by The Onion
Panelists discuss whether Halloween candy and costumes have distracted us from placating demons to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Onion: Has America Lost Sight of the True Meaning of Halloween?
by The Onion
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Somalia: Rape Victim, 13, Executed by Stoning
This picture shows how a woman would be prepared for stoning
UPDATED From The Guardian:
An Islamist rebel administration in Somalia had a 13-year-old girl stoned to death for adultery after the child's father reported that three men had raped her.
Amnesty International said the al-Shabab militia, which controls the southern port city of Kismayo, arranged for a group of 50 men to stone Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow in front of a crowd of about 1,000 spectators. A lorryload of stones was brought to the stadium for the killing.
Amnesty said that Duhulow struggled with her captors and had to be forcibly carried into the stadium.
"At one point during the stoning, Amnesty International has been told by numerous eyewitnesses that nurses were instructed to check whether Aisha Ibrahim Duhulow was still alive when buried in the ground. They removed her from the ground, declared that she was, and she was replaced in the hole where she had been buried for the stoning to continue," the human rights group said. Read more
Prop 8 Spokesman: Defeating Same Sex Marriage Like Defeating Hitler
October 28, 2008 at an official Prop 8 rally in Sacramento
Transcript:
Brad Dacus: There was another time in history when people, when the bell tolled. And the question was whether or not they were going to hear it. The time was during Nazi Germany with Adolf Hitler. You see he brought crowds of clergy together to assure them that he was going to look after the church. And one of the members, bold and courageous, Reverend Niemand (sp?) made his way to the front and (inaudible) said "Hitler, we are not concerned about the church. Jesus Christ will take care of the church. We are concerned about the soul of Germany." Embarrassed and chagrined, his peers quickly shuffled him to the back. And as they did Adolf Hitler said, "The soul of Germany, you can leave that to me." And they did, and because they did bombs did not only fall upon the nation of Germany, but also upon the church and their testimony to this very day. Let us not make that mistake folks. Let us hear the bell! Vote on Proposition 8!See also:
(via Cynical-C Blog)
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
CNN: Kay Hagan Responds to Dole's "Godless" Ad
October 29, 2008
The already-contentious North Carolina Senate race took a brutal turn Wednesday after incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole released a television ad suggesting challenger Kay Hagan is godless.
In a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Hagan said she has never heard of the Godless PAC and said the fundraiser in question had more than 40 hosts, including Sen. John Kerry.
Christian Prayer Meetings on Wall Street
October 24, 2008 on CBN
Christian Broadcasting Network:
Wall Street is in one of the most volatile economic downturns in U.S. history. The temptation to panic is high. So, how are Christians who work on Wall Street reacting to the crisis? As CBN News discovered, they are clinging to the rock that can not be moved. Read more
Koranic Scientist: Bayer Invented Its Cure for AIDS on the Basis of a Hadith by Prophet Muhammad about the Wings of Flies
September 19, 2008 on Al Aqsa TV - Transcript
Dr. Ahmad Al-Muzain: The Prophet Muhammad said: "If a fly falls into your drink, you should dip it in the drink, and then dispose of the fly, because one of its wings bears a disease, and the other wing bears the cure." This hadith was included in the Al-Bukhari collection. This hadith makes it absolutely clear that the Prophet Muhammad confirmed a clear scientific fact: If a fly falls into a vessel – before a person drinks from this vessel, he should dip the fly in his drink, before disposing of it. Then he should drink the beverage, because it won't do him any harm. Why? Because one of the fly's wings bears the disease, and the other one bears the cure. Read moreSee also:
Richard Dawkins embarrassed after death and subsequent resurrection
From News Biscuit:
Confirmed atheist Richard Dawkins was forced onto the defensive yesterday after he died but subsequently rose from the dead in a miraculous resurrection, much like that of the son of God Jesus Christ.(via RichardDawkins.net)
‘There are a number of perfectly logical scientific explanations for what has happened’ he told journalists flocking to hear his story or just touch the hem of his clothing. ‘Although I was pronounced dead after the unfortunate incident on Friday, the doctors clearly made a mistake. The fact that there was thunder and lightning, and those around claim to have heard the sound of angelic voices is completely irrelevant.’ Read more
CNN: Religious extremists use fear tactics against Obama
October 29, 2008
CNN's Deborah Feyerick reported that right-wing religious groups are using fear to discourage voting for Obama. Focus on the Family warns children will be awash in pornography, terrorist will strike four American cities and marriage will be turned inside out. ChristianDC.org warns an Obama victory will herald the apocalypse. An email sent to 75,000 Jewish voters compares an Obama presidency to Nazi Germany.(via Raw Replay)
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
BBC Radio 4: Imams 'fail women' over sex abuse
LinkOctober 27, 2008
From BBC Radio 4:
A girl who was sexually abused by her father has said she was told by her imam she had a 'religious obligation' not to speak out.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Interview with Richard Dawkins on fairy tales and retirement
From Channel 4:
Richard Dawkins says he will spend his retirement writing a book for children.(via RichardDawkins.net)
The former Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University wants to find out if fantasy stories affect their readers' abilities to think rationally. Read more
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Hawking: The story of a search for the begining of time
Play all videos (10)
The story of Professor Stephen Hawking's early years is told for the first time in a major drama for BBC Two.
It is 1963, and our young cosmologist celebrates his 21st birthday. At the party is a new friend, Jane Wilde - there is a strong attraction between the two. Jane is intrigued by Stephen's talk of stars and the Universe. But she realises that there is something very wrong when Stephen suddenly finds that he is unable to stand up.
Hawking stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the young Stephen Hawking who, as a bright and ambitious 21-year-old PhD student at Cambridge University, is diagnosed with the debilitating motor neurone disease and given two years to live. Against the odds, he goes on to achieve scientific success and worldwide acclaim, in particular with his best-selling book A Brief History Of Time.
Unreported World: India - God's Own Country
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Aired: October 24, 2008 on Channel 4
The popular South Indian tourist destination Kerala sells itself as "God's own country". It's home to hundreds of ashrams; spiritual retreats where thousands of pilgrims from India, Britain and the rest of the world seek salvation through a growing number of gurus.
But, as this week's Unreported World reveals, Kerala's 3,000 "godmen" are facing allegations of varying degrees of seriousness ranging from fraud to physical and sexual abuse.
Tim Minchin: 10 Foot Cock & A Few Hundred Virgins (NSFW)
TimMinchin.com
Lyrics:
So you're gonna live in Paradise,See also: Tim Minchin: If You Open Your Mind Too Much Your Brain Will Fall Out
With a ten-foot cock and a few hundred virgins.
So you're gonna live in Paradise,
With a ten-foot cock and a few hundred virgins,
So you're gonna sacrifice your life
For a ride on a UFO,
And when the Lord comes down with his shimmering chariot of salvation,
You're gonna be the first to know.
And so if...
God was there from the very beginning
He invented men and women,
Then He also invented wanking,
Then He said wanking was sinning.
Read more
Thanks to Fred for the link
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Hitchens Slams Palin on Larry King Live
October 24, 2008 on CNN
Larry King Live panel discussion with Christopher Hitchens, Lars Larson, Terry Holt, and Scott McClellan.
Palin Ignorant About Scientific Research
October 24, 2008 on Countdown with Keith Olbermann
MSNBC political analyst Richard Wolfe said Palin's statement about fruit flies "is the most mindless, ignorant, uninformed, comment that we have seen from Governor Palin so far and there's been a lot of competition for that prize."See also: Sarah Palin: Ignorant and anti-science - Pharyngula
Friday, October 24, 2008
Beyond Belief 2008: Candles in the Dark
VideosOctober 3-6, 2008
Beyond Belief: Candles in the Dark is the third in an annual series of conversations: an ongoing project to foster and promote the use of reason in formulating social policy. This year, we asked participants to propose a Candle -- a potential solution to a problem that they have identified in their area of expertise or informed passion. More
Blackmail Threats Over California Gay Marriage Ban
October 23, 2008 on KFMB CBS News 8
CBS News:
A threatening letter has sparked a new controversy here in San Diego surrounding the gay marriage debate. Donors who gave money to the No on Prop 8 campaign say they received blackmail letters demanding money, and the Yes on 8 campaign now says the letters were sent by their employees.
The letter from Yes on 8 came by certified mail, demanding at least $10,000. Jim Abbot knows exactly why he’s being targeted - his business gave $10,000 to a group called Equality California, which supports No on Prop 8. Read more
TheCall California: A Battle to "Save" Marriage
TheCall California on November 1, 2008 invites Christians from all over the West Coast to come together at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to pray for revival in California.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Jerusalem Syndrome
Link
For some, visiting Jerusalem brings them a little too close to God. Dozens of tourists develop ‘Jerusalem Syndrome’, believing they have a messianic mission. Many fear they pose a security risk.Thanks to Mirko for the link
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Phil Zuckerman: Society Without God
American sociologist Phil Zuckerman discusses religion and secularism in Denmark.Sam Harris writes in his newsletter:
Contrary to the views of many conservative pundits and the Christian Right, the least religious countries in the world today are not full of chaos and immorality, but are actually among the safest, healthiest, most well-educated, prosperous, ethical, and successful societies on earth. Based on a year’s worth of research conducted while living in Scandinavia, Society Without God by Phil Zuckerman explores life in a largely secular culture, delving into the unique worldviews of secular men and women who live in a largely irreligious society, and explaining the reasons why some nations are less religious than others, and why religious faith doesn’t seem to be the secret to national success that so many claim it to be.See also:
"Most Americans are convinced that faith in God is the foundation of civil society. Society Without God reveals this to be nothing more than a well-subscribed, and strangely American, delusion. Even atheists living in the United States will be astonished to discover how unencumbered by religion most Danes and Swedes currently are. This glimpse of an alternate, secular reality is at once humbling and profoundly inspiring--and it comes not a moment too soon."
(via Skepchick and RichardDawkins.net)
AP: New Pharmacy Won't Sell Contraceptives
October 22, 2008
A new drug store in a Virginia strip mall is refusing to sell contraceptives of any kind on religious grounds.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Sister Francis Explains Communion to School Children
A short clip from the BBC Documentary "Count Your Blessings" which aired October 15 2008, on BBC One Northern Ireland.
Muslim For McCain Not Allowed To Talk To CNN
October 20, 2008 on CNN
From The Huffington Post:
Daniel Zubairi, a Muslim McCain grassroots organizer who told racist rally attendees in Woodbridge, Virginia that the campaign didn't "endorse that behavior," was for some reason not allowed to talk to CNN about the incident.
Anchor Rick Sanchez said Zubairi was "ready and willing" to talk, but "the McCain camp won't let him do so."
Debate: Christopher Hitchens vs. Frank Turek
September 9, 2008
Frank Turek, co-author of "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist," and Christopher Hitchens, author of "god is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," met at VCU in Richmond, VA to debate the subject, "Does God Exist?"
Monday, October 20, 2008
Now on PBS: A 'Values' Voter Speaks Her Mind About Obama
Partial transcript:
Tracy: I can't imagine a President of the United States being named President Obama. I really have a problem with that and I'm not the only one.(via RichardDawkins.net)
Interviewer: Because that means what to you?
Tracy: His background. A mother that was atheist. Huh, that really gets to me. A father that was a Muslim. That should get to everyone.
Muslim McCain Fans Confront Intolerance At Rally
by The American News Project
At a John McCain rally in Woodbridge, Virginia, three people handed out "Obama for Change" bumper stickers with the Communist sickle and hammer and the Islamic crescent, saying Obama was a socialist with ties to radical Islam. Several moderate McCain supporters, Muslim and Christian alike, struck back - relentlessly bombarding the group distributing the flyers until they left the premises.
Palin Indicates Support for Constitutional Marriage Amendment
October 20, 20008 on CBN
Partial transcript:
David Brody: On Constitutional marriage amendment , are, are you for something like that?
Sarah Palin: I am, in my own, state, I have voted along with the vast majority of Alaskans who had the opportunity to vote to amend our Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman. I wish on a federal level that thats where we would go because I dont support gay marriage.
The NRSC Attacks U.S. Senate Candidate Kay Hagan For Having "Godless Friends"
by The National Republican Senatorial Committee:
Liberal Kay Hagan flew to Boston to pocket campaign cash from leaders of the Godless Americans PAC. What is Godless Americans PAC? Godless Americans Political Action Committee is a left-wing organization based in Washington, DC -- dedicated to 'Mobilizing America's nonbelievers for political activism.'
Kay Hagan's friends actively support political candidates who who support their liberal agenda to remove 'under God' from the Pledge of Allegiance, remove any reference to God in the public arena and eliminating the Christmas Holiday.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Hindu Mobs to Christians: Convert or we will kill you
October 19, 2008 on SKY News
Guardian:
Hundreds of Christians in the Indian state of Orissa have been forced to renounce their religion and become Hindus after lynch mobs issued them with a stark ultimatum: convert or die.
The wave of forced conversions marks a dramatic escalation in a two-month orgy of sectarian violence which has left at least 59 people dead, 50,000 homeless and thousands of houses and churches burnt to the ground. As neighbour has turned on neighbour, thousands more Christians have sought sanctuary in refugee camps, unable to return to the wreckage of their homes unless they, too, agree to abandon their faith. Read more
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Herschel and Planck: Viewing The Universe In A Different Light
October 18, 2008 on Euronews
European scientists are preparing two new windows on the Universe that will give astronomers an unprecedented look at stars forming, and the aftermath of the ‘Big Bang.’ Unlike optical telescopes, the Herschel and Planck space observatories detect far-infrared and microwaves.
Chirstopher Hitchens Tries to Explain Why He's Voting for Obama
October 17, 2008 on FOX News with Laura Ingraham
See also:
Thursday, October 16, 2008
National Geographic: Inside a Cult
Play all videos (2)
Aired: April 23, 2008
Doomsday cult leader Michael Travesser prophesied that the world would end October 31, 2007 -- but what happened? Go inside Travesser's cult to meet its leader, its followers and the dynamics that shape cult behavior.(via Doctor E)
Comedian Nick Doody at the CEMB Conference
Link
October 10, 2008
(via New Humanist Blog)
October 10, 2008
Comedian Nick Doody Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) International Conference on Political Islam, Sharia Law and Civil SocietySee also: More videos from the CEMB Conference
(via New Humanist Blog)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
CNN: Bill Maher Accused of Trickery
October 13, 2008
Bill Maher is accused of tricking people into participating in his documentary "Religulous." Brooke Anderson reports.
Harun Yahya on Al-Jazeera TV
September 28, 2007
Transcript:
Interviewer: You say that Darwin is responsible for global terrorism.
Oktar: Yes, Darwin says that life is the struggle between the strong and the weak. In other words, the strong annihilate the weak. There is a belief that the only way to survive is by strength. The idea is reflected in Social Darwinism, which believes that whoever is more powerful militarily, politically, and in terms of technology will be superior to the weak and the oppressed, and will rule and annihilate them. This idea dominated the ideology of Hitler and Mussolini. [...]
Interviewer: You claim that Christ will return and adopt the values of Islam. Will he return as a Christian, or will he become a Muslim?
Oktar: There are hadiths indicating that [Christ] memorized the Koran, and that he would recite the Koran by heart. Christ will, of course, be Muslim. He will return as a Muslim. It is said that he will break the cross and kill the pigs. He will abide by what Islam permits and prohibits. He will pray behind the Mahdi and then, Islam will rule the entire world. Read more
Richard Dawkins on Harun Yahya's Atlas of Creation
Link
Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain's first international conference on Political Islam, Sharia Law and Civil Society held at Conway Hall on October 10 was a resounding success. Nearly 300 people came together to discuss issues ranging from apostasy, the freedom to criticise and renounce religion, Sharia law and civil society and creationism, faith schools and religious education. Held on the International Day against the Death Penalty, the conference was a stark reminder of the many killed or facing execution for apostasy in countries ruled by Islamic laws.See also: (via RichardDawkins.net)
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Garrett Lisi: A Beautiful New Theory of Everything
Filmed Feb 2008; Posted Oct 2008 Link
Physicist and surfer Garrett Lisi presents a controversial new model of the universe that -- just maybe -- answers all the big questions. If nothing else, it's the most beautiful 8-dimensional model of elementary particles and forces you've ever seen.
Christopher Hitchens: Palin is Simply a Disgrace
October 13, 2008
Christopher Hitchens: Vote for Obama:
The only public events that have so far featured his absurd choice of running mate have shown her to be a deceiving and unscrupulous woman utterly unversed in any of the needful political discourses but easily trained to utter preposterous lies and to appeal to the basest element of her audience. Read more
Monday, October 13, 2008
Al Jazeera: Misconceptions of Obama Fuel Republican Campaign
October 13, 2008 on Al Jazeera English
As the US presidential campaign enters its final weeks, both the Republican and Democratic candidates are hitting the swing states.
But misconceptions and rumours abound and many voters have their facts about the candidates all wrong. Some believe that Democrat Barack Obama is a Muslim, for instance.
Casey Kauffman talked to some Republican supporters after a rally by Sarah Palin, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, in Ohio.
Richard Dawkins at the Conservative Party Conference 2008
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Richard Dawkins at Conservative Humanist Association launch event at The Conservative Party Conference 2008 in BirminghamShane Greer interviews Prof. Richard Dawkins & Jeff Peel
(via RichardDawkins.net)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Cassiopeia Project: Facts Of Evolution
Play all videos (6)
The Cassiopeia Project is an effort to make science videos available for free to anyone who wants them. We believe that if you can visualize it, then understanding is not far behind. Teachers and students are particualry welcome to use these materials.See also:
Read more
Say Hebbo! To Tarvuism
Tarvu.com
Everybody's talking about it - isn't it time you found out about it? Tarvuism is the world's oldest and fastest-growing religion. Get ready to say "Hebbo" - to Tarvuism!(via Pharyngula)
Connecticut Court Allows Gay Marriage
October 10, 2008
A sharply divided Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to get married, saying legislators did not go far enough when they approved same-sex civil unions.
Friday, October 10, 2008
FOX News: Parents Outraged Over Baby Doll They Say Mumbles Pro-Islam Message
October 8, 2008
FOX News:
A doll some are claiming utters pro-Islam and even satanic messages has outraged parents in Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
People insist they can hear Fisher-Price's "Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Cuddle and Coo" mumbling "Islam is the light" and "Satan is king," according to KJRH.com and MyFOXKC.com.
"There's no markings on the box to indicate there's anything Islamic about this doll," said Gary Rofkahr of Owasso, Okla., who was at work when another man brought the toy in to show his colleagues.
Rofkahr said he found various versions of the doll at local Target and Wal-Mart stores, which have since pulled the toys from their shelves. Read more
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Flight From Death: The Quest For Immortality (Trailer)
FlightFromDeath.com | Watch Introduction (10min)
Narrated by Gabriel Byrne (Usual Suspects, Vanity Fair, Miller's Crossing), this seven-time Best Documentary award-winning film (Silver Lake Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival) is the most comprehensive and mind-blowing investigation of humankind's relationship with death ever captured on film. Hailed by many viewers as a "life-transformational film," Flight from Death uncovers death anxiety as a possible root cause of many of our behaviors on a psychological, spiritual, and cultural level.(via Topic Agnostic)
Following the work of the late cultural anthropologist, Ernest Becker, and his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Denial of Death, this documentary explores the ongoing research of a group of social psychologists that may forever change the way we look at ourselves and the world. Over the last twenty-five years, this team of researchers has conducted over 300 laboratory studies, which substantiate Becker's claim that death anxiety is a primary motivator of human behavior, specifically aggression and violence.
Rabbi David Wolpe: New Atheists Hold Religious Believers in Contempt
September 17, 2008 (Posted today on Fora TV)
Rabbi David Wolpe percieves the arguments against religion from atheists like Christopher Hitchens as mockery, saying they hold believers in contempt. He cites harsh criticism against Sarah Palin's religious beliefs as an example.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
German Doing Well After Double Arm Transplant
October 8, 2008
A German farmer who received the world's first complete double arm transplant is recovering well and able to perform some basic tasks, though doctors said Wednesday it still could take up to two years before he relearns how to use his hands.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Koranic Scientist: No Scientific Necessity to Wash Off Urine of 'Male' Infants
September 3, 2008 on Al-Aqsa TV
Dr. Ahmad Al-Muzain: The Prophet Muhammad said that there is no need to wash off the urine of the male infant. Only the urine of the female infant should be washed. In the case of the urine of the male infant, it is enough to sprinkle water lightly over it. From this, the religious scholars have concluded that the urine of the male is less impure than the urine of the female. This gives rise to many questions: Why is there a distinction between the urine of the male and the female? What is the wisdom in this? Is this, as some Orientalists claim, discrimination against the female, even in infancy? God forbid that this is true. [...]
In order to prove the wisdom behind this, scientists from an Iraqi university have conducted a unique experiment. Of course, this experiment was supervised by a professor from the International Commission on Scientific Signs in the Quran and the Sunna. [...]
This experiment proved that a type of bacteria known as E. coli - and you can see a picture of this bacteria behind me... We found this type of bacteria in the urine culture of both male and female infants. What was strange, however, was that the urine of the male infant contained much fewer bacteria than that of the female. [...]
This proves unequivocally that this is the true religion, and that this knowledge was conveyed to the Prophet by Allah.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Stop sharia law in Britain
by Pat Condell
If you are a British citizen or a resident please sign this petition against sharia law being used in BritainSee also:
CBS: Gay Marriage Opponents Thank Obama
October 5, 2008
From CBS News:
Those campaigning in California for Proposition 8, which would reinstate the ban on gay marriage, believe they'll get a lot of unintended help from Barack Obama on Election Day, reports CBS News correspondent John Blackstone.
"We thank Barack Obama, even though he's not supporting it, for helping us," says Sonja Eddings Brown, of an anti-gay-marriage group called Protect Marriage. "We think it's going to push us over the top."
Obama is expected to bring African-American voters out in record numbers, and those voters are seen as often being more conservative on issues involving homosexuality. Read more
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Bill Moyers Interviews Colin McGinn on Faith and Reason
Play all videos (3)
Colin McGinn is a British philosopher whose work focuses on philosophy of mind, ethics, and philosophical logic. He currently teaches at the University of Miami.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Palin's Apocalypse
Does Sarah Palin believe in the Anti-Christ? Does she believe true Christians will be whisked up to heaven sometime in the near future? Does she expect Jesus to come back to earth in our lifetimes and battle the armies of Satan?by American News Project (ANP)
Friday, October 3, 2008
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Bill Maher and Larry Charles on The Hour
October 1, 2008
What do the sharpest satirical minds working in television today have to say about religion? Well, if you ask Bill Maher and Larry Charles, the answer would be "a lot". Maher is known for holding nothing back on his former talk show 'Politically Incorrect' and his current one, 'Real Time.' Larry Charles made his name as a writer and producer on shows like 'Seinfeld', 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' and 'Entourage.' Oh, and he also directed a little movie called 'Borat.' Now, Maher and Charles have joined forces in a new documentary called 'Religulous.' Now, if you're still wondering where Maher and Charles stand, let's just say they might have to dodge a few lightning bolts if they're wrong...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Welcome to Saudi Britain - UPDATED
by Pat Condell
If you live in Britain please sign this petition against the creeping poison of sharia law before October 4th when it closes.UPDATE:
Pat's original video was banned by Youtube. Here is another copy from his website.
UPDATE [October 3, 2008]:
Youtube reinstated the video after hundreds of copies were posted since the ban.
See also:
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