Julian Treasure: How to speak so that people want to listen

Have you ever felt like you're talking, but nobody is listening? Here's Julian Treasure to help you fix that. As the sound expert demonstrates some useful vocal exercises and shares tips on how to speak with empathy, he offers his vision for a sonorous world of listening and understanding.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/eIho2S0ZahI

Ignoring Christian Violence Isn’t Very Christian

Jesus didn't tell his followers to ignore their mistakes. He told them to learn from them. The post Ignoring Christian Violence ... Read more

The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU

Josh Kaufman is the author of the #1 international bestseller, 'The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business', as well as the upcoming book 'The First 20 Hours: Mastering the Toughest Part of Learning Anything.' Josh specializes in teaching people from all walks of life how to master practical knowledge and skills. In his talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/5MgBikgcWnY

Senate Confirmation Hearings On Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch (Diane Rehm Show)

The Senate Judiciary Committee resumes confirmation hearings today for Loretta Lynch, President Barack Obama’s nominee for Attorney General. She already had strong support among Democrats, and based on questions yesterday, appears to be gaining traction with Republicans. Relations between Congressional Republicans and outgoing Attorney General Eric Holder have been poor. Republican Senate Judiciary Committee members pressed Loretta Lynch on number of hot button issues including immigration reform and the limits of executive authority. Please join us to discuss the Attorney General confirmation hearings for Loretta Lynch.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-01-29/senate_confirmation_hearings_on_attorney_general_nominee_loretta_lynch

What 'American Sniper' Gets Right – And Wrong – About War (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

“American Sniper” has lit up movie theaters across the country like no January release ever. The story of famed Navy Seal sniper Chris Kyle and his 160 confirmed kills in Iraq. Its box office receipts worldwide are over $250 million already and still roaring. So is the conversation – debate, controversy – over American Sniper’s message and morals and meaning. Is it pro- war? Anti-war? Is it a story of American heroism? Should it be? Is it a Hollywood clean-up of a tortured war? This hour On Point: “American Sniper.”
Interview:
https://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/01/30/american-sniper-chris-kyle-box-office-clint-eastwood

The 5 Biggest Problems With Sending Weapons To Ukraine

More than 4,800 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced since April. The post The 5 Biggest Problems With Sending ... Read more

Bernie Sanders: Time to Create a Political Revolution!

U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) says Progressives need to stand up to the Republican oligarchs.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/ZcDGutrm2nw

The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU

Josh Kaufman is the author of the #1 international bestseller, 'The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business', as well as the upcoming book 'The First 20 Hours: Mastering the Toughest Part of Learning Anything.' Josh specializes in teaching people from all walks of life how to master practical knowledge and skills. In his talk, he shares how having his first child inspired him to approach learning in a whole new way.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/5MgBikgcWnY

Top hacker shows us how it's done | Pablos Holman | TEDxMidwest

You think your wireless and other technology is safe? From Blue Tooth to automobile remotes, PCs, and "secure" credit cards, Hacker extraordinaire shows how nearly every secure system is vulnerable.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/hqKafI7Amd8

The surprising beauty of mathematics | Jonathan Matte | TEDxGreensFarmsAcademy

Jonathan Matte has been teaching Mathematics for 20 years, the last 13 at Greens Farms Academy. Formerly the Mathematics Department Chair, he is currently the 12th Grade Dean and Coach of the GFA Math Team and the CT State Champion Quiz Team. A former Jeopardy! contestant, Jon's outside-of-the classroom passions lie in the world of puzzles and games, both as a competitor (in the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and the World Puzzle Championships, among others) and a creator (orchestrating the long-running GFA Puzzle Hunt and crafting puzzles that have made their way into GAMES Magazine).
http://youtu.be/SEiSloE1r-A

Hell Freezes Over: Missouri GOP Lawmaker Introduces Bill To RESTORE Campaign Donation Limits

Republican state Senator Rob Schaaf, of Missouri, wants to bring campaign contribution limits back, and get corruption out of ... Read more

The Republican Alternative To ObamaCare Proves Once And For All That The GOP Hates Women

It might as well be called the "Let Women Die or Go Broke" alternative because that's exactly what will end up happening across ... Read more

"My truck has no reverse. This is what I built so that I can back up if I have to."

http://youtu.be/SjV0iO-6vK8

Koch Group Flexes Its Muscle, Blocks Tennessee Medicaid Expansion | Crooks and Liars

"...But the state's chapter of Americans for Prosperity, the national conservative group whose foundation is chaired by controversial billionaire David Koch, argued Haslam was just trying to trick conservatives into implementing Obamacare in their state by giving it a new name. AFP campaigned aggressively against Haslam's plans for the next six weeks, even running radio ads blasting GOP state legislators who said they might vote for it..."

http://crooksandliars.com/2015/02/koch-group-flexes-its-muscle-blocks

Vaccination expert: Culture of fear in American parenting 'oppressive'

Eula Biss's new book, 'On Immunity,' addresses both sides of the vaccination debate, which has reached new heights during the latest measles outbreak,... Read more

GOP Senator: We Won't Have A Health Care Plan Before 2017

Republicans probably won't rally around a health care alternative before 2017, a GOP senator said Thursday.  ... Read more

Israeli Official Now Suggests Boehner Misled Netanyahu On Speech

A senior Israeli official is now implying that House Speaker John Boehner led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to believe that his invitation... Read more

"Obama Still Pandering To Organized Religions"

http://youtu.be/l6oPQRmWm_U

Week In The News: ISIS, Measles And A New Harper Lee Novel (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

Video you never want to see this week out of ISIS territory. A Jordanian pilot burned alive. Jordan, enraged. Is this a turning point? In Washington and Kiev, talk of the United States arming Ukraine against, effectively, Russia. High stakes. In California and beyond, anger over measles and the parents who do not vaccinate. GOP politicians, on the fence. We’ve got another mega-hack. Another Harper Lee novel. Brian Williams in a tough light. And the biggest three-month surge in jobs in seventeen years. This hour On Point: Our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines.
Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/02/06/isis-jordan-measles-vaccines-harper-lee

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show)

The U.S. economy adds 257,000 new jobs in January but the unemployment rate ticks up slightly. The Senate fails to advance a measure to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats continue to block the spending bill that would gut President Barack Obama’s actions on immigration. Secretary of Defense nominee Ashton Carter says he would not speed the release of Guantanamo detainees. Some Democrats may skip Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s scheduled speech to Congress. Jeb Bush addresses income inequality. Hillary Clinton is reportedly delaying the start of her presidential campaign. And politicians defend their stances on vaccinations. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top national news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-02-06/friday_news_roundup_domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show)

The leaders of France and Germany travel to Moscow with a peace plan to end the fighting in Ukraine. U.S. officials consider sending weapons to aid government forces there. Jordan launches airstrikes against ISIS targets after one of their pilots is burned alive. A 9/11 hijacker in prison alleges the Saudi royal family gave money to al-Qaida. In Argentina, prosecutors depose an ex-spy in an alleged bombing cover-up that some say implicates the president. The European Central Bank restricts funding for Greek banks. And Cameroon and Chad join Nigeria in a military campaign against Boko Haram insurgents. A panel of journalists joins Diane for discussion of the week’s top international stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-02-06/friday_news_roundup_international

Virginia Lawmaker Would Like Anti-Vaxxers ‘Held Accountable,’ Is Seeking Legislation (VIDEO)

Do you agree? Should we hold parents accountable? If yes, do we pass laws to tighten up vaccine exemptions or charge parents ... Read more

History repeats itself. Anti-vac comic from the 1940s.

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Ladakh, the "Land of High Passes", in Kashmir, Northern India [2048 x 1154] by Gurdyal Singh

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Pseudo-Science, Superstition Shouldn't Set Back the Clock on Scientific Advancements, Vaccines

There's a national conversation on vaccinations happening and it's time to stop skirting the issue: Disproven pseudoscientific claims and religious belief are chipping away at the benefits science has provided for humanity via vaccines.
https://secular.org/blogs/alexandra-morrison/pseudo-science-superstition-shouldnt-set-back-clock-scientific-advancements

House Republicans unveil 78 priorities for 2-year session

LANSING — Majority Republicans in the House will try to repeal a law guaranteeing union-scale wages on public building projects despite Gov. Rick Snyder's opposition, while also focusing on how to better educate veterans about their available benefits.
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20150205/NEWS01/150209850/house-republicans-unveil-78-priorities-for-2-year-session

ShoutFactoryTV : Classic TV, legally streamed, for free

SHOUT! FACTORY TV is a premiere digital entertainment streaming service that brings timeless and contemporary cult favorites to pop culture fans. With a uniquely curated entertainment library, the channel offers an unrivaled blend of cult TV shows, movies, comedy, original specials and more – presenting an exciting entertainment alternative to major streaming services. http://www.shoutfactorytv.com/about

Colorado offered free birth control — and teen births fell by 40 percent

A program that provides contraceptives to low-income women contributed to a 40-percent drop in Colorado's teen birth rate between 2009 and 2013, accor...  Read more

Researchers confirm that neonicotinoid insecticides impair bee's brains

"...The contribution of the neonicotinoids to the global decline of insect pollinators is controversial and contested by many in the agriculture industry. However, the new research, published in the Journal of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, demonstrates for the first time that the low levels found in the nectar and pollen of plants is sufficient to deliver neuroactive levels to their site of action, the bee brain..."
Read more

House GOP Rams Through 2 New Deregulation Bills

WASHINGTON -- House Republicans pushed through two bills this week designed to undermine key environmental and financial regulations by jamming federa... Read more

Right Wing Melts Down Over Obama's Comments At National Prayer Breakfast

Earlier today President Obama spoke at the National Prayer Breakfast, where he discussed freedom of expression along with highlighting the many acts o...  Read more

Laura Ingraham Carps About Obama 'Lecturing America About Our Evil Misdeeds'

We can add Laura Ingraham's name to the list of right wingers who are butthurt over President Obama's speech at the National Prayer Breakfast this Thu...  Read more

Chapter 6 - An Atheist Reads God's Not Dead

The series examining at the book God's Not Dead by Rice Broocks continues with a look at Chapter 6: Life Has Meaning and Purpose.
http://youtu.be/A3j-xzDNj6E

RWW News: Anti-Gay Documentary Warns Of The 'Criminalization Of Christianity'

Anti-gay activists warn that advances in gay rights and equality will lead to the criminalization of Christianity in America...
"...Just remember! If THEY criticize YOU, deny you rights and privileges which they freely enjoy, and advocate laws which define you as a criminal, that's an exercise of their religious liberties. If YOU criticize them or their actions, it's PERSECUTION!..."
http://youtu.be/eFIctFKnZKQ

A Manufactured Crisis

"...It doesn't matter what the truth is, the GOP relies on no one looking up the facts..."
http://youtu.be/YJBhPU8Ot-c

Orthodox Church's power-play in crisis-stricken Russia

Orthodox Patriarch's recent historic address at the Russian parliament bashing the West received applause and criticism.  Read more

Breakfast Club: Obama Endorses Separation At Evangelical Event

If the National Prayer Breakfast is going to occur, a message affirming church-state separation is exactly what its organizers need to hear.
... Read more

How to encrypt your Mac with FileVault 2, and why you absolutely should

FileVault 2 offers full-disk encryption (FDE). When enabled, the entire contents of the startup drive are encrypted. When your computer is powered off, the drive’s data is fully unrecoverable without a password. ... Read more

9 typing tips every iPhone and iPad user should know

Wish it were a little easier to type in ALL CAPS on your iPhone, or ever get stumped while looking for the em dash? What ... Read more

Rand Paul Falsely Claims His Vaccine Position Is 'Just Like Obama's'

Well, isn't Rand Paul the slippery one? After showing his true anti-vax colors, he's now walking backwards furiously, hoping he can turn back time and...  Read more

Confirmed: Rush Limbaugh's Toxic Gas Killing Talk Radio

After nearly three years, the verdict is in. Rush Limbaugh's brand of hate talking isn't just killing his show, it's killing the entire right wing hat...  Read more

3 Male Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Obamacare’s Maternity Coverage

In their quest to replace Obamacare, a group of Republican lawmakers wants to roll back consumer protections.  ... Read more

Wales Says No To Fracking Until ‘Proven Safe’

Wales joins Scotland and Ireland in postponing fracking until more is known about the health and environmental impacts. The ... Read more

Congressman Introduces Education Bill That Rolls Back Protections For Low-Income Students

Rep. John Kline's (R-MN) bill would likely mean a lot less funding dedicated to underserved children. ... Read more

State With Lowest Rate Of Vaccinated Kids Proposes Bill To Make It Even Worse

Colorado lawmakers are debating a "Parents' Bill of Rights" that would give parents total control over their kids' health care ... Read more

Conservatives Do Their Best To Bash Net Neutrality

Let the viral video wars begin.  Read more

Bobby Jindal Says Education Vital To Democracy As He Cuts Hundreds Of Millions From Schools

Louisiana has already cut education funding more than any other state.  ... Read more

4 bad things Internet companies can't do anymore -- if the FCC gets its way

"...Internet providers have played dirty in the past. In fact, they've done exactly what FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's proposal aims to stop..."
Read more

All The Diseases That Have Been Cured And Almost Been Eradicated Thanks To Vaccines (Images)

"Vaccination is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine. No other medical intervention has done more to save lives ... Read more

Koch-Supporting Texas Billionaires Explain What Richest Americans Are After

"This is rich. Some of the wealthiest Texans who attended the Koch brothers’ political donor conference last month—where participants set a goal of raising $889 million for the 2016 elections—are saying that all the Kochs really want is to end “special interests” influence in Washington..."
...  Read more

Benjamin Franklin had the perfect response to anti-vaxxers back in the 18th century

Founding father Benjamin Franklin lost a son to smallpox in 1736. Decades later, he wrote about it and urged parents to inoculate their children — a m...  Read more

Remember the good old days before vaccines ruined our children?

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Accurate

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More young Christians forgo birth control | Al Jazeera America

Backlash against 'contraceptive culture' prompts some young conservative evangelicals and Catholics to forgo the pill.
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2015/2/4/some-young-evangelicals-forgo-birth-control.html

Everything you need to know about today's huge net neutrality news

Today was a huge for net neutrality. After a year of fighting, the FCC finally announced that it would implement strong new rules to protect the openness of the internet.
http://youtu.be/LAybz05ULbk

Action Alert: Back Darwin Day in the Senate

"Today is historic! The Secular Coalition for America is proud to announce that for the first time, a Darwin Day Resolution has been introduced in the Senate. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced S Res 66 today. Among other things, this resolution:

• States that evolution “provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth”
• Demands that the “advancement of science be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change”
• Confirms that the “teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States’ education systems”

With recent studies showing a growing disconnect between scientists and the public, increasing and promoting scientific literacy is a critical priority. Please write to your senators today and urge them to sign on to S Res 66 today and affirm their commitment to science and scientific knowledge...."
http://cqrcengage.com/secular/app/write-a-letter?2&engagementId=77624

Religious Right Mobilizes Their Masses With More Rallies Like 'The Response'

Republicans are starting their organizing efforts early. Please do not mistake plans for more giant prayer rallies like the one recently held for Bobb...  Read more

http://youtu.be/GucWF2ATpdk

Code Pink Leader Gives Fox News Sound Advice On Nonviolent Ways To Fight ISIS

Despite Bill O'Reilly's condescending attitude, Code Pink's Medea Benjamin managed to get a few words in edgewise about how best to resist ISIS. Benj...  Read more

Mr. Deity & The Marriage

Mr. Deity shares his plans for marriage with Lucy(fer).
http://youtu.be/T2fYt42kyKE

More states consider assisted-suicide laws since Brittany Maynard's death

A lawsuit filed Wednesday seeks to legalize doctor-assisted suicide in New York. Since Maynard's death in November, at least four states and the Distr... Read more

Meet The First Three House GOPers To Ever Vote Against Obamacare Repeal

WASHINGTON — The latest Obamacare repeal vote on Tuesday marked the first time any House Republicans have ever voted against eliminating the law. The... Read more

Stephen Fry dismantles the Roman Catholic Church - EPIC SPEECH!

http://youtu.be/I6sz8D411kE

Anti-Abortion Republican Rejects Junk Science, Embraces Public Funding Of Birth Control

He's splitting from the rest of his party. The post Anti-Abortion Republican Rejects Junk Science, Embraces Public Funding Of ... Read more

China To Create Carbon Market And Cap Emissions

On Wednesday, a Chinese government official said that China plans to launch the first stages of a national carbon market next ... Read more

Conservatives Spotlight Four ‘Poster Children’ Who Had A Gay Parent And Oppose Marriage Equality

These four adults think that because they had a negative experience with a gay parent, they have a compelling argument against ... Read more

Utility To Allow Customers To Receive All Their Electricity From Community Solar

The new option would allow customers who wouldn't otherwise be able to install solar panels get their energy from a solar ... Read more

▶ Christian says humanists shouldn't have marriage rights. Kate Smurthwaite gives an amazing response. - YouTube

In another clip from a January episode of the BBC's The Big Questions, Taiwo Adeuyi says humanists, who earlier in the episode he said he views as 'demonic', shouldn't have the legal right to humanist, non-religious marriages -- and also says he thinks evolution is a lie! Comedian Kate Smurthwaite, a patron of the British Humanist Association, makes a brilliant case for why humanists like religious people should have the right to legal weddings which match their worldviews, and shows how deeply ironic it is that humanists should be accused of 'shoving their beliefs' on people by simply wanting to celebrate the love of two people and live meaningful, ethical lives in this one life we have.
http://youtu.be/Ul0jqYpON70

Creationists Angry About Carnival Cruise Super Bowl Ad

Creationist leader Ken Ham was furious with the ad, expressing his rage on a his Around the World blog. He accused Carnival of "blatantly using evolution" in their advertising and noted how upset he was that our culture is abandoning "the truth of God's word."
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/creationists-angry-carnival-cruise-super-769804