Saturday, December 31, 2011

Don't matter - it proves evolution

This is Genesis Week, Season 1, Episode 1



Video by Ian Juby a young earth creation researcher and lecturer, and also the founder of Canada's first creation museum. Ian also produce videos (usually related to creation), and have started production on a weekly creation show

V for Vaccinations

Is it worth getting your children vaccinated if it risked them becoming autistic? In this video I give a short demonstration of why I personally believe that even if there was a risk of my child becoming autistic (AND THERE IS NOT!) I would still get them vaccinated.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Man made god - with Andy Thomson

History shows that man has made many gods and godesses. God making appears to be part of the human psyche.

And man has been prolific in exercising this trait. All recorded civilisations appear to have created a god or gods.

In this series of videos I seek to find out why this is.

Part 1


I am grateful to Andy Thomson for giving me the opportunity of discussing this issue (and his book).

Part 2 - morality


Part 3 - the trolley problem and slavery


Part 4 - abortion, death penalty and healthcare


Part 5 - god is intelligently designed


J. Anderson Thomson, Jr., MD, is a Trustee of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science and a staff psychiatrist for Counseling and Psychological Services at the University of Virginia Student Health Center, as well as the University of Virginia's Institute for Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy. Thomson also has his own private practice, and is a forensic psychiatrist for Region Ten Community Services.

Michael Jackson Jesus



Michael Jackson Jesus

Richard Dawkins - Framing Charles Darwin

Richard Dawkins talks about Darwin Day and communicating with the public about Darwinism, and which should be the highest priority: evolution education or widespread skepticism about the supernatural, including theism.

Richard Dawkins denies that he is strident. Richard Dawkins explores concerns over immorality that may fuel opposition to Darwinsim. Richard Dawkins explains how creationists are like Holocaust deniers. He describes the benefits of accepting the theory of evolution. And he details lines of evidence for evolution, such as those coming from molecular biology.



Richard Dawkins - Framing Charles Darwin | For Good Reason

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christian goodwill beautifully displayed at the church of the nativity, Bethlehem

A fight broke out at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Wednesday after rival groups of Orthodox and Armenian clerics clashed over the boundaries of their jurisdictions inside the church.



Police armed with batons and shields stormed the church to restore order during the preparations for Orthodox Christmas celebrations.

BBC Priests brawl at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity

Dueling Brooms For Jesus!

Christian priests fight in church



MSNBC news, 12-28-2011

Todd Bentley's Miraculous Cancer - Healing Punch

Todd Bentley tells Rick Joyner that he healed a man with cancer by punching him in the sternum.



Taken from Todd Bentleys Fresh Fire Ministries profile: "In his late teens, Todd had a dramatic encounter with the saving and delivering power of God. This experience brought Todd out of a lifestyle of drug and alcohol addiction without cravings or withdrawal symptoms. He was also delivered from a lifestyle involving criminal activity, youth prisons, drugs, sex, satanic music and bondage."
MorningStar Ministries,

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Jimmy Carr defends Atheism on the Late Late

After Ryan Tubridy's pathetic interview with Richard Dawkins earlier in the program, British Comedian talks about his non belief and interest in Dawkins' work.



The Late Show on RTE One

Sam Harris delivers like a comedian

American Jewish University presents best-selling authors Sam Harris and Rabbi David Wolpe in a debate about the existence of God and the role of religion and faith in society. Sam Harris is a renowned atheist and author of The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation. Rabbi David Wolpe, of Sinai Temple, is the author of Teaching Your Children About God and Why Be Jewish. This debate is moderated by Los Angeles Times religion editor Steve Padilla.



Sam Harris waits for the right moment, and destroys with humor.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Faith is not evidence!

How could faith ever be something of value? When does the use of faith ever help distinguish the truth or falsity of a claim? Faith is not a helpful component of human progress; it does not help us distinguish between the real and the unreal.

Pascal's Wager

We all know it, but many don't see the flaws. I highlight a few for them....

Mark Bunker at the Free Zone Convention

Mark Bunker attended a gathering of independent Scientologists who audit outside of the corporate church.



December, 2011

Thank you Christopher

Monday, December 26, 2011

The Moon, the Tides and why Neil DeGrasse Tyson is Colbert's God

Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is the Director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, host of the PBS series NOVA Science Now and co-host (with comedienne Lynne Koplitz) of the radio show Star Talk.



Neil deGrasse Tyson is the author of nine books including his memoir The Sky is Not the Limit: Adventures of an Urban Astrophysicist and his most recent, The Pluto Files: The Rise and Fall of America's Favorite Planet.

What Did Nostradamus Get Right?

What did really the man who predicted so much really get right? Well, not much it seems. However, he apparently managed to make a nice jam recipe.
(the clip is taken from the "Hoaxes" episode on the H series / Series H.)



BBC© 2010

The Secular Student Alliance (feat. Thunderf00t)

Sam sits down with Ashley Paramore of the Secular Student Alliance and YouTube phenom Thunderf00t for a discussion about youth activism with the SSA and the value of atheist activism over the internet. Also: Sam, Becky and Mike answer listener emails.



This an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Tacoma/Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on KLAY 1180 AM in Tacoma on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Pacific time.

Lawrence Krauss On The Late Christopher Hitchens



Video by CNN

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christopher Hitchens Tribute on Freethought Radio - December 24, 2011

Edited clips from Freethought Radio, December 24, 2011

Annie Laurie Gaylor & Dan Barker, Co-Presidents "Freedom From Religion Foundation"



Other Broadcasts:

Saturdays, 11 am - noon Central (noon - 1pm Eastern), on Progressive Talk The Mic 92.1, Madison, Wis., streaming on http://themic921.com

OTHER BROADCASTING STATIONS

Ada/Grand Rapids, MI: WPRR AM 1680 and 95.3 FM Public Reality Radio, Airs Thurs 6 pm

Anchorage: KUDO AM 1080, Sat 9-10 am, Sun 11 am-noon

Atlanta: Green AM 1640, 1 pm, repeats Sun. 3 pm

Milwaukee WKKV-FM HD Channel 3, Sat. 11 am broadcast (need HD radio to listen)

Monterey-Salinas, CA: KRXA AM 540, Sun. 7 pm

New York City, NY: 1600 WWRL, Sun. 5-6 am

My last prayer - why religion does not scour

Don't let religion spoil Xmas!



Don't let religion spoil Xmas!

QI - Witchcraft

Shortly: The witchcraft subject is brought up in the "Combustion" episode, and the ignorant myth is revealed.



BBC© 2005

The birth of Muhammad

In a society with no fixed calender, "The Year of the Elephant," as it came to be known, was not only the most important date in recent memory, it was the commencement of a new Arab chronology. That is why the early biographers set Muhammad's birth in the year 570, os that it would coincide with another significant date.

But 570 is neigther the correct year of Muhammad's birth nor, for that matter, of the Abyssinian attack on Mecca; modern scholarship has determined that momentous event to have taken place around 552 C.E.

The fact is that no one knows now, just as no one knew then, when Muhammad was born, because birthdays were not necessarily significant dates in pre-Islamic Arab society. Muhammead himself may not have known in what year he was born.

In any case, nobody would have cared about Muhammad's birth date until long after he was recognized as a prophet, perhaps not even until long after he had died. Only then would his followers have wanted to establish a year for his birth in order to institute a firm Islamic chronology. And what more appropient year could they have chosen than the Year of the Elephant?


Reza Aslan in "No god but God. The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam" from 2005

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Richard Dawkins debunks "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya

Richard Dawkins debunks the publication "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya (aka) Adnan Oktar.

Richard Dawkins debunks "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya (1/4)


In September 2008 Oktar issued a challenge offering "10 trillion Turkish lira to anyone who produces a single intermediate-form fossil demonstrating evolution". Biologist PZ Myers responded: "The US government should immediately send a plane to pick up Mr Oktar, bring him to our country, and take him on a guided tour of the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History, accompanied by Niles Eldredge, Kevin Padian, Jerry Coyne, Sean Carroll, and the entire scientific staff of those museums. Afterwards, they can accept the check from Mr Oktar, run down to the local bank and cash it, and use one trillion dollars to resolve the current financial crisis, seven trillion can be sunk immediately into the American educational system, and they can send the change left over to me as a reward for coming up with this brilliant plan." Oktar's offer is similar to creationist Kent Hovind's $250,000 offer[29], which has been dismissed by creationists and scientists as a misleading gimmick where those who applied for the challenge have questioned his sincerity about paying and understanding of evolution.

Richard Dawkins debunks "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya (2/4)


Richard Dawkins debunks "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya (3/4)


Richard Dawkins debunks "Atlas Of Creation" by Harun Yahya (4/4)

Monty Python - The Meaning of Life

Intro song to Monty Python's Meaning of Life (1983), DVD-Rip.

How Cindy Jacobs Reversed a Hysterectomy

Mike and Cindy Jacobs recount an episode where Cindy's miraculous healing prayers "completely replaced everything" for a woman who had had a full hysterectomy and she became pregnant.

Joseph's Connection to the Story of Chanukah

There is always a connection between the current Torah portion this time of year and Chanukah where we read the story of Joseph and his brothers. How do Joseph and his brothers tie into Chanukah?



Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, Director of Jewish Treats' parent organization, the National Jewish Outreach Program, explains that many ask, was Joseph a proud Jew or an assimilationist? He seems to have assimilated. He is estranged from his brothers and was sold as a slave in Egypt. When he came to Pharoah he shaved off his beard, wore Egyptian clothes, marries an Egyptian wife and even names his children Egyptian names. When Joseph finally confronts his brothers he says to them "I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?" Why does he ask this?

The brothers had already said that he was alive. But what Joseph was really asking is "is Jacob still alive in him?" He still identified with the family of Israel. He is saying that his father is still alive in him. That's the message of Chanukah as well. The challenge of living in a strange land where assimilation is rampant. We have the opportunity to choose to identify. And thank God, we choose to identify "Am Yisroel Chai" (The Nation of Israel Lives).

Rod Parsley Attacked By Satan Again

Conservative televangelist Rod Parsley pleads for money to fend off demonic attacks for the third year in a row. Rod Parsley needs 1 million extra.

Friday, December 23, 2011

David Barton: God Established Elections

David Barton explains that the idea for elections comes directly out of the Bible. ROFL

Win Dinner with Richard Dawkins

So when 'God' gave the 10 commandment to Moses, his 'chosen people' were clearly so feral that they needed to be told not to kill each other. Bizarrely enough though, this barbaric people needed to be told about the immorality of not keeping the Sabbath holy, but NOT that molesting kids was wrong.

Ten Point Vision of a Secular America.


Join us in making history at the largest secular gathering in history: The Reason Rally!

Want two free plane tickets to the Reason Rally? Social Media Contest: Ten Point Vision of a Secular America

The intolerance of diversity

Tim Minchin - WoodyAllenJesus (Cut from ITV's Jonathan Ross Show)

Tim Minchin's new Christmas Song 'Woody Allen Jesus' has been cut from tomorrow's broadcast of The Jonathan Ross Show on ITV1 for fear of causing offence.



Tim Minchin - Woody Allen Jesus (Cut from ITV's Jonathan Ross Show)

Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Randi Show - NCCAM

In this episode, Randi discusses the latest report on the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. How many millions have been spent figuring out whether smells can heal wounds or whether coffee enemas can cure prostate cancer? And what can we do about it?



The Randi Show is a biweekly video podcast produced by the James Randi Educational Foundation. James Randi himself discusses news from the world of science, pseudoscience, and the paranormal. Plus, he shares some stories from his amazing life.

SciCafe: Life the Universe and Everything with Neil deGrasse Tyson

American Museum of Natural History's Director of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil deGrasse Tyson, hosted "Life the Universe and Everything: A Conversation with Neil deGrasse Tyson" at the Museum on June 2, 2010 as part of the ongoing free SciCafe series.



Tyson hosted the casual conversation about stars, planets, the universe, and beyond in the Frederick Phineas and Sandra Priest Rose Center for Earth and Space. The popular SciCafe series takes place at the American Museum of Natural History.

Hate Crimes Legislation Designed to Imprison Pastors

During a 2008 presentation, David Barton asserted that hate crimes legislation was designed to imprison pastors and ENDA was designed to force churches to hire gays.



David Barton is a hater

Scarborough: Reject Romney over Mormonism

Vision America president and Rick Perry endorser Rick Scarborough says voters should oppose Romney because he is a Mormon.



AFA Channel

Atheist Experience: Remembering Christopher Hitchens

Russell and Tracie read one of Christopher Hitchens' essays.

Category

Date: Dec 18, 2011
Runtime: 58:31

The Atheist Experience TV Show Atheist Experience #740: Remembering Christopher Hitchens
Host: Russell Glasser
Co-host: Tracie Harris

The Atheist Experience (http://www.atheist-experience.com) is a weekly cable access television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience.

The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin. The Atheist Community of Austin (http://www.atheist-community.org) is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals.

DVDs of the Atheist Experience can be purchased via the products page (http://www.atheist-community.org/products/).

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Cindy Jacobs: Satanic Humanism Behind Public Education

"Prophet" Cindy Jacobs says the public education system in America is driven by Satanic humanism



“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Exodus 20,16


"Dr". Cindy Jacobs. Prophet, Generals International.

Do Not Call Morgan Freeman "A Man of God"!

Actor Morgan Freeman being interviewed on CNN about his new series, "Through the Wormhole". He objects when the co-host refers to him as a "man of god", but agrees with her to being a man of faith — faith in science!



CNN, 6-2-2010

John Cook - The Debunking Handbook (podast interview)

Skeptical Science has written The Debunking Handbook a guide to debunking misinformation. Chris Mooney had the author John Cook in Point of Inquiry to an interview about the book. December 19, 2011.



Click The Debunking Handbook: now freely available for download.

Bryan Fischer: Gays are a Security Risk

Bryan Fischer of the AFA says "every homosexual represents a heightened security risk"



“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Exodus 20,16

Organic Food Myths

Organic Foods Part 1/2 - Season 7 Episode 6 - Penn and Teller Bullshit




Organic Foods Part 2/2 - Season 7 Episode 6 - Penn and Teller Bullshit



Organic Food Myths
. Is it a revolution in health and the environment, or a counterproductive fad?

Organic vs. Conventional Agriculture. Is organic agriculture truly safer or better for the environment than modern farming?

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Qur'an vs Bible: Science

The Jinn and Tonic Show. 17th December 2011

Part 1: Qur'an vs Bible: Science


Part 2: Inimitable, Scientific, Prophetic Qur'an?


Part 3: Islamic Slavery; Racism & Immigration. Islamic Slavery


Part 4: Arab Spring, Terrorism & International Politics


Part 5: Hitchens & the Soul


Part 6: Classical Arabic & the Qur'an


Part 7: HELL


Part 8: Homosexuality in Islam; Perfect Muhammad

Christopher Hitchens Dies at 62



December 16, 2011 n ABC News

Pat Robertson Loves Tim Twbow

Televangelist Pat Robertson says Tim Tebow can restore America's "moral compass"



Video by Christian Broadcasting Network

Remembering Christopher Hitchens - The Thinking Atheist

Many have expressed a desire to talk about Christopher Hitchens, his writings, his speeches, his influence on their lives.

In the wake of his much-too-early death, we spend time reflecting on Hitch's life and legacy.

Listen to internet radio with TheThinkingAtheist on Blog Talk Radio


Remembering Christopher Hitchens- The Thinking Atheist Radio Podcast #38

Lapin: Gays Should've Been Quarantined to fight AIDS

Daniel Lapin tells Rick Green and David Barton of WallBuilders that gays should have been quarantined during the AIDS crisis.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Water Fluoridation

Drinking water fluoridation is one of the top 10 public health achievements of the modern era. I'd take a look at the evidence for its safety and efficacy, consider the views of opponents of fluoridation, and discuss why I support optimal water fluoridation.

Christopher Hitchens on religion (1949-2011)

Christopher Eric Hitchens was an English author and journalist whose books, essays, and journalistic career spanned more than four decades. He was a columnist and literary critic at The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, Slate, World Affairs, The Nation, Free Inquiry, and became a media fellow at the Hoover Institution in September 2008.

Christopher Hitchens was a staple of talk shows and lecture circuits and in 2005 was voted the world's fifth top public intellectual in a Prospect/Foreign Policy poll. He was a champion for atheism, skepticism, science, history and common sense. He will be sorely missed.



Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011

Rabbi Criticizes Tim Tebow

Father Jonathan Morris discusses rabbi Joshua Hammerman criticism of Tim Tebow. Father Jonathan also takes a turn at riding a mechanical bull.



Fox News video

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Bible (New International Version) Matthew 6,5-6

Florida Family Association vs All-American Muslim

The Florida Family Association believes that "All-American Muslim" is educationally harmful to America's belief structure. (05:14)

Kabulvision


Aasif Mandvi explains why, without Lowe's, the jihadist goal is unachievable. (04:26)

Kabulvision - A New Lowe



The Daily Show with Jon Stewart on Tuesday December 13, 2011

Sunday, December 18, 2011

God Sent Christopher Hitchens to Hell Because He Loved Him

Bryan Fischer says that God sent Christopher Hitchens to Hell as a demonstration of his true love for him.

Anderson Cooper Remembers Christopher Hitchens

Anderson Cooper from CNN rememberts the great Christopher Hitchens with interview from August 5, 2010

Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011



Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, 12-16-2011.

Futurama logically PROVES God has no free will!

Yes, Farnsworth Paradox logically PROVES that any and all gods have NO free will.

Ian McEwan on Christopher Hitchens



Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011

Tree Fighting Ceremony - War on Christmas

Fox News objects to Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee leaving "Christmas" out of the Statehouse tree lighting ceremony invitation.



"It is said that we provoked these hostilities through the use of the phrase, 'happy holidays.' This is a lie. That was a phrase born not of aggression, but of convenience. But as long as our enemies view the words 'happy holidays'...as a subtextual 'F**k you and your baby Jesus,' there can be no peace.”

Tree Fighting Ceremony - War on Christmas

As long as conservatives view the words "Happy Holidays" as a subtextual "F**k you and your Baby Jesus," there can be no peace.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Tuesday December 6, 2011

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Richard Dawkins interviews Christopher Hitchens

Richard Dawkins interviews Christopher Hitchens in New Statesman



Christopher Hitchens, 1949-2011. A tribute to a brilliant essayist, orator and wit.

Fischer: Fornication and Adultery 'Ought to be Against the Law'

Bryan Fischer calls for the criminalization of fornication and adultery.

Al Sharpton Honors Christopher Hitchens

PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton, MSNBC, 12-16-2011



Christopher Hitchens' final Vanity Fair article Trial of the Will

Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011

Hardball Tribute to Christopher Hitchens

Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011



Hardball with Chris Matthews, (Chuck Todd subbing), MSNBC, 12-16-2011

A Charlie Brown Christmas: TAS

In light of this evening's news, I thought I'd put this up. Just a little goof to lighten your spirits (or lack thereof).

Friday, December 16, 2011

Paxman Meets Christopher Hitchens: A Newsnight Special

British-born author, literary critic and journalist Christopher Hitchens dies in a Texas hospital, aged 62, after suffering cancer.

A Newsnight Special (1/2)


A Newsnight Special (2/2)


Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011

Christopher Hitchens we miss you

British-born journalist and atheist intellectual Christopher Hitchens, who made the United States his home and backed the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, died on Thursday 15. December 2011 at the age of 62.

R.I.P. Christopher Hitchens


Christopher Hitchens 13 April 1949 – 15 December 2011

God is not great : how religion poisons everything
By Christopher Hitchens (New York, Warner Books, 2007)

Reuters Polemical journalist and atheist Christopher Hitchens dead at 62

Vanity Fair remembers Christopher Hitchens

Richard Dawkins - The Poverty Of Agnosticism

From The God Delusion's Chapter 2

Richard Dawkins - The Poverty Of Agnosticism 1/2


"What matter is not whether God is disprovable (he isn't) but whether his existence is 'probable'."

Richard Dawkins - The Poverty Of Agnosticism 2/2

AJ Mass - The Science of Fantasy Sports

D.J. Grothe sits down with ESPN.com's fantasy sports analyst AJ Mass to discuss how fantasy sports relate to science and skepticism. Success in fantasy sports is about predicting the future, and Mass explains how he learned how to gather useful information and avoid the same kinds of misunderstandings of science and human nature that cause people to find patterns where none exist.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Is There Anybody There? - Nicholas Humphrey

Nicholas Humphrey's devastating study of religious miracles and other paranormal phenomena. Featuring the apparition at Knock, the Enfield poltergeist, the Woodbridge UFO, the moving virgin of Ballinspittle, and much more. A one and a half hour "special" for Channel Four, 1987.



Richard Dawkins interviews Nicholas Humphrey

Saudi Woman Beheaded for 'Sorcery'



December 13, 2011 on CNN

Stephen Colbert Interviews Neil deGrasse Tyson at Montclair Kimberley Academy

A discussion about science, society, and the universe with Stephen Colbert, who is out of character, at the Kimberley Academy in Montclair, New Jersey.



Stephen Colbert Interviews Neil deGrasse Tyson at Montclair Kimberley Academy
Date: January 29, 2010

Stephen Colbert Interview - Montclair Kimberley Academy

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Would you still be an atheist if...

Would I still be an atheist if I hadn't grown up in a fundamentalist religious cult? If I'd had a more typical form of American Christianity, would I believe in a loving god?

Lunar Eclipse Rising!

Lunar Eclipse Rising, 10th Dec 2011.

Atheist Experience #739: Viewer Calls



Calls Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Martin Wagner
From 2011-12-11
Runtime: 58:31

Stats Prove That Gay Relationships Threaten Marriage

Concerned Wome for America's Janice Crouse trots out a cavalcade of statistical cliches to demonstrate how gay relationship threaten the institution of marriage.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Buster Wilson Calls On MSNBC To Clean House of Maddow & O'Donnell

Buster Wilson of the American Family Association calls upon MSNBC to "clean the stable" and drop hosts like "admitted lesbian Rachel Maddow" and Lawrence O'Donnell.



Love your neighbour!

Video by AFA Channel

Joe Nickell Investigates: Attack of the Chupacabra

The Chupacabra is a fabled vampiric creature that has supposedly preyed on farm animals in many countries since it first appeared in Puerto Rico in 1995. Is it on the loose now in the American midwest? Recently, Joe Nickell had a chance to investigate a reported chupacabra attack near Strafford, Missouri.



www.csicop.org
www.centerforinquiry.net

George W. Bush Possessed an Aristotelian "Greatness of Soul"

Former George W. Bush staffer Timothy Goeglein says that Bush was one of those rare leaders who possessed an Aristotelian "greatness of soul."

Put the X Back in Christmas

How does your religious family handle your non-belief when you show up for the holiday gatherings? Is it warm and fuzzy, or cold and confrontational?

Listen to internet radio with TheThinkingAtheist on Blog Talk Radio


Share your stories, give your perspective, and let's talk about Christmas (otherwise known as the Festival of Pagan Traditions Surrounding a Plastic Baby Jesus)

www. jesus never existed. com

Monday, December 12, 2011

Penn & Teller - BULLSHIT! : New Age Medicine

Part 1 of 2: acupuncture


New Age Medicine (Part 2/2)


Visit Quackwatch

Having a Christmas with Meaning

Father Jonathan Morris discusses ways to be a blessing to the important people in your life this holiday season.



Fox & Friends on Fow News, December 2011

Christmas: To XMAS And Beyond!

People would be amazed that 1) many non-Christians celebrate the holiday season and 2) many Christians unknowingly implement pagan traditions into their commemoration of the baby Jesus.



This video takes a quick glance at just a few beloved Christmas traditions and some of their origins.

Some other resources:
http://www.jesusneverexisted.com/nazareth.html
http://www.atheists.org/Did_Jesus_Exist%3F
http://www.history.com/topics/christmas

Really Really STRONG (Really)

America, if you openly elect people like this, then you probably deserve everything that's coming to you. I can't believe there's still people like this shameless bigot...proud, even.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Mysteries of the Ancient Unknown - 2012 End of Times

Self-proclaimed Third Eagle of the Apocalypse William Tapley shares his Denver International Airport conspiracy theory.

My belief as an atheist

I state what I believe as an atheist, living in Sweden.


Do people have a moral obligation to help their neighbor?

Father Jonathan Morris talks to Stuart Varney about whether the U.S. should help indebted European countries.

Homeopathic Overdose: The Watered Down Edition

Oh No, Ross and Carrie! podcast about homeopathy



Oh No, Ross and Carrie! podcast

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Jesus Responds To Rick Perry's Strong Video

I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a Christian, but you don't need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there's something wrong in this country when gays can serve openly in the military but our kids can't openly celebrate Christmas or pray in school.
As President, I'll end Obama's war on religion. And I'll fight against liberal attacks on our religious heritage.



Faith made America strong. It can make her strong again.
I'm Rick Perry and I approve this message.



An even stronger Jesus takes a moment to rebut Governor Rick Perry's outrageous bout of soulless pandering in his video "Strong."

Sean Faircloth Discusses Children Harmed by "Faith-healing" with Liz Heywood

Over 35 states have laws which give some greater leeway to "faith-healing" parents to engage in medical neglect of their children.

For every child that dies in a so-called "faith-healing" home, many children suffer horrible pain but survive. Liz Heywood describes the agonizing pain she suffered as well as psychic trauma resulting from so-called "faith-healing" to author Sean Faircloth, author of Attack of the Theocrats and Dir. of Strategy and Policy for the Richard Dawkins Foundation US. There are numerous "faith-healing" congregations. Christian Scientists are the most well known.



This video contains graphic descriptions of physical harm.

Atheist Experience #738: Viewer Calls

The Atheist Experience TV Show Atheist Experience #738: Matt and Jeff take callers.



Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Jeff Dee
2011-12-04

The Atheist Experience (http://www.atheist-experience.com) is a weekly cable access television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin.

The Atheist Community of Austin (http://www.atheist-community.org) is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals

DVDs of the Atheist Experience can be purchased via our products page (http://www.atheist-community.org/products/).

Friday, December 9, 2011

James Randi in Sydney 2000

James Randi at the 2000 Skeptics Convention in Sydney, Australia

Time Lapse Pencil Drawing of Charles Darwin

Time Lapse Pencil Drawing of Charles Darwin. To see the final drawing framed: http://www.incrediblemouse.com/charles_darwin_drawing



The background music is free for public use, BertycoX "The Signal"

PZ Myers: Dancing on the Graves of Gods

Imagine No Religion Conference May 2011 in Kamloops BC Canada



For info on our next convention May 18-20 2012 go to: http://imaginenoreligion2.com

Ricky Gervais - Karl learns about Biology and Time travel

Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington, Discuss Biology, Amoebas, and Time Travel. Either you hate Karl or Love em, but hes a moron. Always Funny

Malay Muslims hunting down those who leave Islam

KUALA LUMPUR- Malaysia bills itself as a moderate Islamic country, but today powerful forces are trying to turn it into a fundamentalist Islamic state.

This has Malaysian Christians worried about the future of religious freedom.



"They forced me to renounce Christ but I said no way!" said Daniel, a Christian convert.


Video by Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN)

Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington discuss Christmas

Ricky Gervais and Karl Pilkington discuss Christmas

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Bill O'Reilly strikes Wisconsin community organizer

The Catholic Bill O'Reilly strikes Wisconsin community organizer with umbrella, then tries to press charges

Mormons & Muslims Have Been Deceived By Satan

Bryan Fischer says both Mormons and Muslims preach false teachings about Jesus and prays that God will show them how they are being deceived by Satan.



Focal Point on AFA Channel

Tim Minchin Interview (Be Skeptical episode 1)

We Talk to Tim Minchin about skeptical issues.

We Discuss:
- Atheism Vs Skepticism
- Vague Claims
- Buddhism
- Biodegradable bags
- Placebos
- Didactic Lyrics Vs. Figurative Lyrics
- TAM 9



Directed and Hosted by: John Rael
Produced by the IIG (Independent Investigations Group)

John Rael is the creator of SkepticallyPwnd.com

Robertson: God Will Punish Us For Supporting Gay Rights

The prophet Pat Robertson said America is violating God's laws and will receive it's due punishment for supporting LGBT rights overseas.



Video from The 700 Club on CBN

Atheism is a statement about belief

"Atheism is a statement about belief. It is not a statement of knowledge. Atheism is not a declaration that I know there is no God, but that there is not enough evidence for me to believe there is a God. Some people's faith or beliefs are apparently based on a ‘personal experience' of God. I won't make judgment upon such experience for you, but for me, these experiences are not enough evidence."


Quote by Jen Peeples in Exploration of faiths includes consideration of atheism

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Pat Robertson On The Mystery Of Time

Pat Robertson discusses precognition and the mystey of time on the "700 Club."



Video from The 700 Club by Christian Broadcasting Network

God Speaks To Rick Joyner & Jim Bakker Through Live Thunder

When thunder is heard during a discussion between Jim Bakker and Rick Joyner, it is seen as proof that God approves of what they are saying.

Jamy Ian Swiss - In Pursuit of Psychics

Famed magician Jamy Ian Swiss sits down with D.J. Grothe to talk about psychics. As an advisor to the James Randi Educational Foundation, Swiss helped put self-proclaimed psychics to the test on ABC's "Primetime Nightline".



He discusses the phenomenon of celebrity psychics and why their claims should be challenged. But are all psychics knowing charlatans? Swiss says no, but even the self-deluded have the capacity to do harm to an unknowing public.

Ask Mr. Deity Anything

Q&A with Mr. D

The Jinn And Tonic Show - December 3rd with PZ Myers

PZ Myers joins The Jinn And Tonic Show to discuss iERA's "paper" about embryology in the Quran



Some highlights from PZ Myers on The Jinn And Tonic Show - Dec 3rd



Here are some of the highlights from the JT show with PZ Myers. This video is a collection of some of the interesting things PZ said during the show. I did not scan the entire show for interesting quotes, I just snipped out clips on a "found first" basis and then ran out of time (keeping it less than 15 minutes.)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Reason for the Season

Ever wonder why Christmas is celebrated on December 25? Hear the truth that professional preachers are rarely willing to discuss, most being unaware of how early Christians adopted both this holiday and many of the rituals of Mithraism.

Listen to internet radio with Atheists of Florida on Blog Talk Radio


You are invited to join our host, Rob Curry, along with Atheists of Florida president John Kieffer, for a review of where Christmas originated. Discover the real historical reason for the season!

Tim Minchin - White Wine In The Sun (Christmas Song)

'White Wine In The Sun', also known as 'Christmas Song'. I put this up since a lot of people were looking for it.




LYRICS:

I'm looking forward to Christmas
It's sentimental I know, but I just really like it
I'm, I'm hardly religious
I'd rather break bread with Dawkins than Desmond Tutu to be honest
And yes I have all of the usual objections to consumerism
The commercialisation of an ancient religion
And the western-isation of a dead Palestinian
Press-ganged into selling PlayStations and beer
But I still really like it.

I, I really like Christmas
Though I'm not expecting a visit from Jesus
I'll be seeing my dad
My brother and sisters, my gran and my mum
They'll be drinking white wine in the sun
I'll be seeing my dad
My sisters and brother, my gran and my mum
We'll be drinking white wine in the sun.

I don't go for ancient wisdom
I don't believe just 'cause ideas are tenacious it means that they're worthy
I get freaked out by churches
Some of the hymns that they sing have nice chords
But the lyrics are dodgy
And yes I have all of the usual objections to the mis-education of children forced into a cult institution
And taughted to externalise blame
And to feel ashamed
And to judge things as plain right and wrong
But I quite like the songs.

I'm not expecting big presents
The old combination of socks, jocks and chocolate is just fine by me.

'Cause I'll be seeing my dad
My brother and sisters, my gran and my mum
They'll be drinking white wine in the sun
I'll be seeing my dad
My sisters and brothers, my gran and my mum
They'll be drinking white wine in the sun.

And you my baby girl
My jetlagged infant daughter
You'll be handed round the room
Like a puppy at a primary school
And you're too young to know
But you will learn yourself one day
That wherever you are and whatever you face
These are the people who'll make you feel safe in this world
My sweet blue-eyed girl

And if my baby girl
When you're twenty-one or thirty-one
And Christmas comes around
And you find yourself nine thousand miles from home
You'll know whatever comes
Your brother and sister, and me and your mum
Will be waiting for you in the sun
Girl, when Christmas comes
Your brothers and sisters, your aunts and your uncles
Your grandparents, cousins, and me and your mum
Will be drinking white wine in the sun
We'll be waiting for you in the sun
Baby, whenever you come
We'll be drinking white wine in the sun
Waiting.

I, I really like Christmas
It's sentimental I know.

Mirror song

Christopher Monckton respond video

Christopher Monckton has responded to my catelogue of his errors, on the website wattsupwiththat.com
It includes an extraordinary reversal of position on most of them, including an outright denial of what he said (needless to say, I have video tape of him saying it.)


Monckton responds (part 1/2)


Monckton responds (part 2/2)


climate change (global warming)

See also
Lord Christopher Monckton Bunkum - Global cooling and melting ice

Adventures in Defending Evolution

NCSE's Josh Rosenau and Steve Newton sit down with the West Virginia University freethinking, inquiring, secular humanists, and chat about the rise of science denial, the ongoing battles with creationists, NCSE's new climate change initiative, and more.



Where: Morgantown, West Virginia.
When: 4/5/2011

Monday, December 5, 2011

Atheists in the Military

There are no atheists in foxholes...right? Actually, this statement couldn't be more incorrect. We spend some time highlighting military men and women who have committed to serve their countries without serving a higher power.

Listen to internet radio with TheThinkingAtheist on Blog Talk Radio


The Thinking Atheist Radio Podcast #36
Topic: Atheists in the Military
Show date: 4th December 2011

Rick Perry: Judges Should Be Like Alito, Roberts

Rick Perry (Christian Republican) explains why judges should have term limits and holds the Constitution upside down.

Rick Perry "Thats the Constitution. Read it exacely was its says. That what we talk about. Don't read anything in to it, don't ad to it."

Don't ad to the Constitution, like the 27 Amendments.



Video by Fox News

War on Christmas?

Father Jonathan Morris lends perspective to some of the issues and controversies surrounding the celebrating of Christmas.



Video by Fox News

Cell Phones Cause Cancer?

I'm not as interested in answering the question of whether cell phones cause brain cancer (the jury is still out) as I am examining our response to an initial prospective study on the topic. As consumers of news media, we need to become better informed about the kinds of evidence produced in scientific studies.



So, do cell phones cause brain cancer? We don't know. It seems very unlikely, given what we know about non-ionizing radiation, but there's just not enough evidence to declare "guilty" or "not guilty". It's impossible to test the hypothesis "Do cell phones NOT cause cancer", so our best guide will be the number of papers that fail to show a strong link.

Clear answers would be easier, I know, but then it wouldn't be science.

Barton: Nature Proves Abortion and Homosexuality Are Wrong

David Barton tells Kenneth Copeland that he doesn't need the Bible to prove abortion and homosexuality are wrong because nature itself is proof.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

The Randi Show - Power Balance

The Randi Show is a biweekly video podcast produced by the James Randi Educational Foundation. James Randi himself discusses news from the world of science, pseudoscience, and the paranormal. Plus, he shares some stories from his amazing life.



In this episode, Randi explores the recent bankruptcy of Power Balance, makers of pseudoscientific "energy" apparel.

Gay Marriage Leads To Dog, Building & Car Marriage

AFA's Buster Wilson on how marriage equality for gays and lesbians leads to polygamy, along with marriages to buildings, cars and dogs

Penn Jillette: An Atheist's Guide to the 2012 Election

Penn Jillette rates the various candidates for the U.S. Presidency from the perspective of an atheist.

Victory for Free Speech

The Geert Wilders trial ought to be an international media event; seldom has any court case anywhere had such enormous implications for the future of the free world.

Why do people laugh at creationists? William Lane Craig

William Lane Craig is a master of crowing over the essentially irrelevant robust nature of certain methodologies while simultaneously misapplying such methods to draw his desired and erroneous conclusions.



In academic circles, anyone who spends a disproportionate amount of their time exhausting the praises of the reliability of logical methods (as Craig does), reeks of being a bullshit merchant as its well known the whole methodology is subject to GIGO... Garbage in, Garbage out.

Craig has 'five pillars' by which he 'proves' Christianity. Here, in Why Do People Laugh at Creationists Part 37, William Lane Craig, I address merely the first of these 'pillars'. He claims that everything that begins to exist has a cause. Well if we didn't have a few hundred years of scientific discovery under our belt showing the universe does not mold itself around human intuitions, he might have a point: however that's just not the case! The smaller and higher in energy you get, the less intuition serves you satisfactorily. And whats the problem Craig wants to apply his 'intuition' and 'inductive reasoning' to? Oh yeah, the beginning of the universe, where all of the energy/ matter of the universe was in pretty much the smallest volume we can conceive. He seems to expect that even though we have no way of currently defining such a state (it's an unknown, a gap in knowledge), that his intuitive reasoning will serve him well. You don't need to know much about science to realize that's almost a pointless exercise. Apply intuition to quantum mechanics, and you will fail. Similarly with relativity.

These are of course the scientific objections to Craigs arguments. Craig is of course merely a layman when it comes to science. A point I only bring up as Craig persistently brings up such appeals to authority when suggesting his critics are not serious because they do not possess a degree in Philosophy.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Ted Nelson demonstrates Xanadu Space

Ted Nelson demonstrates his Xanadu Space software for representing hypertext as it should be, in three dimensional space. See http://xanarama.net/ for more details.

Setting Prometheus Free: A Lecture by A C Grayling

'Setting Prometheus Free'. A lecure given by Prof. A C Graying, on behalf of Atheist Ireland, in Dublin, November 2011.

The Shell Game

Seth spent an hour with the members of Oklahoma Atheistss as the evening's featured speaker. In his presentation entitled "The Shell Game," he addresses the doubles standards and parlor tricks Christianity and other religious use to justify often contradictory, immoral and often ridiculous behavior.

The venue was very dark, and as a result, the video footage isn't optimal. Thanks for your patience



The Thinking Atheist at Disbelief Discourse November 22, 2011 "The Shell Game"

James Randi - Why Skepticism Matters | For Good Reaso

In this discussion with D.J. Grothe, James Randi explores the meaning and worth of "skepticism," and explains why skepticism is not the same as cynicism. He talks about the focus of the JREF's mission, and to what extent social issues such as GLBT rights, civil rights, economic equality, church-state separation, feminism and environmentalism are within skepticism's purview.

He debates whether God's existence should be a skeptic topic, and reveals why he is an "atheist of the second kind." And he details recent activities at the JREF to challenge charlatans and educate the public about harmful paranormal claims, and how listeners can get directly involved with this important and unique work.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Fox News: Outrage Over Rhode Island's 'Holiday Tree'



December 1, 2011 on Fox & Friends

Was Jesus God? Bill Maher's answer

A preview of Bill Maher 2010 show: "but I'm not wrong" talking about the concept of divinity of Jesus, and its contradiction with common logic.

James Robison interviews Father Jonathan Morris

Father Jonathan Morris visits Evangelical Christian James Robison's "Life Today" program. He discusses his book "God Wants You Happy" and talks about other aspects affecting Christians today.

People Hate Tim Tebow Because They Hate Jesus

Bryan Fischer says people hate Tim Tebow is because they actually hate Jesus because the world "lies in the grip of the Evil One."



Focal Point at AFA Channel

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Gingrich: The Majority Must Take Back Power From The "Minority Elite"

Newt Gingrich tells the "One Nation Under God" audience that they are the majority who must take back power from the "minority elite."

Bryan Fischer: Barney Frank Influenced Men To Be Gay, Get AIDS

Hater Bryan Fischer celebrates Barney Frank's retirement by attacking him for being gay

Danger! Death Emails! and The Last Word

Kyle, Mike and Sam answer emails and take phone calls. We also talk about a show on KLAY called "The Last Word", a religious show immediately following ours, which exists only to refute our arguments and troll us. In short, they make a severe misstep.



Leave Ask An Atheist a Voice Mail: 206-420-0997

Season of Reason

Robin Ince: Science versus wonder?

Does science ruin the magic of life? In this grumpy but charming monologue, Robin Ince makes the argument against. The more we learn about the astonishing behavior of the universe -- the more we stand in awe.



The Infinite Monkey Cage

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Climategate mark 2 - the quotes and the context

I'll match the sources with times on the video soon. Here are just the sources for now.

Catholic Pedophilia Failure

Don looks at the failure of the Catholic Church to deal with it's child molestation problems



The Atheist Experience TV Show Atheist Experience #737: Catholic Pedophilia Failure
Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Don Baker
Show date: 2011-11-27
Runtime: 58:31

Santorum Wants Schools To Undermine Evolution

Rick Santorum urges public schools to begin teaching claims that undermine evolution, no matter their scientific veracity.

Thanksgiving Message Is "The Most Offensive Thing" Obama Has Ever Saiid

Evangelical Christian Bryan Fischer says President Obama's Thanksgiving message was "the most offensive thing" he has ever heard Obama say.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Carl Sagan vs William Lane Craig

Scientist Carl Sagan vs Christian William Lane Craig



Where did god come from?

Setting fire to creationist strawmen

This is the voting video that never was; a debunk of three creationists who were supposed to have been contenders for the 2011 coveted Golden Crocoduck. The award has been suspended this year.

Republican racism in 2011

Republican racism in 2011

Republican Orly Taitz (born August 30, 1962 in Moldavian SSR, USSR) is a dentist, lawyer, former real estate agent.

Orly Taitz in New Hampshire: "This is not even a good forgery"


Orly Taitz: "I am extremely concerned about Obama specifically because I was born in Soviet Union, so I can tell that he is extremely dangerous. I believe he is the most dangerous thing one can imagine, in that he represents radical communism and radical Islam: He was born and raised in radical Islam, all of his associations are with radical Islam, and he was groomed in the environment of the dirty Chicago mafia. Can there be anything scarier than that?"

Read more: http://www.esquire.com/the-side/richardson-report/obama-birth-certificate-update-081109

Birther State Reps and Orly Taitz Throw Tantrum at NH Ballot Law Commission Hearing

Orly Taitz and Birther NH State Rep. Harry Accornero


NH Birther Reps. Susan DeLemus and Harry Accornero Lash Out at Ballot Law Commission

Vaccine-Autism Cover-up Exposed!

The article: http://news.yahoo.com/scandal-exposed-major-study-autism-mercury-121810030.html

Here's Mike Adams (the Health Ranger): http://www.naturalnews.com/034038_vaccines_autism.html



The actual science:
The primary pub: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/112/3/604

Secondary pub: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa021134

Scientology: James Randi on L. Ron Hubbard

After James Randi gave a speech in which he mentioned Scientology, a Scientologist came up to Randi and urged him to try auditing.

Mark Bunker then asked James Randi about meeting Scientology's founder, L. Ron Hubbard.

Embryology in the Quran

Monday, November 28, 2011

Church Tells HIV Patients to Stop Treatment

At least six people have died in Britain after being told by a group of Christians they had been healed of HIV and could stop taking their medication, Sky News has discovered.



Video by Sky News (Britain)

Tead more Church Tells HIV Patients To Stop Treatment by Sky News.

Pres. Obama's Thanksgiving Address & the new Catholic Mass

Father Jonathan Morris discusses the controversy behind President Obama's 2011 Thanksgiving proclamation, as well as the new changes to the Catholic mass.



Video from Fox News

Jim Carrey on Spirituality and Overcoming Depression

As one who has had his bouts with depression, Jim Carrey reveals how important his spirituality is to his wellbeing

Sunday, November 27, 2011

CNN to atheists: you're gonna die first

CNN was discussing the survivors of the Japan quake and followed it up with a segment about religion dying out. Their "expert" had this to say.

James Randi speaks at CULTinfo Conference

James Randi talks about deceit and manipulation in this cult speech given in 1999.

Atheist Isolation and Ouija Boards

Russell and Tracie talk about why atheists often feel isolated and ouija boards.



The Atheist Experience TV Show Atheist Experience #736: Atheist Isolation and Ouija Boards
Host: Russell Glasser
Co-host: Tracie Harris
Show date: 2011-11-20
Runtime: 58:31

Saturday, November 26, 2011

National Geographic Amish At The Altar

Bill Maher talks with an Ex Jews for Jesus Guy

Religulous - Bill Maher talks with an Ex Jews for Jesus Guy (God and Santa analogy scene)

Jesus and Vishnu on Christmas Eve

From Family Guy: Jesus and Vishnu on Christmas Eve

Friday, November 25, 2011

Anti-vax Goes Commercial

Jenn looks at some of the latest disinformation from the anti-vax movement.

Atheist Experience #735: Anti-vax Goes Commercial


Runtime: 58:31 min.
The Atheist Experience TV Show Atheist Experience #735: Anti-vax Goes Commercial. Host: Matt Dillahunty
Co-host: Jen Peeples
Date: 2011-11-13

The Atheist Experience (http://www.atheist-experience.com) is a weekly cable access television show in Austin, Texas geared at a non-atheist audience. The Atheist Experience is produced by the Atheist Community of Austin. The Atheist Community of Austin (http://www.atheist-community.org) is organized as a nonprofit educational corporation to develop and support the atheist community, to provide opportunities for socializing and friendship, to promote secular viewpoints, to encourage positive atheist culture, to defend the first amendment principle of state-church separation, to oppose discrimination against atheists and to work with other organizations in pursuit of common goals. DVDs of the Atheist Experience can be purchased via our products page (http://www.atheist-community.org/products/).

Camp Quest Northwest on Ask An Atheist

Sam and Nick will talk about Camp Quest Northwest, the newly-formed, local branch of the skeptical and secular children's camp, with organizer Chuck Wolber.



This an episode of Ask an Atheist, a call-in show in the Tacoma/Seattle area dedicated to atheism, skeptical inquiry, and the separation of church and state. The show is broadcast live on KLAY 1180 AM in Tacoma on Sundays at 3:00 PM, Pacific time.

Jim Carrey discusses Scientology

Jim Carrey on a talk show and making fun of Scientology.

Sean Faircloth, Gingrich envy, and Theocracy-palooza

Sean Faircloth, Director of Strategy and Policy for the U.S. branch of the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, and author of the book, Attack of the Theocrats: How the Religious Right Harms Us All—and What We Can Do About It, which examines the crumbling of the United States' most cherished founding principle—the wall of separation between church and state—and offers a specific and sensible plan for rebuilding the church-state wall.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Bryan Fischer Sounds the Alarm on the Muslim Turkeys Invading America's Dinner Tables

Red-blooded Christian Americans, consider yourselves warned. The American Family Association's Bryan Fischer has discovered a plot to secretly infiltrate America's ovens with Muslim turkeys.



Bryan Fischer: Repeat, repeat

Aggressive Gay Agenda Will Push Kids Into Gay Relationships

Mat Staver and Rena Lindevaldsen say that gay agenda seeks to shut down critics and push young children into gay relationships.



Libety Counsel

Is Thanksgiving a Jewish Concept?

This is of course Thanksgiving week, but are people actually thinking about giving thanks? Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, Director of Jewish Treats' parent organization, the National Jewish Outreach Program, says that he considers Thanksgiving to be somewhat of a Jewish holiday. After all, it is believed that the Pilgrims got the idea of saying thanks from the Hebrew Bible.



But there is a difference between Thanksgiving and what the Jewish notion of thanks is all about. Rabbi Yochanan, a 3rd century sage of the Talmud, states: "Would that humans pray all day long," (Berachot 21a). Really, we should be saying thank you to God throughout the day. Think about your relationship with your parents. We should regularly call our parents and say thank you for all they've done for us. The same applies to our relationship with God. But, we're also supposed to be contributing members of society.

We need to work and cannot necessarily pray all day. So the rabbis set up a prayer system where we thank God morning, afternoon and evening, as if we are thanking God throughout the day. So when you eat your turkey this Thanksgiving remember to thank God. Thank God on Thanksgiving and everyday after that, as often as you possibly can. Happy Thanksgiving from those of us at Jewish Treats!

Mr Deity and the Bang

In the season four finale, Mr. Deity goes out with a bang!

William Hay - This is the truth UNCUT (What scientists really think of the Quran)

Following the release of a video clip of an interview he participated in in the 1980's, William Hay has often been cited as a scientist who has allegedly attested to the miraculous nature of the information within the Quran.



This video is an uncut interview with Prof Hay nearly 30 years later asking him to explain this experience in detail, and his thoughts on the matter.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

The Pale Blue Dot - A Tribute to Carl Sagan

Fischer: Curb Public Expressions of Homosexual Behavior

In discussing the murder of openly gay student Lawrence King, Bryan Fischer says the solution is to "curb public expressions of homosexual behavior."

Pat Robertson, Love Doctor

Pat Robertson offers his version of relationship advice



The 700 Club

Scott: Gay Marriage Leads To Eiffel Tower Marriage

Michele Bachmann's Iowa campaign chair Tamara Scott tells Bob Vander Plaats that legalizing gay marriage will lead to legalizing marriage with inanimate objects, like the Eiffel Tower.



This woman is nuts.

Does Reincarnation Exist?

Multi religion debate about reincarnation



William Roache, actor
Gerry Robinson, businessman
John Amaechi, psychologist, former NBA basketball player
David Brazier, Head of Amida Buddhist order
Chris French, professor of psychology, skeptic
Dav Panesar, sikh
Raj Pandit Sharma, Head of the Hindu Priest Association

BBC One. Sunday Morning Live, 20 November 2011

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rick Santorum: God's Law And Civil Law Must Be That Same

Rick Santorum, speaking at the Thanksgiving Family Forum, says that our civil laws must reflect God's law ... but that is totally different from Sharia.

Hamza Tzortzis, the iERA - and embryos in the koran



"Then We made the seed a clot, then We made the clot a lumb of flesh, then we made (in) the lumb of flesh bones, then we clothed the bones with flesh, then we caused it to grow into another creation, so blessed be Allah, the best of creators.

Quran. Sura 23;14


References.

1. The iERA
http://www.iera.org.uk/

2. Companies House.
http://wck2.companieshouse.gov.uk/49ae742a29cd049c2ed4863c9cbaf4d9/compdetails

3. The iERA video of Hamza meeting PZ Myers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T5Pm7qLH50

4. The iERA speakers page.
http://www.iera.org.uk/speakers_hat.html

5. The iERA research pages.
http://www.iera.org.uk/research1.html

6. The iERA research page (2).
http://www.iera.org.uk/research2.html


8. The iERA research page (3).
http://www.iera.org.uk/research4_2.html
http://www.iera.org.uk/research4_3.html

9. The Perceptions of Islam "research" paper.
http://www.iera.org.uk/downloads/iERA_NonMuslimPerceptionsOnIslam_and_Muslims_ResearchReport.pdf

10. Sura 23 verse 14.
http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/koran/koran-idx?type=simple&q1=23%3A14&size=First+100

12. The Charity Commission entry for the iERA.
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityFramework.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1134566&SubsidiaryNumber=0


Other links:

Hamza on the Magic Sandwich Show. Part 7.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSRJY5Z8bpA

Part 10.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WhnfM8wR9g

Previous interpretation of 23:14.
http://corpus.quran.com/wordbyword.jsp?chapter=23&verse=14#%2823:14:1%29

Pubmed embryology search results.

Charity Commission entry for the iERA.
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityFramework.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1134566&SubsidiaryNumber=0

The justgiving embryology page.
http://www.justgiving.com/iERA-Embryology-Research (Please don't donate to iERA. Give to the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

Biology: Jonathan McLatchie vs. PZ Myers

Note the Gish Gallop, the "I'm jus' asking" tactic, and the pants-ruining terror on his face. It's the most nonsensical question about embryology he could have asked, and here's why: a mouse HOX gene can be transplanted to a fly, and still be functional to produce the homologous structure. Lack of correlation? Holy frijoles, you have to be kidding me.

Jonathan McLatchie doesn't communicate very clearly and is rambling, so his questions is in caption.




Was PZ too mean to Jonathan McLatchie? I'd probably argue that he wasn't mean enough. It might help a lot to understand what Jonathan wrote on his blog prior to PZ's appearance:

Jonathan McLatchie: You missed a rare opportunity to engage with someone on a topic on which they are an expert. What a shame that your political and religious views allowed you to miss out on the genuine scientific discussion, instead trying to score cheap points for your cause. You'll never be a proper scientist if you put ideology before open inquiry.


From Glasgow Skeptics

Psychic Sally Morgan communication with the dead

After an introduction by the Merseyside Skeptics Society President, Mike Hall, Dr. Simon Singh talks about the Challenge Sally project, the claims made by Sally Morgan, and what people believe.



Challenge Sally Morgan

Challenge Sally – The Press Conference. 31st October 2011, The Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Introduction and Dr. Simon Singh Talk/Q&A


Prof. Chris French Talk


Prof. Chris French Q&A


Michael Marshall Talk + Q&A


Listen to Psychic Sally on Skeptics with a K – Episode #058
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