October 08, 2009

Psuedo-technology, Hispanics in American business and the wit of writer-actor Ben Stein will be featured in the 2008-09 University Lecture Series at California State University, Fresno.

The lectures will be held on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. in the Satellite Student Union, 2485 E. San Ramon Ave.

The series will begin Oct. 2 with retired professional magician James Randi and his presentation on “Pseudo-Technology in the New Millennium.” Christy Haubegger will speak on “Hispanic Demographics and American Business” on Nov. 6 and Stein will speak on “How to Ruin the United States of America and How to Save It” on March 19, 2009.

Here is more information on the speakers:

Oct. 2 - James Randi is a lecturer and professional magician. The author of numerous books on the paranormal and so-called “psychic” phenomena, he compares modern misinformation on science and technology to age-old cons that have been repackaged for the new millennium.

Randi has had his own TV specials in Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Hungary, Italy, Japan, South Korea and the United States. He has appeared in TV documentaries and on countless U.S. television shows: Oprah, Larry King, Today, Nova, etc., and did 22 Johnny Carson appearances. He also had his own TV series “James Randi: Psychic Investigator” (UK in 1991), where he tested individuals who claimed to have paranormal, supernatural or occult powers of various kinds.

Since 2003, he annually hosts The Amaz!ng Meeting, one of the largest international conferences on critical thinking.

Randi was a founding fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal, based in Buffalo, NY. In 1996, the James Randi Educational Foundation (JREF) was established to further his work; they offer a one-million-dollar prize to any “psychic” who can perform as promised. That prize remains unclaimed.

Nov. 6 - Christy Haubegger founded Latina magazine in 1996 following her graduation from Stanford Law School. The groundbreaking magazine showcases fashion, beauty, lifestyle and empowerment for Hispanic women. Latina grew to monthly publication just a year after its launch with Haubegger serving as its publisher, president and then CEO for six years.

In 2001, Haubegger oversaw the publication of “Latina Beauty,” a comprehensive beauty and wellness guidebook for Hispanic women. She now serves as a member of the Board of Latina Media Ventures (Latina's parent company), where she focuses on strategic initiatives for the company.

Haubegger was associate producer on “Chasing Papi,” a romantic comedy from 20th Century Fox with a Hispanic theme/cast. She was also executive producer of Oscar-winner James L. Brooks’ romantic comedy, “Spanglish.” She now works with Creative Artists Agency, providing insights on diverse markets to its motion picture, music, marketing and television clients.

March 19, 2009 - Ben Stein is an author, columnist and editorial writer whose work frequently appears in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and many magazines. He is credited with doing pioneering work in uncovering the concealed messages of TV and in explaining how TV and movies get made. He was one of the creators of the comedy “Fernwood Tonight.”

Stein is also known for his acting parts. His part of the boring teacher in “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” was recently ranked as one of the 50 most famous scenes in American film. Since 1997, he has been the host of the “Comedy Central” quiz show, “Win Ben Stein's Money.”

Stein helped to found the Journal of Law and Social Policy while attending Yale Law School. He has worked as a poverty lawyer, a trial lawyer and adjunct faculty at a number of prestigious universities. Early in his career he served as a speechwriter for U.S. presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

The University Lecture Series is a program of the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Additional support is provided by Coke and James Hallowell, the University Student Union, the Associated Students, Piccadilly Inn Hotels and KJWL-FM. Special programs may be planned, supported, or jointly sponsored by University and community organizations.

Advance tickets are available at the University Student Union Information Desk. Tickets are $15 general admission; $10 Fresno State faculty, staff, Alumni Association members and seniors; and $5 Fresno State and University High School students. Prices on the day of the event increase by $2 for general admission, faculty, staff and Alumni Association members.

For ticket information, call 559.278.2078.