From Bigger and Blackerer (2010)
Monday, May 31, 2010
Christopher Hitchens and Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Sunday Live with Adam Boulton
May 2010. From the Hay Literary Festival Adam Boulton discusses the future for Afghanistan with Rory Stewart MP, Christopher Hitchens and Ayaan Hirsi Ali.(via Daily Hitchens)
Sunday, May 30, 2010
The Guardian Hay Festival Debate: Is Reason Always Right?
Download MP3
From The Guardian:
Science and logic are often held up as the only way to answer the modern world's big questions. But is there a role for instinct, inherited wisdom, or even God?
Chaired by Simon Jenkins, with Ayaan Hirsi Ali, AC Grayling, Martin Rees, Richard Harries and Maggi Dawn
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Frost Over The World - Craig Venter
May 29, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
Craig Venter has created artificial life. Last week, the geneticist announced that he and his research partner, the Nobel Laureate Hamilton Smith, had successfully transplanted synthetic DNA into living bacterial cells. He joins Sir David from New York to discuss his startling breakthrough and its implications for both science and ethics.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Fox Guest: Adam & Eve's Children Did Not Commit Incest
May 28, 2010 on Fox News with Dr. Ahmed Kutty
Late Night Live: Christopher Hitchens | ABC Radio
May 27, 2010 on ABC Late Night Live
Download MP3
All his life, Christopher Hitchens has written about war and conflict and politics, topics relevant to both his private and public life. In his new memoir, Hitch 22(via Daily Hitchens), he outlines how his obsessions shaped him as a writer and as a public intellectual.
House Votes to Repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
May 28, 2010 on AP
Congress has taken two big steps toward ending the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military. The House passed a measure repealing the law. The Senate will debate the measure next month.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Bill Moyers Interviews Richard Dawkins
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Aired December 2004 on PBS
Transcript:
MOYERS: At least half of America is going to take issue with the cover story of the November issue of the National Geographic magazine. There it is, with the provocative question boldly displayed, "Was Darwin Wrong?" The article inside answers just as boldly, "No. The evidence for evolution is overwhelming."(via Derren Brown Blog)
Read more
Atheists Don't Have No Songs
April 29, 2010 at the New Orleans Jazz Fest
By Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Inside A School For Suicide Bombers | TED2010
Filmed Feb 2010; Posted May 2010 on TED
Filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy takes on a terrifying question: How does the Taliban convince children to become suicide bombers? Propaganda footage from a training camp is intercut with her interviews of young camp graduates. A shocking vision.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Hitchens: Creationists Are Losing
From The Age:
Christopher Hitchens, author and one of the world's most famous atheists says evangelicals are in a panic over creationism because they're losing the argument.(via RichardDawkins.net)
Scientology - Circus of the Stars
by The Thinking Atheist
Haven for the rich and gullible, Scientology is one of the more "unique" cults on the planet. Check it out!
Family Asks Doctors to Wait for Prayers to Work
May 22, 2010 on WFAA Channel 8:
A North Texas family is racing to stop a hospital from amputating a patient's foot, saying the procedure violates their religious rights.
The situation is now so tense that Angela Wright's husband has been barred from the hospital where she is being treated.
Wright had her first heart attack two months ago. Her family immediately began calling prayer groups, asking fellow Christians to appeal to God.
They kept praying through five more heart attacks.
"It's everything," said Dwight Wright. "It's the reason my wife's still here, I believe."
Read more
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
Damian Aspinall's Extraordinary Gorilla Encounter
In the African jungle, conservationist Damian Aspinall searches for Kwibi, a lowland gorilla he hasn't seen for 5 years. Kwibi grew up with Damian at his Howletts Wild Animal Park in England. When he was five, he was released into the forests of Gabon, West Africa as part of conservation programme to re-introduce gorillas back into the wild. Now Kwibi's 10 years old, much bigger and stronger. Will Damian find him? Will Kwibi attack him?(via Cynical-C Blog)
TSBOE Member Opens Debate on New Social Studies Standards with a Politically Divisive Prayer
From Texas Freedom Network:
Even before the Texas State Board of Education took up its expected debate today over what students will learn about separation about church and state in their social studies classrooms, board member Cynthia Dunbar, R-Richmond, made her position clear. She offered the board’s opening prayer this morning and removed any doubt about what she and other far-right board members want students to learn: America’s laws and government should be based on the Christian Bible.(via Pharyngula)
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Craig Venter Unveils "Synthetic Life"
Posted May 21, 2010 on TED
Craig Venter and team make a historic announcement: they've created the first fully functioning, reproducing cell controlled by synthetic DNA. He explains how they did it and why the achievement marks the beginning of a new era for science.
Close Up: Sir Ian Mckellen
Sir Ian Mckellen (Gandalf) rips out the part of the bible that criticizes homosexuals when he stays at hotels.(via Reddit)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Remember The Sabbath
by The Thinking Atheist
Observant Jews go to some bizarre lengths to "Remember The Sabbath." You may not believe it, but it's true.
Scientology President's Daughter Slams 'Toxic' Church
May 18, 2010 on ABC Lateline (Australia)
The daughter of the president of the Church of Scientology in Australia has spoken out against the organisation, describing it as toxic and accusing the church of tearing some families apart.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Pakistan Bans Facebook Over 'Draw Muhammad Day'
May 19, 2010 on AP
Pakistan's government ordered Internet service providers to block Facebook amid anger over a page that encourages users to post images of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
Attorney Roger Jon Diamond vs. Fox & Friends Over Prayers Referencing Jesus at City Council Meetings
May 18, 2010 on Fox & Friends
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Robert Seyfarth: Can Monkeys Talk? - RDF TV
Robert Seyfarth describes how monkey calls used by Vervet Monkeys might be precursors to language.
To read more about language in monkeys (and chimps), see the NY Times article: "Deciphering the chatter of monkeys and chimps"
If you enjoy content like this, please consider donating to RDFRS here.
Nigerian Senator Defends Under-Age Marriage
May 18, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
A Nigerian senator has come under fire for marrying an Egyptian girl who is alleged to be 36 years his junior.
Sani Ahmed Yerima, 49, is said to have paid $100,000 as dowry for the 13-year-old girl.
But he has defended his decision as the prospect for facing prosecution looms, saying he followed the teaching of the prophet Mohammed.
RDF TV - The Search For Hidden Dimensions - Brian Greene
by RichardDawkins.net
Brian Greene explains how extra dimensions may solve several problems in physics, and gives his stance on the possibility of a "multi-verse".
To learn more about String Theory, watch Brian Greene's "The Elegant Universe" on NOVA
Also see Brian Greene's book on String Theory "The Elegant Universe"
Or Brian Greene's book on General Physics "The Fabric of the Cosmos"
If you enjoy content like this, please consider donating to RDFRS
Monday, May 17, 2010
Dr. Eugenie C. Scott: Science and Skepticism
How are science and skepticism related? Is skepticism a part of science, or is science a tool of skepticism? Dr. Eugenie C. Scott, Executive Director of the National Center for Science Education, discusses these questions, and explores the importance of teaching both science and skepticism.(Thanks OGjimbo)
Dr. Glenn Beck
From Religion Dispatches:
Saturday morning in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University conveyed an honorary doctorate in humanities and scientists on Mormon conservative media heavyweight Glenn Beck.
Breaking into his trademark tears, Beck told the stadium of 8,000 Liberty University grads and 20,000 friends and family members, "as a man who was never able to go to college—I went for one semester but I couldn’t afford any more than that---I am humbled and honored."
Beck immediately offered an apology of sorts for his Mormonism, saying that it was an act of “courage” for the fundamentalist Baptist Liberty University to invite him to speak and that he understood it was “not meant as an endorsement of my faith,” offering instead his own “endorsement of your faith,” emphasizing his personal belief in Jesus Christ, and exhorting the audience to “look to God and live,” a reference to the story of Moses and the brazen serpent (Numbers 21: 7 -9).
Read more
Texans for Truthful Textbooks
May 16, 2010 on KVUE:
The State Board of Education will vote on new curriculum for History and Social Studies textbooks. The issue has lit a firestorm of outrage across Texas. KVUE's Quita Culpepper has more on how one group rallied at the state capitol to voice its displeasure.(via American Atheists)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Israel's Orthodox Study Burden
May 16, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
Several hundred thousand ultra-orthodox Jews do not have to work as they get money from the state to study the Torah, the holy book of Judaism.
But now, experts warn it is costing too much and Israeli taxpayers will not be able to carry the burden much longer.
The Virtue of the New Atheist is Clarity
From Pharyngula:
A very nice statement by Dawkins: the virtue of the New Atheist is clarity, not shrillness, not certainty, not militancy, and the problem is our opponents all have to be obscurantists to make excuses for folly(via RichardDawkins.net)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Shia Leader Muqtada Al-Sadr Offers "Hundreds of Believers" to Aid Iraqi Army
May 15, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
Violence in Iraq has been on the rise since elections last March, with al-Qaeda in Iraq recently announcing a new offensive against security forces and Shia Muslims.
Mosques, too, have been attacked, leading Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shia leader who commands the Mahdi Army malitia, to offer "hundreds of believers" to support Iraq's security forces.
The government has so far rejected that offer.
Vatican's Top American Has Mixed Record on Abuse
May 14, 2010 on AP
The highest-ranking American at the Vatican and head of the office that defrocks pedophile priests kept some accused molesters in the church and failed to share some allegations with police or parishioners when he was archbishop in California and Oregon.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Calls for Separation of Religion and State in Lebanon
Aired April 24, 2010 on LBC TV (Lebanon) - Transcript
The Streets - Alleged Legends
by The Streets - Amazon
Lyrics:
Some people live their lives by a little red book
The points for right lying out and guides them good
They never really mimic every word by eye
'Cuz if they did they'd be in a whole world of strife
The book's quite old school, but then it was tough
It contains some quite experimental justice
The thinking people are thinking that without this book
That without these verses we'd pillage and murder but,
Following this red book word for word
Leads you to actually pillage and murder
Could it be so what we think to be right,
Is simply the opinion that survived?
Do what you think's right, and you will feel alright
'Cuz when you're bad you will feel sad
That's the religion I live by
Read more
Julia Sweeney has "The Talk"
Filmed Feb 2010; Posted May 2010 on TED:
Despite her best efforts, comedian Julia Sweeney is forced to tell a little white lie when her 8-year-old begins learning about frog reproduction -- and starts to ask some very smart questions.Related: Julia Sweeney: Letting Go of God (TED2006)
Empire State Building Snubs Mother Teresa
May 14, 2010 on Fox News with Bill Donohue and Gretchen Carlson
FOX News: Prayer "Under Attack" at Lancaster City Council Meetings
May 14, 2010 on Fox & Friends
Mayor of town is being sued for praying at city council meetings
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Religion, Demography and Politics in the 21st Century
Leading political thinker Eric Kaufmann, commentator Dominic Lawson and broadcaster Laurie Taylor examine the implications of the decline in liberal secularism as religious conservatism rises.(via New Humanist Blog)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Pope: Church's Own Sins to Blame in Sex Scandal
May 11, 2010 on AP:
In his most thorough admission of the church's guilt in the clerical sex abuse scandal, Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday the greatest persecution of the institution 'is born from the sins within the church,' and not from a campaign by outsiders.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Science Friction: Creationism in the Classroom
Dayton, Tennessee - Clip from the BBC1 documentary 'Science Friction: Creation' circa 1996(via TreVelocita)
Swedish Cartoonist Lars Vilks Attacked by Muslims
May 11, 2010 at the University of Uppsala
From Swedish Wire:
Swedish cartoonist Lars Vilks, who sparked controversy by drawing Prophet Mohammed with the body of a dog, was on Tuesday attacked while giving a lecture at a university.(via Reddit)
Read more
Indonesian Christians Under Attack
May 11, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
Violent attacks against Christians in Indonesia have forced the closure of 20 churches in recent months, testing the fragile religious balance in predominantly-Muslim nation.
But the government denies the incidents are a sign of growing religious intolerance, putting the blame on politics and regional elections instead.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Christopher Hitchens: The Fifth Annual Arthur Miller Freedom to Write Lecture
Christopher Hitchens speaks on Crucibles: Past and Present followed by a conversation with PEN World Voices Festival Chair, Salman Rushdie.
Father Morris: Comedy Central Need To "Self-Censor"
May 9, 2010 on Fox News with Fr. Jonathan Morris
Argumental - God Will Not Forgive Richard Dawkins
Slideshow round from Argumental Series 3 Episode 2. Topic: God Will Not Forgive Richard Dawkins. Marcus Brigstocke argues FOR while Sarah Millican argues AGAINST.(via AncientJoystick)
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Another Anti-Gay Christian Leader Caught With Male Prostitute
May 7, 2010 on MSNBC with Rachel Maddow
From Miami New Times:
For decades, George Alan Rekers has been a general in the culture wars, though his work has often been behind the scenes. In 1983, he and James Dobson, America's best-known homophobe, formed the Family Research Council, a D.C.-based, rabidly Christian, and vehemently anti-gay lobbying group that has become a standard-bearer of the nation's extreme right wing. Its annual Values Summit is considered a litmus test for Republican presidential hopefuls, and Sean Hannity and Ann Coulter have spoken there. (The Family Research Council would not comment about Rekers's Euro-trip.)(via Boing Boing)
Read more
Friday, May 7, 2010
Humans Interbred with Neanderthals
May 7, 2010 on BBC News:
Many people alive today possess some Neanderthal ancestry, according to a landmark scientific study.
The finding has surprised many experts, as previous genetic evidence suggested the Neanderthals made little or no contribution to our inheritance.
The result comes from analysis of the Neanderthal genome - the "instruction manual" describing how these ancient humans were put together.
Read more
FOX News on Comedy Central: Religious Double Standards?
May 7, 2010 on FOX News
Comedy Central is working on Jesus series, but Mohammed is off limits?
Thursday, May 6, 2010
QI: David Mitchell on Pascal's Wager - Heaven For Atheists
From the end of season compilation episode of QI's "G" series.
FOX: Dan Barker vs. Father Morris Over 'National Day of Prayer'
May 6, 2010 on FOX News - http://FFRF.org
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
What Would Jesus Do?
by Axis of Awesome
He’s a zombie-wizard who also knows kung-fu, so next time you’re in trouble thinking “What Would Jesus Do?,” try not to forget, he’s a million billion trillion times better than you(via Unreasonable Faith)
Dinosaur Blood and Polystrate Trees Debunked
by Potholer54debunks
See also:
- The Made Easy Series: From Big Bang to Us - potholer54
- Scientific Proof of the Bible #1 - The TRUTH Group
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Councilman Don Redman Questions Parvez Ahmed: Recite A Prayer "To Your God"
From Jacksonville.com
Video of Jacksonville City Councilman Don Redman asking Parvez Ahmed to recite a prayer "to your God" during discussion surrounding his appointment to the city's Human Rights Commission.
Pope Waited 4 Years to Defrock 'Convicted' Pedophile Priest
May 4, 2010 on CNN
The Pope waited too long to defrock a priest convicted of molesting boys.
Monday, May 3, 2010
The Internet: Where Religions Come to Die
From Pharyngula:
You may recall that today the Mormons are trying to push up the rankings of a truly stupid video which argues that the fact that someone believes in something fervently means it must be true. Don't bother watching the Mormon video — in fact, avoid giving it any more traffic — and instead follow this link to the Thunderf00t video and click on the "Like" button to vote it up, and also leave a comment. The more input, the better. We don't quite have the numbers of the Mormon church, so spread the word and get more people to join in.
Hello Angry Atheists
by Pat Condell
The video referred to here "Vote small, think big" has been removed along with two others by a false copyright claim. Until they're reinstated you can see them at http://godlesscomedy.blip.tv/
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Mediums Gather in Brazil for Religious Ceremony
May 2, 2010 on BBC:
Thousands of mediums from all over the world have gathered in Brazil to participate in an annual religious ceremony.(Thanks James)
The event is held every year in the Valley of the Dawn, an area in Brazil famous for its spiritualism.
Nate Phelps: The Grayness of Life
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Nate Phelps is one of the estranged children of Pastor Fred Phelps of the Westboro Baptist Church. Since Pastor Phelps began his latest assault on various segments of the world in 1991, Nate has been providing his perspective on the dark (or perhaps darker) side of Pastor Phelps.
Centre For Inquiry has invited Nate to Calgary to share his insights with the Calgary community. Knowing how groups like Westboro Baptist work is not only fascinating, but helpful in countering their message.
I'm Sorry I'm a Christian
Vancouver Poetry Slam:
Chris Tse was the 1st place winner on the 21st of December with a score of 57.3 with his poem I’m Sorry I’m a Christian.(via DoctorE)
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Bill Maher Slams Muslim Extremists
*Updated with youtube copy - Alternative link
April 30, 2010 on HBO's 'Real Time with Bill Maher'
(via RichardDawkins.net)
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