was looking through The Community College of Baltimore County's catalog of upcoming Continuing Education Courses, and found that CCBC is supporting the teaching of irrationality and magical thinking by offering a number of classes in woo. I'm not surprised, but I am disappointed.

As a matter of educational principle, it shouldn't matter that there may be a demand for these courses, and students who are willing to pay for them. Aren't our schools of higher ed supposed to be teaching and supporting rationality and critical thinking? I would have said "yes," but apparently CCBC sees things differently.

Are our community colleges--or any school for that matter--supposed to teach classes that amount to defrauding the students who take these courses? I would have said "no," but, nevertheless they are.
CCBC, you should be ashamed. Where are your ethics? Are you going to offer classes in Alchemy and Reading Entrails next?

Among the offerings:

Fundamentals of Foot Reflexology: Learn to restore balance and harmony to the entire body through foot reflexology. This non-invasive modality involves thumb and finger techniques to help open the energy channels through the body. Topics include zone theory and basic techniques for performing a foot reflexology session on oneself or a partner. 

Kundalini Reiki I: Experience the benefits of how to change one's life mentally, physically and spiritually through this healing energy. Discover the history of Kundalini Reiki, receive a Kundalini healing treatment and learn how to give a healing treatment. 

Usui Reiki I: Enhance your life through healing energy! Usui Reiki heals on mental, physical, and spiritual levels. Receive a Usui Reiki I attunement and learn how to give a healing treatment on yourself and others. 

Usui Reiki II: Continue the Reiki experience. Receive a Usui Reiki II attunement and prepare for the Master of Master/Teacher certification....Includes valuable information on how to set up a Usui Reiki healing practice. 

Dowsing for a Healthy Home: Practice the ancient art of dowsing. Used for centuries to find underground water, it is being used now to identify positive and negative earth energies that may affect your home and overall state of health. Discover ways to transform energy drains and enhance beneficial energy throughout your home. 

Dreams-Self Healing through Dream Analysis:  Discover recurring symbols and themes that are sending messages on health, romance, employment and family. Learn to recall your dreams and use this guidance in daily affairs. Bring to class your most troublesome dreams that defy explanation. 

Soul Coaching: Rediscover the soul and gain skills to live life more fully. Receive guidance to tame emotions, decode excuses, embrace the shadows, recognize life themes, identify personal spirit type and retrain the brain for creativity, concentration and self-control. 

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine: Gain a better understanding of how Traditional Chinese Medicine can be beneficial to overall health. Develop an understanding of acupuncture and identify the location of Chinese acupuncture points. Learn about the principles of Qi, Yin-Yang, Five Elements and more and how they relate to body and mind. 

WICCA Traditions: Discover the earth's healing powers and walk along nature's path. Learn a new way to see yourself, spiritually, mentally and physically. Open your mind; enrich your life and cut through the confusion. Learn more about ancient Wicca teachings where love and trust preside.

I was going to be snarky and ask why CCBC doesn't offer a course in Astrology, Divination, or Tarot Card Reading. But I turned a few pages and, alas, find that they do, listed under its very own heading "Astrology & Tarot Cards": 

Tarot Card Reading: Learn to explain the magic of colors, numbers and symbols using the ancient method of divination to answer questions about relationships, love, health, career and finances.