Atheist Blogger on Islamic Hit List (Dogma Debate #195)

Niloy Neel was murdered Aug 7, 2015 for being an outspoken atheist blogger in Bangladesh. His friend, and fellow blogger, Arifur Rahman, who tops the Islamic Hit List in Bangladesh joins David Smalley for a conversation on the hidden dogma of Bangladesh's government, bringing into question the country's silence in these senseless killings.
Interview:

The Islamic State’s Destruction of Antiquities And How it Fits With A Broader Strategy For Power (Diane Rehm Show)

In recent months, the so-called Islamic State has accelerated the deliberate destruction of some of the world’s most important historical sites. ISIS has destroyed a 5th century Roman Catholic monastery and smashed artifacts in the Mosul Museum. This week, Islamic militants released a video showing the destruction of a 2,000-year-old temple in the ancient city of Palmyra. This came on the heels of the murder of a renowned Syrian archaeologist who refused to tell ISIS militants the location of hidden antiquities. We look at the Islamic State’s acts of cultural destruction and how the world is responding.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-08-26/the-islamic-states-destruction-of-antiquities-and-how-it-fits-with-a-broader-strategy-for-power

John Dehlin, Founder of the Mormon Stories Podcast (The Friendly Atheist #67)

"John Dehlin just completed his PhD in clinical and counseling psychology. But you may know him best as the founder of the Mormon Stories podcast, one that celebrates the faith and also critiques it when necessary. Because of some of his views supporting same-sex marriage and the ordination of women within Mormonism, Dehlin was excommunicated from the Church earlier this year for apostasy. That story was covered in the New York Times.

We spoke with John about how discovering the truth about Mormon history pushed him away from the Church, why he still has a soft spot for the faith, and why Mormons have strategic reasons for standing firm against LGBT rights."
Interview:
http://friendlyatheistpodcast.com/2015/08/09/john-dehlin-founder-of-the-mormon-stories-podcast/

Dr. Paul Offit, Vaccine Expert (The Friendly Atheist #64)

"Dr. Paul Offit is the director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of Vaccinology and Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. He’s written tons of published peer-reviewed papers and received countless awards for his work. His latest book, Bad Faith, is all about how religious belief can undermine modern medicine. 

On the day of taping, California had just passed a law making vaccinations all but mandatory, Jim Carreyhad gone on a Twitter rant about vaccines, and a woman had died of measles.

We spoke with Dr. Offit about why people still don’t get vaccinated, how he responds to the most common arguments offered by anti-vaxxers, and why Bill Maher is wrong when he says we don’t need to get flu shots."

Interview:
http://friendlyatheistpodcast.com/2015/07/19/dr-paul-offit-vaccine-expert-2/

Streaming now on Netflix: Eastern Boys

A middle-aged Frenchman gets more than he bargained for when he invites an attractive young Eastern European hustler back to his apartment.
http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70293825?trkid=13641790

How Hedge Funds Are Exploiting Baltimore’s Poorest Residents

"Our legal system can be and all too often is stacked against those who have the least power, who are the most vulnerable," ... Read more

Hillary Clinton Compares Anti-Abortion Republicans To Terrorists

"Now extreme views on women, we expect that from some of the terrorist groups...but it's a little hard to take coming from ... Read more

7 Out Of 10 Americans Want Their States To Comply With The EPA’s Climate Plan

Most Americans want their state to come up with a plan to reduce carbon from power plants.  ... Read more

In Factually Inaccurate, Tone Deaf Tweet, Rubio Brags About Lack Of Refugees Fleeing US For Asylum

What Rubio gets wrong is that American refugees actually do show up on the shores of other countries.  ... Read more

Father Of Murdered Journalist Blasts NRA, Promises Tireless Fight For Gun Control

"But there has to be a way to force politicians, who are cowards in the pockets of the NRA, to come to grips and have sensible ... Read more

Jindal Writes Letter To Obama Telling Him Not To Talk About Climate During Katrina Anniversary Visit

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal doesn't want President Obama to mention climate change during his trip to New Orleans this week. ... Read more

Whaddya Know, First Prominent Elected Republican to Endorse Trump Is Arguably the Most Racist

If Trump's policy is to strategically weaponize bigotry to his advantage, Jeff Sessions' endorsement is a sign it's working.
...  Read more

Coming to a Pet Store Near You, Cannabis-Enhanced Pet Food—For Their Health, Of Course

Is Fido feeling a bit under the weather? Maybe some marijuana can help.
...  Read more

Is Notorious Islamophobic Think Thank Inspiring More Far-Right Terrorist?

More worrying is the prestige that the Gatestone Institute seems to be able to flaunt along with its considerable resources.
...  Read more

Bernie Sanders: ‘Family Values’ Is Republican Code for ‘Let’s Control Women’s Bodies’

He spoke at a rally in Littleton, New Hampshire.
 ...  Read more

The GOP's Shocking Attack on America's National Forests

Two Republican bills in Congress seek to pillage U.S. National Forests in the name of corporate profit. ...  Read more

CEOs Call for Wage Increases for Workers! What's the Catch?

Their concern is not driven by moral outrage at the injustice of it all, but by self-interest.
...  Read more

As Trump Circus Continues, Ted Cruz Is Quietly Mobilizing Christian Right Fanatics

Ted Cruz is making a huge play for the religious right. And they like what they’re seeing.
...  Read more

One Disturbing 'Headline' Speaks Volumes About Our Economy—and Helps Explain Sanders' Rise

Bernie Sanders' rise in popularity is due in large part to his willingness to speak the truth about the real economic struggles.
...  Read more

The New Political Correctness: Why Some Fear It’s Ruining American Education (Diane Rehm Show)

The authors of a new article in The Atlantic say political correctness on college campuses has gone into over-drive. Students are demanding it. There’s a growing movement to eliminate “microagressions,” subtle actions or statements that reinforce cultural or racial stereotypes. And administrators are giving in by creating rules for faculty that include trigger warnings for books that might elicit strong emotions. The end result, the authors argue, is a generation of coddled young adults who are unprepared for the real world. They join us to talk about why they think this trend is harming higher education and the emotional health of students.
Interview:
https://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-08-25/the-new-political-correctness-and-why-some-fear-its-ruining-american-education

Democratic Party Looks Further Afield (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

For weeks, it’s been all about Trump in the GOP. An incredible, unbeatable drama played out with big talk and a big wall and big hair and that big private jet with his name all over it. Who could beat that? Well, suddenly the Democrats have a drama of their own. Hillary Clinton, long seen as the slam dunk Democratic Party nominee, has got question marks. Doubters. And two-fisted Bernie Sanders pounding the podium. And now Vice President Joe Biden preparing, maybe, to jump into the race. It’s a rumble. This hour On Point: up for grabs. What, who do Democrats want?
Interview:
https://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/08/25/election-2016-joe-biden-hillary-clinton-democratic-party

The Possibility that You Might Get Shot Is a Depressing Fact of American Life

The Virginia shootings are part of a cycle in which innocent people are murdered and politicians get away with doing nothing
Read more

7 Deputies Walk Off Job After Oregon Sheriff Allegedly Beats Handcuffed Suspect

An attorney for the deputies union said that the officers requested the leave to protect themselves from retribution.
...  Read more

Bernie Sanders Shuts Down Chuck Todd on Meet the Press

On Meet the Press, the host, Chuck Todd, tried to spin a false narrative to discredit Bernie Sanders, but Bernie Sanders wasn't having it. Bernie Sanders immediately shut him down not just once, but twice.
http://youtu.be/93SQ5oApvVM

John Oliver to Jorge Ramos: "I'm not a journalist"

This past April, the host of Last Week Tonight With John Oliver landed the interview of many journalist’s dreams: A one-on-one, in-person conversation with NSA whistleblower (or traitor, depending on who you ask) Edward Snowden. The segment functions as explainer journalism at it’s funniest. But Oliver is no reporter. And if you call him a journalist, you’re insulting journalism, he told Fusion’s Jorge Ramos in a recent interview.
Interview:
http://youtu.be/l17TPkXGVCo

Bernie Sanders: ‘Family values’ is Republican code for ‘let’s control women’s bodies’

“They just loooove families,” he quipped. “But all of you know what they mean by family values. And what they mean by family values is that the women of this country should not have the right to control their own bodies. I disagree.”
http://www.rawstory.com/2015/08/bernie-sanders-family-values-is-republican-code-for-lets-control-womens-bodies/

Why Jeb Bush Thinks Climate Change Will Solve Itself

Jeb might have just come closer than ever to admitting climate change is a problem -- but he still doesn't think we should do ... Read more

Week In The News: On Air Shooting, Wall Street Roller Coaster, Joe Biden’s Rationale (Tom Ashbrook, On Point)

Horror on live TV. A Reporter and photographer shot dead. China fears spurred a wild week on Wall Street. Europe’s migrant tragedy deepens: 71 found dead in a truck in Austria. Two hundred more desolate souls feared dead off Libya’s coast. A decade later, a look back at Katrina’s wrath and recovery. On the campaign trail, Trump takes on Univision. Hillary “takes” responsibility for emails. Is Joe Biden ready to take them all on? Tropical Storm Erika has Florida in her sights. Panda-monium at the National Zoo. This hour On Point: our weekly news roundtable goes behind the headlines. /Jane Clayson
Interview:
http://onpoint.wbur.org/2015/08/28/on-air-shooting-wall-street-roller-coaster

Friday News Roundup – Domestic (Diane Rehm Show)

A shooting tragedy that unfolded on live television reignites the gun control debate once again. President Barack Obama holds up New Orleans’ comeback from Hurricane Katrina as an example for the rest of the country. Strong economic news helps stabilize the U.S. stock market. Vice President Joe Biden says he’s undecided on whether to make a third bid for the White House. Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Jeb Bush clash over immigration policy. And rhetoric over women’s health issues heats up on the presidential campaign trail. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top national news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-08-28/friday-news-roundup-domestic

Friday News Roundup – International (Diane Rehm Show)

As many as 200 people drown off the Libyan coast while trying to reach Europe in an overloaded boat. That brings the death toll in Europe’s migrant crisis to more than 300 this week alone. China’s stock market sell-off creates turmoil in global markets. Britain reopens its embassy in the capital of Iran. The new U.S. envoy for Syria begins a diplomatic tour to push for political solutions to end the Syrian civil war. And French prosecutors say the armed man who was tackled by passengers on a train intended to commit terrorism. A panel of journalists joins Diane for analysis of the week’s top international news stories.
Interview:
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-08-28/friday-news-roundup-international

Hillary Clinton Compares Anti-Abortion Republicans To Terrorists

"I would like these Republican candidates to look the mom in the eye who caught her breast cancer early because she was able to get a screening for cancer or the teenager who didn’t get pregnant because she has access to contraception. Or anyone who has ever been protected by an HIV test."

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/progressivesecularhumanist/2015/08/hillary-clinton-compares-anti-abortion-republicans-to-terrorists/

https://youtu.be/kjfM3SgsDB4

Reflections of a former white supremacist

A former leader of a racist skinhead organisation and lead singer of a hate- metal band explains why he left hate behind.  Read more

Senator Debbie Stabenow on the Iran Nuclear Deal

Dear ---------, Thank you for contacting me about the Iran nuclear accord. This has been a complicated and very serious issue to resolve in my own mind.  I greatly appreciate your thoughts and views. I have repeatedly supported strong sanctions, backed by the international community, to pressure Iran to give up its nuclear weapons program. Those sanctions have succeeded in isolating the Iranian regime, crippling their economy, and forcing them to the negotiating table. But sanctions by themselves have not stopped Iran's nuclear program. In 2003, Iran had just 164 centrifuges for a nuclear weapon. Today, they have over 19,000 and have the capacity to acquire enough nuclear material to build a nuclear weapon by the end of this year. This is a dangerous regime that kidnaps Americans such as Michigan's Amir Hekmati, who needs to be released immediately, and sends weapons and other support to Hezbollah and other terrorists who seek to destroy the United States, Israel, and our other allies.  The only thing worse than Iran being the largest state sponsor of terrorism would be Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism with a nuclear weapon.  That's why getting this right is essential for the security of America, Israel and the entire Middle East. I have had extensive classified and unclassified briefings, extensive discussions with our U.S. negotiators and leaders from every country involved in negotiating this agreement. I have met with leaders representing the current Israeli government as well as former military and civilian Israeli leaders. And, I have heard from so many people in Michigan, with passionate feelings on both sides of this critical issue. I have determined that the imminent threat of Iran having a nuclear weapon outweighs any flaws I see in the international agreement. For this reason, I must support the agreement. For me, the decision comes down to this: without this international agreement, Iran will have enough nuclear material for a weapon in three months. With this agreement, and the international coalition committed to it, we have the opportunity to stop Iran from ever getting a nuclear weapon, certainly for at least 25 years. I completely understand the deep fear and emotion involved in this debate.  When Iranian extremist leaders chant 'death to America' and 'death to Israel,' the first question we have is 'how in the world can we trust them to live up to an agreement?' The answer is: we cannot. That is why this agreement is not based on trust in any way. It's based on strict inspections and verification coupled with the fact that America keeps all of our current options, including military action, if Iran in any way continues down the path of creating a nuclear weapon. Under the agreement, Iran must reduce their stockpile of low enriched uranium by 98 percent and the number of centrifuges from over 19,000 to 6,104 with those centrifuges only being allowed to be used for medical research or other peaceful purposes. Iran will be subject to an intrusive inspections regime under continuous monitoring. If Iran violates this agreement in any way, America will know about it and be able to snap sanctions back into place. And critically important to me, we will have additional information about the movement of uranium and component parts needed to make nuclear weapons for at least 25 years. Again, most importantly, if Iran tries to develop a nuclear weapon, the United States continues to have every option on the table, including military action. I do share concerns about parts of the agreement, including how Iran could use funds from sanctions relief to continue funding Hezbollah and other terrorists around the world.  It is clear that they have been funding these activities despite the crippling sanctions.  And we are right to be concerned that additional funds from sanctions relief, or any other sources from other countries if this agreement is not approved, could be used to continue these outrageous activities. That is why it is critical that the White House and Congress redouble our efforts to stop Iran's support for terrorism in addition to this crucial and essential effort to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.   I strongly support strengthening our sanctions on terrorism and human rights violations, with more aggressive targeting and enforcement; tracking any new spending on Iran's non-nuclear activities from new sources; and ensuring that Israel maintains its qualitative military edge. This agreement is not perfect, but I have personally spoken to leaders representing the P5+1 countries and the European Union who have said quite clearly that if the United States rejects this agreement, they will not join in new negotiations for a better deal. Instead, I believe that other countries will lift their sanctions on Iran, and the United States will be isolated in the international community. And, regrettably, it is clear to me that other countries will no longer trust our great country to negotiate and work with them in good faith. So America must choose between the following: an international coalition working together to stop a nuclear Iran while increasing our joint efforts to stop their non-nuclear terrorist activities, or no international effort, no surveillance, no accountability and a nuclear Iran within a few months. By agreeing to this deal, the international community will continue to be united against Iranian aggression. And if they violate the agreement and we need to use military force, the international community will be with us, rather than against us. A final note: I am deeply concerned that national security decisions and foreign policy have become highly-charged partisan issues, including our relationship with our long-time friend and democratic ally, Israel. I'm reminded of a very distinguished and highly-honored Republican U.S. Senator from Michigan, Arthur Vandenberg, who once said, 'politics stops at the water's edge.'  He was Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the 1940s and an ardent opponent of President Franklin Roosevelt's domestic policies.  Senator Vandenberg set the Congressional standard of patriotism and statesmanship for over 70 years in our country.  I am committed to continuing his legacy on behalf of the people of our great State. Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue. Please continue to share your views on issues of concern to you and your family. Sincerely, Debbie Stabenow United States Senator

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow The United States Senate • Washington, DC 20510 stabenow.senate.gov

Republican Presidential Candidates Say Climate Change Isn’t A Foreign Policy Issue

In two separate foreign policy addresses in South Carolina on Friday, Republican presidential candidates Scott Walker and Marco Rubio both criticized Democrats for addressing climate change as a foreign policy issue...
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2015/08/28/3696666/rubio-walker-foreign-policy-climate/

Is The Intelligence Community Spinning Obama About ISIS? The Inspector General Is Going To Find Out.

In 2011, Congress passed a law that would allow intelligence analysts to approach the Pentagon's Inspector General should they ... Read more

Former FEMA Director Who Oversaw Katrina Does Not Accept Sea Level Rise

His reluctance to accept the existence of sea level rise comes as Louisiana is being swallowed by the sea.  ... Read more

A Broken Well Has Been Leaking Oil Into The Gulf Of Mexico For The Last 10 Years

An official statement released by Taylor Energy claims that the company has reached a settlement with environmental groups, ... Read more

These Photos Prove ‘Anchor Babies’ Are A Myth

They're not safe from deportation.  ... Read more

Connecticut Proves Homelessness Is Solveable By Finding Homes For All Its Chronically Homeless Vets

Three other states have committed to reaching the same goal by the end of the year.  ... Read more

Hawaii’s Going 100 Percent Renewable, And It’s Not Using Natural Gas As A ‘Transition’

The company aiming to buy Hawaii's utilities should probably pay attention to this.  ... Read more

Fox Guest: Don’t Blame Guns For WDBJ Murders, Blame Race And Planned Parenthood!

Fox News made sure that a stricken father's vow to do "whatever it takes" to get gun legislation passed was overpowered by a pro gun message. But pro-...  Read more

Rep. Grayson: Trump Is A Racist And His Supporters Are Nuts

So Chris Hayes invited Rep. Alan Grayson, who's running for the Florida senate seat left open by Marco Rubio's run for the Republican nomination, as s...  Read more

The Bible According To Trump

He "loves" the Bible, but doesn't seem to remember which parts: Donald Trump declined to name a favorite verse in the Bible on Bloomberg's "With All ... Read more

AFL-CIO's Trumka Lays Into Republicans For Hateful Racist Rhetoric On Immigration

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka calls out GOP presidential candidates on their hateful, racist rhetoric on immigration and aspiring citizens.
https://youtu.be/3ovTNbuQGTw

CloseUP: Bernie Sanders reacts to favorable poll numbers

https://youtu.be/vdJ7PQzBhIg

Donald Trump: I Get My Military Advice From Watching Shows

I'm not sure what's more pathetic here. The fact that the Republican frontrunner for President says he gets his advice on foreign policy from watching...  Read more

Police Investigation Concludes That Cop Who Punched a 9-Months Pregnant Woman 'Violated No Policies'

"Sheriff Meeks has shown that he will stand by and allow his officers to brutalize citizens without any fear of accountability."...  Read more

https://youtu.be/3SG_prNa6BI

New Orleans Is Locking Up Hundreds Of Traumatized Kids

"That is their reality, their point of reference."  ... Read more

crim

How Many Birds Are There in a Human Body?

"Changes and conclusions. And a few mentions of dogs. Sponsored by Sonys PSP. Not really. It joke. I just played a lot of Little Big Planet during my gap year."
https://youtu.be/jEGBG_am2YU

Here's The Real Story Behind Reports Of An Israel-Hamas Agreement

Numerous stories over the past months have reported that the Israeli government is indirectly negotiating a long-term ceasefire agreement with Hamas, ... Read more

Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel Mock Donald Trump's Beef With Jorge Ramos

Donald Trump scolding Univision reporter Jorge Ramos for asking him a question proved to be perfect fodder for late night television mockery.
Read more

Song from Doctor Who Series 3 OST - 26 - The Stowaway

https://youtu.be/PT-gFNCoPQw

Octopus genome reveals astonishing secrets

For the first time, scientists have sequenced the genome of an octopus species, revealing surprising clues about the eight-legged cephalopod's brain a... Read more

'Welcome to my country': a German bus driver's speech brought tears, cheers

A German bus driver caused passengers – both German and foreign – to burst into applause after he paused to welcome asylum seekers. ... Read more

After Scandals, Ireland Is No Longer 'Most Catholic Country In The World'

The scandals of recent years have destroyed popular support for the church in Ireland, with many Irish people ignoring the hierarchy's guidance on social issues...
Interesting comments follow the article.

http://www.npr.org/2015/08/26/434821443/after-scandals-ireland-is-no-longer-the-most-catholic-country-in-the-world

The Big Reason Why America Is Turning to Renewable Energy

Employment in renewables is skyrocketing, while fossil fuels have become an economic liability.
...  Read more

Bernie Sanders: The Vox conversation

In a wide-ranging discussion, Bernie Sanders discusses his views on socialism, single payer, open borders, Zionism, and more with Vox Editor-in-chief Ezra Klein. Table of contents below:
0:00 – Socialism
3:20 – Universal health care
5:50 – Global poverty, open borders
9:29 – Unions
11:31 – Grassroots organizing
16:04 – Race
17:56 – Oligarchy and campaign finance
21:14 – Foreign policy
23:10 – Iran
25:12 – Rwanda
26:04 – Zionism, Israel
27:24 – Climate change
31:33 – China
34:04 – Greece
35:24 – Universal basic income
https://youtu.be/S5vOKKMipSA