Five steps to take to gain financial independence

Gaining financial independence can be a daunting task to accomplish. But once you take the first few steps, the process can be quite invigorating and ... Read more

How insider traders are rigging America

Insider trading is illegal but major players on Wall Street still make tons of money because they're good at using confidential information. ... Read more

Did '24' help make torture acceptable?

Most Americans think that torture was justified in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks. The TV drama '24' debuted soon after those attacks and ran for ei... Read more

U.S. ends TARP with $15.3 billion profit

The U.S. government essentially closed the books on TARP with a $15.3 billion profit.
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Top Bible scholar leaves Christianity

This is a short interview with a renowned Bible scholar who talks about why he left Christianity. Remember to never give up on God Almighty if you want to be guided call on the Creator alone and he will guide you. people see that these manmade religions don't have fall apart after you look deeper into them all of them except the true way of life to learn more visit www.TheDeenShow.com

http://youtu.be/k6PWFvzKl3I

Week In The News: Cuba Thaw, Taliban Attack, Hollywood Hacking (Michel Martin, On Point)

A big week of news around the globe. President Obama moves to normalize relations with Cuba. On the other side of the world, Putin lashes out—and blames the West for Russia’s economic woes. There was international outrage following a deadly school attack by the Taliban in Pakistan. Closer to home, Jeb Bush announces he’s “actively exploring” a run for the president, New York says no to fracking. The 2013 Congress ends. What did they accomplish? The Sony Pictures / North Korea story just keeps getting weirder. This hour, On Point: Our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines. / Michel Martin

Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2014/12/19/north-korea-hollywood-hack-us-cuba-jeb-bush

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show)

President Barack Obama announces the most substantial changes to U.S. policy toward Cuba in more than 50 years. The President now faces opposition from lawmakers as he plans to use executive power to renew commercial and diplomatic ties. The 113th Congress heads home for the holidays, with a record as one of the least productive and popular in history. Sony Pictures has cancelled the release of the movie “The Interview” amid threats of violence against theaters. And Jeb Bush announces he is exploring a presidential run for 2016. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top national news stories.

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-12-19/friday_news_roundup_domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show)

President Barack Obama announced a major shift in U.S.-Cuba relations, ending the policy of isolation in place for more than 50 years. Russian President Vladimir Putin lashed out at the West for his nation’s severe economic troubles. The FBI named North Korea as being behind the cyber attacks on Sony Pictures. Pakistan’s military struck tribal areas after a Taliban group massacred nearly 150 people — mostly school children. And Australian authorities said a self-styled Muslim cleric who took hostages at a Sydney café had a long history of mental instability. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.

Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-12-19/friday_news_roundup_international

An Undeniable Prognosis (Best Atheist Arguments)

This video demonstrates the intelligence, but mostly common sense, of some of the greatest minds behind atheism.
http://youtu.be/PUzExsAJLmI

5 Reasons We Owe it to Children to Teach them About Humanism

"Can you have morality without religion? Most definitely. There are many communities out there trying to live their based on reason and informed by science, and the most recognizable among them is perhaps humanism.

The UK’s local education authorities are adding humanism to Religious Studies programs at an increasing rate, but why bother? Well, with a growing percentage of people identifying as atheist, and atheism under threat from religious censure around the globe, this move is an important one..."
http://www.care2.com/causes/5-reasons-we-owe-it-to-children-to-teach-them-about-humanism.html

Christopher Hitchens on the Consequences of Religious Tradition

In this highlight from May 2007, author and atheist Christopher Hitchens notes an increasing audience for "resistance to clerical bullying." He cites examples of society's widespread frustration with outdated religious traditions and champions the perseverance of scientific thought.
http://youtu.be/PQPsLMygz1s

Secular Solstice: Doing good for goodness’ sake

"...“It was seeing so many people who truly care about the same things I care about” such as rationality and working toward a just society, he said. “I feel like the multifaceted, rational communities that are around here have a lot to celebrate and don’t have a lot of ways to celebrate them.”..."
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/12/18/5393253/secular-solstice-doing-good-for.html#.VJRWmrhNUA

7 Things Not to Say to the Atheist in Your Family

These tips should help make family visits more pleasant for everyone.
http://www.faithstreet.com/onfaith/2014/12/17/7-things-not-to-say-to-the-atheist-in-your-family/35508

Clear Day on the West Highland Way - Scotland (2448 x 2448) [OC]

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RWW News: Bachmann Says She Outsmarted The Left

Michele Bachmann brags about "defeating" the left by using her smarts against liberal "emotionalism."
http://youtu.be/yyXFlcSwHqY

57,000-Gallon Oil Spill In Canada Forces Closure Of Pipeline To U.S.

Following the incident, the company said it was "committed to the goal of reaching zero spills and will thoroughly investigate ...  Read more

The Evidence That Completely Undermines The GOP’s Opposition To Obama’s New Cuba Policy

The hypocrisy is stunning. The post The Evidence That Completely Undermines The GOP's Opposition To Obama's New ...  Read more

America’s Second-Biggest Form Of Waste Is About To Be Federally Regulated For The First Time

The rule is expected to include requirements on how coal ash should be disposed, how existing coal ash pits should be cleaned ...  Read more

Elizabeth Warren allies march outside Citi: 'Break big banks'

"...Organizers called for a modern day Glass-Stegall Act, the 1933 legislation that separated the money lending banks from investment banks. They claimed to have 15,000 signatures on a petition calling for this sort of law to be reinstated...Read more

O'Reilly: Black People Should Wear 'Don't Get Pregnant At 14' T-Shirts

Bill O'Reilly advised black Americans to wear t-shirts that say "Don't Get Pregnant At 14" and "Don't Abandon Your Children" during a segment with Mar... Read more

The People Have Spoken: This Is The Most Brazen Lie Of 2014

PolitiFact's readers overwhelmingly picked climate denial as the year's biggest lie.The post The People Have Spoken: This Is ...  Read more

The More People Are Told About Obamacare, The More They Like It

A little bit of follow-up information can make a big difference.The post The More People Are Told About Obamacare, The More ...  Read more

Eisenhower Farewell Address (Full) - He Warned Against the Military/Industrial Complex And Continuous, Illegal Wars

President Dwight Eisenhower's Farewell Address to the nation January 17, 1961
http://youtu.be/CWiIYW_fBfY

George Orwell's Essays do not get enough attention. Here's two fantastic volumes edited by George Packer

Facing Unpleasant Facts: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156033135

All Art Is Propaganda: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0156033070

Christopher Hitchens interviews George Packer about the books here, and it's well worth watching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGrLDs8EdCc

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Blonde Joke

An old blind cowboy wanders into an all-girl biker bar by mistake...
He finds his way to a bar stool and orders a shot of Jack Daniels.
After sitting there for a while, he yells to the bartender, 'Hey, you wanna hear a blonde joke?'
The bar immediately falls absolutely silent.
In a very deep, husky voice, the woman next to him says, 'Before you tell that joke, Cowboy, I think it is only fair, given that you are blind, that you should know five things:
The bartender is a blonde girl with a baseball bat.
The bouncer is a blonde girl with a 'Billy-Club'.
I'm a 6-foot tall, 175-pound blonde woman with a black belt in karate.
The woman sitting next to me is blonde and a professional weight lifter.
The lady to your right is blonde and a professional wrestler.
'Now, think about it seriously, Cowboy.... Do you still wanna tell that blonde joke?'
The blind cowboy thinks for a second, shakes his head and mutters, 'No...not if I'm gonna have to explain it five times............'

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Curiosity Rover Drills Into Mars Rock, Finds Water

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The realist adjusts his sail.

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The four Mac security options everyone should know

As our lives increasingly go digital, security is a major concern not only for the various online services we use, but also ... Read more

Richard Dawkins irritated by irrationality

http://youtu.be/PKe4fshETQ4

Louis CK - God is Like a Shitty Girlfriend (Animated)

http://youtu.be/kQuyC3eLgVA

Terri Schiavo’s Husband Speaks Out On Jeb Bush’s Presidential Bid

"If you want a government that's gonna intrude on your life, enforce their personal views on you, then I guess Jeb Bush is your ...  Read more

25 Families Forced To Flee Their Homes Due To Uncontrolled Gas Leak At Fracking Well

This isn't the first time leaking gas wells have forced evacuations in Ohio. The post 25 Families Forced To Flee Their Homes ...  Read more

How Congress Could Finally Change The Nonsensical Way We Fund Schools

A 1965 law might be getting a much-needed overhaul soon.The post How Congress Could Finally Change The Nonsensical Way We Fund ...  Read more

BREAKING: New York Will Ban Fracking

Experts noted that peer-reviewed studies on how fracking affects public health were few and far between; that the process had ...  Read more

Doctors May Have Violated Medical Ethics By Helping The CIA Torture Prisoners

"Health professionals played a pivotal role in the abuse and brutality exposed in the CIA torture report and they must be held ...  Read more

Rubio Attacks Pope For Helping Broker Cuba Deal

The Pope facilitated the historic deal as a direct participant in the talks. And Rubio is not happy about it. The post Rubio ...  Read more

Even John Yoo Says The Court Decision Rejecting Obama’s Immigration Policy Is Problematic

When even the torture lawyer thinks you've gone too far, it might be time to rethink.The post Even John Yoo Says The Court ...  Read more

No, American Christians Should Not Support Torture

Jesus doesn't torture. Jesus WAS tortured.The post No, American Christians Should Not Support Torture appeared first on ...  Read more

Four Executives Indicted From Company Behind West Virginia Chemical Spill

The indictment marks the second time this month that former Freedom Industries CEO Gary Southern has been charged with ...  Read more

Jeb Bush For President? Not So Fast

Jeb Bush's much-discussed presidential candidacy came closer to a reality yesterday as the former Florida governor and dynastic scion announced he was... Read more

Sam Harris: Seeking Transcendence Without Religion (Point of Inquiry)

It’s been ten years since the publication of Sam Harris’s book The End of Faith kicked off the cultural phenomenon of “new atheism,” bringing frank criticism of religion into mainstream conversation. In the decade since, Harris has emerged as something of a maverick among nonbelievers and progressives, frequently at the center of controversy with his opinions on Islam and extremism, science’s role in morality, and his embrace of a kind of “spiritualism” grounded in science...
http://www.pointofinquiry.org/sam_harris_seeking_transcendence_without_religion/

Critical Thinking with Dr. Kevin deLaplante (The Humanist Hour #127)

In this episode, Bo Bennett interviews Kevin deLaplante, philosophy and religious studies professor at Iowa State University. They discuss several aspects of critical thinking, including it is so important in everyday life.
http://thehumanist.com/multimedia/podcast/the-humanist-hour-127-critical-thinking-with-dr-kevin-delaplante

How to help a Good Samaritan return your lost iPhone, iPad, or Mac

"If someone finds your device, it would be good to make it easy for them to get in touch and return the device to you. There are plenty of Good Samaritans out there, and it’s worth preparing your device so if one does find it, they can contact you..."
http://www.macworld.com/article/2859378/how-to-help-a-good-samaritan-return-your-lost-iphone-ipad-or-mac.html#tk.rss_all

Amusing ourselves to death

http://biblioklept.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/huxley-orwell-amusing-ourselves-to-death.jpg?w=1000

Jon Stewart Rips Cheney And His Fellow Torture Apologists

The Daily Show's Jon Stewart let Cheney and his fellow torture apologists have it during his opening segment this Monday. First up was former CIA dir...  Read more

The Game-Changing Election Reform That Could Soon Be The Law In Maine

Maine voters will likely decide whether to adopt Ranked-Choice Voting next year.The post The Game-Changing Election Reform That ...  Read more

Forget Oil. Here Are The More Insidious Things That Polluted America’s Air And Water This Year

Many of this year's major fossil fuel disasters came from a more insidious source -- not the fuels themselves, but the waste ...  Read more

The Right Wing’s Cynical Effort To Rebrand Birth Control As A Form Of Abortion

Abortion opponents are quietly shifting their agenda, with potentially radical implications.The post The Right Wing's ...  Read more

‘God Loves Women Who Have Abortions': The Religious Abortion Advocates That History Forgot

 Meet the clergy who have a different perspective on reproductive rights than you might imagine.The post 'God Loves Women ...  Read more

BREAKING: Republican Judge Strikes Down Obama’s Immigration Order

Judge Schwab's legal analysis is thin. He spends nearly as much time making what appear to be political attacks on the ...  Read more

New York And Other Major Cities Face More Power Outages Thanks To Climate Change

If climate change continues, cities like New York and Philadelphia are "most likely to see big increases in their power outage ...  Read more

Christopher Hitchens slowly and clearly explains why Christianity is problematic

http://youtu.be/ytnPC35Moqo

Surge to sign up for Obamacare coverage for 2015

The administration has said its goal for 2015 enrollment is in the 9-million person range. A report released Tuesday from Avalere Health, an advisory firm, estimates exchange enrollment will total 10.5 million people by the end of next year.
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Skype's New Feature Translates Calls Instantly

Skype's New Feature Translates Calls Instantly

http://blink.htcsense.com/web/articleweb.aspx?regionid=4&articleid=33339390

Reno atheist says he's not waging war on Christmas

"...All we have to do to make the "War on Christmas" go away is acknowledge it never existed in the first place, that it was an imaginary construct of certain media outlets to create controversy and drive up ratings. Now how often do you get a chance to stop a war that easily? And think about it — don't we have enough wars going on right now?..."

http://www.rgj.com/story/opinion/voices/2014/12/15/one-view-war-christmas-never-signed/20286215/

How the Bible Says to Investigate a Murder

http://youtu.be/ZlpAW848BCA

Tim Minchin on Religion

http://youtu.be/uZ_9dEPBHQQ

The cost of unbelief

ACROSS the world, people who reject all religious belief or profess secular humanism are facing ever worse discrimination and persecution, but the existence and legitimacy of such ideas is becoming more widely known and accepted. That is the rather subtle conclusion of the latest report by the International Humanist and Ethical Union, an umbrella body for secularist groups in 40 countries, which in 2012 began making annual surveys of how freedom of thought and conscience are faring worldwide.

http://www.economist.com/blogs/erasmus/2014/12/atheism-belief-and-persecution

Detroit Priest Scammed Inner-City Charity With Help Of Prison Sex Pal

A Catholic priest in Detroit convicted of six counts of fraud for ripping off an inner-city charity faces sentencing on Monday ... Read more

Australians’ Amazingly Compassionate Response To Horrific Religious Extremism

"We remind everyone that the Arabic inscription on the black flag is not representative of a political statement, but reaffirms ...  Read more

9 Things Scientists Did This Year To Ensure A Better Climate Future

Didn't read all of the major scientific findings this year? We've got you covered.The post 9 Things Scientists Did This Year To ...  Read more

The lasting trauma of priest sexual abuse

Tom (last name withheld) reached a legal settlement several years ago after being abused by his priest, Fr. Cosmas Dahlheimer, as a child.

Now in his 50s, he still deals with lasting trauma.

Tom joins The Daily Circuit to tell his story. Dr. David Arredondo, a clinical psychiatrist specializing in child and adult trauma, also joins the discussion.

Interview:
http://www.mprnews.org/story/2014/12/15/daily-circuit-sex-abuse-priests

Today’s Good News For Abortion Rights Is Brought To You By The Supreme Court

In the conservative Roberts Court, no news is typically good news for abortion rights supporters.The post Today's Good ...  Read more

Supreme Court Says Ignorance Of The Law Is An Excuse — If You’re A Cop

A fundamental legal concept is that ignorance of the law is no excuse. Except, the U.S. Supreme Court said Monday, if you're a ...  Read more