Via Les, we learned today that James Randi underwent bypass surgery this past Thursday. The only details we've seen are posted on the JREF Forums:

James Randi underwent bypass surgery last Thursday. He is currently in stable condition. He is receiving excellent care, but will need quiet time to recover. We will release more information as it becomes available, and we ask everyone to please respect the family's wishes for privacy at this time.

For those who feel a need to help, please consider donating blood at your local Red Cross or Community Blood Center. Cards may be sent to Randi in care of JREF, 201 SE 12 Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316.

It's no secret that we think very highly of Randi and his foundation. In addition to the strong influence he's had on the Two Percent Company, he has impacted the lives of our individual members as well. The work he's done over the years has been both illuminating and entertaining, and we simply wouldn't be the adamant (and sometimes caustic) critical thinkers that we are today without his influence.

Here's hoping for a complete and speedy recovery.

Update from JREF, 2006-02-09:

Thank you for the flood of good wishes flowing in for Randi's speedy recovery. Randi is hanging in there, and while his recovery is very slow, it is proceeding well. We're expecting a complete comeback, but it may take several months before he's back to his usual self. In the meantime, look for some special guest commentators in the Swift commentary, and business as usual for the JREF.