The Problem With Tradition

We've seen a lot of courts strike down gay marriage bans in the past several months and the judges always seem to point out that tradition alone is a bad reason to keep the bans in play.

Just because we've limited marriage to one man and one woman for so long doesn't mean that's the only way or the best way to keep doing it.



We've all heard those arguments about how the definition of marriage -- the tradition of marriage -- has changed over time. Our society no longer allows children to marry, or one man to marry multiple wives. We get married for love, not property. Those traditions changed and we're better off because of it.

On a broader scale though, we should all think very carefully anytime we do things on the basis of tradition. It suggests that we shouldn't think about it anymore; we should just do it.

Why were people so upset when Pluto was declared not a planet? Because they were so used to it being one. There are very good scientific reasons it shouldn't be a planet. But try explaining that to someone who memorized a mnemonic and doesn't want to hear it.

When it comes to religion, though, we encounter the same logic all the time, especially in church/state separation cases. Religious conservatives love tradition because it favors them. Because atheists weren't fighting back several decades ago.

Like “In God We Trust” on our currency. Why is that phrase on our money? Because Christians pushed it through in the 1950s, no one fought back for a long time, and the courts have said it's just "ceremonial" now. It's not a promotion of religion... even though it's totally a promotion of religion. Put another way, it's tradition and that's why it's not going to change.

Why not remove "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance? Same reason. It's been there for a while... Even though the original Pledge didn't have the phrase, Christians love to say we can't change it anymore because that would be tampering with tradition.

Ditto with Ten Commandments displays on government property or the Mount Soledad Cross in San Diego.

That's one reason I really appreciate atheists -- we're not afraid of breaking with tradition when necessary. Many of us became atheists because we dared to question a thought process that's been in our family for a long time. Tradition is never a good enough justification to keep a bad idea going.

By the way, when a tradition stops, we quickly get accustomed to whatever takes its place. Kids growing up today will likely always see marriage as a commitment between two people, regardless of gender. It’s not like they’ll eventually be bawling about the good old days when gays and lesbians were being discrimination against.

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 5

Job keeps complaining about his situation. The bobble heads keep jabber jawing.



Read the bible

“Everyone’s Doing It!” Says Cop Who Stole Sexually Explicit Photos

The story the court documents tell is alarming.

After an automobile crash, a young woman suspected of drunk driving was getting checked out for injuries. A California Highway Patrol officer, five-year veteran Sean Harrington, had her cell phone. He found a photo of her in a bikini. So he allegedly sent the image to his own phone, and then, though already guilty of criminal conduct, he forwarded the image to another California Highway Patrol officer. 'Taken from the phone of my 10-15x while she's in X-rays,' he texted. 'Enjoy buddy!'



Jimmy Dore (http://www.twitter.com/jimmy_dore), Gina Grad (http://www.twitter.com/ginagrad. Gina Grad Show, Pretty Good Podcast) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) discuss.

Duck Dynasty Star Quacks ‘Bibles & Guns’ In Bizarre Political Ad

"Fifth Congressional District candidate Zach Dasher's new ad says he believes in guns, and he's just unloaded the biggest gun he has.

Dasher's uncle, "Duck Dynasty" star Phil Robertson, appears in two new television ads that will run district-wide Monday until Election Day on Nov. 4. The campaign described it as a "significant buy" but would not disclose exact figure for the buy.

Dasher, a Republican, is trying to unseat incumbent Rep. Vance McAllister, R-Swartz. McAllister is a former Robertson family ally, but he lost favor with the famous family from West Monroe after video surfaced earlier this year of the married congressman kissing a married female staffer.“

Bible and guns


* Ana Kasparian (The Point with Ana Kasparian), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Dave Rubin (The Rubin Report) break it down.

Video by The Young Turks, October 2014

Robertson: Brittany Maynard Should Ask For Faith Healing, Liberals Love Death

Pat Robertson criticizes Brittany Maynard's decision and the liberal "culture of death."



You need to watch Brittany Maynard talking about living the rest of her life in Death with Dignity Act - Brittany Maynard.

Teen Arrested After Posting Lewd Pic With Jesus Statue

"A 14-year-old boy from Everett, Pa., was arrested after mimicking oral sex with a statue of Jesus. He now faces up to two years in jail.

Back in July, the unidentified minor posted photographs of himself with a statue of Jesus at the Everett branch of the “Love in the Name of Christ” church. As you can see below, one of the many poses included the kid’s crotch being planted in the statue’s face, mimicking fellatio."



Cenk Uygur, Ben Mankiewicz, John Iadarola and Ana Kasparian of The Young Turks discuss. Cenk goes on to tell a story about him taking lewd pictures, Ben follows with a hilarious story about his mother. Should this kid go to jail? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.

The Young Turks, 2014

Orthodox Jewish Men Cause Flight Delays After Refusing To Sit Next To Women

"Israel’s national airline, El Al, has been criticised for allowing ultra-orthodox Jewish men to disrupt flights by refusing to be seated next to women.

A petition on change.org is demanding that the carrier “stop the bullying, intimidation and discrimination against women on your flights”.

One flight last week, from New York’s JFK airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport,descended into chaos according to passengers, after a large group of haredim, or ultra-orthodox Jews, refused to take their seats next to women, in accordance with strict religious customs.” *



Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) discuss.

The Young Turks, 2014

John Oliver: Sugar (HBO)

Sugar. It's in everything!
Is it good for us? Well, the sugar industry thinks so.



#ShowUsYourPeanuts

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Sugar (HBO). October 2014

Pope Gives Evolution a Big Banging

"Pope Francis on Monday (Oct. 27) waded into the controversial debate over the origins of human life, saying the big bang theory did not contradict the role of a divine creator, but even required it.

The pope was addressing the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, which gathered at the Vatican to discuss “Evolving Concepts of Nature.”

“When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so,” Francis said.“* John Iadarola (TYT University), Jimmy Dore (The Jimmy Dore Show) and Brian Unger break it down.



The Young Turks, 2014

Death with Dignity Act - Brittany Maynard

Brittany Maynard working to Make Death with Dignity (assisted suicide) an Option for All.



Have you made a bucketlist? How many things on the list have you completed? Why wait?

The Brittany Maynard Fund

Allie Hoffman, Director
Brian Choy, Editor
Paulius Kontijevas, Cinematographer
Jonathan Olinger, Consulting Editor
Mathieu Young, Consulting Editor

CNN My right to death with dignity at 29

What's Scarier than Halloween? The Bible!

America’s Best Christian, Mrs. Betty Bowers, knows that Halloween’s pagan gore can’t match the scary, spooky Bible when it comes to the truly horrifying.

Turkish Woman Arrested For “Blasphemous” Picture

"A woman was arrested in Turkey this week after she posted a photo on Twitter of red-stilettoed feet standing on the Quran.

The unnamed woman in her mid-30s was taken into custody in Istanbul on Tuesday on suspicion of blasphemy and inciting religious hatred, Agence France Presse reported. She was released after questioning.

Police launched the investigation after the firebrand mayor of Ankara, Melih Gokcek, filed a legal complaint against her, according to Turkey's Dogan News Agency.” *

Jimmy Dore (http://www.twitter.com/jimmy_dore), Brian Unger (http://www.twitter.com/IamBrianUnger) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) discuss.



The Young Turks, 2014

Kenneth Copeland Explains Why God Let Obama Be Re-Elected

Kenneth Copeland tells David Barton that God allowed President Obama to be re-elected so that America would see that socialism doesn't work.

Sam Harris and Cenk Uygur Clear the Air on Religious Violence and Islam

Sam Harris (Author, neuroscientist, Co-founder of Project Reason) and Cenk Uygur (Host of The Young Turks) have a discussion about religion.

Sam Harris and Cenk Uygur also address questions from the audience.



https://twitter.com/SamHarrisOrg

Video by The Young Turks, 2014

Eternal Suffering: Brought to You by Gentle Jesus Meek & Mild

You know your God's a dick if you think it's good to fear him!

Upstairs - downstairs


CBS News Sunday Morning, 10-26-2014,

Atheist Debates - Interview: David Silverman

The current president of American Atheists, sits down to discuss his thoughts on debates, and more.

Time Travelling Seahorses and Bionic Rats

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 4

Job and his friends try to rationalize why God would punish Job. Job continues to feel sorry for himself.

Cristina Rad: Blasphemy

Romania's Cristina Rad (known also on YouTube as ZOMGitsCriss) speaks about her exit from religion, blasphemy, and the rising tide of reason.



Support her via her Patreon page: http://www.patreon.com/CristinaRad

DECODING THE PAST: SECRETS OF THE KORAN

The Koran is one of the most important works ever written. For almost one billion people worldwide, it is the Holy Scripture, the word of God and his prophet. For others, it is a historical artifact that has left an indelible imprint on the world.



DECODING THE PAST: SECRETS OF THE KORAN probes the heart of the work that many outside Islam find mysterious. This feature-length program examines the history of the verses and their implications for modern times, as wel as the striking similarities and differences between the Koran and the Bible. Trace the influence of the Koran from the Golden Age of Islam to the modern rise of jihadism, and hear from top Islamic scholars and holy men as they share their insights into the work that lies at the foundation of one of the world's great religions.

THE HISTORY CHANNEL provides the perfect guide to understanding the fundamental work that has shaped the Muslim faith for over 1,400 years, and will long continue to influence modern history. DVD Features: "Muhammad" Episode of the Award-Winning A&E Series BIOGRAPHY; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection.

Ten Commandments - Lego Eddie Izzard

The audio is from Eddie Izzard's performance live at Madison Square Garden.

Letting Go Of God - Julia Sweeney

Letting Go of God is a humorous monologue by Julia Sweeney chronicling her search for God. She begins in the Catholic church, the religion her family raised her in, and takes a Bible study class. What she learns there leads her to new questions, and in search for answers she explores meditation, Buddhism and New Age gurus, then describes what she learned from the sciences and from sharpening her critical thinking skills. She discovers that to accept the truth leads to surprising revelations. She concludes by sharing how this effects her family.



Times below to different chapters.

00:00 - There Is No Santa Claus (astrology)
07:36 - The Mormon Boys Arrive
14:59 - My Religious History In A Nutshell
17:47 - I Wish I Were A Nun
23:32 - I Rededicate Myself To The Church
27:48 - Sodom & Gomorrah; Abraham & Issac
32:47 - The Ten Commandments
36:46 - The New Testament
41:38 - St. Paul & The Book Of Revelation
45:34 - Psychologically True
48:21 - Jesus Suffered, But So Did A Lot Of People
50:54 - Father Tom Blesses Me & I Get Out Of There
54:42 - I Begin To Drift East, Spiritually Speaking
1:00:37 - God Is Nature; The Galapagos
1:03:37 - Sister Charatina's Theory Of Evolution
1:08:05 - God Is Love
1:12:39 - Deepak
1:16:09 - I'm Becoming So Cantankerous
1:18:42 - How The Mind Works
1:22:10 - Intelligent Design
1:28:03 - What If It's True
1:34:47 - Good-Bye To God
1:38:24 - So, I'm Just Another Animal
1:42:49 - Mom & Dad Freak
1:50:11 - Mulan Arrives & Dad Is Sick
1:55:42 - A Funeral
2:02:04 - More Mormon Boys

A History of God

With Karen Armstrong, Theologian

Christopher Hitchens vs Rabbi Shmuley Boteach - God and Religion

Christopher Hitchens debated Rabbi Shmuley Boteach on religion at Makor in NYC.



Christopher Hitchens vs Rabbi Shmuley Boteach - God and Religion [2004]

Expelled Debunk- Flunked

Richard Dawkins on BBC Radio debating with creationists

Biologist Richard Dawkins on BBC radioprogram.

Neil deGrasse Tyson on CREATIONIST Backlash to "Cosmos"

Chris Hayes and renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discuss the often heated responses to the television show "Cosmos" from creationists.



From ALL IN with Chris Hayes, MSNBC

Atheist Debates - Debate review: Sye Ten Bruggencate

In May of 2014, I debated Sye Ten Bruggencate on the topic: "Is it reasonable to believe that a god exists?"

Atheist Debates - Debate review: Sye Ten Bruggencate, Part 1, Opening remarks


This video is part of a series that provides additional commentary, corrections and clarifications of the topic discussed. Over the course of this series, we'll look at mistakes that were made by all parties in the hope that others can avoid those mistakes.

The review will cover the actual arguments, debate tactics and more.

If you enjoy this series, which will continue to be released freely to the public, you can become a sponsoring patron by visiting patreon.com/AtheistDebates.

This is Part 1 and only covers Sye's opening remarks. As we continue discussing this debate, we'll also cover the remainder of the debate as well as circumstances and topics surrounding this debate.

--


Atheist Debates - Debate review: Sye Ten Bruggencate, Part 2, Matt's Opening & Sye's rebuttal


This video is part of a series that provides additional commentary, corrections and clarifications of the topic discussed. Over the course of this series, we'll look at mistakes that were made by all parties in the hope that others can avoid those mistakes.

The review will cover the actual arguments, debate tactics and more.

If you enjoy this series, which will continue to be released freely to the public, you can become a sponsoring patron by visiting patreon.com/AtheistDebates.

This is Part 2 and covers Matt's opening remarks and Sye's rebuttal. Part 3 should cover Matt's rebuttal and highlights from the cross-examination portion.

Osiris & Christianity - The Christian Adoption of Egyptian Iconography, Symbolism, and Myth

The Christian adoption of Egyptian myth. How early Christianity grafted the Egyptian Isis - Osiris symbols and stories on to the newly forming Christian religion.

Elizabeth Cavell - Friendly Atheist Podcast

Elizabeth Cavell graduated from Tulane University Law School in 2009 and worked for a while as a deputy public defender in southern Colorado. She currently works as a staff attorney with the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

We spoke with Liz about which kind of complaints are the most numerous at FFRF, how persecution has become a way to protect privilege, and whether she ever speaks with her cultural counterparts.



Also, follow us at ...
https://twitter.com/atheistvoices
http://theatheistvoice.tumblr.com/
http://www.theatheistvoice.com/
The site: http://friendlyatheist.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/friendlyatheist

Elizabeth Cavell, Freedom From Religion Foundation - Friendly Atheist Podcast EP 25

Klingenschmitt Says 'Demonic Judges ... Are Imposing The Devil's Law Upon The People'

In this video, Gordon Klingenschmitt laughably praises a North Carolina magistrate who resigned rather than perform same-sex marriages and bow to government tyranny.

If You Know A Dead Person, Pat Robertson Has GREAT News

"Today on “The 700 Club,” Pat Robertson insisted that he and others have the power to raise the dead, but lamented that people these days are withholding this special skill.

Robertson, who has previously discussed dead-raising abilities, told a viewer, Margaret, that people can raise the dead when they receive and submit to the power of the Holy Spirit.

“That power is there, we just aren’t using it,” Robertson grieved.* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.



The Young Turks, 2014

City Stealing From Citizens By Tampering With Traffic Lights

“Confronted with questions about a flurry of red light camera tickets stamped with yellow times below the 3-second minimum, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration said the fluctuation of hundredths of a second was normal — imperceptible to anyone behind the wheel of a car.

It turns out that fraction of a second makes a big difference to drivers and to the city's coffers.



The Emanuel administration on Friday acknowledged that it had changed the rules on what qualifies for a $100 ticket, quietly directing its new red light camera vendor to tag drivers even when the duration of a yellow light slips just below the 3-second standard set by the city.

The policy generated 77,000 more tickets and nearly $8 million in revenue for the city over the last six months.” *

Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) discuss.

Atheist Debates - Appeals to Faith

A brief look at appeals to faith and why they don't and can't add anything of substance to conversations about the foundations of a belief.

There's an additional context that isn't discussed in this video, primarily because it appeals to a specific interpretation of faith as 'confidence that is granted by God'... that sort of justification will be addressed in future videos about direct revelation and the 'divine sense'.

Mothers Protest To Ban Breaking Bad Action Figures

"No half-measures, even in the toy game. Toys "R" Us is removing a controversial line of Breaking Bad action figures featuring drug kingpin Walter "Heisenberg" White and sidekick-nemesis Jesse Pinkman armed with bags of cash and meth. This follows a heavily publicized protest led by a Florida mother, who earned over 9,000 signatures with her Change.org petition.



"Let's just say, the action figures have taken an 'indefinite sabbatical,'" Toys "R" Us spokeswoman Kathleen Waugh cleverly told NBC News, referencing a classic line from the acclaimed AMC drama. But this marks a drastic turn from the company's previous stance: On Monday, the retailer noted in a statement that "the product packaging clearly notes that the items are intended for ages 15 and up" and were stocked in "adult action figure" sections of their stores.” *

Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) and Ana Kasparian (http://www.twitter.com/AnaKasparian) discuss.

The Young Turks, 2014

Texans Want "The Crust of Christ" in Public Schools!

Fox news, Ainsley Earhardt, 10-22-2014,




Midlothian ISD mulls Christian plaques issue
http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/education/2014/10/21/midlothian-isd-mulls-over-religious-plaques-issue/17649229/

Sarah Palin’s PAC Is A Massive Million Dollar Scam

“Sarah Palin’s reluctance to put her money where her mouth is has left some 2014 candidates she endorsed floundering in the polls with many unable to make it past the primaries.



According to OpenSecrets.org, SarahPAC, the political action committee controlled by Sarah Palin, has dispensed only $45,000 to fellow Republicans running in the midterms, less than 3 percent of the $1.4 million available as of Sept. 30, the end of the reporting quarter.

With elections three weeks away, Palin seems inclined to hang onto her cash, possibly with an eye on 2016, where she may use the money to increase her profile going into a presidential election."* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

Ghost Stories 2014

It's an annual tradition. Each October, in advance of Halloween, we gather around the virtual campfire to share our favorite ghost stories. (Yes, atheists often love tales of the supernatural, as we enjoy all manner of fiction and storytelling.) So dim the lights, place a candle in the jack-o-lantern, and join us for some spooky tales of things that go bump in the night.



TTA Podcast 188: Ghost Stories 2014
The Thinking Atheist,

Fischer Says Gay Activists Seek To Impose 'Secular Sharia'

Bryan Fischer says that gay activists seek to impose secular sharia and won't stop until all Christians are in jail.



AFA Channel, Ocober 2014

Rachel Maddow: Backlash to TRULY Christian JUDGE & EBOLA in Texas

Clay Jenkins, Dallas County judge, talks with Rachel about the challenges of handling the Ebola case in his county compassionately, housing for illegal immigrant children, and his efforts to treat those affected with respect while working to quell the fears of the general public.



The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC, 2014

Anti-czar nonsense gone, GOP wants Ebola czar

Michael Beschloss, NBC News Presidential historian, talks with Rachel Maddow about the history of presidents appointing administrative czars to oversee special projects, contrary to the anti-Obama right's ranting nonsense about czars as kings.



MSNBC, Rachel Maddow, Oct 17, 2014

☢ Biblical Dating 2: Radiocarbon Dating

☢ Biblical Dating 2: Radiocarbon Dating {REMASTERED}

No Transitional Fossils, You Say?

Here’s a video that’s long overdue.



Potential objections:
“I’ve never seen a monkey give birth to a human, nor a cat giving birth to a dog!”
“There are no crocoducks, bird-fish, or octoporcupines!”
“If humans came from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?”
My response: Go learn what evolutionary theory actually predicts, and what it explicitly prohibits.

Potential objections:
“These fossils are all fakes, just like Piltdown Man!”
“They don’t look like transitions to ME- just different KINDS of animals!”
“They’re not what I expect a transitional form to look like!”
My response: Where did you get your doctorate in paleontology, and where can I read your peer-reviewed analyses explaining your position?

Potential objections:
“You’re gonna burn in HELL, stupid evolutionist atheist!”
“Why do you hate God?”
“Satan is decieving you!”
My response: Grow up.

Song: "Flamenco" by Didula
I own none of the copyrighted material presented in this video

Bakker: Buy Ice Cream Sandwiches Before It's Too Late

In this video, Jim Bakker promotes End Times desserts and warns of America's imminent destruction.

Smerconish: Islam By The Numbers

Michal Smerconish, CNN, 10-11-2014,
Pew Poll: "The World's Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society"
http://www.pewforum.org/files/2013/04/worlds-muslims-religion-politics-society-full-report.pdf

Ben Affleck Angrily Defends Islam Against Bill Maher/Sam Harris

"Ben Affleck was quick to call out what he felt was Bill Maher's "gross, racist, disgusting," ideas about Islam during a heated debate.

The "Gone Girl" star appeared on "Real Time with Bill Maher" Friday and things got heavy when the late night talk show host continued his conversation about Islam, which he started the week before.

"You and I have been trying to make the case that liberals need to stand up for liberal principles," Maher said to fellow panelist, author Sam Harris."* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.



The Young Turks, October 2014

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 2

God sicks (Ha)Satan(?) on Job. Then God throws another party for all his "Sons of God."

Jerome Corsi: 'Co2 is Good' & 'Obama's Gay' Conspiracy Nut

Reich-Winger (adj.): an individual who's views are so far-right that they are ideologically aligned with the Third Reich. A Reich-Winger typically is opposed to democratic institutions such as workers unions, support Social-Darwinism (survival of the financially fittest disguised as 'individualism'), are anti-semites, hate gays, hate immigrants, hate Marxists, support strong border security and national sovereignty, oppose separation of church and state, support voter suppression (voter ID laws + cutting early voting + cutting voting places), and believe in legislating morality (religious freedom laws + gay marriage + abortion).



The Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC,

Atheist Bible Study: Saul Strikes Back

So David has escaped the reach of King Saul, but for how long can he run from the powers of poor writing?



Atheist Bible Study #57: Saul Strikes Back

Supreme Court (John Oliver and muslims rights)

Cameras aren’t allowed in the Supreme Court, so most coverage of our most important cases looks like garbage.
We fixed that problem with real animals and fake paws.




Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Supreme Court (HBO)
October 2014

10 Reasons Game of Thrones is Better Than the Bible

-- All the books have a disclaimer up front saying it's a work of fiction

-- The author openly admits he was inspired by the works of those who came before him

-- As far as I can tell, no one's ever been oppressed or had their rights taken away by someone who read the Song of Ice and Fire series.

-- The writing is just better

-- Fewer people die

-- When people die in GoT, at least you understand why it happened

-- Not as many contradictions from one book to the next

-- Less incest

-- Game of Thrones fans don't knock on my door unexpectedly to tell me how great the books are.

-- One is full of monsters, adultery, death, sodomy, beheadings, incest, blood, slavery... and the other is written by George R. R. Martin. But Martin's books aren't seen as a guidebook for morality.
Join the conversation. Leave your questions and comments below and we'll try to address them in future videos. Don't forget to subscribe for more!

Meet The Ultra-Rich Koch Donors Who Not-So-Secretly Run Things

"The deep-pocketed political network created by the billionaire conservatives Charles and David Koch this summer quietly launched a super PAC that can buy explicitly political ads supporting Republican candidates rather than the issue-oriented ads they‘d been airing for years.

The catch: For the first time, the network’s donors would be publicly identified if they gave to the super PAC.

Four months later and the results are in: The super PAC, Freedom Partners Action Fund, is a smash hit with donors. It has surpassed its fundraising goal and now says it is on pace to spend roughly $25 million on ads intended to help Republicans capture the Senate."* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.



*Read more here from Kenneth P Vogel & Mike Allen / Politico:
http://www.politico.com/story/2014/10/koch-donors-111846.html

Help end the corrupting influence of money in politics:
Sign this Petition & Support the 28th Amendment To #GetMoneyOut http://www.wolf-pac.com/petition

CLICK here to support Wolf PAC

Sam Harris Response to Reza Aslan Calling Him a Fundamentalist Atheist

The Muslim Reza Aslan says: "The most literal literalist in the world doesn't read the Bible more literally than Sam Harris does."



Huffpost live

Scientology and their Endless PHONY Pitches of Greatness

Have you seen or heard members of the phony, fraudulent business pretending to be a religion: the "church" of $cientology.. endlessly pitching how great it is? WHY? Please pass this video on, and here are a few other links to watch.

Wildmon: Obama's 'In Love With Islam'

In this video, Tim Wildmon of the AFA suggests Obama is a secret Muslim.



AFA Channel, October 2014

LaBarbera Says America Must Embrace 'Christian Oriented Law'

Peter LaBarbera says that America must embrace Christian law that does not grant rights or protections to gays.

George Hrab: How to Debate a Young Earth Creationist

Some people believe that the Earth is only 6,000-10,000 years old. What is the evidence that this is not true? Podcaster/Musician/Science Enthusiast George Hrab gave a talk at Balticon 45 on May 6, 2011 in which he laid out the case against Young Earth Creationism. This talk was part of the first mini-skeptics track at Balticon.



For more info on George, visit geologicpodcast.com

Skeptic's Review-The Bible: Job Part 4

Job and his friends try to rationalize why God would punish Job. Job continues to feel sorry for himself.

Dan Barker - The Opponent Speechless

Santorum Says Ebola Response Proves Why Conservatives Don't Trust Government

In this video, Rick Santorum says that the government's response to the Ebola outbreak proves why conservatives don't trust government or experts.

Jim Gaffigan - Holiday Traditions

Jim Gaffigan talks about holiday traditions in this clip from his Comedy Central stand-up special and DVD "Beyond the Pale".

Lawrence Krauss and "The Unbelievers"

Lawrence Krauss and the producers of "The Unbelievers" talk about the film, the story of science, and the necessary discussions about skepticism in regard to religious claims.

Sam Harris: We Have To Acknowledge Islam's Doctrines!

Interview with Sam Harris about the frace: Islam is the mother lode of bad ideas.



CNN Tonight, 10-13-2014,

QI: Location, Location, Location

QI - L series S12E02 XL: Location, Location, Location

With Aisling Bea, Jason Manford and Johnny Vegas



A BBC production 2014

New Rule - News Corpse (Bill Maher)

Zombie in Acrica



Real Time With Bill Maher: New Rule - News Corpse (HBO)

Columbus Day - How Is That Still a Thing (John Oliver)

Christopher Columbus did a lot of stuff that was way more terrible than "sailing the ocean blue," but we don't learn about that.



Columbus Day: How is it still a thing?

Huckabee: Faith-Based Homophobe Doubles Down!

The Catholic Chruch, Mike Huckabee, on homosexuality

John Fuglesang, guest



The Ed Show, Ed Schultz, MSNBC, 10-14-2014,

It Scares Me (TTA Podcast)

It's October, the season of Halloween and a time when we fright and delight each other with spooks, scares and things that go bump in the night. In advance of next week's "Ghost Stories" podcast (a yearly tradition), we spend this episode talking about the things that scare us. Rational fears. Irrational fears. The things that make us shudder. The things that make us scream.



TTA Podcast 187: It Scares Me
The Thinking Atheist, 2014

Theism is Not Rational

This is a response to "God vs. Atheism: Which is More Rational?"



The first thing I have to point out is that it's not God vs atheism; it's theism vs atheism. God isn't involved in this because God doesn't exist. And it's not which one is MORE rational; it's which one is rational at all, and which one is wholly irrational.

Some months ago, I said I wouldn't do any more pwnage videos because I wouldn't waste any more time responding to anyone who didn't have a significant negative impact on the community at-large. Then Dr. Peter Kreeft made a video attacking atheists with the same fallacious arguments typical of amateur trolls. He misrepresents both his own position and ours with the lies of equivocation and projection, by pretending that assuming baseless conclusions doesn't require faith, but that NOT believing all that unsupported nonsense somehow DOES require faith.

It's bad enough that he does this as a professor of philosophy at Boston college, but here he is representing Prager University. A quick look at Prager University's website shows that they're nothing more than a right-wing conservative propaganda machine. They have multiple 'courses' against feminism and social justice, liberals and education, and they promote unregulated free-market capitalism and prioritize military spending and defense of Israel. After reviewing their list of 'courses', I was actually surprised that I didn't see any on climate-change denial or any arguments against vaccination. Maybe next semester? So yeah, they deserve it.

Glenn Greenwald: Why privacy matters

Glenn Greenwald was one of the first reporters to see — and write about — the Edward Snowden files, with their revelations about the United States' extensive surveillance of private citizens. In this searing talk, Greenwald makes the case for why you need to care about privacy, even if you’re “not doing anything you need to hide."

Deadly Medicines and Organised Crime - Peter Gøtzsche

Prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. In his latest ground-breaking book, Peter C. Gøtzsche exposes the pharmaceutical industries and their charade of fraudulent behavior, both in research and marketing where the morally repugnant disregard for human lives is the norm 1. He convincingly draws close comparisons with the tobacco conglomerates, revealing the extraordinary truth behind efforts to confuse and distract the public and their politicians.



The book addresses, in evidence-based detail, an extraordinary system failure caused by widespread crime, corruption, bribery and impotent drug regulation in need of radical reforms.

Deadly Medicine and Organised Crime - How Big Pharma is Corrupting Healthcare

cochrane.dk
dispuk.dk

Sam Harris simply destroys catholicism

Sam Harris talks at University of Notre Dame in USA. A Catholic institution.

Misquoting Jesus in the Bible - Bart D. Ehrman (Heyns Lecture)

Heyns Lecture Series at Cubberley Auditorium, Stanford University Campus, Wednesday, April 25, 2007. Lecture on "Misquoting Jesus" a textual criticism of Biblical manuscript tampering. From the book "Misquoting Jesus: Scribes Who Altered Scripture and Readers Who May Never Know."



Bart D. Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He came to UNC in 1988, after four years of teaching at Rutgers University. At UNC he has served as both the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department of Religious Studies. A graduate of Wheaton College (Illinois), Professor Ehrman received both his Masters of Divinity and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary, where his 1985 doctoral dissertation was awarded magna cum laude.

Copyright © Bart D. Ehrman. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use, re-posting and/or duplication of this video without express and written permission from Bart D. Ehrman is strictly prohibited.

The complete idiot's guide to atheism

Start thinking



With Carl Sagan, Neil deGrasse Tyson, David Attenborough, Michael Shermer, Daniel C Dennett and Sam Harris

Nature Is Speaking – Kevin Spacey is The Rainforest

Julia Roberts, Harrison Ford, Kevin Spacey, Edward Norton, Penélope Cruz, and Robert Redford all join forces to give nature a voice.



Watch the films and take action at natureisspeaking.org

Follow CI on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ConservationOrg

The Bravest Satellite Of All

The Rachel Maddow Show, MSNBC, 9-26-2014,

Full conversation from CBC Radio:

"What happens if it runs into a planet?" A five-year-old boy has questions for Cmdr Chris Hadfield

http://www.cbc.ca/player/Radio/The+Current/ID/2530849070/

Atheist Airman Forced to Swear 'so help me God'

"Should atheists who refuse to say ‘so help me God’ be excluded from the Air Force?"



Monica Miller, attorney

News Nation with Tamron Hall, MSNBC, 9-15-2014,

Robertson: Halloween Is A Festival Of Demons, Must Be Redeemed From Satan

Pat Robertson rails against Halloween as a Satanic holiday.



Video by CBN 2014

You Were Never a "Real" Christian, John Smith! Part 2

Another John Smith ramble.



The Golden Rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule

Sam Harris responds on The LAST WORD

The LAST WORD with Lawrence O'Donnell, MSNBC, 10-9-2014

--

Sam Harris responds on blog post:
http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/can-liberalism-be-saved-from-itself

Bill Maher - Salon: http://tinyurl.com/n8yc3oj

Sam Harris' Views on Islam:
http://www.samharris.org/site/full_text/response-to-controversy2#views_on_islam

What Would Bill Nye Tell a Congressman in an Elevator?

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Bill Nye the Science Guy and Astro Mike Massimino get into an elevator with a Congressman... No, it’s not a joke, but it is the subject of a fan’s Cosmic Query. What do you think they would tell that legislator about why it’s so important to fund space exploration and NASA? Find out when Eugene Mirman asks Bill and Mike that very question in this StarTalk Radio Behind the Scenes video.



This "Behind the Scenes" video was shot during the recording of our episode, "Cosmic Queries: Funding Space Exploration with Bill Nye." If you'd like to listen to the full podcast, click here: www.startalkradio.net/show/cosmic-queries-funding-space-exploration-with-bill-nye/

CFI Statement on Religious Restrictions of Women's Rights at 27th UN Human Rights Council

Center for Inquiry Office of Public Policy director and United Nations representative Michael De Dora delivers a statement criticizing religious and cultural restrictions on women's rights at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland on September 23, 2014.



CFI Statement on Religious Restrictions of Women's Rights at 27th UN Human Rights Council - 9/23/14

Smerconish: Islam By The Numbers

Michal Smerconish, CNN, 10-11-2014,



Pew Poll by Pew Research Center. The World’s Muslims: Religion, Politics and Society (pdf)

Genie Scott: Playing with deception

What are the differences among urban legends, pranks, hoaxes, and frauds? In each, there is an intention to deceive, but both the spirit and the consequences of the deceit vary considerably. At what point do we pass from “good clean fun” to harmful consequences? A review of some examples of each, and a reflection on the bigger picture.



From Genie Scott's talk at the 2014 The Amazing Meeting conference. When: July 12, 2014. Where: TAM, Las Vegas

Ayn Rand - How Is she Still A Thing? (HBO)

Ayn Rand, author of "Atlas Shrugged" and "The Fountainhead" is still kind of a thing. How?



I love stupid, igonorant Americans like Paul Ryan, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Glenn Beck.

--
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Ayn Rand - How Is This Still A Thing? (HBO)

Skeptic's Review-The Bible: Job Part 2

God sicks (Ha)Satan(?) on Job. Then God throws another party for all his "Sons of God."

David Chalmers: How do you explain consciousness?

Our consciousness is a fundamental aspect of our existence, says philosopher David Chalmers: "There's nothing we know about more directly.... but at the same time it's the most mysterious phenomenon in the universe." He shares some ways to think about the movie playing in our heads.

Cristina Rad: Blasphemy

Romania's Cristina Rad (known also on YouTube as ZOMGitsCriss) speaks about her exit from religion, blasphemy, and the rising tide of reason.

16 Reasons Harry Potter is Better Than The Bible

16 Reasons Harry Potter is better than The Bible



It has better writing

The story is much more interesting.

When there's mass genocide, it's committed by the villain.

If you don't think the books are worth reading, you're not going to Hell.

The moral lessons are much less ambiguous

It's openly fictional.

The movies about Harry Potter are so much better than God's Not Dead and Left Behind.

In Harry Potter, parents sacrifice themselves for their children. They don't make their children die for other people.

The books celebrate diversity. They don't condemn people for being different.

When characters do condemn others, by calling them "mudblood," they're presented as awful people. Meanwhile, lots of pastors will use homosexuality as a slur and they're applauded for it.

At Hogwarts, most of the professors like it when you ask challenging questions. Good luck challenging your pastor.

The books aren't used as justification for slavery; in fact, they condemn it.

Harry doesn't ask people to worship him

People aren't killing each other because they have different interpretations of Harry Potter.

No one expects Hermione to be submissive to her husband.

The majority of Harry Potter fans have actually read the books.

Mike Huckabee Threatens To Leave The GOP Over Gay Marriage

Mike Huckabee threatens that he will leave the Republican Party if the GOP does not take a stand against gay marriage.

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Job Part 1

God throws a "Green Leaf Party" for all of the "Sons of God." Satan makes an appearance. So does "The Accuser."

Paul Cameron Says Parents Should Not Have To Pay Taxes And Should Get Extra Votes

Paul Cameron tells Gordon Klingenschmitt that people with children should be exempt from paying taxes and should get extra votes during elections.

Climate Smart & Energy Wise. Climate change book

Launch party! Join the online launch of NCSE's "Climate Smart & Energy Wise" book. Author (and NCSE policy director) Mark McCaffrey tackles everything from the Next Generation Science Standards to combating science denial in the classroom to taking real world steps to radically boost climate change literacy.



Where: CLEAN webcast.
When: 9/23/2014

Isklar Norseman 2014 - Crying in the Rain

“The tears stream down my cheeks from my unblinking eyes. What makes me weep so? There is nothing saddening here. Perhaps it is liquefied brain.”
― Samuel Beckett

Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon is considered the ultimate triathlon on the planet, and the race that any hard core triathlete should do at least once. www.nxtri.com



Track list:

1 Colors Of Emotions, David Delirium
2 The Haunting, Harri Davies
3 Death Or Life, William Werwath
4 The Inquisitor, T Mo
5 Dismembered Counter Creatures, Gareth Coker
6 Epic Dubstep, Clean Mind Sounds
7 Think It Over, Jeffrey Fayman, Russ Howard lll, Yoav Goren
8 Please Help, Joseph Saba, Stewart Winter
9 Harmonics Overdose, Matt Ragan
10 Drifting Piano Scape, Lester Gilmore, Mungo Parc

Who is a Good Jew?

Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, founder of Jewish Treats' parent organization NJOP, shares with us an inspirational message for Rosh Hashana. He asks "Who is a good Jew?" A good Jew is a Jew who is in the growth mode, bettering themselves and learning more each day. We should all be in the growth mode. Rabbi Buchwald wishes you all a year of growth and balance. Shana Tova!

After Kitzmiller - What?

Kitzmiller v. Dover, the 2005 case establishing the unconstitutionality of teaching intelligent design creationism in the public schools, was a pivotal event in the history of the creationism/evolution controversy in the United States. Why was Kitzmiller the effective end of the second phase of antievolution strategy? And what is the third phase going to be like?



Where: Center for Inquiry, Los Angeles.
When: 9/14/2014

Atheist Bible Study #56: Gay Lovers

Jonathan and David share some precious moments together, and we talk about vaginas... pretty standard episode.



Atheist Bible Study #56: Gay Lovers

Is the Original New Testament Lost? Daniel Wallace vs Bart D Ehrman

Christian debater: Daniel B. Wallace
Agnostic debater: Bart D. Ehrman

Date: February 1, 2012
Location: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Ben Affleck, Sam Harris and Bill Maher Debate Radical Islam

Bill Maher and his guests – Sam Harris, Ben Affleck, Michael Steele and Nicholas Kristof - discuss ISIS and radical Islam during the panel portion of “Real Time.”



Video from October 2014

Bob Ripley - A Preacher's Deconversion (podcast)

Reverend Bob Ripley was a minister for over 30 years, with 15 of those years as Senior Minister at Metropolitan United Church, one of the most prominent churches of the United Church of Canada. He wrote a syndicated column discussing religion for 25 years.



In his September 26, 2014 column on LFPress, Bob Ripley announced to the world that he no longer believed in God. He's releasing a book which chronicles his journey, titled "Life Beyond Belief: a Preacher's Deconversion."

Bob Ripley joins Seth Andrews for a candid discussion about his life, his beliefs, his doubts, and the transition from Christian minister to skeptic/humanist.

BOB'S WEBSITE: www.lifebeyondbelief.ca



TTA Podcast 186: Bob Ripley - A Preacher's Deconversion

The Thinking Atheist, October 2014

Fake 'bomb detector' fraudsters sentenced

A man who claimed plastic devices he made in his garden shed could detect bombs and find missing Madeleine McCann has been jailed.

Samuel Tree, 68, was sentenced to three and a half years while his wife Joan, 62, received 300 hours community work.

Their plastic Alpha 6 cost just a few pounds but sold for thousands.

The couple are the last of a group of fraudsters - who marketed their devices to governments and conflict zones around the world - to be jailed.



Fake bomb detector husband jailed for three years
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29477894

The Trees were found guilty at the Old Bailey in August of making an article for use in a fraud between January 2007 and July 2012.

Sentencing them at London's Kingston Crown Court on Friday, judge Richard Marks QC described the scam as "a bizarre and fantastic proposition as to be almost akin to something out of Alice in Wonderland".

Police said they were driven by "personal greed" and were part of a criminal network worth £80m.

The Trees, of Dunstable, Bedfordshire, sold their worthless devices to an agent for £2,000 each, who then pitched them to other countries' authorities.

Their trial heard the devices were nothing more than plastic boxes with a free-rotating metal antenna.

Police were first alerted to the scam by a BBC Newsnight investigation into the production and sale of the Alpha 6.
'Golf ball detector'

Samuel Tree claimed the detectors could track down missing people if a photograph of them was placed inside - a technique he said he had used to search for Madeleine, who went missing as a toddler in 2007, and two other children.

The judge said his wife played a "much lesser role" in the operation, while the court heard she "would not have been involved" but for her husband.
line

From their suburban home, "Treetops", Samuel and Joan Tree were involved in an extraordinary international scam that reached several continents and, according to the police, put lives in danger.

The couple appeared relieved at the leniency of their sentences, with Mrs Tree seen mouthing "thank you" to the judge.

They embraced and broke down in tears following the hearing, which marks the end of a series of trials of several British fraudsters who made and marketed bogus detectors to trouble spots around the world.

The profits were huge. The police say they will now attempt to recover their ill-gotten gains.
line

Police believe the scam began in 1999 and made the couple around £2m.

The investigation found the Egyptian government had ordered one million of the gadgets, while the Thai authorities are believed to have paid £25,000 for a single handle.

Officers said one Alpha 6, assembled out of plastic imported from China, was bought for £500,000.

The bogus contraptions were based on a novelty "golf ball detector" called the Gopher which sold for around $20 (£12) in the US.

The couple's jailing brings to an end a series of trials following a four-year police investigation into what officers described as a "criminal network that turned over more than £80m".

Businessmen James McCormick and Gary Bolton were jailed last year for versions of the scam, which saw the devices used at check points in Iraq.

Bolton claimed his GT200 device could detect anything from cash and land mines to ivory and tobacco.

He worked closely with the Trees after meeting them at an arms fair, police said.

The fraudsters and their devices

The ADE-651 (supposedly shorthand for Advanced Detection Equipment) was sold to Iraq, Niger and other Middle Eastern countries by Somerset-based businessman, James McCormick, who is now serving 10 years in jail. The Iraqis spent £53m ($85m) on the devices at around £5,000 ($8,034) a time. Some sold for as much as £25,000 ($40,178).

The GT200 "remote substance detector", sold by Gary Bolton mainly in Mexico, Thailand, the Middle East and Africa. The device retailed at £5,000 ($8,034) but the highest price it achieved was £500,000 ($803,000). Bolton was sentenced to seven years.

The Alpha 6 manufactured by Samuel and Joan Tree and sold to Egypt, Thailand and Mexico, usually at £2,000 ($3,213) per device. The highest sale price was £15,500 ($24,906) Tree was given three and a half years behind bars while his wife was ordered to do 300 hours unpaid community work.


Det Con Joanne Law, from City of London Police, said the couple were "driven by personal greed".

"It's been a long and complicated enquiry and we've worked with law enforcement officers all over the world to make sure we disrupt this type of crime," she told BBC News.

The story of the fake bomb detectors
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-29459896

Fake bomb detectors 'destroyed lives'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22204076

--

BBC One 03 October 2014

6th Eric Hovind Commentary

What a long way we’ve come. Two years ago, I posted the first of many videos devoted to the evisceration of Eric Hovind, who disseminates his filthy lies in exchange for money from the gullible masses that he is knowingly deceiving. Now I’m closing this chapter with the final of the six-part commentary of his repugnant seminar, “Beginnings.”



Before I begin, I’d just like to request any willing subscribers to mirror each of the videos in the “Eviscerating Eric” playlist as a contingency measure should Eric Hovind decide to violate his 9th commandment yet again and file a false DMCA notice. Seeing as this and my other videos adhere to the fair use provision of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, it would be illegal for Eric Hovind to DMCA this video- though as we all know, that family is no stranger to crime.

Made in October 2014

Defeating ISIS: Faisal Saeed Al Mutar

Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is an Iraqi born writer, public speaker, community manager, and a Human rights activist living currently in the United States. Faisal Saeed Al Mutar is the founder of the Global Secular Humanist Movement and Secular Post, as well as a columnist for Free Inquiry Magazine published by the Council for Secular Humanism of CFI.



In this speech from the 2014 Apostacon event, Faisal speaks about ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), its motivation and mission, and the worldwide response to its terrorist activities.

His website is http://www.faisalalmutar.com

Civil Forfeiture (USA police rob the people)

Did you know police can just take your stuff if they suspect it's involved in a crime? They can!

It’s a shady process called “civil asset forfeiture,” and it would make for a weird episode of Law and Order.



See?

--


Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Civil Forfeiture (HBO). October 2014

QI XL Series L Episode 01 - L-Animals

Nature, science, pope and more

Lawrence Krauss embarrasses William Lane Craig in this debate

I have a theory about Star Wars & Christianity. Things are coming together now. Here's the premise. The Jedi Knights are atheists. The Dark Side of the Force is the religion of Christianity. The Sith Lord is the God of the Bible. Anakin Skywalker is the posterboy for Dark Side of the Force, and becoming it's ultimate victim. Here's a few facts I just thought of right now:



1. Sye Ten Bruggengate recently said after his debate with Matt Dillahunty that Jesus said that you are either with me or you are against me. Anakin says those exact same words to Obi Won just before their epic duel.

2. Anakin was a rational, level headed person as a Jedi, but when he converted, he became insane and crazy. Christians are the exact same way. Before many became Christians(Mostly Born Agains), they were respectable and likable. Now they have become "Damaged Human Beings" just like Anakin.

3. Only Sith deals with Absolutes. Very Christian-like!

4. Anakin turned to the Dark Side because he feared death. Granted he feared the death of his wife, the Sith Lord made an empty promise to Anakin that he can allow her to live forever if he turned to the Dark Side. Most people who are deeply into Christianity (Dark Side of the Force) are brainwashed into believing that death does not exist in their worldview. They truly gave up logic & free thinking abilities in exchange for hope of eternal life.

5. In the end, Anakin became to be Darth Vader, a damaged human being with severe mental illness. In addition, instead of being able to give his wife eternal life, he ends up killing her based on his decision to turning to the dark side.

Is It Reasonable to Believe There Is a God (Debate Topic)

Ten minutes of Hitchens angrily dismantling religious cultist scum with extreme prejudice

Pacific Crest Trail (As It Happens)

Get inspired by watching the challenge, struggle and ultimate triumph of hiking America's Pacific Crest Trail today!



www.AsItHappens.TV

The Little Bride: A Chick Tract

Jake and Hugo read about Jack Chick's stance on Islam!

What does "EVOLUTION" mean to Eric Hovind?

Evolution in the scientific sense is defined as: the historical development of a biological group (as a race or species) : phylogeny b : a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations

Eric's definition of evolution seems to be: philosophical naturalism devoid of my particular god and therefore excluding all things supernatural. (see ATHEISM)



For someone who claims to be an educator, the fact that he doesn't even use the word "evolution" correctly should be disconcerting. My best guess is that he knows full well that he's misusing the term, as he so seductively changes its meaning as the video progresses.

The Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism

This an excellent series of educational videos by Youtube user Aronra. http://www.youtube.com/user/AronRa
In addition to providing a great deal of interesting information on evolution, these videos explore the various arguments used by creationists and the fallacies they contain..



1. Exploring the idea that accepting evolution is tantamount to declaring atheism, or that one need be creationist to be Christian.

2. Exploring the erroneous notion that the holy scriptures were written by God, rather than be subject to the errs of humanity 9:56

3. Exploring the notion of absolute truth and how revealing that would actually more of a fallacy than regular truth. 19:55

4. My attempt to explain empirical inquiry as a rational alternative to the false propaganda propagated on faith. 29:54

5. Disputing the canard that evolution is a religion, and therefore somehow equal to creationism. 39:53

6. Taking on common Creationist canards relating to what evolution is and isn't, and what it does or doesn't depend on or relate to. 49:52

7. This one deals with the notion that everything must have an intelligently-designed purpose, or it must be random accidents. 59:51

8. This one deals with mutations and "information". 1:09:50

9. Listing just a handful of the myriad transitional species we've found, and that creationists insist do not exist or somehow still don't count. 1:19:49

10. An abbreviated introductory primer to cladistic phylogenetics, the most compelling and overwhelming evidence of evolution and our place in nature. 1:30:18

11. An abbreviated introductory primer to classicist phylogenetic, the most compelling and overwhelming evidence of evolution and our place in nature. 1:40:33

12. An abbreviated introductory primer to classicist phylogenetic, the most compelling and overwhelming evidence of evolution and our place in nature. 1:50:47

13. Every "evolutionist hoax" ever alleged was either fabricated or misrepresented to such a degree that each contributes to a growing list of creationist frauds. 2:01:21

14(a). The 1st of two-part tirade about creationists' claims of having evidence, when all they really have are baseless assertions and assumed conclusions supported only by frauds and fallacies. 2:12:20

14(b). The 2nd half of a two-part tirade about creationists' claims of having evidence, when all they really have are baseless assertions and assumed conclusions supported only by frauds and fallacies. 2:22:20

15 (a) The first of a two-part final installment to this series, explaining what the words, hypothesis, fact, law, and Theory actually are, rather than what creationists want us to think they are. Hint: a scientific theory isn't a guess, but an explicative study of real phenomenon. 2:32:41

15(b) The second of a two-part explanation of how a scientific theory differs from the uncertain speculation which creationists would like to believe it is. Although this is the final installment to this series, the playlist will also include a sort of epilogue episode which isn't a necessarily 'foundational falsehood' but is still relevant to the topic. 2:43:37

Town Wants to Ban Cameras After Cop’s Obama Rant Goes Viral

Careful where you toss those table scraps because Seattle has given garbage collectors the power to fine residents who aren’t all in on composting.

And a Minnesota pol is going Four Loko over the latest alcohol innovation. The manufacturer of Palcohol says its powdered alcohol will will be a hit with everyone from airlines to backpackers (astronauts?).



But if state Rep. Joe Atkins (D) has his way, Gopher State backpackers will be banned from pairing their campfire fried eggs with a freeze-dried Bloody Mary. (The feds now say they approved Palcohol by mistake.)

But on this very special episode, Nanny of the Month zeros in the Garden State.

Remember Richard Recine, the (now former) Helmetta, New Jersey special officer caught on video declaring that he does not have to abide by the Constitution since “Obama decimated the friggin’ Constitution”?

Helmetta officials were plenty embarrassed when the video went viral, and yet they chose to honor the spirit of Recine’s rant by pushing for a ban on photography and video in public buildings.

Under the proposed ordinance, citizens would need a permit to capture such moments of candor in the future, although public meetings would be exempt from the requirement.

The ACLU says the ordinance may be unconstitutional, however violators would still face up to $2000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. But it’s ok, because officials are cracking down on photography for the sake of the children.

About two minutes.

Follow Nanny of the Month on Twitter (@NannyoftheMonth) and submit your nominees for next month!

Doing SCIENCE! with ferrofluid

A ferrofluid is a liquid which becomes strongly magnetized in the presence of a magnetic field and looks AWESOME! This vid is just me having fun with science.

Skeptic's Review - The Bible: Leviticus - Chapters 26-27

Fear and pestilence; shekels and doubloons. How much is a human being worth?



Moses and Lord YHWH close out another playlist on the Skeptic's Review channel!

Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein, Directors of An Honest Liar - Friendly Atheist Podcast

Tyler Measom and Justin Weinstein are the producers and directors of An Honest Liar, a documentary about James "The Amazing" Randi.

Jessica spoke with them about the movie, the archival footage they found, and Randi "victims" psychic Uri Geller and televangelist Peter Popoff.



The Atheist Voice provides a platform for discussion for atheist leaders, authors, bloggers, activists, and everybody else who is passionate about atheism, and secularism. Join the discussion by commenting under the videos or submitting video responses. If you'd like to collaborate on this channel or if you'd like to appear in our videos please visit our website www.TheAtheistVoice.com

Sam Harris: The Self is an Illusion

Sam Harris describes the properties of consciousness and how mindfulness practices of all stripes can be used to transcend one's ego. Harris is the author of Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion



Transcript:

What one of the problems we have in discussing consciousness scientifically is that consciousness is irreducibly subjective. This is a point that many philosophers have made – Thomas Nagel, John Sorrell, David Chalmers. While I don’t agree with everything they’ve said about consciousness I agree with them on this point that consciousness is what it’s like to be you. If there’s an experiential internal qualitative dimension to any physical system then that is consciousness. And we can’t reduce the experiential side to talk of information processing and neurotransmitters and states of the brain in our case because – and people want to do this. Someone like Francis Crick said famously you’re nothing but a pack of neurons. And that misses the fact that half of the reality we’re talking about is the qualitative experiential side. So when you’re trying to study human consciousness, for instance, by looking at states of the brain, all you can do is correlate experiential changes with changes in brain states. But no matter how tight these correlations become that never gives you license to throw out the first person experiential side. That would be analogous to saying that if you just flipped a coin long enough you would realize it had only one side. And now it’s true you can be committed to talking about just one side. You can say that heads being up is just a case of tails being down. But that doesn’t actually reduce one side of reality to the other.

And to give you a more precise example, we have very strong third person “objective measures” of things like anxiety and fear at this moment. You bring someone into the lab, they say they’re feeling fear. You can scan their brains with fMRI and see that their amygdala response is heightened. You can measure the sweat on their palms and see that there’s an increased galvanic skin response. You can check their blood cortisol and see that its spiking. So these now are considered objective third person measures of fear. But if half the people came into the lab tomorrow and said they were feeling fear and showed none of these signs and they said they were completely calm when their cortisol spiked and when their palms started to sweat, these objective measures would no longer be reliable measures of fear. So the cash value of a change in physiology is still a change in the first person conscious side of things. And we’re inevitably going to rely on people’s subjective reports to understand whether our correlations are accurate. So the hope that we are going to talk about consciousness shorn of any kind of qualitative internal experiential language, I think, is a false one. So we have to understand both sides of it subjective – classically subjective and objective.

I’m not arguing that consciousness is a reality beyond science or beyond the brain or that it floats free of the brain at death. I’m not making any spooky claims about its metaphysics. What I am saying, however, is that the self is an illusion. The sense of being an ego, an I, a thinker of thoughts in addition to the thoughts. An experiencer in addition to the experience. The sense that we all have of riding around inside our heads as a kind of a passenger in the vehicle of the body. That’s where most people start when they think about any of these questions. Most people don’t feel identical to their bodies. They feel like they have bodies. They feel like they’re inside the body. And most people feel like they’re inside their heads. Now that sense of being a subject, a locus of consciousness inside the head is an illusion. It makes no neuro-anatomical sense. There’s no place in the brain for your ego to be hiding. We know that everything you experience – your conscious emotions and thoughts and moods and the impulses that initiate behavior – all of these things are delivered by a myriad of different processes in the brain that are spread out over the whole of the brain. They can be independently erupted. We have a changing system. We are a process and there’s not one unitary self that’s carried through from one moment to the next unchanging. [TRANSCRIPT TRUNCATED]

Directed/Produced by Jonathan Fowler, Elizabeth Rodd, and Dillon Fitton

Al Murray on nations

Al Murray gives his views on the countries all over the globe.

Benham Twins: We Are Like ISIS Victims... and Jesus

David and Jason Benham compare themselves to victims of ISIS.

Shaq in his communion suit!

The guys talk about "baby birdman" at the Nuggets game and tease Shaq about his communion suit!



Inside The Nba - Baby Birdman & Shaq's Suit- (23-4-13)

The Crucifixion Was Non-sense | PZ Myers

The Crucifixion Was Non-sense | PZ Myers

After the show, Jones said, "It's takes the honesty and integrity of a PZ Myers to get theists to question their fixed beliefs. His willingness to confront the best and the worst of theologies is why he keeps moving people forward. And tonight, I think that he demonstrated his passion for truth and his love for all humanity, and it's truly something that we so desperately need."

Later, Jones said, "There is no redemption in crucifixion. So, if I have to make an argument to tell you why crucifixion is wrong, then what does that suggest...If Jesus had to be beaten beyond recognition and then crucified to keep His Father from doing the same to the rest of His created children, then it would be foolish to say that His Father so loved the world. For who could find the gospel or true love in this but the abused?"



The Place of intellectual, spiritual and scriptural honesty.
The New Covenant Group: Atheists & Theists Together--The Cult of Honesty

Jehovah's Witnesses (James White 2012)

James White speaks on the Christians in the Jehovah's Witnesses.

Bryan Fischer Links Oklahoma Beheading To Satanic 'Black Mass'

Bryan Fischer links the beheading of a woman in Oklahoma to the performance of a Satanic mass in Oklahoma City.



Video from Focal Point on AFA Channel, September 2014

Can atheists ever win political office?

In modern history, only one person has ever been an out atheist sitting in Congress. That was Rep. Pete Stark from California. He didn't admit he a "non-theist" until 2007. And he's no longer in Congress for unrelated reasons.

When Gallup asked Americans if they'd vote for someone of their own political party who happens to be an atheist, only 54% of people said yes. People were more likely to vote for a gay person or a Muslim.

That said, there are atheists who are out and hold statewide office, like Ernie Chambers, a state senator in Nebraska, and Juan Mendez, a state Rep. from Arizona.



So the point is clear: It's not impossible to be an atheist in public office, but you can pretty much count on one hand the number of atheists who hold real political power.

It raises some interesting questions: Can atheists win political office? Yes.

How do we do it?

Let me offer a few suggestions:

-- Go local: Atheists have a much better chance of getting elected to a local school board or city council. Once they get a reputation than goes beyond just their thoughts on God, they have a much easier chance of getting elected to statewide or even national office.

-- Make your values the story, not your beliefs: There are tons of awesome religious people who hold political office. And it doesn't bother me that they're religious because they don't make it a big deal. They vote the way I want them to vote. That's what should matter for all of us.

So if you're an atheist running for office, don't make that a focal point of your campaign. Don't hide from it, but focus on the issues, including the importance of church/state separation even for religious people.

-- Emphasize your Humanism over your atheism. It's a safer word that doesn't have the stigma attached to atheist, and it focuses on what you do believe, not what you don't.

-- Don't eat babies publicly: It rubs some people the wrong way.

-- Don't mention your atheism. This is admittedly sneaky. But it's strategic. If you're not already public about your atheism, hide it. Get elected based on your merits. If anyone asks you what religion you are, tell them your beliefs are a private matter. Then when you get elected, you can come out if you'd like. Or keep it hidden and just vote on bills that promote things like church/state separation or proper science.

The downside is you won't actually make a longterm difference in helping other atheists get elected.

-- Don't be afraid of losing: If you don't actually care whether you win or lose, then make your atheism as public as possible throughout the campaign. Herb Silverman, an atheist college professor from South Carolina, ran for Governor a couple of decades ago with the slogan, "the Candidate without a prayer." He had no real shot at winning, but he used the opportunity as a candidate to promote his views. And you know what? The next time an atheist candidate runs for office in South Carolina, it won't be as big of a story. Because that state's already seen it. And that'll make it easier for that atheist to win.

The Mexican Mormon War (Drug Cartels vs Mormons)

The cartels of Juarez, Mexico, are at war with a group of Mormons, some of whom are related to Mitt Romney. We went there to document the conflict, meet Romney's Mormon family, and find out more about how US policy is impacting the war on drugs.



The Mexican Mormon War (Drug Cartels vs. Mormons Full Length)

Al Murray vs Americans, Funny

Laughing at the new Inquisition

The stench of hypocrisy from the “progressive” high moral ground.

“Anything but the truth” could be a “progressive” motto.

Frank Turek vs "Atheism"

The Arrogance of Creationism (5)

In this final episode of The Arrogance of Creationism, we get to the root of what motivates creationism. (You don’t get a prize for guessing what that might be.) While this isn’t exactly news, it’s only fitting that I finally bring up this elephant in the room. This is because it allows us to tie together everything that has been discussed so far, and also because it allows us to look at what I think is the most arrogant aspect of creationism: the fact that at its root, it is hypocritical. Creationists, not only are you full of shit, you KNOW that you’re full of shit, yet you claim that you know better than those of us who study these topics for a living. Creationists use the Bible to defend their intellectual laziness, hypocrisy, and arrogance, and that just rubs me the wrong way.

David Silverman vs James White - Is the new testament evil

In this quick-moving, lively and spirited debate, James White and David Silverman debate the foundations of truth, morality, humanity, knowledge, Scripture, and the nature of God Himself.

Jimmy Carr explains world religions

"Jesus says he loves me, but I worry about the age gap." Jimmy Carr shares his unique views on both Christianity and Islam.

Scientology Inc "I am not auditing you" Confess for punishment

What "church" encourages a husband to snitch on wife, and wife on husband?
And, get this, have them pay, $$$$$ high $$$$ for every hour of questioning and confessing such questions tailor made based on the report ?.
Scientology Inc has always been the 3rd party in the bedroom and the intervening party between husband and wife.
But the culture of husband and wife snitching on each other is one of the most abhorrent policies.
The Church is a Church that wants data on everyone for its very organized Intelligence machine
It is all too common for a wife to report the husband for reading the Internet. or even for visiting porn sites.
RESULT : Summoned to an Org for Sec Checks.



There isn't even a pretense that this confessional auditing is for "case gain" or spirituality.
It is pure intelligence gathering. And the sheeple pay !!!!!!!!$$$$$$!!!!!!!!
Pay to be security checked on what site did they visit on the Internet, (internet viewing is forbidden in Scientology Inc
This is all at $800 per hour at Flag and $500+ in a lower org. Incredulous.
Excuse my laughter in the video.
In other words, the sheeple pay for the *privilege* of an inquisition into their private life as reported or snitched on by their own children or spouse.
This is the world of Scientology inc.



Surviving Scientology Radio

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Two Blind Sisters See for the First Time

Oh kind Lord, you have given me two eyers...
why have you kept me blind?

Sonia and Anita, two sisters living in India, have been blind since birth, but a simple eye operation makes it possible for them to see their mom for the first time. The nonprofit organization 20/20/20 provides free operations to these sisters--as well as thousands of other people in developing countries. These procedures empower people in impoverished communities to create better futures.

In this short film, Blue Chalk Media shares the sisters’ poignant story and captures their initial experiences after the bandages come off.



Learn about surgeries for children in developing countries
http://wonderwork.org/

Find out about the charity 20/20/20
http://20x20x20.org/

The Short Film Showcase spotlights exceptional short videos created by filmmakers from around the web and selected by National Geographic’s editors. We look for pieces that emphasize National Geographic's mission of inspiring people to care about the planet. The filmmakers themselves created the content presented here. The opinions expressed are those of the filmmakers, and not those of the National Geographic Society.

Drones (John Oliver)

The United States has launched a huge number of drone strikes under President Obama.
It’s widely accepted and extremely terrifying.



Last Week Tonight with John Oliver: Drones (HBO)

Steven Novella and Jon Armstrong at TAM 2014 - Friendly Atheist Podcast

Jessica spoke with Skeptics Guide to the Universe host and neuroscientist Steven Novella and magician Jon Armstrong about skepticism and the brain, our faulty memories, and how the placebo effect is not what you may think.

Steven Novella and Jon Armstrong at TAM 2014 - Friendly Atheist Podcast EP 20



The Atheist Voice provides a platform for discussion for atheist leaders, authors, bloggers, activists, and everybody else who is passionate about atheism, and secularism. Join the discussion by commenting under the videos or submitting video responses. If you'd like to collaborate on this channel or if you'd like to appear in our videos please visit our website www.TheAtheistVoice.com

Magnificent Giant Tree: Sequoia in a Snowstorm

The world's second-largest known tree, the President, in Sequoia National Park is photographed by National Geographic magazine photographer Michael "Nick" Nichols for the December 2012 issue. The final photograph is a mosaic of 126 images.



See more: http://bit.ly/TVehd4

Jesus of Siberia

Deep in Siberia's Taiga forest is Vissarion, a cult leader who looks like Jesus and claims to be the voice of God. He's known as "the Teacher" to his 4,000 followers, who initially seem surprisingly normal. Over time, however, their unflinching belief in UFOs and the Earth's imminent demise made this group start to look more and more like some sort of strange cult.



Hosted by Rocco Castoro | Originally released in 2011 at http://vice.com

Cult Leader Thinks He's Jesus (Documentary Exclusive)

Edinburgh and Beyond - Stewart Lee

Edinburgh and Beyond - Stewart Lee
Mallards, Tom O'Connor & Sardines.

Atheist? It's just a Phase