Okay, I'm up for it.

[avevale_intelligencer]

But let's do this properly if we're going to do it at all. I'm a big fan of the scientific method. *adopts big old sh*t-eating grin copyright Simon Baker as Patrick Jane*

For this trick I will require the assistance of a volunteer from the studio audience. The volunteer should have a friend who is (a) an amateur astrologer (since I can't afford to pay for twelve professional jobbies), (b) completely unacquainted with me, and (c) willing to put in a fair amount of effort for no reward other than a possible sighting of the rare Greater Red-Faced Nyrond, or possibly a (partial, and scientifically invalid) vindication of astrology.

If such a person offers him- or herself, my assistant, the dashing and handsome catsittingstill, if she is willing, will select twelve birth dates and times, one of which is mine, the other eleven being randomly selected from a variety of months, years, days and times. The volunteer will then ask the friend to cast a birth chart for each date (classical astrology only; twelve signs, no waiting) and write down a description of the person charted, which the friend will then send to me without the date, chart or any other identifying marks. I will publish the twelve descriptions unedited and in full, and both I and my entire flist (or whoever's still reading) will pick the one that in our individual opinions best describes me.

After everyone who's going to has weighed in, the friend will reveal the correct description, and either I will look like a credulous buffoon (sorry, more like a credulous buffoon than I do already), or (if a significant number of guesses are correct; not sure what a significant number would be in this case) Cat will admit in this journal that on this occasion the experiment was successful, doubtless through pure random coincidence.

It's an awful lot of work to ask of somebody I don't know, but this way I can avoid any suggestion of personal bias. I'm told it's been done "time and again," so once more can't hurt.

Anyone interested, or shall we continue with the moving on process?

Comments

[pbristow.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest option (b). Given that you have at least met Zan and read some of his journal, I'd say you're disqualified for the "completely unaquainted" role.

A good breakdown on things like how big the sample sizes need to be, etc., and *why*, would be educational for several of us, I think. (I have a vague grasp of the principles, but have never practiced the art for real, and have probably forgotten or completely mixed up far more than I remember - let alone remember *accurately*. =:o} )

[tig-b.livejournal.com]

But if I wear black glasses with a false nose I could do a.

[pbristow.livejournal.com]

Only if you remember not to wear the same black glasses and false nose in a supposedly unrelated paper. =:o}