Week In The News: Another AUMF Request, Another Ukrainian Ceasefire, Alabama Same-Sex Marriage (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

War powers in the heart of the news this week, for a war on ISIS that the US is already into. The President wants formal approval. In Ukraine, Russian tanks and rockets and war. Now, a ceasefire agreed. Why is Vladimir Putin smiling? Young American Kayla Mueller, ISIS captive, confirmed dead in Syria. In Chapel Hill, North Carolina, three bright-eyed Muslim-Americans shot execution style. Police say, no hate crime. There’s a gay marriage fight still on in Alabama. And media news – Williams, Stewart and more. This hour On Point: our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines. / Tom Ashbrook
Interview:
https://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/02/13/aumf-ukraine-ceasefire-same-sex-marriage-alabama

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show)

Congress begins debating a White House request to authorize military operations against ISIS. President Barack Obama travels to Silicon Valley for a summit on cybersecurity. Ashton Carter is confirmed as the next Secretary of Defense—the fourth one in six years. A labor dispute threatens to shut down West Coast seaports and cost the economy billions. A federal judge orders probate judges in Alabama to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The FBI is investigating whether the murder of three Muslim students in North Carolina was a hate crime. And NBC suspends Nightly News host Brian Williams for six months without pay. Diane and a panel of journalists discuss the week’s top domestic stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-02-13/friday_news_roundup_domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show)

A ceasefire in Ukraine is set to go into effect this weekend. Germany’s chancellor warned that Russia will face new sanctions if the peace pact is not fully implemented. The U.S. confirmed the death of an American woman held hostage by ISIS. The extremist group advanced further in Iraq despite continued coalition airstrikes. The U.S., Britain and France closed their embassies in Yemen; the secretary general of the U.N. said “Yemen is collapsing before our eyes.” And Greece agreed to meet again with creditors in an attempt to negotiate new bailout terms. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-02-13/friday_news_roundup_international

Why the GOP's Vision of North America's Energy Future Should Scare All of Us

It will be a nightmare of environmental degradation and global conflict.
...  Read more

Where the Bible Really Stands on Slavery

There's been a long and tortured relationship between the Bible, Christians and the brutal, inhumane practice of slavery.
...  Read more

Autism rates aren't actually increasing

If you were to believe newspaper reports and anecdotal evidence about autism, you probably think rates of the disorder are exploding around the world....  Read more

Japan Has More Car Chargers Than Gas Stations

That surprising discovery comes from Nissan Motor Co., which reported that the number of power points in Japan, including fast-chargers and those in homes, has surged to 40,000, surpassing the nation’s 34,000 gas stations.
Read more

GOP Slickster Pleads Guilty To Campaign Finance Violation

If you'd like a shining example of how Republicans win -- or try to win -- elections, look no further than Tyler Harber. On Thursday, Tyler Harber pl...  Read more

Southwest And Great Plains Could Face Worst ‘Megadroughts’ In Modern History, Study Finds

"The 21st century projections make the megadroughts seem like quaint walks through the Garden of Eden." The post Southwest And ... Read more

Unusual String Of Bottlenose Dolphin Deaths Linked To BP Oil Spill

 BP has vehemently denied that the oil spill was the direct cause of any adverse impacts to dolphin health. The post Unusual ... Read more

Congressman Says We Don’t Need Education Funding Because ‘Socrates Trained Plato On A Rock’

Rep. Dave Brat (R-VA) also said, "The greatest thinkers in Western civ were not products of education policy." The post ... Read more

Forget Vaccines: If You’re Really Concerned About Autism, Become An Environmentalist

The best part about environmentalism? It doesn't expose anyone to measles. The post Forget Vaccines: If You're Really ... Read more

We’ve All Got The 2nd Amendment Wrong

In all of the debate over the 2nd Amendment the truth has been forgotten - it was never about guns in the first place. Read more

Gods of Our Fathers: The United States of Enlightenment (Christopher Hitchens)

A review of Moral Minority: Our Skeptical Founding Fathers, by Brooke Allen. From the late great Christopher Hitchens, which was called Gods of Our Fathers: The United States of Enlightenment. It was published in his book Arguably: Essays, a collection comprising of 107 essays on a variety of political and cultural topics.
http://youtu.be/HZGksBJ9wMg

national convention of American Atheists promo

Register online for the 41st annual national convention of American Atheists -to be held in the Peabody Hotel in Memphis Tennessee, April 2nd - 5th 2015.
http://atheists.org/convention2015
http://youtu.be/MvhtiYxKK5k

On Darwin Day, 5 facts about the evolution debate

Here are five facts about the public’s views on evolution as well as other aspects of the debate in the U.S. and elsewhere:
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/02/12/darwin-day/

Georgia public school teachers humiliate kids for not praying to ‘God our Father’: lawsuit

Teacher Kaytrene Bright and Cel Thompson forced the children of anonymous plaintiffs Jane and John Doe to join their classmates in prayer or leave the classroom
http://www.onepennysheet.com./2015/02/georgia-public-school-teachers-humiliate-kids-for-not-praying-to-god-our-father-lawsuit/

Darwin Day pits atheists against believers

Darwin Day is celebrated worldwide, with more than 200 celebrations ranging from weeklong science festivals to groups of students donning fake beards and throwing parties, according to Serah Blain, a spokeswoman for the International Darwin Day Foundation, which is part of the American Humanist Association.
http://ux.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2015/02/12/darwin-day-pits-atheists-believers/23323471/

Appeals court reverses college's, dioceses' faith-based victories over birth control mandate

PITTSBURGH — An appeals court has ruled that the birth control coverage required by federal health care reforms does not violate the rights of several religious groups because they can seek reasonable accommodations...
http://www.tribtown.com/view/story/0f5d6e0945084d7f870a72781f33c8b2/US--Birth-Control-Mandate

YOUR GRAMMAR SUCKS #99: THE MEGARAP

http://youtu.be/02gUMoLo8QE

OFFICIAL Video: Russell Brand Interviews Westboro Baptist Church

Russell seeks common ground with the notoriously anti-gay leaders.
http://youtu.be/OBA6qlHW8po

GOP Lawsuit Says Obama's Immigration Plan Costs States Big Bucks. That's Wrong.

The mostly GOP-run states suing to block President Barack Obama's immigration actions have a shaky legal argument. But politically, their rationale sounds even worse.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/marriage-licenses-obama-undocumented-immigrants-lawsuit

The stubborn myth of the Christian country: Why the U.S. has always been “one nation, under gods” - Salon.com

"...There was literally never a point in the history of the colonies or the U.S. when all or most Americans genuinely shared the same faith. “The true gospel of the American experience,” Manseau writes, “is not religious agreement but dissent.”"
http://www.salon.com/2015/02/03/the_stubborn_myth_of_the_christian_country_why_the_u_s_has_always_been_“one_nation_under_gods”/

CNN Host Puts Conservatives And Roy Moore In Their Place: Humans Make The Laws, Not God (VIDEO)

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore was taken to the woodshed by CNN host Chris Cuomo on Thursday morning for his desperate ... Read more
http://youtu.be/l03LpLxEeeI

Trickle Down Proven Wrong, Again — Louisiana $11 Billion In Incentives Fail To Deliver

'Voodoo Economics' did not work for Governor Jindal when, after doling out $11 billion to big business, the promised jobs never ... Read more

‘There’s No Place Like Homophobia’ — Jon Stewart Lambastes Bigots In Alabama And Kansas (VIDEO)

If Kansas and Alabama thought they could get away with trying to purposefully discriminate against same-sex couples without Jon ... Read more

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Pat Robertson In A Hilarious Compilation Video (VIDEO)

Pat Robertson has a casual relationship with reality... and it's a laugh riot! Read more

The Pope on Childess Couples

Your Holiness, please do not disparage childless couples as "selfish" and "greedy." It's true that couples who do not enjoy children can make a "selfi... Read more

Ready to Make a Change? 5 Signs It's Time to Move On

As you may have heard, Jon Stewart announced that he is leaving The Daily Show, a popular program that he has helmed since 1999. While your work might...  Read more

Bride Of Benghazi: GOP Opens New Scandal Circus Over Mortgage Settlements

WASHINGTON -- Since taking control of both chambers of Congress in January, Republicans have grappled with newfound pressure to govern. But the House ...  Read more

Alabama's 'Redneck News' Reports On Changes After Gay Marriage (VIDEO)

An intrepid citizen journalist in Blount County, Alabama posted a video to Facebook on Wednesday reporting on the changes to his state after legalizat...
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/jeremy-todd-addaway-alabama-gay-marriage

Republican Senator Backs Down: We Should Not Be Thwarting National Security Funding Over Immigration

"I generally agree with the Democratic position here," Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) said. The post Republican Senator Backs Down: We ... Read more

Prison Food Company Prepares Meals In Maggot-Infested Kitchens, May Have Contract Extended Anyway

Vermin? No problem! The post Prison Food Company Prepares Meals In Maggot-Infested Kitchens, May Have Contract Extended Anyway ... Read more

Abortion Doctor Exposes The ‘Ludicrous’ Anti-Choice Law That’s Based On A Lie

The fundamental hypocrisy at the heart of the policies that are closing abortion clinics. The post Abortion Doctor Exposes The ... Read more

Satanic Temple Victory Could Mean Big Things For The Separation Of Church And State

The Satanic Temple has found a way to hack conservative Supreme Court decisions that are increasingly skeptical of the wall of ... Read more

Top 10 Craziest Conservative Contradictions

There's a lot more than 10 but the internet just isn't big enough to fit them all!   Read more

19 Year Old Who Built a $350 Robotic Arm Teaches You How to Build It Free

A 19 year old recent high school graduate who built a $350 robotic arm controlled with thoughts is showing any one how to build it free. His goal is to let anybody who is missing an arm use the robotic arm at a vastly cheaper cost than a prosthetic limb that can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Read more

Pastor Tony Evans Talks about Changing America for Good by Pairing Churches with Public Schools

"The social impact of this school intervention quickly spread to neighboring clusters as well," the organization wrote. "What began as a crisis intervention in one school has now become proactive intervention in over 65 public schools in Dallas County and parts of Fort Worth."
http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/54357/20150211/pastor-tony-evans-talks-about-changing-america-for-good-by-pairing-churches-with-public-schools.htm

Hey Biblical Literalists, Stop Disparaging Darwin

A few reasons we should all recognize February 12 as Darwin Day.
http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2015/02/12/hey-biblical-literalists-stop-disparaging-darwin/36154

Jon Stewart Hammers Fox News For Loving Real Dictators As They Whine About President Obama’s Non-Existent Tyranny (VIDEO)

Jon Stewart unexpectedly announced his retirement on Tuesday night, but that didn't stop him from slamming Fox News for openly ... Read more

The Daily Show
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

Study: Oh Yes, We Can Change Conservative Minds

This is something many of us have been saying for a while. A substantial number of Americans hold both conservative and progressive views, and this st...  Read more

Study Finds ‘Disturbing Examples’ Of The FDA Failing To Disclose Scientific Fraud

In one case of research misconduct, a report stated that all patients saw improvements in their condition when, in fact, one ... Read more

Every Apple Store In California Will Soon Be Powered By Solar Energy

"Our view is that the time for talk is past and the time for action is now."  ... Read more

Senators Debate Whether Climate Change Is Real At EPA Carbon Rule Hearing

Perhaps the most notable statement came from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), who began his questioning by casting doubt on data from ... Read more

6 Heroes Who Refused to Torture

They showed that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney didn't have to endorse inhumane methods.
...  Read more

How Obama's optimism about the world explains his foreign policy

The Vox interview with President Obama touched on failed states, the seemingly unstoppable move of the American political system toward bitter divisio...  Read more

Obama's long-view foreign policy: why he thinks the US can bend the arc of history

In President Obama's interview with Matt Yglesias on foreign policy, he did something interesting when pressed on how he squares support for human rig...  Read more

Report: Lynchings were far more common than previously estimated

The lynchings of African Americans by white communities in the South claimed nearly 4,000 lives between 1877 and 1950, far more than previous estimate...  Read more

Bad Ben: Carson’s Anti-LGBTQ Rhetoric Lands Him On SPLC’s ‘Extremist Files’

Carson’s religious beliefs didn’t land him on the SPLC list. It’s his desire to restrict the rights of millions of Americans simply because they don’t think the way he does.
... Read more

Russell Brand’s Brilliant Analysis Of Bill O’Reilly’s Beyoncé Obsession

Brand says, "Bill, if you're turned on by Beyoncé, just accept it. It's normal." Oh, and so much more. We've written extensively about Bill O'Reilly'...  Read more
http://youtu.be/2iZFE8Wo0Hc

Stuff I Learned From Fox Today

According to Fox Nation, we're winning! And we're doomed! The folks at Fox would say this isn't a contradiction because President Obama is failing, ...  Read more

GOP Infighting Begins As Clock Ticks To Homeland Security Shutdown

WASHINGTON — The intra-GOP recriminations have begun over the party's failing strategy to stop President Barack Obama's executive actions on immigrati... Read more

Conservatives Seize On Hugely Flawed Study About Same-Sex Parents

A new study critiquing same-sex parenting suffers from the same flaws as previous studies purporting negative outcomes for ... Read more

More Research Links Australia’s Extreme Heat To Climate Change

Australia's 2013 heatwave set new national daily average maximum temperature records as high as 118°F. The post More Research ... Read more

No, The Koch Brothers Aren’t Socially Liberal

The historically private duo has mounted something of a media charm offensive, attempting to frame themselves as not as ... Read more

Hobby Lobby 2: Inside Republicans' Plan to Kill America's Most Effective Anti-Teen-Pregnancy Program (Mother Jones)

An innovative program has reduced the abortion rate and saved a state millions. Here's why it's doomed.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/02/colorado-iud-teen-pregnancy-abortion

Maher Destroys Idiot on Climate Change: What Do You Have Against Listening to Scientists?

Bill Maher last night (Feb. 23, 2015) tackled Republican climate denial and asked what exactly they have against listening to the overwhelming consensus of over ten thousand climate scientists. He brought up a study showing those thousands of scientists agree on manmade climate change, compared to two who don’t.

Bret Stephens argued that climate fearmongering has been going on for a while, but Maher dismissed that as another Republican talking point. He brought up that study and asked, “Doesn’t that persuade you? The idea of scientific consensus? Don’t you think scientists know more about science than we do?”

Stephens shot back that scientists don’t know that much about public policy. Maher said it’s “hubris” to spit in the face of so much scientific consensus, while Stephens insisted, “Consensus should not rule science.”
http://youtu.be/-kI1PWupraI

Did You Know: History of Darwin Day

International Darwin Day has a big mission: "To inspire people throughout the globe to reflect and act on the principles of intellectual bravery, perpetual curiosity, scientific thinking and hunger for truth as embodied in Charles Darwin," it says on darwinday.org.
http://ux.delawareonline.com/story/life/2015/02/10/delawares-darwin-day/23181645/

Racial Darwinism (AronRa)

This is a promotion for Darwin Day, http://darwinday.org/
addressing one of the most common criticisms of evolution; that Darwin was a racist, that 'Darwinism' is about "favored races", and that Hitler was a Darwinist.

Regarding Ken Ham's comment about the genocide of Australian aborigines and the desecration of 10,000 aboriginal graves "all in the name of evolution", he said that was all part of Australian history, but I found no justification for that claim...
http://youtu.be/5YTna7M3CdQ

RWW News: Gordon Klingenschmitt Says Requiring Christians To Follow The Law Is 'Yoke Of Slavery'

Gordon Klingenschmitt says that not allowing anti-gay government officials to discriminate against gay couples is "the yoke of slavery."
http://youtu.be/UXC09KVTRtI

Obama spoke the truth at National Prayer Breakfast | The Star Telegram The Star Telegram

The president admonished us to “start with some basic humility. I believe that the starting point of faith is some doubt — not being so full of yourself and so confident that you are right and that God speaks only to us, and doesn’t speak to others; that God only cares about us and doesn’t care about others, that somehow we alone are in possession of the truth.”
http://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/bob-ray-sanders/article9702227.html

Bill Gates: how online courses can radically improve education by 2030

Bill Gates believes that by 2030, online courses can bring wildly better education to anyone with a smartphone or tablet. As our February guest editor, he narrates this episode of the Big Future to explain how it works — and why it could actually increase inequity if the gender gap is not addressed.
http://youtu.be/Hrd0NiWMIjk

The Shocking 'Christian' Hate Mail Activists Received for Challenging Religious Indoctrination in the Military

The Military Religious Freedom Foundation has been targeted for promoting secular pluralism.
...  Read more

BBC | Stephen Fry: Out There

BBC documentary on the oppression of gays around the world -- persecution, beating, rape, torture, and and deaths brought to you by religion, especially Christianity.
http://youtu.be/IMPl25oraVc


http://youtu.be/NLSIeNBqYKM

Libertarian Study Finds Migrant Children Didn’t Cross The Border Because Of Obama’s Executive Action

"The child migrant crisis is not unique to this presidency," the report found. The post Libertarian Study Finds Migrant ... Read more