The Steve Allen Theater at the Center for Inquiry in Hollywood, California, was a 99-seat theater which was developed by founding artistic director Amit Itelman. Moved to The Carl Sagan & Ann Druyan Theater.
76-420: The Center for Inquiry is a nonprofit group founded by Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov to promote science and secular humanism . When paranormal investigator James Underdown became the executive director of CFI West in 2003, he named the theater after Center for Inquiry supporter and television personality Steve Allen and offered Itelman an opportunity to define an artistic vision for the space. According to
152-747: A Hell house was presented to a secular audience. Produced with Becky Thyre, Maggie Rowe and Jill Soloway . Directed by Maggie Rowe and Jill Soloway, haunted house directed by Amit Itelman. Inspired New York production a year later. Mary Lynn Spreads Her Legs - Mary Lynn Rajskub dark comedy about postpartum depression . Directed by Amit Itelman. Max Maven Thinking in Person, an Evening of Knowing and not Knowing - Mentalist Max Maven ’s first full length show. Directed by Amit Itelman. Toured to Japan, and Europe. Nevermore - Jeffrey Combs portrayal of Edgar Allan Poe . Written by Dennis Paoli. Directed by Stuart Gordon Playing with Micucci - Kate Micucci in
228-587: A 'telepathic wonder dog'. The center promotes critical inquiry into the foundations and social effects of the world religions. Since 1983, initially through its connection with Committee for the Scientific Examination of Religion , it has focused on such issues as fundamentalism in Christianity and Islam, humanistic alternatives to religious ethics, and religious sources of political violence. It has taken part in protests against religious persecution around
304-758: A 14-year-old severely disabled child at Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina . The "angel" was sunlight from a hidden window, and the girl remained handicapped. In July 2018, CFI filed suit against CVS in the District of Columbia for consumer fraud over its sale and marketing of ineffective homeopathic medicine. The lawsuit in part accused the CVS of deceiving consumers through its misrepresentation of homeopathy's safety and effectiveness, wasting customers' money and putting their health at risk. Nicholas Little, CFI's Vice President and General Counsel said, "CVS
380-571: A cash prize of US$ 500,000 for successful demonstration of supernatural effects. This prize had been previously raised to US$ 250,000 when the IIG re-branded as the Center for Inquiry Investigations Group (CFIIG) in 2020 before it was raised again to the current amount. The IIG Awards (known as "Iggies") are presented for "scientific and critical thinking in mainstream entertainment". IIG has investigated, amongst other things, power bracelets , psychic detectives and
456-506: A conference focused on freethought advocate Robert Ingersoll . CFI has provided meeting and conference facilities to other skeptical organizations, for example an atheist of color conference on social justice. CFI also undertakes atheist education and support activities, for example sending freethought books to prisoners as part of its Freethought Books Project . CFI is active in advocating free speech, and in promoting secular government. It speaks against institutional religion in
532-418: A contributor to Blu-ray/DVD extras content (liner notes) for cult film distributors Grindhouse Releasing /Box Office Spectaculars on one of his favorite films, Frank and Eleanor Perry 's The Swimmer starring Burt Lancaster . Gordon married Carolyn Purdy in 1968, and often cast her in his films, usually as ill-fated characters. He was father of three daughters, Suzanna, Jillian, and Margaret. He spent
608-442: A declaration "In Defense of Science and Secularism", which calls for public policy to be based on science rather than faith. The next day The Washington Post ran an article about it entitled "Think Tank Will Promote Thinking". In 2011, video expert James Underdown of IIG and CFI Los Angeles did an experiment for "Miracle Detective" Oprah Winfrey Network which replicated exactly the angelic apparition that people claim cured
684-767: A four-man comedy troupe based in Los Angeles, composed of comedians Jim Turner , Mark Fite , Craig Anton , and Dave Allen . The Steve Allen Theater is the Los Angeles home for The Kids in the Hall Canadian sketch comedy group. Multiple performances include their Reunion, Reading of Pilot Episode, Premier of Death Comes to Town , Premiere of Grand Guignol short, the Final Kiss starring Dave Foley and Scott Thompson and Directed by Amit Itelman. Solo shows by Bruce McCulloch , Kevin McDonald and Scott Thompson . The Tribute,
760-744: A journal covering philosophical issues, are no longer being published. In June 2020, CFI announced the "newly launched CFI online publication", Pensar , "the Spanish language magazine for science, reason, and freethought." It is published by Alejandro Borgo, director of CFI Argentina. CFI has produced the weekly radio show and podcast, Point of Inquiry , since 2005. Episodes are available free for download from iTunes . Its current hosts, as of June 2020 , are Leighann Lord and James Underdown . Notable guests have included Steven Pinker , Neil deGrasse Tyson and Richard Dawkins . The Center for Inquiry has an emergency fund called Secular Rescue, formerly known as
836-526: A laugh, never to perform them again. Things We Don't Understand and Are Definitely Not Going To Talk About - Miranda July ’s multi-media performance piece. Tomorrow Show - Cult Midnight Comedy show originally hosted by Craig Anton , Ron Lynch and Brendon Small , then helmed by Ron Lynch. This staple of Los Angeles comedy launched Kate Micucci 's career and features vignettes by the Doorknockers. The Idiots - A Comedy about Watson and Crick launched
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#1732876819604912-460: A movie) featured an ensemble cast that included Dennis Franz , Meshach Taylor , and Joe Mantegna . Other work with Mamet and Mantegna also proved successful. In 2009, he directed the one-man theatrical show, Nevermore...An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe , which reunited him with Re-Animator alumnus, actor Jeffrey Combs and writer Dennis Paoli . Nominated for a Saturn award, the show enjoyed success at its premiere in Los Angeles and toured
988-935: A musical directed by Dave Foley. Cronenberg Retrospective, featuring the Los Angeles premier of At the Suicide of the Last Jew in the World in the Last Cinema in the World . Horror Drive In Movie Series ( Drive in technology by Eric Kurland of Hollywood MobMov) - Human Are Such Easy Prey drive-in, Masters of Horror drive-in, curated by Mick Garris . Tobe Hooper ’s lost first feature, Eggshells , An American Hippie in Israel, exploitation release of lost hippie film featured performance by Nashville garage band The Ettes . Janet Klein - Naughty, lovely and obscure musical gems. Film historian Jerry Beck presents rare vintage 16mm short films to open
1064-683: A one woman show featuring music, comedy and guest. Directed by Ron Lynch . Re Animator the Musical - Cult hit based on Lovecraft lore featuring audience blood "splash zone". Directed by Stuart Gordon . Music lyrics by Mark Nutter. Book by Dennis Paoli, Stuart Gordon & William J. Morris. Produced by Dean Shramm Resbox - Experimental music showcase curated by Hans Fjellestad . The Secret World of Human Science - Multi-media variety show written and hosted by avant-garde filmmaker ZZalgern0n about odd science. Directed by Ron Lynch . The Shredder - Comedian Emo Philips shreds jokes that don't get
1140-470: A plethora of rotating performers including Jim Turner , Mark Fite , Craig Anton , Music by Andy Paley , and many more. The Rudy Casoni Variety Show – Rat Pack review hosted by Toby Huss . Music by Andy Paley & The Dago 5. Performers include Tom Lennon and Ben Garant , Billy the Mime , The Lampshades, Pat Healy, and Mark Fite . Maja Doust – The self-proclaimed White Witch of Los Angeles, from
1216-573: A political version of Peter Pan that got him and his future wife arrested for obscenity. The story made national headlines until the charges were dropped in November 1968. As Gordon described it in a 2001 interview: I had been protesting against the war in Viet Nam , and got tear-gassed by the Chicago police, and it suddenly struck me that you could take Peter Pan and turn it into a political cartoon about
1292-463: A seat on the board of directors of the Center for Inquiry. Her criticism was that both organizations had all white boards of directors. During Richard Dawkins' October 2011 book tour, Center for Inquiry – the tour's sponsor – signed a contract with Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills, Michigan, as the venue site. After seeing an interview with Dawkins on The O'Reilly Factor , an official at
1368-578: Is a U.S. nonprofit organization that works to mitigate belief in pseudoscience and the paranormal and to fight the influence of religion in government. The Center for Inquiry was established in 1991 by atheist philosopher and author Paul Kurtz . It brought together two organizations: the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (founded by Kurtz in 1976) and
1444-562: Is an annual award that was presented by the Atheist Alliance of America up until July 2019, when it moved to the Center for Inquiry (CFI). According to the CFI press release, "The recipient will be a distinguished individual from the worlds of science, scholarship, education or entertainment, who publicly proclaims the values of secularism and rationalism, upholding scientific truth wherever it may lead". The award has been presented since 2003, and
1520-579: Is named after Richard Dawkins , an English evolutionary biologist who was named the world's top thinker in a 2013 reader's poll of Prospect magazine . The following projects and programs are no longer active. The Center for Inquiry organized an annual summer camp for children called Camp Inquiry , focusing on scientific literacy, critical thinking, naturalism, the arts, humanities, and humanist ethical development. Camp Inquiry has been described as "a summer camp for kids with questions" where spooky stories were followed by "reverse engineering sessions" as
1596-552: Is taking cynical advantage of their customers' confusion and trust in the CVS brand, and putting their health at risk to make a profit and they can't claim ignorance. If the people in charge of the country's largest pharmacy don't know that homeopathy is bunk, they should be kept as far away from the American healthcare system as possible." In May 2019, CFI announced that they have filed a similar suit against Walmart for their range of homeopathic products. In July 2019, CFI announced that
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#17328768196041672-684: Is the Canadian branch of CFI Transnational, headquartered in Toronto, Ontario , Canada. Justin Trottier served as National Executive Director from 2007 to 2011. Originally established and supported in part by CFI Transnational, CFI Canada has become an independent Canadian national organization with several provincial branches. CFI Canada has branches in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Saskatoon, Calgary, Okanagan (Kelowna), and Vancouver. Organizations affiliated with
1748-570: The LA Weekly cover story Why Theater Matters - “Itelman has booked interdisciplinary acts (music, comedy and theater) that strike a particularly brainy and idiosyncratic chord." "A kind of theater that bounces off the walls." As described by the Los Angeles Times " Theater of the Absurd , Itelman's artistic credo reflects CFI's mission of 'not accepting things as they are' an unlikely lab for some of
1824-464: The Organic Theater Company , for which Gordon also served as artistic director. With the company through the 1970s to early '80s, he produced and directed thirty-seven plays, among them, the world premieres of The Warp Trilogy ( Warp! was later adapted into a comic book by First Comics ), David Mamet 's Sexual Perversity in Chicago and Bleacher Bums , E/R Emergency Room (which
1900-933: The Philosophical Research Society , performed as an Oracle and answered various, deep audience questions about life, death, love, and the universe. Supersmall – A benefit for "The 21st ChromosHome" project to help create a special needs community for people with Down Syndrome . Performers included Peter Hayes (of the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club ), The Lampshades, Two-Headed Dog, Erin Quigly, and many other contributors. The Whitest Kids U' Know – The NY based Sketch Comedy group debuted their first feature film, The Civil War on Drugs . Robochrist Industries - Christian Ristow and his maniacal misfits of metal and mayhem presented actual live Robotic warfare (actual giant mobile robots destroying stuff) in
1976-606: The Stiefel Freethought Foundation was contributing an additional $ 150,000 to the previously committed $ 100,000 to support the two lawsuits. In 2020 both cases were dismissed. In September 2022 the District of Columbia's Court of Appeals revived the lawsuits. In 2016, the atheist Sikivu Hutchinson criticized the merger of the secular organizations Center for Inquiry and the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science , which gave Richard Dawkins
2052-538: The 1990s after Randi told a newspaper interviewer that Geller's tricks "are the kind that used to be on the back of cereal boxes when I was a kid." The case ran for several years, and was ultimately settled in 1995 with Geller ordered to pay the legal costs of Randi and CSICOP. The Investigations Group (Formerly the Independent Investigations Group), a volunteer group based at CFI Los Angeles, undertakes experimental testing of fringe claims. It offers
2128-415: The 40th anniversary of Anton Lavey ’s church. Directed by Amit Itelman Cartoon Dump - Mystery Science Theater ’s Frank Connif and film historian Jerry Beck ’s variety show featuring the worst of animation history. Co-Hosted by Erica Doering . Claire and Josh Hate Themselves but Love Each Other - written and starring Josh Fadem and Claire Tittleman. Clown Town City Limits - The dark side of
2204-628: The Center For Inquiry. In 2007, CSH sued the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) to block the use of state funds in contracts to faith-based programs for released inmates, claiming that this use is prohibited under the "No Aid" provision or Blaine amendment of the Florida constitution. The initial decision found in favor of the DOC but, on appeal, the case was remanded in 2010 on just the issue of
2280-536: The Center for Inquiry board announced it accepted an offer to sell the theater and surrounding property. The new owner announced its plan to demolish the current structures on the site and construct a housing complex. The last performance was a gala on November 3 called The Last Night of the Steve Allen Theater that featured approximately 20 performers who recreated scenes from previous productions. Center for Inquiry The Center for Inquiry ( CFI )
2356-455: The Center for Inquiry in Amherst , New York , to present the idea, which CFI then supported. Ronald Lindsay, president and CEO of the Center for Inquiry, said regarding Blasphemy Day, "We think religious beliefs should be subject to examination and criticism just as political beliefs are, but we have a taboo on religion", in an interview with CNN . It takes place every September 30 to coincide with
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2432-517: The Center for Inquiry include: The Institute for the Secularisation of Islamic Society (ISIS) is an organization of writers that promotes the ideas of secularism , democracy and human rights within Islamic society. Founded in 1998 by former Muslims, the best known being Ibn Warraq , the group aims to combat theologically driven fanaticism, violence and terrorism. The organization subscribes to
2508-652: The Council for Secular Humanism (founded by Kurtz in 1980). The Center for Inquiry Inc was registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in April 2001. Kurtz, a humanist who founded CFI to offer a positive alternative to religion, led the organization for thirty years. In 2009, Kurtz said he was forced out of CFI after conflict with Ronald A. Lindsay , a corporate lawyer hired to become CEO in 2008. Robyn Blumner succeeded Lindsay as CEO in January 2016 when CFI announced that it
2584-620: The Freethought Emergency Fund. Between 2015 and 2018, Secular Rescue helped thirty individuals fleeing anti-secular regimes gain asylum. The Office of Public Policy (OPP) is the Washington, D.C., political arm of the Center for Inquiry. The OPP's mandate is to lobby Congress and the Administration on issues related to science and secularism. This includes defending the separation of church and state, promoting science and reason as
2660-575: The Golden Dawn - with Dave Lovering , Amit Itelman and Oscar Rey. Tulsa Skull Swingers – Stomp Surf band featuring Craig Anton , Blaine Capatch , Amit Itelman, Ron Lynch , and the Poubelle Twins. Faun Fables – Faun Fables is a psychedelic, folk band and performance art trio including Dawn McCarthy and Nils Frykdahl . Becky Stark – Lavender Diamond front woman variety show featured Miranda July , Josh Fadem, Ron Regé Jr. , and more. In March 2017,
2736-591: The Play Circle stage of the University of Wisconsin–Madison 's Wisconsin Union Theater . The play, intended to be an attack on apathy, locked the audience in the theater and seemingly humiliated, beat and raped them (audience plants were used). Every performance ended with the audience rioting and stopping the show. THE GAME SHOW's game is you. It is completely dedicated to destroying the complacency of every member in
2812-694: The U.S. legislative process. In partnership with the Graduate School of Education at the State University of New York at Buffalo , CFI offers an accredited Master of Education program in Science and the Public, available entirely online. Aimed at students preparing for careers in research, science education, public policy, science journalism, or further study in sociology, history, and philosophy of science, science communication, education, or public administration,
2888-432: The anniversary of the publications of the controversial Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons . Stuart Gordon Stuart Alan Gordon (August 11, 1947 – March 24, 2020) was an American filmmaker , theatre director , screenwriter , and playwright . Initially recognized for his provocative and frequently controversial work in experimental theatre , Gordon began directing films in 1985. Most of Gordon's cinematic output
2964-484: The area of religion, they examine beliefs that involve testable claims, such as faith healing and creationism, but stay away from untestable religious beliefs such as the existence of God. The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), then known as the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), was, alongside magician and prominent skeptic James Randi , sued by TV celebrity Uri Geller in
3040-608: The armed forces. Free Inquiry is published by the Center for Inquiry, in association with the Council for Secular Humanism (CSH). The results of research and activities supported by the center and its affiliates are published and distributed to the public in seventeen separate national and international magazines, journals, and newsletters. Among them are CSH's Free Inquiry and Secular Humanist Bulletin , and CSI's Skeptical Inquirer , CFI's American Rationalist . The Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine , The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice and Philo ,
3116-406: The audience, to making you react. It wants you to get up and be forcibly smashed in the head and the body, it wants you to throw up, to scream out, to lose the trust of the person sitting right next to you, to reach and act. It wants you -all by yourself- to do something. Gordon then formed Screw Theater in the summer of 1968 and produced and directed four shows, the final one, in the fall of 1968,
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3192-501: The basis of public policy, and advancing secular values. The OPP publishes position statements on its subjects of interest. Examples have included acupuncture , climate change , contraception and intelligent design . The Office is an active participant in legal matters, providing experts for Congress testimony and amicus briefs in Supreme Court cases. It publishes a list of bills it considers of interest as they pass through
3268-535: The carnival underworld by carny Aye Jay. Directed by Amit Itelman. The Beastly Bombing - Award-winning controversial Edwardian musical about fundamentalism . Book, lyrics and direction by Julien Nitzberg . Music by Roger Neill . Produced with Rorry Daniels. Toured to New York and Amsterdam. Borcht Belt Babies - Vaudeville revival show featuring descendants of actual vaudeville stars. Hosted by Janet Klein. Directed by Amit Itelman The Church of Satan ’s Black Mass - The first ever public Satanic ritual on
3344-784: The central issues of naturalism include the exploration of varieties of naturalism; problems in philosophy of science; the methodologies of scientific inquiry; naturalism and humanism; naturalistic ethics; planetary ethics; and naturalism and the biosciences. CFI is a nonprofit body registered as a charity in the United States. It has 17 locations in the U.S., and has 16 international branches or affiliated organizations. The organization has Centers For Inquiry in Amherst, New York (its headquarters), Los Angeles , New York City , Tampa Bay , Washington, D.C. , Indiana , Austin , Chicago , San Francisco and Michigan . CFI has branches, representation or affiliated organizations in countries around
3420-402: The clowns. Avante Guard Vaudeville. Written and performed by Jim Turner , Mark Fite and David Allen Gruber , Craig Anton . Written by Joel Madison, Dale Goodson and Bob Rucker. Directed by John Ferrara Dueling Harps with Adam Dugas - Veteran performance artist Ann Magnuson shows featuring two classical harpists. Hollywood Hellhouse - A two story haunted house which was the first time
3496-469: The club cancelled Dawkins' appearance. Dawkins said that the country club official accepted Bill O'Reilly 's "twisted" interpretation of his book The Magic of Reality without having read it personally. Sean Faircloth said that cancelling the reading "really violates the basic principles of America ... The Civil Rights Act ... prohibits discrimination based on race or religious viewpoint. ... [Dawkins has] published numerous books ... to explain science to
3572-650: The country. In 2011 Gordon produced, directed and co-wrote the book for Re-Animator: The Musical . It played to sold-out houses, rave reviews, and standing ovations for six months at the Steve Allen Theater . In 2012, it was performed at the New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival . Gordon's next play Taste , premiered at Los Angeles' Sacred Fools Theater Company in April 2014. The play, based on
3648-503: The freshest, strangest work in town...The bar for eccentricity may be pretty high in Hollywood, but the Steve Allen Theater clears it easily". In an interview with director Jon Schnepp he states that Metalocalypse began with small sketches "like 'George Fisher (Cannibal Corpse vocalist) Goes to the Hospital' developed at The Steve Allen Theater. Aye Jay Carny Trash - An exploration of
3724-485: The merit and legality of controversial medical techniques. In 2014, CEO Ron Lindsay publicly criticized Stanislaw Burzynski 's controversial Texas cancer clinic. CFI campaigns for a secular society, for example in opposing the addition of prayer text on public property. The center supports secular and free speech initiatives. On November 14, 2006, the CFI opened its Office of Public Policy in Washington, DC , and issued
3800-697: The parking lot at the Steve Allen. For the Glory of Steel - The Society for Creative Anachronism brought a night of contact Medieval battle in full-on armor. With guest metal band, Crom. The Car Plays – Moving Arts Theater Company presented fifteen ten-minute pieces in actual cars. Multiple directors included Moving Arts artistic producer Paul Nicolai Stein. The Unholy Three - Magic cabaret trio featuring David Lovering , Rob Zabrecky , and Fitzgerald performed their exclusive Magic Castle mystery revue with live piano accompaniment by Brad Kay. 2 Headed Dog -
3876-471: The participants were encouraged to determine the cause of an apparently supernatural experience. Camp Inquiry has been criticised as " Jesus Camp in reverse"; its organisers countered that the camp is not exclusive to atheist children and that campers are encouraged to draw their own conclusions based on empirical and critical thinking . The Center for Inquiry Institute offered undergraduate level online courses, seminars, and workshops in critical thinking and
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#17328768196043952-413: The program explores the methods and outlook of science as they intersect with public culture, scientific literacy, and public policy. In February 2020, Quackwatch , founded by Stephen Barrett , became part of CFI, which announced it plans to maintain its various websites and to receive Barrett's library later in the year. ScienceSaves is a nationwide pro-science campaign to generate an appreciation for
4028-475: The public, so it's rather an affront, to reason in general, to shun him as they did." CFI Michigan executive director Jeff Seaver stated that "This action by The Wyndgate illustrates the kind of bias and bigotry that nonbelievers encounter all the time." Following the cancellation, protests and legal action by CFI against the Wyndgate Country Club were pursued. In 2013 this case was settled in favor of
4104-437: The punishment by Saudi authorities of Raif Badawi for running an Internet forum, whom they accused of atheism and liberalism. CFI's statement was supported by the American, Canadian, Irish, and French delegates. Blasphemy Rights Day International encourages individuals and groups to openly express their criticism of or outright contempt for religion . It was founded in 2009 by the Center for Inquiry. A student contacted
4180-477: The role of science. National Science Appreciation Day started in 2022 and is part of the ScienceSaves initiative and happens annually on March 26. In 2022, CFI got proclamations declaring March 26 as National Science Appreciation Day from more than a dozen states. Main article: Teacher Institute for Evolutionary Science This programs provides teachers with tools to teach evolution. The Richard Dawkins Award
4256-517: The rule of secular law, freedom of speech and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights . It does not promote any belief system or religious dogma. CFI participates in media debates on science, health, religion and its other areas of interest. Its "Keep Healthcare Safe and Secular" campaign promotes scientifically sound healthcare. It has been an outspoken critic of dubious and unscientific healthcare practices, and engages in public debate on
4332-479: The schools of psychotherapy. It supported naturalistic addiction recovery practices through Secular Organizations for Sobriety . CFI challenges the claims of alternative medicine and advocates a scientific basis for healthcare. CSMMH papers have covered topics such as pseudoscience in autism treatments and in psychiatry. CFI also ran the Naturalism Research Project, a major effort to develop
4408-668: The science fiction comedy Space Truckers starring Dennis Hopper in 1996. He also produced and directed The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit written by Ray Bradbury in 1998. In 2003 he turned to film noir and produced and directed King of the Ants based on the novel by Charlie Higson . This was followed by a film adaptation of David Mamet 's dark play Edmond starring William H. Macy in 2006. And in 2007 he produced, co-wrote and directed Stuck starring Stephen Rea and Mena Suvari . He also directed " Eater ", an episode of Fear Itself , for NBC in 2008. Stuart Gordon has also been
4484-684: The scientific outlook and its implications for religion, human values, and the borderlands of science. In addition to transferable undergraduate credit through the University at Buffalo system, CFI offered a thirty-credit-hour Certificate of Proficiency in Critical Inquiry. The three-year curriculum plan offered summer sessions at the main campus at the University at Buffalo in Amherst. The Commission for Scientific Medicine and Mental Health (CSMMH) stimulated critical scientific scrutiny of New Age medicine and
4560-555: The show went to a Fund to get Nurmi interred in Hollywood Forever Cemetery . Eban Schletter’s Witching Hour – Eban Schletter, composer for the show SpongeBob SquarePants , put on a live version of his debut Halloween album Witching Hour . Starring Dave Foley , Paul F. Tompkins , Tom Kinney, Samm Levine , Grant Lee Phillips , Kris McGaha , Scott Aukerman and many more. Girly Magazine Party – 1970s late night cable access show à la Playboy After Dark starring
4636-689: The show. John Doe & Rancid – Founder of Legendary band X , John Doe, featuring an acoustic set with Rancid . Salty Songs and Gilded Gab – Rockabilly Legend, Phil Alvin (of The Blasters ) & Marquis Howell (of Hobo Jazz & Janet Klein's Parlor Boys) present a night of acoustic roots music. Hollywood Hotshots – An evening of hot upstairs Jazz special guests have included Victoria Jackson and Seth MacFarlane . Soriah Tuvan throat singing and Indonesian Shadow Puppet Theater. The Bilgewater Brothers – Jug band Jazz performed by David Barlia and John Reynolds. Headless Hearsemen - Surf band black light performance of headless musicians. The Hermetic Order of
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#17328768196044712-538: The state's motion in January, 2016, allowing the contested contracting practice to continue. After consideration, CFI announced in February, 2016, that it would not appeal. CFI representative Josephine Macintosh was repeatedly interrupted and heckled by the delegation from Saudi Arabia whilst presenting the center's position on censorship at the UN Human Rights Council . CFI advocated free speech, and opposed
4788-481: The theater's first season. Written and Starring Ron Lynch and Craig Anton. The Art of Bleeding – A night of experimental theater in which the audience experienced the sights and sounds of an actual medical emergency. Created and Produced by Al Ridenour. Special guests included Margaret Cho , Danny Shorago, Satanica , Los Ninos De La Tierra. The Vampira Show – A Tribute Show and Fund Rasier hosted by Dana Gould for actress Maila Nurmi (Aka Vampira). Proceeds from
4864-483: The theoretical and practical applications of philosophical naturalism . As part of this project, CFI's libraries, research facilities, and conference areas were available to scientists and scholars to advance the understanding of science's methodologies and conclusions about naturalism. Activities of the Naturalism Research Project included lectures and seminars by visiting fellows and scholars; academic conferences; and support CFI publications of important research. Among
4940-767: The true story of Armin Meiwes , the Rotenburg Cannibal, was written by Benjamin Brand. In 1977, Gordon adapted Kurt Vonnegut 's The Sirens of Titan for the Organic with the input and approval of Vonnegut himself. 40 years later, in 2017, Gordon updated and revised his adaptation for a production at Sacred Fools, directed by Ben Rock . Gordon started his film career making horror films for Empire Pictures . His first two, Re-Animator (1985) and From Beyond (1986), were both adaptations of H.P. Lovecraft material. Also for Empire
5016-533: The unconstitutionality of appropriating state funds for this purpose. While this case was in progress, after the appellate finding, Republican legislators began an effort to amend the Florida constitution to remove the language of the Blaine amendment, succeeding in 2011 to place the measure on the 2012 ballot as amendment 8. The ballot measure failed. In 2015, CHS (now CFI) and the state (along with its co-defendants) both filed for summary judgement. The court granted
5092-523: The whole situation. So, Peter Pan became the leader of the hippies and yippies , Captain Hook became Mayor Daley , and the pirates became the Chicago police. We left all of the James Barrie dialogue intact, so when they all went off to Neverland they sprinkled pixie dust on themselves and think lovely thoughts, and up they go. That was an acid trip , which was visualized by a psychedelic light show that
5168-706: The world and opposes religious privilege, for example benefits for clergy in the US Tax Code . In 2014 and 2017, respectively, the CFI won two lawsuits compelling the states of Illinois and Indiana to allow weddings to be performed by officiants who are neither religious clergy nor government officials. A similar lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of marriage law in Texas was dismissed in August 2019. CFI actively supports secular interests, such as secular state education. It organizes conferences, such as Women In Secularism and
5244-749: The world. It organizes its international activities under the banner Center For Inquiry Transnational . In addition, CFI holds consultative status to the United Nations as an NGO under the UN Economic and Social Council . The center participates in UN Human Rights Council debates, for example a debate on the subject of female genital mutilation during 2014. International programs exist in Germany (Rossdorf), France (Nice), Spain (Bilbao), Poland (Warsaw), Nigeria (Ibadan), Uganda (Kampala), Kenya (Nairobi), Nepal (Kathmandu), India (Pune and Hyderabad), Egypt (Cairo), China (Beijing), New Zealand (Auckland), Peru (Lima), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Senegal (Dakar), Zambia (Lusaka), and Bangladesh (Dhaka). CFI Canada (CFIC)
5320-500: Was Dolls in 1987. His next two projects were surprisingly family friendly. First up was Kid Safe: The Video , a short safety film for kids released direct-to-video. Following that, with Brian Yuzna and writer Ed Naha, he co-created Honey, I Shrunk the Kids for Disney Studios (he later executive produced the sequel Honey, I Blew Up the Kid ). He also co-wrote Body Snatchers for Warner Brothers in 1993 and The Dentist for Trimark in 1996. He produced, co-wrote and directed
5396-479: Was a fan of H. P. Lovecraft and adapted several of the author's stories for the screen, including Re-Animator , From Beyond , and Dagon , as well as the Masters of Horror episode Dreams in the Witch-House . He turned to the work of Edgar Allan Poe on two occasions, directing The Pit and the Pendulum in 1991 and The Black Cat for the Masters of Horror series in 2007. Several of his films have gone on to become cult classics. Stuart Alan Gordon
5472-550: Was adapted into the short-lived TV series E/R ), and a two-part adaptation of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . The initial production of Warp , co-written by Gordon, was such a huge hit for Organic that it briefly made it to Broadway , where it proved to be little understood. Warp was influential according to the theater critic, Richard Christiansen, for anticipating Star Wars and giving rise to additional Chicago theater companies. Gordon's 1973 production of The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit ,(which 25 years later he made into
5548-609: Was born on August 11, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois , the son of Rosalie (Sabath), a high school English teacher, and Bernard Gordon, a cosmetics factory supervisor. After graduating from Lane Technical High School , Gordon worked as a commercial artist apprentice prior to enrolling at the University of Wisconsin–Madison . Unable to get into the film classes, he enrolled in an acting class and ended up majoring in theater. During this time, he founded his first theatre company, Screw Theater. In late March 1968, Gordon produced The Game Show on
5624-448: Was in the horror genre, though he also ventured into science fiction and film noir . Born in Chicago, Gordon became known for experimental and sometimes controversial live theater at the University of Wisconsin in the late 1960s. Moving back to Chicago, he founded and led the Organic Theater Company . In the early 1980s, Gordon went to California to pursue movie making. Like his friend and fellow filmmaker Brian Yuzna , Gordon
5700-560: Was merging with the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science . Through the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), and its journal, Skeptical Inquirer magazine, published by the Center for Inquiry, CSI examines evidential claims of the paranormal or supernormal, including psychics, ghosts, telepathy, clairvoyance, UFOs, and creationism. It also hosts the CSICon . They also examine pseudoscientific claims involving vaccines, cellphones, power lines, GMOs, and alternative medicine. In
5776-493: Was projected onto the bodies of seven naked young ladies ... After the University of Wisconsin demanded future theatrical productions by Screw Theater be overseen by a university professor, Gordon cut his University ties to form Broom Street Theater . Its first production, the new translation of the risque Lysistrata , premiered in May 1969. Later that year, with his wife Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, he relocated to Chicago and founded
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