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Featured: Interviews for the Well-Informed

Featured: Interviews for the Well-Informed

Did you know? After the last post on this page is a link to "Older posts".

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Koranic Criticism with Guest Ibn Warraq

Interview:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/i2p0ceuVSRM/rd60_koranic_criticism_with_ibn_warraq.mp3

Most Muslims believe the Koran was dictated by God--word for word, in Arabic-- to Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel. For years Koranic scholars (even in western, secular institutions) have been reluctant to challenge this notion. But now a handful of academics are applying the same critical methods used in biblical studies to the study of the Koran. Koranic criticism is still in its infancy but scholars are already discovering facts which radically challenge the traditional account. Ibn Warraq, author of "Why I am Not a Muslim" and "What Does the Koran Really Say" joins us on the show to discuss some of these findings. The doubtcasters would like to encourage RD listeners to donate what they can to S.H.A.R.E (Skeptics and Humanists Aid and Relief Effort) to help the victims of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Visit www.doubtcast.org for details.
 
 

Pseudoscience Fair -- Reasonable Doubts podcast extra

Interview:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/2iVuVX-donY/rd_extra_pseudosciencefair.mp3

Typically on RD we aim our skepticism towards claims that are religious in nature. But for this RD extra we focus instead on some of the more common targets for skeptics: alternative medicine, the paranormal, and other fringe claims. It was all for the Pseudoscience Fair, an event organized by the CFI On Campus group at Grand Valley State University. What you will hear first is Luke Galen on the psychology behind pseudoscientific beliefs and followed by Jeremy Beahan on how to distinguish between genuine science and pseudoscience. Then at the end there is a brief panel discussion between Jeremy, Luke and Dr. Paul Critelli (a psychiatrist, Magician and mentalist who currently lives in the West Michigan Area). Thanks for listening, we'll be back next week with episode 60 of Reasonable Doubts. Reasonable Doubts: Your skeptical guide to religion offering news and commentary of interest to skeptics, atheists, humanists, apologists looking for a challenge and freethinkers of all persuasions.
 
 

Scandal of Child Abuse in the Catholic Church -- Reasonable Doubts podcast 65

Interview:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/xV4vXocx-Ys/rd65_scandal.mp3

The Catholic child abuse scandal which began decades ago in the United States has now gone international. In the past few months hundreds of accusations have been made in Ireland, the Netherlands, Austria and Germany. Alarming new evidence suggests Pope Benedict himself ignored, refused to discipline and even approved the transfer of known pedophiles in the Church. Defenders of the Church claim the anti-catholic media is conducting a smear campaign. Abuse is no greater in the Catholic Church than any similar institution and Benedict, they say, has been at the forefront of efforts to reform church laws and prevent abuse. Join us as we counter these claims by reviewing available research on child abuse, the history of the scandal, and the details of Ratzingers own involvement. Reasonable Doubts: Your skeptical guide to religion offering news and commentary of interest to skeptics, atheists, humanists, apologists looking for a challenge and freethinkers of all persuasions.

Rewriting History: Reasonable Doubts podcast 64

Interview:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/rNu7rboxJOc/rd64_rewriting_history.mp3

For years the religious right has argued, in clear contradiction of our secular constitution, that the founders intended America to be a Christian Nation. Tired of fighting against history, the Texas Board of Education has decided to simply rewrite it. Topping their list of inconvenient facts that need to be removed from the history books is Thomas Jefferson and the enlightenment roots of his thought. Unfortunately Texas sets the tone for textbooks nationwide. But could secularists be just as guilty of rewriting history? David Bentley Hart thinks so. His book, Atheist Delusions: the Christian Revolution and it's Fashionable Enemies, is the subject of this weeks Counter-Apologetics segment. Reasonable Doubts: Your skeptical guide to religion offering news and commentary of interest to skeptics, atheists, humanists, apologists looking for a challenge and freethinkers of all persuasions.
 
 

Zeitgeist Debunked: Reasonable Doubts podcast 63

Interview:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reasonabledoubts/Msxh/~3/OOFt2ATTG6I/rd63_zeitgeist_debunked.mp3

Since its release in 2007 the internet film Zeitgeist has been seen by 50 million people around the world. The film attacks the foundations of Christianity by claiming that the historical Jesus never existed. Jesus was originally a solar deity, whose story closely parallels several other pagan gods. The story of Jesus life is best understood as an astrological analogy. When the first Council of Nicaea met in 325 under the direction of the Roman Emperor Constantine, the Christ myth was rewritten as if it were real historical fact. While some of the ideas in the Zeitgeist film are based in fact, others are pure fiction. Tim Callahan, religion editor for Skeptic Magazine, joins us on the show to share his critique of the film. Reasonable Doubts: Your skeptical guide to religion offering news and commentary of interest to skeptics, atheists, humanists, apologists looking for a challenge and freethinkers of all persuasions. 


President Obama, The UN And The US Role In The World

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-09-26/president-obama-un-and-us-role-world

The world's leaders are in New York this week. It's the opening of the UN General Assembly. Both U.S. friends and U.S foes are represented there, plus some in between: Egypt's new president, Mohammed Morsi, Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. President Barack Obama addressed the assembly yesterday, calling on leaders to continue the "painstaking work of reform" and defending American values. But Mitt Romney thinks the country needs a more forceful leader, one better able to protect our interests. Please join us for a conversation on President Obama at the U.N. and differing perspectives on America’s role in the world.


Diagnosing, Treating And Living With Multiple Sclerosis

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-09-24/diagnosing-treating-and-living-multiple-sclerosis

As many as one in 500 Americans has multiple sclerosis. Ann Romney, wife of the Republican presidential nominee, has MS. So did first lady Michelle Obama's late father. It's believed to be an autoimmune disease that damages neurons in the brain and spinal cord, sometimes leading to permanent disabilities. There is no cure, but there are a number of treatments available to alleviate symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Some of the most effective MS drugs can cause dangerous side effects. But one promising new drug won FDA approval earlier this month, and a decision on another drug is expected by year's end. Guest host Susan Page will talk with a panel of experts, including a doctor who has MS, about diagnosing, treating and living with multiple sclerosis.


Dr. Marty Makary: "Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won't Tell You And How Transparency Can Revolutionize Health Care"

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-09-19/dr-marty-makary-unaccountable-what-hospitals-wont-tell-you-and-how-transparency-can

A New England Journal of Medicine study concluded as many as 25 percent of all hospitalized patients will experience a preventable medical error of some kind. Other studies indicate one in every five medications, tests and procedures is unnecessary. Consumers have the tools to comparison shop when deciding on a new car, home or other major purchase. But when it comes to choosing a hospital or doctor, they are largely in the dark. Most patients do not have access to data on safety and quality from individual hospitals and doctors. Johns Hopkins surgeon and health safety advocate Marty Makary says transparency can revolutionize health care. We discuss what hospitals won't tell you and why you need to know.


Week In The News: Denver Debate, Voter ID, Syria Hits Turkey -- Tom Ashbrook On Point

Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/10/05/week-in-the-news-216

Last week, Mitt Romney on the ropes.  This week, Mitt Romney on the move.  At least in pundit land, after the first big presidential debate in Denver.  Romney was hot.  The president was not.

Now the Romney camp is fired up, and Obama’s saying “who was that?” moderate-sounding guy at the podium.   Etch-a-Sketch or Mitt at last?  We’ve got new unemployment numbers, and they are – blessedly – down.  7.8 percent.  Good news for the White House.  Turkey and Syria trade bombshells.  Airline seats in motion.

This hour, On Point:  our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines.


Friday News Roundup - Domestic -- Diane Rehm

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-10-05/friday-news-roundup-domestic

Fallout from the first presidential debate. A first look at September unemployment numbers. And Pennsylvania’s voter ID law is blocked. Diane and her guests discuss the week’s top stories, what happened and why.


Friday News Roundup - International -- Diane Rehm

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-10-05/friday-news-roundup-international

Turkey retaliates against Syria for shelling a border town. Thousands of Iranians protest plummeting currency. And Europe's central bank keeps interest rates steady. Diane and a panel of journalists discuss the week’s top stories, what happened and why.


Romney’s pre-existing condition plan: A tweak and a handoff to the states - Joanne Kenen - POLITICO.com

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1012/82095.html

Friday, October 5, 2012

Jon Stewart on the "War On Christianity"

Jon Stewart on the "War On Christianity"
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXaWm


Read more... 2098 score | 420 comments > submitted by writepeter subreddit: atheism ... Read more


Mitt Romney Potential Debate Scandal: at 2:15, Romney, against the rules of the debate, pulls some papers from his pocket and places them on the podium

Mitt Romney Potential Debate Scandal: at 2:15, Romney, against the rules of the debate, pulls some papers from his pocket and places them on the podium
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dY8ee


Read more... 1586 score | 785 comments > submitted by Read more

New Romney Tax Idea Could Crush Charitable Giving

New Romney Tax Idea Could Crush Charitable Giving
TPMDC | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dZ38j


Mitt Romney's big new tax reform idea -- to limit the amount individuals can benefit from tax deduction -- has been praised by ... Read more


Uncovered by Romney

Uncovered by Romney
THE NEW YORKER | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXRA8


There were many moments during Wednesday night's debate when President Obama was handed the chance to press his case against Mitt Romney, to put the c Read more


Romney Has ‘No Idea’ About Outsourcing Tax Breaks, But His Economic Plan Makes Them Worse

Romney Has 'No Idea' About Outsourcing Tax Breaks, But His Economic Plan Makes Them Worse
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dZOW6


Our guest blogger is David Abromowitz, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Of all the many claims ... Read more

Why Romney Doesn’t ‘Preserve’ Traditional Medicare

Why Romney Doesn't 'Preserve' Traditional Medicare
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dYF2G


During Wednesday night's presidential debate, Mitt Romney tried his very best to convince American seniors and future ... Read more


New Mexico Republican Official Caught on Video Illegally Teaching Voter Surpression Tactics

New Mexico Republican Official Caught on Video Illegally Teaching Voter Surpression Tactics
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dYu16


Read more... 2691 score | 732 comments > submitted by anutensil subreddit: politics ... Read more

As a Christian...

As a Christian...
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/e0ikU


Read more... 1771 score | 236 comments > submitted by rozyhammer subreddit: atheism ... Read more

Tea Party Rep. Paul Broun: Evolution and Big Bang Are “Lies Straight From the Pit Of Hell.” Broun Serves On the House Science Committee With Todd Akin

Tea Party Rep. Paul Broun: Evolution and Big Bang Are "Lies Straight From the Pit Of Hell." Broun Serves On the House Science Committee With Todd Akin
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 5, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/e0lVS


Read more... 2026 score | 240 comments > submitted by Blue126 subreddit: politics ... Read more

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Romney's torrent of lies




Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

“I am calling you from Windows”: A tech support scammer dials Ars Technica

"I am calling you from Windows": A tech support scammer dials Ars Technica
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXxEP


Read more... 2237 score | 669 comments > submitted by Get_This subreddit: technology ... Read more

The debate of magical thinking

The debate of magical thinking
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXEm9


Sigh. All right, let's do this thing. Summarizing the debate: The only memorable sound bite of the evening was that Mitt ... Read more

No, President Obama and Mitt Romney don't have a 'similar position' on Social Security

No, President Obama and Mitt Romney don't have a 'similar position' on Social Security
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXPHj


In Wednesday night's debate, President Obama suggested that there was one area where he and his staff really hadn't done ... Read more


Romney's energy claims at debate match many of his other claims: They're bogus

Romney's energy claims at debate match many of his other claims: They're bogus
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dYrP6


Although Mitt Romney always manages to slip "wind" and "solar" into one of the pauses of his energy discussions, his overall ... Read more

Fixing deficit Romney-style means 12 million new jobs would each have to pay $433,333 a year

Fixing deficit Romney-style means 12 million new jobs would each have to pay $433,333 a year
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXBWI


Mitt Romney proved again, again, again, again and again Wednesday night in Denver that he, like his running mate Paul Ryan, ... Read more

Obama ad hammers Romney for lying about his tax plan during debate

Obama ad hammers Romney for lying about his tax plan during debate
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dWPoD

Given the instant reaction to last night's debate—both from pundits and the public, in polls—I don't know if anyone would have ... Read more


Lying liar: Romney's lies about his tax plan

Lying liar: Romney's lies about his tax plan
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dWLdP


One is an idiot. The other is a liar. But they both have the same policies. Last night, Mitt Romney lied so much it is hard ... Read more


Romney campaign says Obama will lose next debate because he's 'not that bright'

Romney campaign says Obama will lose next debate because he's 'not that bright'
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dY60w


What absolute colossal dicks these guys are: JON SCOTT, FOX NEWS: You don't think there will be a better prepared President ... Read more


Axelrod: Romney gave 'a very vigorous performance but one that was devoid of honesty'

Axelrod: Romney gave 'a very vigorous performance but one that was devoid of honesty'
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dY4Hq


The Obama campaign held a post-debate press call Thursday morning, with David Axelrod trying not to obscure Mitt Romney's win ... Read more

Romney's big Medicare lie takes center stage in debate

Romney's big Medicare lie takes center stage in debate
DAILY KOS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXDI3


Mitt Romney, mid-whopper. Think Progress counted 27 Romney "myths" in the 38 minutes he used during last night's debate. ... Read more


Auditing Romney's tax plan


The NOW panel gets into the wonk behind Mitt Romney's tax plan as outlined in Wednesday night's debate. But even if the math doesn't add up, does it matter to voters? Alex Wagner discusses.


Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

A Closer Look At Romney’s Strange Debate Comments On Qualified Mortgages

A Closer Look At Romney's Strange Debate Comments On Qualified Mortgages
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dX9Uk


Our guest blogger is John Griffith, a policy analyst with the economic policy team at the Center for American Progress Action ... Read more

New Ad Questions Romney’s Ability To Serve As Commander-In-Chief

New Ad Questions Romney's Ability To Serve As Commander-In-Chief
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXHcq


Progressive foreign policy group the Truman National Security Project today released a new ad that features several 9/11-era ... Read more


First Post-Debate Poll Numbers Show Presidential Race Essentially Unchanged

First Post-Debate Poll Numbers Show Presidential Race Essentially Unchanged
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXPXD

A Reuters/Ipsos poll of voters taken after Wednesday's presidential debate shows only minor movement. In the poll's ... Read more


Romney’s Own Website Refutes His Claim About Tax Cuts For The Rich

Romney's Own Website Refutes His Claim About Tax Cuts For The Rich
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dYpLK


Our guest blogger is Michael Linden, Director of Tax and Budget Policy at the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Tax ... Read more

Romney Deliberately Misrepresents His Health Care Plan In First Debate

Romney Deliberately Misrepresents His Health Care Plan In First Debate
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXEei


Mitt Romney repeatedly slammed Obamacare during the first presidential debate Wednesday night, asserting that while his own ... Read more


Why It’s Hard To Trust Romney On Oil Subsidies

Why It's Hard To Trust Romney On Oil Subsidies
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dX85v


Throughout the election, Romney has campaigned specifically on prioritizing oil above other forms of energy, openly consulting ... Read more

Romney Campaign Chair On Obama: ‘When You’re Not That Bright You Can’t Get Better Prepared’

Romney Campaign Chair On Obama: 'When You're Not That Bright You Can't Get Better Prepared'
THINKPROGRESS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXvWR


Mitt Romney campaign co-chair and former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu (R) appeared on Fox News on Thursday and took a victory ... Read more


"Virtually every time Mr. Romney spoke, he misrepresented the platform on which he and Paul Ryan are actually running." - NYT editorial

"Virtually every time Mr. Romney spoke, he misrepresented the platform on which he and Paul Ryan are actually running." - NYT editorial
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dWzX9
Read more... 2175 score | 1441 comments > submitted by Read more


Apparently, the Sumerians existed before the earth did.

Apparently, the Sumerians existed before the earth did.
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXHho


Read more... 2244 score | 490 comments > submitted by qpstrafe subreddit: atheism ... Read more


As someone with Crohn's disease, it is downright irresponsible for Mitt Romney claim that his "plan" covers preexisting conditions, when his campaign has to come out the next day and deny it! We are dealing with people's lives!

As someone with Crohn's disease, it is downright irresponsible for Mitt Romney claim that his "plan" covers preexisting conditions, when his campaign has to come out the next day and deny it! We are dealing with people's lives!
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dWWIB


Read more... 2111 score | 537 comments > submitted by rhpfan subreddit: politics ... Read more

"And as it turns out, winning a debate is surprisingly easy when a candidate decides he can say anything and expect to get away with it."

"And as it turns out, winning a debate is surprisingly easy when a candidate decides he can say anything and expect to get away with it."
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXhFj


Read more... 1989 score | 1084 comments > submitted by wang-banger subreddit: politics ... Read more


How Much Would Mitt Romney's Tax Cuts Cost? (VIDEO)

How Much Would Mitt Romney's Tax Cuts Cost? (VIDEO)
TPMDC | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXc0N


Mitt Romney exposed a vulnerability in the first presidential that could weaken him in the month before the election -- he ... Read more


Romney's $5 Trillion Tax Dodge

Romney's $5 Trillion Tax Dodge
TPMDC | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXetv


If you watched Wednesday night's presidential debate you witnessed an amazing role reversal for a modern Republican. President ... Read more

Obama Lost the Right Way

Obama Lost the Right Way
THEDAILYBEAST | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXZk6


Personally, I was glad that President Obama debated the way he did, despite alarmist signals from commentators who had already set up a victory for Ro... Read more


Why Obama Fell Flat

Why Obama Fell Flat
THEDAILYBEAST | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dX9PK


On paper, Barack Obama didn't have that bad a night in Denver. Unfortunately for him, debates aren't won on paper. Watching the proceedings at the U... Read more


The Debate Fact-Check

The Debate Fact-Check
THEDAILYBEAST | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dVz5n


**Romney****: **"Health-care costs have gone up by $2,500 a family." Factcheck.org, the Annenberg Public Policy Center's accuracy policy, say this is... Read more

Romney Won and the Truth Lost

Romney Won and the Truth Lost
THEDAILYBEAST | OCTOBER 3, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dWpMI


At a doctor's appointment today, I was warned that, being seven and a half months pregnant, I should try not to get too stressed out watching tonight'... Read more


Did Glib Performance Help Mitt?

Did Glib Performance Help Mitt?
THEDAILYBEAST | OCTOBER 3, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dVVEy


Mitt Romney was fired up and ready to go Wednesday in Denver, turning in a performance that exceeded expectations and had President Obama on the defen... Read more


Free birth control cuts abortion rate dramatically, study finds

Free birth control cuts abortion rate dramatically, study finds
TOP NBCNEWS HEADLINES | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXRMu
A dramatic new study with implications for next month's presidential election finds that offering women free birth control can reduce unplanned pregna... Read more

I go to a Christian school... This was a part of our English lesson today.

I go to a Christian school... This was a part of our English lesson today.
REDDIT TOP NEWS | OCTOBER 4, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dXGzU


Read more... 1829 score | 881 comments > submitted by Solamenoname subreddit: atheism ... Read more


Contraception Video, Produced By Children Of Mary Order, Links Homosexuality With Birth Control

Discussion and comments:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/01/contraception-video-men-homosexuality-birth-control-_n_1930057.html

According to these nuns:
  • The entire world population could fit happily in the state of Texas, so there is no population problem.
  • Women's use of contraception turns the men around them gay.
  • The world population is declining due to contraception, and we are headed for extinction.
  • "If someone you know is contracepting (sic), tell them to stop. It will destroy them."
 ... and many other "interesting facts" you never knew!


FactCheck.org : Dubious Denver Debate Declarations

http://factcheck.org/2012/10/dubious-denver-debate-declarations/

Romney's Health Plan Leaves 72 Million Uninsured: Study

Romney's Health Plan Leaves 72 Million Uninsured: Study
TPMDC | OCTOBER 2, 2012
http://pulse.me/s/dSMtl


Mitt Romney's health care platform would leave 72 million Americans without insurance by the year 2022, according to a new ... Read more








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