New Mexico’s Largest Utility Wants To Charge Solar Owners Up To $30 A Month

New Mexico's largest electricity provider is the latest utility to try and squeeze more money out of solar users, an issue ...  Read more

Proof That The Women Who Share Their Abortion Stories Can Make A Difference

Preliminary results from a large research project finds that abortion opponents' stance can be softened after talking to women ... Read more

William Lane Craig vs Sean Carroll (An Actual Scientist)

On Friday, February 21st, 2014, philosopher and theologian, Dr William Lane Craig, was invited by the Greer Heard Forum to debate Dr Sean Carroll, an atheist theoretical physicist. The topic of debate was, "God and Cosmology: The Existence of God in Light of Contemporary Cosmology." The rigorous debate was concluded by a lengthy question and answer period with the audience.

Excerpts:
http://youtu.be/M1c_GlAjvy4

The full debate:
http://youtu.be/X0qKZqPy9T8

This Week in Religion: Right-Wing Evangelists Eagerly Condone Torture

Broadcast evangelists say God would approve of American torture techniques.
... Read more

7 Demented Right-Wing Moments This Week: Fox Wants a Royalty Check From Colbert?

And Antonin Scalia explains his stunning torture logic.
...  Read more

Religion's Smart People Problem: The Shaky Intellectual Foundation for Belief

Most highly educated people shed religious beliefs, but not all. Why not?
...Read more

Richard Dawkins Teaches Kids - Richard Dawkins Answers Religious Students' Questions On Evolution

Richard Dawkins teaches a class of religious high-school children about the theory of evolution. He also answers their questions regarding the seeming conflict between what they know about the world through their religion and the facts of evolution. This is actually quite charming and engaging. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/plahbpT2fEo

Knights of Columbus: How One Religious Organization Bankrolls America’s Social Conservative Movement

Millions of their charitable dollars have funded a very socially conservative ideological agenda: opposing abortion, LGBT rights, euthanasia, embryonic stem cell research, and pornography, while supporting public funding for religious organizations. ... Read more

We’re putting an end to religion: Richard Dawkins, Bill Maher and the exploding new American secularism

"...For starters, we can begin with the presence of the religious right, and the backlash it has engendered. ..."
http://www.salon.com/2014/12/20/were_putting_an_end_to_religion_richard_dawkins_bill_maher_and_the_exploding_new_american_secularism/

Bill O'Reilly declares victory in the 'War on Christmas'

...Fox Nation, which is owned by the top-rated cable news network, published an excerpt from a story by the Washington Times about the slate of “War on Christmas” programming planned for Christmas Eve and Christmas on Atheist TV, featuring “original programs proclaiming the truth about Christmas.”...
http://news.yahoo.com/bill-oreilly-war-on-christmas-over-165232438.html

D.C. Council Prohibits Employment Discrimination Based on Reproductive Health Choices

The Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act of 2014 amends the District’s Human Rights Act, which deals with employment discrimination, to add that an employer cannot discriminate in “compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment” because of an employee’s or a dependent’s “reproductive health decision making, including a decision to use or access a particular drug, device or medical service.”...
http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2014/12/18/d-c-council-prohibits-employment-discrimination-based-reproductive-health-choices/

Clinically brain-dead pregnant woman being kept alive to save the baby -- against parents' wishes

A 16-weeks pregnant woman is being kept alive on life support to save her unborn baby, despite being pronounced brain-dead by Ireland's leading neurosurgeons, reported the Irish Independent. The woman's parents, however, are demanding their daughter be allowed to die...
http://7online.com/health/clinically-brain-dead-pregnant-woman-being-kept-alive-to-save-the-baby/442621/

The Atlantic slave trade: What your textbook never told you - Anthony Hazard

Slavery has occurred in many forms throughout the world, but the Atlantic slave trade -- which forcibly brought more than 10 million Africans to the Americas -- stands out for both its global scale and its lasting legacy. Anthony Hazard discusses the historical, economic and personal impact of this massive historical injustice.

http://youtu.be/3NXC4Q_4JVg

N.J. group looks for a few 'closeted atheists' to convert at Christmastime

“Christians seem to think they own this season, but they don’t,” he said. “We can’t convert believers into atheists, but we can convert closeted atheists into open atheists, to tell them it’s okay to be an atheist, and that it's great. We think they should give the gift of honesty this year.”
http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2014/12/cranford_non-profit_agency_gives_comfort_to_atheists_at_christmas.html

The US Dept. of Labor has a little-known job training program for low-income individuals.

It provides housing, meals, basic medical care and a living allowance...
Job training site: http://www.jobcorps.gov/Home.aspx
Discussion on Reddit

After dropping out of high school, Andres enrolled in Job Corps. Inspired by his mother and grandmother who are both nurses, Andres chose Certified Nursing Assistant as his training area. He’s thankful for the training Job Corps has given him to pursue his dream of working in the medical field.
http://youtu.be/EOlwt7j4-mY

Is Religion Man-Made? How Did Religion Start? The Evolution of Belief (Daniel Dennett, 2006)

Speaking about his book Breaking the Spell...
http://youtu.be/ql2yz7XDs2A

UN asks Israel to pay Lebanon $850m

General Assembly resolution over 2006 oil spill marks first time a price has been put on damages asked from Israel.  Read more

'God Doesn't Want Us To Push An Agenda,' Fox News Priest Explains

Where was god during this awful ambush of the two policemen in Brooklyn, NY? That's what Fox and Friends Weekend wants to know, and the "Friends" aske...  Read more

WATCH: Glenn Beck's Warning Of 'The Dawn Of Progressivism' May Be His Strangest Yet

A ninety-year-old Glenn Beck explains, in the year 2054, how 2014 was the year in which the world began to collapse.... Read more
Also: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/content/and-so-it-begins-90-year-old-glenn-beck-delivers-dire-message-future
http://youtu.be/lhw87NFzSsI

Rudy Giuliani: 2 NYC Cops Were Killed Because Obama Told Everyone To ‘Hate The Police’

"We've had four months of propaganda starting with the president that everybody should hate the police," he said.The post Rudy ... Read more

Cuban Oil May Prove A Boon For U.S. Companies

With diplomatic relations warming between the U.S. and Cuba, oil and gas companies may train their sights on what's off Cuba's ... Read more

A Startling Admission By The Ferguson Prosecutor Could Restart The Case Against Darren Wilson

A potentially serious ethical breach. The post A Startling Admission By The Ferguson Prosecutor Could Restart The Case Against ...  Read more

Sony hack got your worried? Here are some cyber safety tips

The recent Sony hack reminds those who own personal computer, tablets, or smart phones that their important personal information could be breached by ... Read more

Chinese man wins 'gay conversion' case

Clinic ordered to compensate man who sued it for administering electric shocks intended to make him heterosexual.  Read more

Faith Fibs: Religious Right Falsely Claims Army Chaplain Was Punished Simply For Sharing His Beliefs

Those who serve in the U.S. military do, indeed, fight to protect our freedoms – and their own. But that doesn’t include the freedom to proselytize at a mandatory training event on an army base.
... Read more

Why I Think Jesus Didn't Exist: A Historian Explains the Evidence That Changed His Mind (Richard Carrier, Ph. D.)

Dr. Richard Carrier flew in from California to lecture the UNCG Atheists, Agnostics, and Skeptics on the historicity of Christ. The historicity of Christ has appeared in the public consciousness over the last few years because of such individuals such as Robert Price and Dr. Carrier. This topic deals with the analysis of historical data to determine if Jesus existed as an actual person.
http://youtu.be/mwUZOZN-9dc

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.
Read more

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]

Read more

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

Read more

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............'

Read more

Curiosity Rover Drills Into Mars Rock, Finds Water

Read more

The realist adjusts his sail.

Read more

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