Freethought Books Project: Volunteer, Donate

"The Freethought Books Project provides donations of secular and freethinking literature to prisoners, inmates in mental hospitals, books to prisoners projects, and others in need. The program also connects inmates to volunteer pen pals, who correspond with secular humanist, atheist, and other inmates who are connected to the project. This project has been administered by the Center for Inquiry since 2013..."

http://www.centerforinquiry.net/outreach/about_freethought_books/

Holidays, minus God

"Americans who are unaffiliated with any faith tradition are the fastest growing religious group in the country. With the holiday season upon us, we asked iReporters: If you're atheist, agnostic or a nonbeliever of any kind, how do you celebrate the holidays? The outpouring of submissions we received were thoughtful, heartwarming, engaging and, above all, cheerful -- In other words, perfectly in tune with the holiday season..."

http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/atheist.holidays.irpt/

 

Analysts predict surge in health care enrollment

Most customers for private insurance so far are not eligible for subsidies to help pay for it.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/11/federal-exchange-moving-forward/3988359/

The Bible as Bludgeon

"YOU can make a successful run for political office in this country without an especially thick résumé, any exceptional talent for expressing yourself, a noteworthy education or, for that matter, a basic grasp of science.

But you better have religion. You better be ready to profess your faith in and fealty to God — the Judeo-Christian one, of course..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/08/opinion/sunday/the-bible-as-bludgeon.html?_r=1&

Meet the Amazing TAMers: Michael Shermer

Joel Guttormson, Outreach and Event Coordinator for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science interviews speakers from TAM 2013 presented by the James Randi Educational Foundation.

Dr. Michael Shermer is the Founding Publisher of Skeptic magazine, the Executive Director of the Skeptics Society, a monthly columnist for Scientific American, the host of the The Skeptics Society's Distinguished Science Lecture Series, and Adjunct Professor at Claremont Graduate University and Chapman University. His latest book is, 'The Believing Brain'.

RWW News: Fischer Says 'Our Constitution Protects The Free Exercise Of The Christian Religion'

Sanders Weighs in on Budget Deal

RWW News: Venker & Malzberg: 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Symptom of Feminized Men

Right Wing Watch reports on the extreme rhetoric and activities of key right-wing figures and organizations by showing their views in their own words. In this video, Suzanne Venker and Steve Malzberg discuss the "War on Men."

How Much Did Fox News Pay an Exec to Not Talk?

"Roger Ailes' secrets command a heavy price. Last week, the New York Times reported that Fox News had reached an out-of-court settlement with Brian Lewis, the former Ailes aide who was abruptly fired in late July. A Fox News executive with knowledge of the negotiations told Gawker that Lewis was paid approximately $8 million in hush money...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

Obama Is 'So Close To Death' He Needs Life Insurance, Says VA GOP Chair

"RPV Chairman Pat Mullins blamed the media for gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli's loss, saying that the so-called "war on women" was covered more than the president's health care reform law. "This year, our message couldn't break through and we paid a price," he lamented. "This is false narrative by false prophets... Republicans do not win when we are mini-Democrats or Democrat Lite. In fact, Mullins seemed more sure than ever that the health care law was going to give Republicans the upper hand in dealing with the state's new Democratic governor. "Obama's so close to death that Terry McAuliffe is about to buy a life insurance on him," Mullins joked...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

Leaky government: Detroit's water supply wasted by ravaged pipes

DETROIT — Torrents of water spew from broken pipes in Detroit's Crosman School, cascading down stairs before pooling on the warped tile of what was on... Read more

GOP poised for overnight talkathon to protest filibuster rules change

The Senate is set to spend Wednesday night debating executive nominees as Republicans protest Democratic attempts to force Obama administration nomina... Read more

Obama Shakes Hand Of Raul Castro, Heads Explode

"With a quick handshake, President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro whipped up a frenzy Tuesday that led many to wonder whether a shift is coming between the former Cold War nations. Others just thought it was a nice thing to do. Obama became the first U.S. president since 2000 to shake hands with a Cuban leader. The gesture came as the two took their seats at Nelson Mandela's memorial service just before each leader eulogized the fallen icon. The simple act generated a torrent of rage from some, including Cuban-American politicians who have fought to maintain the U.S. embargo against the island and remove the Castros from power...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

FFRF, Gaylor, Barker overturn ‘parsonage exemption’ clergy privilege

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and its co-presidents Annie Laurie Gaylor and Dan Barker have won a significant ruling with far-reaching ramifications declaring unconstitutional the 1954 “parish exemption” uniquely benefiting “ministers of the gospel.”

http://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/19361-ffrf-gaylor-barker-overturn-%E2%80%98parsonage-exemption%E2%80%99-clergy-privilege

Newtown anniversary: US schools keep trying wrong fixes to deter school shootings, experts say

> By Bill Dedman Investigative Reporter, NBC News It happened after Columbine, after Virginia Tech, and after Newtown, too. After every mas... Read more

Michigan Governor Condemns Anti-Gay Remarks By GOP Committeeman Dave Agema

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has condemned remarks by Republican National Committee member Dave Agema, even though Snyder has ... Read more

The Secular Policy Recommendations That Will Make the Religious Right Squirm

"The Secular Coalition for America is releasing its “Model Secular Policy Guide” for politicians with a briefing on Capitol Hill today...."

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2013/12/09/the-secular-policy-recommendations-that-will-make-the-religious-right-squirm/

Capitol Leaders Agree to a Deal on the Budget

"WASHINGTON — House and Senate budget negotiators reached agreement Tuesday on a budget deal that would raise military and domestic spending over the next two years, shifting the pain of across-the-board cuts to other programs over the coming decade and raising fees on airline tickets to pay for airport security...."

Yes, He Can!: Fla. Man Wins Space For Festivus Display At State Capitol

A Festivus pole will occupy space this week at the Florida State Capitol. Americans United's ... Read more

Stewart Schools Tea Partiers

Jon Stewart kicked off this week's "Daily Show" by shedding light on some truly odd reactions that some folks ... Read more

Rubio Opposes Murray-Ryan Budget Deal

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) on Tuesday said that he opposes the budget agreement reached by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), calling the deal ... Read more

Paul Ryan vs. Conservatives: GOP Budget Hero Faces Rebellion

The GOP's policy visionary has found himself at odds with the conservative wing of his own party, which is testing his ability to finish up -- and mor... Read more

On Netflix now: Gods and Monsters

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Gods_and_Monsters/1193135?trkid=13641790

Lawmakers In 23 States Introduced Secret Lobbying Group ALEC’s Anti-Immigrant Bill

"No Sanctuary Cities for Illegal Immigrants Act" was the single most-common bill, introduced in 23 states. The post Lawmakers ... Read more

Oklahoma Lawmakers Push For ‘Merry Christmas’ Bills To Reintroduce Religion In Public Schools

Lawmakers in deep-red Oklahoma are lining up behind new legislation that would grant explicit permission for educators to teach ... Read more

Fort Worth Shows Why So Many Towns Are Banning Fracking

Multiple cities across the U.S. have voted for bans on fracking and Ft. Worth's experience with urban fracking shows why.The ... Read more




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30 Percent Of Americans Skip Out On Medical Care Because It’s Too Expensive

A new Gallup survey finds that 30 percent of all Americans skip out on medical treatment due to high costs -- a number that ... Read more

U.S. Will Top Germany In Solar Installation For The First Time In 15 Years

Another big quarter for the U.S. solar industry. The post U.S. Will Top Germany In Solar Installation For The First Time In 15 ... Read more

Michigan Republican Committeeman: Gay Couples Want Health Care Because They Die Early Of AIDS

Former state Rep. Dave Agema, a member of the Republican National Committee from Michigan, believes gay couples want marriage ... Read more

The Auto Bailout Saved Millions Of Jobs In One Year Alone

The government sold its last remaining shares of GM on Monday, reducing the bailout's total cost to $10.5 billion -- but that's ... Read more

7 Reasons Why People Believe in God and Distrust Evolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A97ew2MNuI0&list=WL32F078D9EEEFBB36

New Corporate Powers In Secret Trade Deal

""The Obama administration appears to have almost no international support for controversial new trade standards that would grant radical new political powers to corporations, increase the cost of prescription medications and restrict bank regulation, according to two internal memos obtained by The Huffington Post.

The memos, which come from a government involved in the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, detail continued disputes in the talks over the deal. The documents reveal broad disagreement over a host of key positions, and general skepticism that an agreement can be reached by year-end. The Obama administration has urged countries to reach a deal by New Year's Day, though there is no technical deadline...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdczhcY9YA4&list=WL32F078D9EEEFBB36

Conservatives Attack Gingrich For Mandela Praise

""And so we come into a new week with a new litmus test to end all litmus tests for True Conservative politicians: Do they have kind words for the recently deceased Nelson Mandela? Because if they... do?... then they may be secret liberal communists who love terrorism. Most people in the world went on their Facebook or Twitter pages last Thursday night to share some positive thoughts or a quote after the former South African revolutionary-turned-president died at 95. "Most people in the world," in this rare case, included the Republican politician Newt Gingrich. Gingrich — admirably — was one of the House Republicans who (tried) to push President Reagan to speak and act more strongly against the apartheid government in the '80s. It is a stance he is deservedly proud of taking...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down."

Ted Cruz Coloring Book For Kids Who Love Indoctrination

""Just in time for the holiday season, a controversial publisher has released a new coloring book for children about Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX).

The Missouri-based publisher, Really Big Coloring Books, describes its book as "a non-partisan, fact-driven view of how Texas Sen. Rafael Edward 'Ted' Cruz became a U.S. senator and details, through his quotes and public information his ideas for what he believes will help America grow."

The book states that Cruz supports the Second Amendment, unlike Obama who has a "consistent disregard" for constitutional rights. It invites children to color-in the Ten Commandments on a page devoted to the United States national motto, "In God We Trust.""* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down."

War On Christmas Ad - Real or Parody?

"Is this 'war on Christmas' ad that's been playing on Fox News and MSNBC in some markets real or a parody? "The YouTube page for the ad lists the creators as "St. Mary's At Large," and "Msgr. Kennard J. Tuzeneu" as the executive producer. The Raw Story e-mailed the organization, which is linked to St. Mary's Parish in Barnegat, New Jersey, and we're still waiting for a response...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down."

Gay Waitress Who Forged Homophobic Receipt - Update

""At least three duped donors who gave money to a waitress and former Marine who claimed a family left her a homophobic note instead of a tip have had their donations refunded via PayPal, according to the founder of the web site that had first publicized the story and posts on the site.

Dayna Morales, a waitress at Gallop Asian Bistro, N.J., made national headlines and received an outpouring of public support and at least $3,000 in donations after she claimed a family stiffed her and instead left her a note on the receipt reading, "Sorry, I cannot tip because I do not agree with your lifestyle and the way you live your life."

But after an unidentified couple came forward days later with a customer receipt and bank statement to prove that they had in fact left Dayna Morales an $18 tip on top of the $93.55 check, former friends of Morales also came forward claiming she was a compulsive liar."* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down."

RWW News: Klingenschmitt Says Obama Is A Liar Who Causes Cancer

"Right Wing Watch reports on the extreme rhetoric and activities of key right-wing figures and organizations by showing their views in their own words. In this video, Gordon Klingenschmitt laughably asserts that President Obama is actively causing cancer through his health care reform law."

Fox News Vs Pope Francis

'"Conservatives' uneasy relationship with Pope Francis I got even more complicated after he issued his recent apostolic exhortation that criticized the "idolatry of money." Judge Andrew Napolitano blasted the pope for "attacking free-market capitalism." Rush Limbaugh accused him of preaching "pure Marxism." And now, in an op-ed for FoxNews.com, editor Adam Shaw takes things one step further by calling Pope Francis the "Catholic Church's Obama," and not in a positive way...".* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down."

How to sequence the human genome - Mark J. Kiel

"Your genome, every human's genome, consists of a unique DNA sequence of A's, T's, C's and G's that tell your cells how to operate. Thanks to technological advances, scientists are now able to know the sequence of letters that makes up an individual genome relatively quickly and inexpensively. Mark J. Kiel takes an in-depth look at the science behind the sequence."

'I just instantly burst into tears': Medical worker finally gets insurance on Obamacare website

It took two months, weekly visits to the jammed-up federal website and a half- dozen phone calls, but JoAnn Smith finally got health insurance Monday.... Read more

NSA Hiring 15-Year-Olds - Spy agency's interns tend to stay on

Spy agency's interns tend to stay on.

http://www.newser.com/story/178917/nsa-hiring-15-year-olds.html

Neural Prosthetic Acts Like "Bridge" Over Damaged Brain Areas

http://m.slashdot.org/story/195377

Life Could Have Evolved 15 Million Years After the Big Bang, Says Cosmologist

http://m.slashdot.org/story/195381

This brand of Birth Control Called 'Deadly,' Still Sells Bigtime - NuvaRing known to cause scary blot clots

A potentially deadly contraceptive called NuvaRing is still on the US market—but why? 
http://www.newser.com/story/178906/potentially-lethal-birth-control-still-on-the-market.html

Truer words have never been spoken.

"True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country." -- Kurt Vonnegut
Read more

How Farms Across America Are Using Cow Manure For Renewable Energy

Farms can convert cow manure into renewable biogas, which can power portions of the farm and prevent that methane from reaching ... Read more

A Tale In Two Numbers

Last week, President Obama laid out a sweeping agenda to combat income inequality, strengthen the middle class, and extend ... Read more

This Kid Was Bullied A LOT. He Could Have Told His Teacher Or His Principal. He Had Bigger Plans.

"Caine Smith's story is one of the powerful narratives filmed for The BULLY Project, the social action campaign inspired by the documentary film BULLY. We’ve sparked a national movement to stop bullying that is transforming kids’ lives and changing a culture of bullying into one of empathy and action. The power of our work lies in the participation of individuals like you and the remarkable list of partners we’ve gathered who collectively work to create safe, caring, and respectful schools and communities. Join Caine in taking a stand today!"

Read more


Caine Stands Up from The Bully Project on Vimeo.

Over 22,000 homeless children in New York, the highest number since the Great Depression.

"She wakes to the sound of breathing. The smaller children lie tangled beside her, their chests rising and falling under winter coats and wool blankets. A few feet away, their mother and father sleep near the mop bucket they use as a toilet. Two other children share a mattress by the rotting wall where the mice live, opposite the baby, whose crib is warmed by a hair dryer perched on a milk crate..." 

Read more

Sarah Saves Christmas!: Former Alaska Gov. Says Thomas Jefferson Would Oppose Atheist-Led ‘War On Christmas’

It seems Palin fancies herself an expert on Thomas Jefferson, but it's no surprise that she is ... Read more

Crisis Pregnancy Center Attacks College Student For Criticizing Its Tactics: ‘Put On Your Big Girl Panties’

After criticizing his local crisis pregnancy center, this college student wasn't expecting the response he got.The post Crisis ... Read more

Five Years Later, U.S. Households Still Haven’t Recouped Financial Losses From Crisis

Household wealth rose by almost $2 trillion in just three months, but is still trillions behind where it was before the ... Read more

Why The Conservative Alternative To Obamacare Is A Giant Non Sequitur

There's very little evidence that health insurance muddies price signals or encourages over-consumption of care.The post Why ... Read more

SURVEY: 70 Percent Of Adults Don’t Know The HPV Vaccine Can Prevent Cancer

Uncertainty about the HPV vaccine may be contributing to very low rates of inoculation. The post SURVEY: 70 Percent Of Adults ... Read more

Auto bailout saved 1.5 million jobs: study

DETROIT — The federal bailout of General Motors, Chrysler and parts suppliers in 2009 saved 1.5 million U.S. jobs and preserved $105.3 billion in pers... Read more

Mars Rover Finds Evidence of 'Very Earth-Like' Lake - It might have supported life for millions of years

It might have supported life for millions of years

http://www.newser.com/story/178901/mars-rover-finds-evidence-of-very-earth-like-lake.html

David Barton tells how to thwart the law

In this video the panel discusses David Barton's agenda on how to sneak Christian indoctrination into public schools curriculum

Paul Crouch: The Death of a Salesman

Paul Crouch Sr, televangelist and co-founder of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, died on November 30th, 2013. Charisma News called him "One of the Giants of Our Generation."

Rick Warren: Marriage Is Not ‘Equally Valid’ For Same-Sex Couples

Rick Warren has again defended his opposition to same-sex marriage because "all ideas are not equally valid."The post Rick ... Read more

Cheney: The Iran Deal Is Bad Because Of Obamacare

Former Vice President Dick Cheney doesn't like the recent agreement reached with Iran over its nuclear program. Why not? ... Read more

A Record Number Of Americans Can’t Afford Their Rent

Initial estimates show there are 21.1 million renters who pay more than they can afford on rent.The post A Record Number Of ... Read more

Politicians Against Peace In The Middle East

"We've always been at war with Eurasia, so we must continue to be at war with them." Cenk Uygur (http://www.twitter.com/cenkuygur) host of The Young Turks discusses politicians who have come out against the peace deal with the Iranian government."

GOP Schemes To Win Elections By Rigging Them

"Last winter, shortly after President Obama won his second term in office, many Republicans rallied behind a pair of election-rigging plans designed to make it virtually impossible for a Democrat to win White House again. Though the two plans differ in important ways, the crux of both plans is to rig the Electoral College by requiring blue states to award a significant portion of their electoral votes to Republican presidential candidates — all while ensuring that red states will award 100 percent of their electoral votes to the Republican as well. Though these election-rigging plans appeared dead after a wave of Republican officials came out against them, one of them has just returned to life in California.

On November 22, a man named Hal Nickle filed a proposed ballot initiative in California which would change the way that state allocates electoral votes to ensure that a large chunk of California's 55 electors go to the GOP, even though Californians consistently prefer Democratic candidates to Republicans. Rather than allocating all of California's electoral votes to the winner of the state as a whole, as nearly all states currently award their votes, the election-rigging initiative would allocate the states votes proportionally according to the percentage of votes won by each candidate. Thus, if this plan had been in effect in 2012, Mitt Romney would have received 37.12 percent of California's electors — adding 20 to his overall total."*

Wall Big Shot Sums Up America's Biggest Problem

Join the fight against money in politics: http://www.wolf-pac.com

"The observation came during a talk at an industry conference Tuesday, according to Fortune. Blankfein, of course, is referring both to America's long and enviable history of economic growth, and its more recent inability to make sure all Americans experience the benefits of that growth.

"There's little doubt that the economy revved along quite well during the 20th century. In fact, the real GDP per worker -- that's adjusted for rising prices -- grew at a tremendous rate:"* The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down."

Bill O'Reilly's Latest Manufactured 'War On Christmas' Crisis

"It's the first Monday in December, and you know what that means... yes, it's the official beginning of the War on Christmas™, and the equally not-at-all overblown War on the War on Christmas™! And leading the brigade, as always, is General Bill O'Reilly, who opened his show Monday night with a scathing Talking Points Memo firing shot after shot at the enemies of Christmas, including the ACLU, atheists, and, of course, Macy's.

O'Reilly declared that there are Americans who are just plain "offended" by any references to Jesus in the public square, and said "everything was swell" this time of year until, without warning, "creeping secularism and pressure groups like the ACLU began attacking the Christmas holiday.""*

Fox News Guest Compares Apartheid To Obamacare

"As the world grieves the loss of Nelson Mandela and an outpouring of praise and gratitude roll in, Fox News' Bill O'Reilly seemingly felt the urge to brand Mandela a communist. The republican made the remarks while speaking to former GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum on The O'Reilly Factor about the future of the Republican party, Meditate reported. "He was a communist, this man. He was a communist, all right? But he was a great man! What he did for his people was stunning!...He was a great man! But he was a communist!" O'Reilly's decision to invoke Mandela into the discussion about GOP politics can only be described as stupid, yet Santorum didn't do much better in comparing the struggle against apartheid to fighting against big government here in the United States...".*

Expiring on Netflix 12/12: C.R.A.Z.Y.

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/C.R.A.Z.Y./70051094?trkid=13641790

"Towing Jehovah:" James Morrow on Atheists Talk #75, Sunday June 21, 2009

"First, let's suppose that Jehovah God is real.  Good News for the religious, right? Then, let's twist it a bit and see what happens should Jehovah die.  This would cause a major problem for at least the Abrahamic religions.  After all, how could we hope for eternal life if the Provider Himself is subject to mortality?  The guarantee of eternal life in His Presence would at that time become null and void.  Steps must be taken and a cover up must be carried out.  Hiding bodies is difficult enough, but when the body of Jehovah falls from Heaven and turns out to be two miles long, complications multiply.  The beauty of novels is that they allow absurdities to shed light on reality, and James Morrow uses the device of the dead god to illuminate our notions on religion and philosophy. .."

More Info

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Massimo Pigliucci: "Politics, Philosophy and Atheism." Atheists Talk #74, Sunday June 14, 2009

"Is there a direct correlation between atheism and liberalism?  Why do so many atheists lean towards the left of the political spectrum?  Many of our past shows have focused on the Conservative Christian influence over American politics, but does that necessarily mean that one needs to oppose their views in all areas? Politics, philosophy and atheism are the topic for today's show.  Our guest is Massimo Pigliucci, who contacted us following our interview with Sunsara Taylor, because he wanted to address a few of the points she had made in regards to socialism and atheism.  As a philosopher and an evolutionary biologist, Massimo regularly addresses the intersections of politics and religion.  George Kane will lead the discussion."

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Bart Ehrman: God's Problem. Atheists Talk #72, Sunday May 31, 2009

"Bart Ehrman is a scholar of The Bible and has published popular works at a rapid clip on the subjects of theodicy and the literary history of the books some refer to as "Scripture."  He was an evangelical who believed that The Episcopalian Church in which he was raised was too tame on the teachings of Jesus' Word of Salvation.  Dedicating himself to the study of the original Greek versions of the Gospels and New Testaments in order to better understand the word of God, he made the discovery that (Whoops!) the Bible couldn't be an inerrant instruction manual.  There were too many inconsistencies, too many obvious copying errors in the translations and too many differences in the theologies contained within the books we call the New Testament for it to be a coherent work of God.  He has since become agnostic, strongly convinced that even if there be a Creator it is certainly not the one painted by our Christian religions.

 

Scott Lohman and Grant Steves bring their intellectual prowess to bear in discussing the books of Bart Ehrman for this program.  Grant and Scott are both impressed by Ehrman's writing, and they are entertaining thinkers and speakers on the subjects of literature and theology.  This is sure to be a fun show as they discuss Ehrman's books."

 

More Info

 

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John W Loftus: Why I am an Atheist. Atheists Talk #71. Sunday, May 24, 2009

"Do former preachers and theologians carry more weight as atheists than those who were born without belief?  John W. Loftus carries a great deal of credibility as an atheist because he has studied the philosophical debate over the extistence of the Christian God as a sincere believer and then as a non-believer.  In turning from Chrisitanity he hasn't forgotten the theological justifications for belief, but instead is adept at examining the details of such justifications.  His book Why I Became and Atheist:  A Former Preacher Rejects Christianity takes us through the crisis of faith that led Loftus to conclude that there likely is no God, and more specifically examines the roots of Christianity.  He finds it wanting for validation.  Grant Steves will talk to Loftus about the book and the process of deconverstion."

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Debunking Jesus, and Camp Quest on Atheists Talk #69, Sunday May 10th 2009

"Chris Hallquist's book UFO's, Ghosts and A Rising God is a tour through skepticism and applied to Christian apologetics. Chris is just finishing his undergrad degree in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, and is all set to take on the world of grad school philosophy.  He has written published articles on the philosophical approach to examining claims of Christianity and found such apologetics wanting.  Stephanie Zvan will interview Chris in the first segment.

Rick Rohrer, Jamie Sabel and Collin Bonde all volunteer for Minnesota Camp Quest.  Camp Quest is a week long fun way for atheist and agnostic kids to learn about skepticism and to have fun doing so.  Bing Haubrich will also be in the studio with us for the second segment of the show, as the Camp Quest crew talk about how much fun it is, what they learn when they do some weird science."

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NCSE: Genie Scott and Greg Laden on Atheists Talk #68, Sunday May 3, 2009

"Lynn Fellman will be quizzing anthropologists Genie Scott of the National Center for Science Education and Greg Laden of the University of Minnesota on the subject of creationist attempts to weaken science education in K-12 education.  Dr. Scott testified before the Texas State Board of Education as the board was considering how to rewrite the science standards.  Texas is critical because of the number of pupils.  Textbook publishers write their books to fit with the Texas standards, and if evolution is weakened at the whim of Texas creationists, it affects education in the rest of the states.  Dr. Laden has been watching development of the Math and Science Standards for Minnesota and will provide some updates.

Greg and Genie will also be discussing the various approaches to religion in promoting and protecting science education.  The NCSE is careful to assure religious leaders that science, properly done, is not necessarily dangerous to their faith (unless strict creationism is a cornerstone of their faith.) Many atheist scientists think that this is a dangerous approach because it dilutes science's naturalistic methodology.  They will discuss what the best approach may be, whether it is "New Atheism" or "Friendly Atheism.""

More info

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At Least One Third Of The Featured Speakers At Virginia GOP Retreat Say Medicare Is Unconstitutional

If the Virginia Republican Party wants to move past the far right candidates that shut them out of their state's top offices ... Read more

Catholic School Fires Gay Teacher For Obtaining Marriage License

The Bible says we should "[o]we no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law," ... Read more

Senator Pushes Minimum Wage Myths To Justify His Opposition To An Increase

Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) pushed the claim that only young people rely on a minimum wage.The post Senator Pushes Minimum Wage ... Read more

Okla. Satanists seek monument by Statehouse steps

"OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — In their zeal to tout their faith in the public square, conservatives in Oklahoma may have unwittingly opened the door to a wide range of religious groups, including Satanists who are seeking to put their own statue next to a Ten Commandments monument outside the Statehouse..."

(Blog editor's commentary:

1. Atheists are not Satanists.  Atheists have no faith in any supernatural beings at all.
2. And this is what you get when you don't heed Thomas Jefferson and protect the wall of separation between Church and State, and ensure not only freedom of religion, but also freedom from religion.)