advance notice james randi comes to portland · 2018. 6. 1. · randi began his career as the...

Contact the Center for Inquiry Portland at [email protected], or visit us online at www.centerforinquiry.net/portland

CENTER FOR INQUIRYPortland

The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.

CFI has established centers throughout the world which provide a means of delivering educational programs and services on a local level and provide a venue for like-minded individuals to meet and share experiences.

In aiming to foster a secular society, we do not seek to abridge the rights of believers. We vigorously object to government support of religion and the use of religious dogma to justify public policy; we do not oppose the free exercise of religion. The secular society we are building is a community of reason and compassion in which the dignity and fundamental rights of all individuals are respected.

Three goals represent the focus of our activities: an end to the influence that religion and pseudoscience have on public policy, an end to the privileged position that religion and pseudoscience continue to enjoy in many societies, and an end to the stigma attached to being a nonbeliever.

January 2012

ADVANCE NOTICE

Thursday, February 16, 2012First Unitarian Church

1011 SW 13th Ave, Portland, Oregon More details onpage 2

Cont’d on page 2

James Randicomes to Portland


CENTER FOR INQUIRYPortland

The mission of the Center for Inquiry is to foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.

CFI has established centers throughout the world which provide a means of delivering educational programs and services on a local level and provide a venue for like-minded individuals to meet and share experiences.

In aiming to foster a secular society, we do not seek to abridge the rights of believers. We vigorously object to government support of religion and the use of religious dogma to justify public policy; we do not oppose the free exercise of religion. The secular society we are building is a community of reason and compassion in which the dignity and fundamental rights of all individuals are respected.

Three goals represent the focus of our activities: an end to the influence that religion and pseudoscience have on public policy, an end to the privileged position that religion and pseudoscience continue to enjoy in many societies, and an end to the stigma attached to being a nonbeliever.

January 2012

More details onpage 2

Cont’d on page 2


CFI–Portland Sponsors Portland Visit of James Randi

The Freethinkers of Portland State University is proud to present Dr. Peter Boghossian and his upcoming lecture, “Jesus, the Easter Bunny, and Other Delusions: Just Say No!” The lecture, with extensive Q&A, will be held Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. at Portland State University’s Hoffman Hall. This talk is free and open to the public.

Boghossian will argue that faith is not a reliable process to guide one to the truth. He will explore problems with faith-based processes of reasoning, and also discuss practical strategies for engaging people of faith.Dr. Boghossian is a faculty mem-ber in the Portland State University Department of Philosophy and an affiliate research assistant professor at Oregon Health Sciences University. His primary research areas are critical thinking and moral reasoning. He has published extensively in academic and professional journals, including Journal of the Philosophy of Educa-tion, Educational Philosophy and Theory, Informal Logic and Teaching Philosophy. Website: bit.ly/vj2yHc

Randi began his career as the magician The Amazing Randi, appearing on count-less TV shows including The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, in which he appeared 32 times. You can see an appearance by watching "James Randi Debunking Psychic Surgery" on YouTube. And he has been featured occasionally on the TV show Penn & Teller: Bullshit!Today he is best known as the world's most tireless investigator and demystifier of paranormal and pseudoscientific claims. He has pursued "psychic" spoonbenders, exposed the dirty tricks of faith healers, investigated homeopathic water "with a memory," and generally been a thorn in the sides of those who try to pull the wool over the public's eyes in the name of the supernatural.In 1996, he established the James Randi Education Foundation to further his work. JREF currently offers a prize of $1,000,000 to anyone who can demonstrate evidence of any paranor-mal, supernatural or occult power. No surprise; it remains unclaimed. Randi is the author of numerous books, including The Truth About Uri Geller, The Faith Healers, Flim-Flam!, and An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural. Stay tuned for more info as we coordi-nate his appearance here in Portland.

THE ‘SPECTRE SEEKERS’ DISCOVER THE REAL CAUSE OF THE AURORA BOREALIS

TM

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION by Luke Mahan


“We need more educators like Peter Boghossian.”Sam Harris, bestselling author of “The End of Faith” and “Letter to a Christian Nation"

“Boghossian delivers! Witty, amaz-ingly quick on his feet and highly engaging.”Chris Johnson, co-founder of The Onion

Free Lecture at PSU: Friday, January 27th

"Jesus, the Easter Bunny, and

Other Delusions: Just Say No!"

http://bit.ly/vj2yHc


Scenes from the Dark-To-Light Gala

Northwest Free-thought AllianceAnnual ConferenceMARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2012

11-21-11

NORTHWEST FREE-THOUGHT ALLIANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

RENTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Renton, Washington (8 miles from SeaTac)

March 30-31, April 1, 2012

nwfreethoughtalliance.org

Richard Dawkins is the keynote speaker. Register early for a discount. Reception Friday Night Workshops Saturday and Sunday We encourage you to register early as space is limited and we expect this to be a sellout event. Scholarships are available.


Register Soon – Seating is Limited

CFI-Portland is one of about 50 partners making up the Northwest Free-thought Alliance. The NFA is very excited to feature author Richard Dawkins, renowned biologist, atheist, and activist, as the closing keynote speaker at this year's Northwest Free-thought Alliance Conference.The conference is the last weekend of March (March 30, 31; April 1) at Renton Technical College, just southeast of Seattle.Another keynote speaker is Sean Faircloth, former chief lobbyist for the Secular Coalition of America, now the Director of Strategy and Policy for the Richard Dawkins Institute.The conference starts at 6:00 PM Friday, with a wine and cheese reception. On Saturday there are eleven workshops and two keynote presentations, as well as a banquet. Sunday features Richard Dawkins and Sean Faircloth.WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REGISTER EARLY, AS SPACE IS LIMITED, AND THE ORGANIZERS FULLY EXPECT THIS TO BE A SELLOUT EVENT. Scholarships are available. To register, go to NWFreethoughtAlliance.org.

Secularists enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing to celebrate the winter solstice. Upper right: Stephanie and Fran-cisco Maya with one of their daughters; bottom right: Jason, Steven & Mona Bodo; bottom left: Sylvia Benner and Paul Nagy.


11-21-11

NORTHWEST FREE-THOUGHT ALLIANCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE

RENTON TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Renton, Washington (8 miles from SeaTac)

March 30-31, April 1, 2012


Richard Dawkins is the keynote speaker. Register early for a discount. Reception Friday Night Workshops Saturday and Sunday We encourage you to register early as space is limited and we expect this to be a sellout event. Scholarships are available.


Register Soon – Seating is Limited

http://nwfreethoughtalliance.org/


Sunday, January 8, 2:30pm

Salem Humanists Meet & Greet (Pt 2)Salem Public Library 585 Liberty St SE, Salem (Plaza Room)We are kicking off the New Year with a visit from CFI Portland Group Coordinator, Sylvia Benner and Meetup Organizer, Shannon! Sylvia will be discussing the history of CFI, what resources CFI Portland has to offer us, and the benefits membership provides.

CFI January Events For more information about any of these events, late additions, or to RSVP, go to the CFI calendar at www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendar and click on that event

Saturday, January 7, 2pm

Skeptics in the PubEvergreen Pieway3020 Evergreen Way, Washougal, WAMeet local skeptics, atheists, secular humanists, scientific naturalists and other friends of reason for conversation and friendship! We meet in Vancouver but welcome people from anywhere. Meetings are informal and social. Conversation is spirited and informative. We meet in their banquet room, between 2 and 5 pm.

Thursday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, 10amPreschool PlaydateBeaverton, OR

For preschool children aged 3 & 4 (and other ages). Please RSVP at CFI-SFN website.

Wednesday, January 11, 6:30pm

SHEP Movie NightFlight From Death: The Quest For ImmortalityEast Portland Community Center 740 SE 106th, PortlandA documentary film that investigates the relationship of human violence to fear of death, as related to subcon-scious influences. The film describes death anxiety as a possible root cause of many human behaviors . Flight from Death is a seven-time Best Documentary award-winning film.


Monday, January 9, 7pm

OMSI @ the Bagdad: Forensic AnthropologyBagdad Theater & Pub, 3702 SE Hawthorne, PortlandVeronica "Nici" Vance, of the Oregon State Police Forensic Laboratory, offers a fascinating glimpse of "the life of bones, bodies, and biological anthopology." With a master's in anthropology, a PhD in anatomy, and experience with more than 150 crime scenes, Nici will explore how she and her colleagues identify missing persons and help figure out where and how people died. $5 cover.

Sunday, January 1, 11am

Eastside Sunday BrunchOld Wives Tales, 1300 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214Organizer: Sylvia Benner

Please RSVP so we can reserve the correct number of seats.

A chance to meet and get to know others in the community over good food in a relaxed atmosphere! The restaurant has a children's menu and a separate play room for the little ones. Vegetarian dishes available.

Thursday, Jan. 5 & 19, 11:45am

South Coast Skeptics MeetupDenny's, 98 E. 1st St, Coquille, OROrganizer: Greg CollverPizza and skeptical discussion at Denny's!

Thursday, Jan. 5, 12, 19, & 26 6:30pm

Save Our Selves (SOS) Secular Support Group in Rogue Valley1505 NW Washington Blvd, Grants Pass, OROur SOS Group offers secular alternative support to individuals struggling to overcome a personal addiction, such as alcoholism. This approach differs from typical 12-step programs.

Sunday, Jan. 8 & 22, 10:30am

Secular Sunday School (grades K-3)Location and other details available upon RSVP at the CFI website

Secular Sunday School is a program geared toward kids who are between 6 and 9 years old. Children have time to play and make friends, as well as participate in fun, engaging lessons focused on three areas: science/critical thinking, comparative religion/culture, and humanism/ethics.


Discussion: Universal MoralityJava Vivace 2287 NW Pettygrove St Portland, OR

Moderator: Glenn PetersIs there a universal morality? If so, where does it come from? If not, how do we deal with morality and conflicts in a world where morality can be considered flexible? How has morality changed over time and across cultures, and how has it stayed the same?

www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/calendar/http://www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendar


CFI January Events CONT'DMore details and RSVP: www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendar

Sunday, Jan. 15 & 29, 12:30pm

Rogue Valley Freethinkers (Grants Pass)Union Drop-in Center225 NW Hillcrest Drive,Grants Pass, ORJan. 15:We will take a look at alternative, more humanistic models for corporations. Corporations are NOT persons, but they should serve a role that considers all of our human and societal needs, not just the profit-focused needs of their owners and executives.

Jan. 29: Ben will be presenting a couple of topics: first, a retrospective on the life of Christopher Hitchens, including excerpts from his debate with William Lane Craig; and then, second, thoughts on a new theory of God which Ben has been developing.

Sunday, January 15, 3:00pm

Rogue Valley Humanists (Ashland)Rogue Valley U U Center, 87 4th Street, Ashland, OR

“All About Mormonism and How it Relates to Us” We will start with an overview by Linda Stevenson. Linda was raised in Salt Lake City as a Mormon. She is a 5th generation Mormon. She will share her personal information and a short history of her family. Then a couple other of our members will share their personal experiences with Mormonism. We will end the meeting with a couple of songs from a popular new musical on Broadway with its own take on the Mormons. Look in the UU Library for possible readings from Linda after 01/07/12.

Thursday, January 12, 7pm

Salem Progressive Film Series: GrowthbustersHistoric Grand Theatre 191 High St NE, SalemHow do we become a sustainable civilization? We are addicted to unending growth in a world that has limits. Individual and public policy decisions today are formed by a powerful, pro-growth cultural bias. We worship at the Church of Growth Everlasting. This film examines the cultural barriers that prevent us from reacting rationally to the evidence that current levels of population and consumption are unsustainable. (Cost $4)


SHEP Movie NightThe Human Family Tree (National Geographic, 2009)East Portland Community Center 740 SE 106th, PortlandOn a single day on a single street, with the DNA of just a couple of hun-dred random people, National Geo-graphic Channel sets out to trace the ancestral footsteps of all humanity.Refreshments served, informal dis-cussion before & after film.


Tuesday, January 27, 6:30pm

Rogue Valley Freethinkers' Social (Grants Pass)Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co, 595 Northeast E Street, Grants Pass, OROpen agenda socializing and fun with freethinking friends.


CFI-Salem: Willamette U. ThinkBrown's Towne Lounge 189 Liberty St NE, #112, SalemWillamette University hosts this popular pub series featuring talks and discussions with university professors. The series features topics from the sciences and humanities. No background knowledge is necessary, and a question and answer session follows each presentation.The venue is open to adults 21 and over, and it is in the heart of downtown Salem. Willamette U Think is free, so arrive early to eat, drink and ensure you get a seat.


Salem Progressive Film Series: GrowthbustersHistoric Grand Theatre 191 High St NE, SalemHow do we become a sustainable civilization? We are addicted to unending growth in a world that has limits. Individual and public policy decisions today are formed by a powerful, pro-growth cultural bias. We worship at the Church of Growth Everlasting. This film examines the cultural barriers that prevent us from reacting rationally to the evidence that current levels of population and consumption are unsustainable. (Cost $4)

Wednesday, Jan. 11 & 25, 6:30pm

Skeptics of Eugene Coffee KlatchTheo's Coffee House199 W 8th Ave, Eugene , ORCasual conversation about whatever we feel like. Drop in or out as your schedule allows.

Wednesday, January 17, 7pm (Not a CFI event)

OMSI @ the Mission: Landslide!McMenamins Mission Theatre, 1624 NW Glisan St, PortlandWith Western Oregon's steep slopes and heavy rainfall, what's the best way to steer clear of landslides, and avoid the kinds of property damage that homeowner's insurance rarely covers? Learn how geologists and engineers study landslides - and what they've discovered about prevention - from PSU Professor Scott Burns, a very engaging speaker whose research extends from soil stratigraphy and earthquake hazard mapping to environmental cleanup of service station sites and the impact of climate and geology on winegrowing. $5 cover.

www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/calendar/http://www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendar

CFI January Events CONT'DMore details and RSVP: www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendar

Friday, January 27, 7pm (Not a CFI Event)

Lecture: Problems with Faith-Based BeliefsHoffman Hall Portland State University Portland, ORThe Freethinkers of Portland State University is proud to present Dr. Peter Boghossian and his upcoming lecture, “Jesus, the Easter Bunny, and Other Delusions: Just Say No!” Extensive Q & A afterwards. This talk is free and open to the public.

Thursday, January 26, 7pm (Not a CFI event)

Human Genetics & BiobanksArlene Schnitzer Hall, SW Broadway, Portland, ORISEPP Linus Pauling Lecture: Dr. David Cox. Dr. Cox is internationally recognized for his research on the molecular basis of human genetic disease. Recent advances in DNA sequencing technology enable exploration of the genetic basis of a broad range of clinically important outcomes. Tickets and other details at www.isepp.org

Wednesday, January 25, 7pm

Beaverton Atheists MeetupMoonstruck Chocolate Cafe - Beaverton Town Sq, 11705 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Beaverton

Host: Alan LitchfieldEngaging, relaxing and interesting conversation at our monthly meeting.


Salem Humanists Book Discussion GroupLocation and other details emailed to all who RSVPIf you're a non-fiction book enthusiast and are short on people to share your books with, then come join us! If you are craving intellectual conversations on topics such as religion, atheism, science, reason, politics, history, etc. then this is the place for you!


OMSI Science Pub: Art & Science of PermacultureVenetian Theatre & Bistro 253 East Main St, HillsboroLearn more about the how and why of permaculture.

Friday, January 27, 7pm

Skeptics of Eugene Monthly Meetup33733 Seavey Loop Rd, Eugene, ORHost: Lowell ThomasThis is Open Topic so everyone is welcome to bring up a specific subject of interest, and if there are copies of news items or articles you can share, please do. We are all interested in learning about our world with open minds and healthy skepticism.

Friday, January 27, 3:00pm

Parent and Baby/Toddler MeetupLocation and other details available upon RSVP at the CFI-SFN website

Basic member benefits include:• CFI Membership card,

good at any CFI worldwide • Free entry into all CFI-

Portland regular events• Preferred seating at major

CFI-Portland events• Two Guest Passes• CFI Window Decal

• Discounts on conferences and other special events

• Reduced tuition for CFI Institute online courses

• 15% off Prometheus Books purchased through the CFI-Portland

More benefits are available with other options. See CFI membership levels and benefits here.

MONTHLY DONATION: Click the green button to make an automatically renewing monthly donation. Sustain your membership while sustaining CFI! We'll keep your CFI membership active as long as your regular donations continue, but if your budget chang-es, you may change or suspend your pay-ment at any time. Starting at $5 per month.

ONE-TIME DONATION: Click the blue button to join or renew your mem-bership with a single donation to CFI. Regular membership is $60. Reduced rates for students and unemployed.

For more information, click on the above buttons, call CFI-Portland at 503-877-2347 or email portland@centerforinquiry,.net

Basic member benefits include:• CFI Membership card,

good at any CFI worldwide • Free entry into all CFI-

Portland regular events• Preferred seating at major

CFI-Portland events• Two Guest Passes• CFI Window Decal

• Discounts on conferences and other special events

• Reduced tuition for CFI Institute online courses

• 15% off Prometheus Books purchased through the CFI-Portland

More benefits are available with other options. See CFI membership levels and benefits here.

MONTHLY DONATION: Click the green button to make an automatically renewing monthly donation. Sustain your membership while sustaining CFI! We'll keep your CFI membership active as long as your regular donations continue, but if your budget chang-es, you may change or suspend your pay-ment at any time. Starting at $5 per month.

ONE-TIME DONATION: Click the blue button to join or renew your mem-bership with a single donation to CFI. Regular membership is $60. Reduced rates for students and unemployed.

For more information, click on the above buttons, call CFI-Portland at 503-877-2347 or email portland@centerforinquiry,.net

www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/calendar/http://www.meetup.com/cfi-portland/#calendarhttp://www.isepp.orghttp://www.centerforinquiry.net/img/cfi_member_benefits.jpgmailto:portland%40centerforinquiry.net?subject=Information%20on%20membershiphttp://www.centerforinquiry.net/img/cfi_member_benefits.jpgmailto:portland%40centerforinquiry.net?subject=Information%20on%20membershiphttps://secure3.convio.net/cfi/site/Donation2?df_id=2122&2122.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=289r85ycf6.app332bhttps://secure3.convio.net/cfi/site/Donation2?idb=1547353215&df_id=2240&2240.donation=form1https://secure3.convio.net/cfi/site/Donation2?df_id=2122&2122.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=289r85ycf6.app332bhttps://secure3.convio.net/cfi/site/Donation2?idb=1547353215&df_id=2240&2240.donation=form1

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advance notice james randi comes to portland · 2018. 6. 1. · randi began his career as the...

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