Thursday, December 30, 2010

Five Arrested Over 'Muhammad Cartoon' Terror Plot in Denmark


December 30, 2010 on Russia Today:
Danish police are investigating what they call the most-serious terror plot ever attempted in the country. Five suspected Islamist militants have been arrested for allegedly planning a gun attack in Copenhagen.

Their target was the office of the newspaper that printed the controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed five years ago.

Police say the suspects intended to break into the building and to kill as many people as possible.

The publication of the cartoons, one of which depicted the Prophet Mohammed with a bomb-shaped turban, invoked the fury of Muslims around the world.

The arrests are the latest in a series throughout the year which have put European nations on high alert over the spread of Islamic radicalism.

The Nightline Interview - Sam Harris


December 29, 2010 on ABC Nightline

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Greek Orthodox Bishop Says Hitler Was an Instrument of a Zionist Conspiracy


December 22, 2010 on Mega TV (Greece)
From Greek Reporter:
A high-level priest (Metropolite of Piraeus Seraphimon) on the morning show of the largest television station in Greece blamed world Jewry for Greece’s financial problems on Tuesday.

The Metropolite of Piraeus Seraphim (photo) also blamed world Jewry for other ills in the country during his appearance on Mega TV. Says Hitler was instrument of Zionism, funded by Rothschild family.
Read more
(Thanks Angelos)

Friday, December 24, 2010

'The View' Takes On Bill Donohue


December 23, 2010 on ABC

Robert Winston: How Science Changed Our World


Aired December 23, 2010 on BBC One
Professor Robert Winston presents his top ten scientific breakthroughs of the past 50 years. Tracing these momentous and wide-ranging discoveries, he meets a real-life bionic woman, one of the first couples to test the male contraceptive pill, and even some of his early IVF patients. He explores the origins of the universe, probes the inner workings of the human mind and sees the most powerful laser in the world. To finish, Professor Winston reveals the breakthrough he thinks is most significant.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Qur'an - Original Manuscript and Interpretation


*Repost

Sam Harris: The Problem with Islamic Fundamentalism are the Fundamentals of Islam


November 10, 2010 at the First Congregational Church of Berkley, CA
Complete video at FORA.tv

Godless Christmas


by Pat Condell

Win A Book - The Heathen's Guide to World Religions - William Hopper

Winner: JSAC

Thanks to Author William Hopper for sending us copies of his book The Heathen's Guide to World Religions:

First published in 1997, The Heathen’s Guide (Sixth Edition) has become mandatory reading for anyone who questions the assertions of the world’s religions. An easy-to-read, easy-to-access digest that’s an invaluable asset in any religious conversation. Sarcastic, fun, and informative, “The Heathen’s Guide to World Religions” is the book you need on-hand when the true believers come calling.

The Perfect Xmas Gift for the Atheist on your list


All you have to do to enter the draw is login or create a profile on the new commenting system if you don't already have one (takes 2 seconds) and post a comment with an Avatar. I will use a random number generator to determine the winner and ship the book at my expense.

If you don't win and find the book interesting, or would like to send it as a gift to someone, please consider buying it from the author's website.

Thanks to everyone who bought the book last week, Mr. Hopper has decided to become our first sponsor.

UPDATE: Comments without a registered profile will be deleted, please re-post if the picture is not showing.

Monday, December 20, 2010

QI - Vatican City Has the Lowest Age of Consent and the Highest Crime Rate in Europe


From QI Season H, Episode 13

Top Ten Videos of 2010

The top ten most viewed videos of the year from our Youtube channel:

10 - AC360: Christopher Hitchens Talks Cancer and God


9- Dan Barker on Fox News




8- QI: David Mitchell on Pascal's Wager - Heaven For Atheists


7- Richard Dawkins: If Science Worked Like Religion



6- BBC Newsnight: UK Bans Exports of "Bomb Detecting" Dowsing Rods



5- Brit Hume: Tiger Woods Must Become Christian To Be Forgiven


4-Christopher Hitchens vs. Bill O'Reilly on Torture


3- Fox News: 'Heaven Is For Real'


2- Florida Church Plans 'Burn a Quran' Day on 9/11


1- Bertrand Russel on God (1959)

Christopher Hitchens vs. Rabbi Shmuley Boteach - Is There An Afterlife?


Play all videos (8)
September 16, 2010 at Cooper Union, New York
(via Daily Hitchens)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Father Morris: It's Not Healthy to Have an Imaginary Friend


December 19, 2010 on Fox News

Migrating from JS-Kit to Disqus

Last year we were forced to move to JS-Kit Echo's commenting system after JS-Kit bought Haloscan.

Today we found out that JS-Kit Echo upped it's prices from $12 a year to $25 or $50 a month for a blog like ours, and that is simply not feasible nor necessary, so we will be migrating to Disqus.

I will be working on the new theme over the next few hours and will try my best to recover all previous comments.

David

-
UPDATE: Most the comments are back but we lost a few threads. I will try importing them another time tomorrow.

Weekend Links


Saturday, December 18, 2010

Sam Harris: Can Science Determine Human Values?


Complete Video at FORA.tv
November 10,2010 at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, CA
In this highly anticipated, explosive new book, the author of The End of Faith and Letter to a Christian Nation calls for an end to religion's monopoly on morality and human values. In The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values, Sam Harris tears down the wall between scientific facts and human values to dismantle the most common justification for religious faith -- that a moral system cannot be based on science.

BBC Newsnight - Clash of Civilizations?


Decmeber 16, 2010 on BBC Two
In 1993, Harvard political scientist Samuel Huntington published his famous Clash of Civilizations thesis of a post-Cold War new world order.

In it he argued that the dominating source of conflict in this new world would be primarily ideological or economic, but cultural, that "new patterns of conflict will occur along the boundaries of different cultures and patterns of cohesion will be found within the cultural boundaries".

Tonight, we dedicate much of the programme to asking whether this hypothesis was correct.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Rufus Wainwright - Christmas for Atheists


Posted December 14, 2010 on CBC
UPDATE: This is a parody by Gavin Crawford from CBC 22 Minutes

Intelligence² Debate: Islam is a Religion of Peace?

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Douglas Murray vs. Zeba Khan, Maajid Nawaz

October 6, 2010 by Intelligence Squared:
Is the rise of terrorism and violence justifiably traced to the teachings of Islam, or is this call to war a twisted interpretation of the true Muslim faith? Most of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims are moderates who see Islamic terrorism as a violation of their sacred texts. Is it wrong to let a radical minority represent authentic Islam? Has fear blinded us to its lessons of tolerance and peace?

American Dream: One Nation Under God


Episode 3/3 of the 'American Dream' series
Aired December 4, 2010 on BBC Two
The final part of this exploration of the American dream looks at the role faith has played in American notions of a new world - from traditional religion to cults to the beliefs of the counterculture.

Faith defines America. The Pilgrim Fathers dreamt of a new world based on Christian principles. Part of the American dream has been the right to worship God in any way Americans wanted to. But in the sixties, some young people rejected mainstream religion and started reinventing the American dream. The conflicting visions produced a divided America.

This programme explores the original American dream of a faith-based nation. It takes in the post-war revival of interest in religion and healing and the traditional perspectives of popular singer Pat Boone and former beauty queen Anita Bryant, before journeying through the rise of Pentecostalism via the alternative philosophies of the Beat generation - or the Merry Pranksters - and their LSD fuelled visions of the sixties, along with hippie communes and dangerous cults.
(via TreVelocita)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Fox News: Jesus Slammed in High School Book


December 14, 2010 on Fox News

Woman Whipped In Public For Wearing Trousers


Warning: Contains Violent Images
December 14, 2010 on Sky News:
Footage has emerged of a woman being publicly whipped in Sudan for wearing trousers.

The video offers a rare glimpse of the type of punishment inflicted on women who break the country's strict morality code.

The victim was punished under Sharia law for wearing trousers under her Islamic clothing.

The footage shows her crawling on the ground, raising her arm to try to ward off the attacks and screaming as the whip strikes.
Read more

The Colber Report - The Blitzkrieg on Grinchitude

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Blitzkrieg on Grinchitude - Gretchen Carlson & Christian Nation CHRIST-mas Tree<a>
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire Blog</a>March to Keep Fear Alive
December 13, 2010 on The Colbert Report:
Gretchen Carlson trusts an anonymous slurring woman hanging around a school at night, and the Christian Nation CHRIST-mas Tree declares independence from taste. (04:12)
Viewers in Canada can watch it on The Comedy Network 
Viewers in other countries can use Hotspot Shield or Modify Headers if video is blocked

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Richard Dawkins - "History of the Earth" in C Major

Win A Book - The Heathen's Guide to World Religions - William Hopper

Winner: Rich Wilson

Thanks to Author William Hopper for sending us 3 copies of his book The Heathen's Guide to World Religions:

First published in 1997, The Heathen’s Guide (Sixth Edition) has become mandatory reading for anyone who questions the assertions of the world’s religions. An easy-to-read, easy-to-access digest that’s an invaluable asset in any religious conversation. Sarcastic, fun, and informative, “The Heathen’s Guide to World Religions” is the book you need on-hand when the true believers come calling.

The Perfect Xmas Gift for the Atheist on your list


All you have to do to enter the draw is post a comment below from a real account (click on 'Login' next to the Name field and choose one of many options like Facebook, Google, Yahoo, or Twitter), and I will use a random number generator to determine the winner and ship the book at my expense. There will be another draw next week.

If you have been posting here and already have a user profile with previous comments showing then you dont need to login.

If you don't win and find the book interesting, or would like to send it as a gift to someone, please consider buying it from the author's website.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Are Christians the New Persecuted?


*Note: Video is blocked in the UK (Available on 4oD in 7 parts)
December 2010 on Channel 4
The rise of aggressive secularism and radical Islam has left many Christians feeling under attack and unable to express their faith. Do Christians really face abuse and discrimination? Or are they just struggling to adjust to multi-faith Britain?

Interviews with Nicky Rawlins, Bishop Nick Baines, Gary MacFarlane, Peter Tatchell, Andrea Williams, Bishop Michael Nazir Ali, and Anjem Choudary.
(Thanks to TheRationalizer for the videos)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Interview with Michael Shermer - Reason TV


Posted December 7, 2010 on Reason.tv
Whether they're intelligent design advocates, psychics, or 9/11 truthers, Skeptic Magazine's Founding Publisher Michael Shermer says the world is full of people who believe weird things.

Shermer sat down with Reason.tv's Tim Cavanaugh at Libertopia 2010 in Hollywood to discuss why self-help gurus aren't the key to happiness, what the New Atheist movement hopes to accomplish, why liberals accept evolution but not free markets, and why he switched from global warming skepticism to acceptance.
(Thanks Andrew)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Richard Dawkins Speaking at Duke University


October 3, 2010 at Duke University
(via RichardDawkins.net)

The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution

Christians Hire Stalker-Truck for Atheist Bus Ads


December 6, 2010 on Fox 4 News:
An anonymous group is trying to draw attention away from atheistic billboards posted on Fort Worth buses.

There are four Fort Worth T buses bearing the banner that says, "Millions of Americans are Good without God" on the streets of the city.

But behind one of the buses is a mobile billboard truck with a message reading, "I still love you. -God"

The pro-Christian ad is paid for by a group of pastors and businessmen who don't wish to be identified.
(via RichadDawkins.net)

The God Helmet


Neuroscientist Michael Persinger uses helmet with solenoids to stimulate the brain with magnetic fields inducing a sense of presence of beings such as angels, demons, ghosts, and aliens. From episode one, "Is There a Creator?", of the Science Channel series "Through the Wormhole".

Daily Show: The Gretch Who Saved the War on Christmas

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Gretch Who Saved the War on Christmas
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorThe Daily Show on Facebook
December 6, 2010 on The Daily Show (US Only)
The holiday season wouldn't feel the same without people going out of their way to be offended by nothing.
Viewers in Canada can watch it on The Comedy Network
Viewers in other countries can use Hotspot Shield or Modify Headers

Monday, December 6, 2010

Alan Dershowitz to Mike Huckabee: Go Back to School


December 5, 2010 on Fox News

Senator Inhofe Boycotts 'Holiday' Parade


December 6, 2010 on Fox News

Religion - The Bad Parent


by TheraminTrees

Hawaii Church/State Activist Found Not Guilty


From Hawaii News Now:
The head of Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church has been acquitted of a disorderly conduct charge stemming from his arrest while objecting a prayer being said at the beginning of a state Senate session in April.

When Senate President Colleen Hanabusa introduced a reverend to say the invocation, Mitch Kahle stood from his seat in the gallery of the Senate chambers and said, "I object. My name is Mitch Kahle and I object to this prayer on the grounds that it's a violation of the first amendment of the constitution of the United States. I object."

Kahle's protest lasted about seven seconds. Then he stopped talking and sat down. The Senate's Sergeant at Arms was determined to remove Kahle. When Kahle resisted he was forcefully removed and roughed up. The incident was caught by several video cameras including a camera belonging to Hawaii News Now.
Read more
(Thanks to Ondřej and Valentine for the link)

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Bill Maher: Glenn Beck Like L. Ron Hubbard


December 5, 2010 on CNN
Comedian Bill Maher explains how he thinks Glenn Beck has changed from politician to preacher.
(Thanks James)

ABC News: Ad Campaign Promoting Atheism Across U.S. Draws Ire and Protest


December 5, 2010 on ABC News:
This holiday season, after the marathon of shopping and stressful travel comes to a close, the masses will finally gather to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. But one group says it is using the most religious time of the year to call attention to the plight of an often forgotten group: non-believers and atheists.

Advertisements paid for by the American Humanist Association -- an organization of non-believers -- have been popping up on television, radio and on billboards in cities across the country.

The organization has spent more than $200,000 to get their campaign out into the public this season, with the hope that it will encourage atheists across the country to step out of the closet.
Read more
(via RichardDawkins.net)

The Center of All Things


by The Thinking Atheist

Friday, December 3, 2010

David Silverman vs. Fox News Panel


December 3, 2010 on Fox News

NASA Scientists Disover New Life Form


December 2, 2010 on Al-Jazeera English
See also: NASA Press Conference (Thanks to TheRationalizer)
From Gizmodo:
NASA has discovered a new life form, a bacteria called GFAJ-1 that is unlike anything currently living in planet Earth. It's capable of using arsenic to build its DNA, RNA, proteins, and cell membranes. This changes everything. Updated.

NASA is saying that this is "life as we do not know it". The reason is that all life on Earth is made of six components: Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. Every being, from the smallest amoeba to the largest whale, share the same life stream. Our DNA blocks are all the same.

That was true until today. In a surprising revelation, NASA scientist Felisa Wolfe-Simon and her team have found a bacteria whose DNA is completely alien to what we know today, working differently than the rest of the organisms in the planet. Instead of using phosphorus, the newly discovered microorganism—called GFAJ-1 and found in Mono Lake, California—uses the poisonous arsenic for its building blocks. Arsenic is an element poisonous to every other living creature in the planet except for a few specialized microscopic creatures.
Read more

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Science: A Challenge to TV Orthodoxy - Brian Cox


Play all videos (3)
Aired December 1, 2010 on BBC Two
Professor Brian Cox uses this year's Huw Wheldon Memorial Lecture to address the main challenges in bringing science to television. He tackles the risks in simplifying science for a television audience, the perils of abandoning fact in the name of balance and the importance of making science on television intellectually and emotionally engaging.

Atheist Football Player


by College Humor

Full-Scale Replica Of Noah's Ark Planned For Outside Cincinnati


Play all videos (2)
See also: 'Ark Encounter' Introduced by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
From CNN:
The Creation Museum will announce details Wednesday afternoon of its planned expansion.

Answers In Genesis, which built and operates the religious-themed attraction, plans to build a full-scale wooden replica of Noah's Ark based on biblical descriptions.

The $24.5 million project will be constructed by the same team that built the Creation Museum.

The religious ministry is soliciting online donations to help construct the project, which they expect to draw an estimated 1.6 million visitors per year.

Ken Ham, president and CEO of Answers In Genesis, cites poll data showing that an estimated 63 percent of Americans would visit a full-scale replica of Noah's Ark if one were built in the U.S.
UPDATE: Read more at pharyngula

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Fort Worth Buses: Good Without God


November 30, 2010 on The 33 News:
Advertisements on buses deliver all sorts of messages like "Hunger is here," or Hot & bothered." Starting next week a controversial ad will be zipping around Fort Worth on the sides of buses. It will read "Millions of Americans Are Good Without God."

"Kids are riding the bus and that is not showing a good thing for the kids." Denise Harvard said. She frequently rides buses with her son and believes the city made a mistake allowing four buses to carry the ad. The Dallas-Fort Worth Coalition Of Reason paid $2500 to have the ads run for 30 days. Coalition spokesperson Terry McDonald says the ads are designed to encourage non-believers to feel comfortable and come out of the closet.
Read more

Losing Religion to the Amazonian Piraha Tribe


Linguistics professor Daniel Everett explains the idea of "xibipiio," a way of life he encountered while studying the language of the Amazonian Piraha tribe. Everett, a former Christian missionary, was challenged to rethink his faith after learning the Piraha's concept of experiential liminality.
Complete video at FORA.tv
Don't Sleep, There Are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle (Vintage Departures)

The Colbert Report - God Drops Steve Johnson's Football Pass

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
God Drops Steve Johnson's Football Pass
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes2010 ElectionMarch to Keep Fear Alive
November 30, 2010 on The Colbert Report (US Only):
Steve Johnson blames God for dropping an easy game-winning touchdown pass in overtime. (02:52)
Viewers in Canada can watch it on The Comedy Network
Viewers in other countries can use Hotspot Shield or Modify Headers

Book of Mormon (South Park Creators' New Musical)


BookOfMormonBroadway.com

CNN - Battle of Christmas Billboards


November 30, 2010 on CNN