User:Valoem/Randall Fontes
Randall G. Fontes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | October 20, 1945 Hayward, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Sonoma State University |
| Known for | Plant perception research |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Parapsychology |
Randall G. Fontes (born October 20, 1945) is an American parapsychologist known for his research into plant perception.[1] He earned a master's degree in psychology from Sonoma State University (SSU) in 1977.[2] He died on September 14, 2019, of Parkinson's disease.
Education and research
[edit]In 1971, Fontes went to see the guru Swami Muktananda in India where, according to Fontes, an astrologer said that in 1976 Fontes would become world famous for his scientific research into psychotronics.[2]
In the spring of 1972, Fontes was introduced to Marcel Vogel who was conducting research on plants and telepathy in San Jose, California. Fontes told the Daily Review that shortly after meeting, Vogel handed over his equipment, saying, "Oh, you're the guy who's going to continue my work".[2][3][unreliable source?] Fontes brought Vogel's equipment back to SSU where he was a student and began his research with help from friend and co-researcher, Robert Swanson, and psychology professor David Van Nuys.[2][4]
In June 1973, Norman Goldstein invited Fontes to be a guest researcher in the biology department at California State University, Hayward to research the action potential in algae (Nitella), and the parenchyma cells of the Mimosa pudica to determine their sensitivity to various external stimuli.[1]
In the fall of 1973, Harold Puthoff and Russell Targ brought Fontes to the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) where they were conducting research to probe plant sensitivity and paranormal abilities under a program initiated by the U.S. CIA, a remote viewing program that eventually became known under the code name "Stargate Project". Puthoff and Targ's research into plant and human consciousness was also known as "primary perception" or the "Backster Effect", after former CIA polygraph technician Cleve Backster.[citation needed] Fontes worked with remote viewers Ingo Swann, Hella Hammid and Pat Price,[5][self-published source] and in 1975 published a final report entitled "Organic Biofield Sensor" authored by Puthoff and Fontes.[6][self-published source] Fontes used this as the basis of his 1977 MSc thesis at Sonoma State University.[7]
The Secret Life of Plants
[edit]Fontes and Swanson's research was highlighted in the bestselling book The Secret Life of Plants (1973) by Peter Tompkins and Christopher Bird.[8] Fontes and Swanson helped Tompkins promote the book on radio and television shows such as The David Susskind Show,[9][dead link] The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson[10] and the Encyclopædia Britannica "Wild Science" documentary series.[11][failed verification]
Fontes was also featured in the documentary film based on the book, The Secret Life of Plants (1979), directed by Walon Green, with a musical sound track, Journey Through "The Secret Life of Plants" by Stevie Wonder.
Career
[edit]From 1977 to 1981, Fontes taught an introduction to parapsychology course at De Anza College in Cupertino, California.[2] This class taught the scientific approach to paranormal phenomena and was fully accredited and transferable to the University of California.[citation needed]
In May 1987 Fontes joined the staff of the Exploratorium Science and Art Museum. In 1993, under funding from the National Science Foundation, he became a designer for life science projects in the Exploratorium's biology department and designed exhibits for the Human Genome Project (HGP) funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Genome Program.[12]
In August 2000, Fontes began to focus on the integration of science, art and spirit and began developing the Play of Light Meditation Experience.[13][self-published source]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Sharpe, Ivan (March 28, 1977), "E. Bay pair prove that plants lead secret lives", San Francisco Examiner
- ^ a b c d e Chui, Glennda (August 5, 1977), "Castro Valley men probe the secret life of plants", Daily Review, Hayward, California
- ^ Staff Writer (September 31, 1972), "talk nice to plants....they may be listening!", The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California
{{citation}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Van Nuys, David (July 7, 1977), "What's This About Plants That Communicate?", Ocala Star-Banner, Ocala, Florida, retrieved 28 May 2016
- ^ Hella Hammid (1983), "Remonte Viewer, BBC Video Documentary", ebdir.net
- ^ Puthoff, HE; Fontes, R (November 1975), "Organic Biofield Sensor", Electronics and Bioengineering Laboratory S.R.I Project 3194 (Task 3)
- ^ Fontes, Randall G. (1977). "Organic biofield sensor". Department of Engineering Science, Sonoma State University.
- ^ Tompkins, Peter; Bird, Christopher (1973), The Secret Life of Plants, Harper & Row Publications, p. 32, ISBN 9780060915872
- ^ "Part II "The Secret World of Plants"". David Susskind Show. July 20, 1975.
- ^ "Guests: Johnny Mathis; Barbi Benton; Bert Convy; Peter Tompkins". The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. February 28, 1974. NBC. Retrieved 28 May 2016.
- ^ Encyclopædia Britannica's Wild Science. Narrated by Peter Falk, NBC, April 26, 1974
- ^ DOE Human Genome Program Contractor-Grantee Workshop IV, Santa Fe, New Mexico, November 13–17, 1994, archived from the original on January 15, 2010
{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^ "Have You Ever Been Experienced? I have!", ebdir.net, retrieved 28 May 2016
Category:Parapsychologists
Category:American psychologists
Category:Consciousness researchers and theorists
Category:Psychedelic drug advocates
Category:American botanists
Category:1945 births
Category:Living people