Hundreds in Iraq protest inflammatory anti-Islam video

Angry protesters in the Sadr City district of northeast Baghdad carried banners, Iraqi flags and images of radical Shiite and anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr as they railed against what they see as an insult to their faith.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/13/world/meast/iraq-protests/index.html

Violent anti-U.S. protests continue in Pakistan

(AP) KARACHI, Pakistan - Hundreds of Pakistanis protesting an anti-Islam film broke through a barricade near the U.S. Consulate in the southern city of Karachi on Sunday, sparking clashes with police in which one demonstrator was killed and more than a dozen injured.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57513779/violent-anti-u.s-protests-continue-in-pakistan/?tag=stack

See also...

Islamist militants attack Egypt security headquarters in Sinai
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/16/13900058-islamist-militants-attack-egypt-security-headquarters-in-sinai?lite

Official: 14 dead in bomb blast in Pakistan

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rife with Islamic extremists and has been the site of recent clashes between Pakistani security forces and militants.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/16/world/asia/pakistan-unrest/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

See also...

Blast kills at least 8, injures dozens at Pakistan market
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/10/world/asia/pakistan-explosion/index.html

Libya, West condemn Benghazi killings; Afghans blast anti-Muslim film

(CNN) -- Global reaction to the attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions in Egypt and in Libya, where U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans were killed amid Muslim outrage over a film mocking the Prophet Mohammed.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/meast/libya-reax/index.html

Pro-al Qaeda group seen behind deadly Benghazi attack

(CNN) -- A pro-al Qaeda group responsible for a previous armed assault on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi is the chief suspect in Tuesday's attack that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya, sources tracking militant Islamist groups in eastern Libya say.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/12/world/africa/libya-attack-jihadists/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

'Scared' teen fears for life over alleged Quran burning

Islamabad (CNN) -- In a period of about three weeks she went from being a virtually unknown 14-year-old Pakistani girl to making headlines around the world as a Christian teen facing a life sentence for allegedly burning pages of the Quran.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/11/world/asia/pakistan-rimsha-masih-blasphemy/index.html

Reward for Rushdie's Death Boosted in Iran

A semi-official religious foundation in Iran has increased a reward it had offered for the killing of British author Salman Rushdie to $3.3 million from $2.8 million, a newspaper reported, days after protests coursed through the Muslim world over alleged insults to the Prophet Muhammad.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/report-iran-adds-reward-rushdies-death-17247292

Taliban Threatens to Kill Prince Harry

A Taliban spokesman said Monday that the terror group would use "all our strength" to kidnap or kill the U.K's Prince Harry, who has just begun serving a four-month tour of duty as a chopper pilot in Afghanistan.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/taliban-threatens-kill-prince-harry/story?id=17203733

Attacks targeting Iraqi security forces and Shiite areas leave scores dead

Baghdad (CNN) -- At least 79 people were killed and roughly 270 others wounded Sunday in a fresh wave of violence largely targeting Iraqi security forces and predominantly Shiite areas, government officials said.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/09/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics at the DNC

Members of the Charlotte Atheists & Agnostics (CAA) spoke at the official city-approved speakers’ platform during the Democratic National Convention on September 4, 2012 in the pouring rain. They were advocating the separation of church and state.

The speakers were: CAA member Piller Gregerson, CAA Vice President Mary Snow, and CAA President Shawn Murphy.  Below is a video of excerpts of Mary Snow's speech. The first part of her speech was not captured in this video, however the full transcripts for each speech can be found at the links directly below:

CAA member Piller Gregerson
http://freethoughtaction.org/gregerson.html

CAA VP Mary Snow
http://freethoughtaction.org/snow.html

CAA President Shawn Murphy
http://freethoughtaction.org/murphy.html


ONLINE COVERAGE:

Atheists Left Questioning, Disappointed as Democrats Affirm God at Convention
http://global.christianpost.com/news/atheists-left-questioning-disappointed-as-democrats-affirm-god-at-convention-81279/

5 Questions For: Southern atheists at the Democratic Convention with mixed feelings about Obama
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/09/04/5-questions-for-southern-atheists-at-the-democratic-convention-with-mixed-feelings-about-obama

Atheist Protest at DNC Demands Leaders 'Separate Their Religion From Their Office'
http://global.christianpost.com/news/atheist-protest-at-dnc-demands-leaders-separate-their-religion-from-their-office-81202/

Atheists plan protest at Democratic National Convention today
http://www.examiner.com/article/atheists-plan-protest-at-democratic-national-convention-today

Atheists Will Protest at the DNC Later Today
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/09/04/atheists-will-protest-at-the-dnc-later-today/

Atheists Advocate Separation of Church and State at DNC
http://www.atheists.org/atheists-advocate-separation-church-and-state-dnc

Earlier...

Protesters assigned time slots at DNC
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/07/02/protesters-assigned-time-slots-at-dnc/

Platform Piety: TV Preacher Pushes Democrats To Add Nod To God

I hope nobody tells the Religious Right honchos that there's no mention of God in the U.S. Constitution. They'll start a drive for a constitutional amendment.

MORE: http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/platform-piety-tv-preacher-pushes-democrats-to-add-nod-to-god

Can the Godless Market Evolve Beyond Bumper Stickers?

Religiosity has declined in the U.S. by 13 percent since 2005, according to a new poll (PDF). The Millennial generation, born between 1981 and 2000, is the least religious yet, with one in four identifying themselves as religiously unaffiliated, atheist, or agnostic in a 2010 PewResearchCenter survey. That works out to about 15 million Americans who describe themselves as "convinced atheists," more than many mainline Protestant denominations, Jews, or Muslims.

Is there a market for merchandise for the godless? Retailers who cater to evangelical Christians with items including books, apparel, gifts, and Bibles represent $4.63 billion annually, according to the Association for Christian Retail. Those who sell to nonbelievers tend to be small business owners who are true nonbelievers. While bumper stickers and T-shirts are obvious favorites, books about evolution, educational games for children, and science-themed jewelry also hold appeal, says Derek Colanduno, an Atlanta computer programmer who hosts a podcast for skeptics.

MORE: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-09-07/can-the-godless-market-evolve-beyond-bumper-stickers

See also...

Myths and truths about atheism
http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120902/OPINION04/309030008/Myths-truths-about-atheism?nclick_check=1

New 'Godless' Billboards Cause Stir in Tallahassee

The billboards now sit in a few locations in Tallahassee. The "Godless Billboards" are a part of a nationwide campaign to reach out to the millions of atheists living in the United States.

MORE: http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/New-Godless-Billboards-Cause-Stir-in-Tallahassee-168673356.html

See also...

Atheist Billboards Go Up in Tallahassee, Florida
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/friendlyatheist/2012/09/05/atheist-billboards-go-up-in-tallahassee-florida/

Local atheists state their case
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20120909/COLUMNIST04/309090009/Gerald-Ensley-Local-atheists-state-their-case?nclick_check=1

Godless Billboards Greet Tallahassee Traffic
http://www.unitedcor.org/national/news/godless-billboards-greet-tallahassee-traffic 

Moon Shadow: Unification Church Founder Mesmerized Religious Right, Members Of Congress

The late Rev. Sun Myung Moon was a sugar daddy to the Religious Right.

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/moon-shadow-unification-church-founder-mesmerized-religious-right-members

14 Wacky "Facts" Kids Will Learn in Louisiana's Voucher Schools

Thanks to a new law privatizing public education in Louisiana, Bible-based curriculum can now indoctrinate young, pliant minds with the good news of the Lord--all on the state taxpayers' dime.

MORE: http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2012/07/photos-evangelical-curricula-louisiana-tax-dollars

Prayer Puzzlement: After 50 Years, Some Still Misunderstand High Court Prayer Decision

It is no business of government bureaucrats to instruct children in when, how or whether to pray.

MORE: http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/prayer-puzzlement-after-50-years-some-still-misunderstand-high-court-prayer

Lord's Prayer at Greencastle-Antrim School Board meeting led by public, not board

For the first time in recent memory, the Greencastle-Antrim School Board did not recite the Lord’s Prayer at its meeting Thursday, instead choosing a moment of silence.

Without missing a beat, the overflow crowd that filled the Greencastle-Antrim Middle School library broke the silence by reciting the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

MORE: http://www.herald-mail.com/news/hm-lords-prayer-not-recited-at-greencastleantrim-school-board-meeting-20120906,0,3544581,full.story

Earlier...

Atheists want school boards to stop prayer at meetings
http://www.abc27.com/story/19300761/atheists-want-school-boards-to-stop-praying-at-meetings

Atheists push back at almighty agenda

Later this week, the Secular Coalition for America will open its phone lines to anyone and everyone in Maine who a) doesn't believe in God, b) can't be sure there is a God or c) believes, regardless of his or her spiritual underpinnings, that government at any level should not be doing anything in the name of the man (or woman) upstairs.

MORE: http://www.pressherald.com/news/whats-next-on-the-atheist-agenda__2012-09-09.html

See also...

Atheist Lobbying Group Organizes In D.C.
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2012/09/06/atheist-lobbying-group-organizes-in-dc

Atheists plan Nevada chapter to halt prayers

CARSON CITY - An organization that represents atheists is starting a Nevada chapter that will lobby legislators against holding the sectarian prayers that open each legislative session.

MORE: http://www.lvrj.com/news/atheist-organization-opens-nevada-chapter-opposes-opening-prayer-at-legislative-session-168844586.html

Atheist Activist Goes To Supreme Court To Block State Funding For Cross

ALTO PASS, Ill. (CBS) -- Atheist activist Rob Sherman says the U.S. Supreme Court is his last chance to block public funding for repair of a massive cross in Southern Illinois.

MORE: http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/09/06/atheist-activist-goes-to-supreme-court-to-block-state-funding-for-cross/

No Home-Field Advantage: Personhood USA Can't Get Its Amendment On Colorado Ballot

This is now the third time since 2008 that a "personhood" amendment has failed in Colorado.
MORE: http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/no-home-field-advantage-personhood-usa-can-t-get-its-amendment-on-colorado

Federalism fight: 3 states say feds can't 'unmarry' gay couples

ATLANTA -- Three states where members of the clergy and justices of the peace today marry gay couples argued on Friday that it's a violation of states' rights for the federal government to then "unmarry" those people under the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

MORE: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48957124/ns/us_news-christian_science_monitor/#

See also...

When football, same-sex marriage and politics collide
http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/08/when-football-same-sex-marriage-and-politics-collide/?hpt=hp_t3

Richard Dawkins: Evolution is 'not a controversial issue'

Atheist. Biologist. Writer. Thinker. Richard Dawkins has developed an international reputation of spreading the word that evolution happened and that there is no "intelligent design" or higher being, as you might gather from the title of his book "The God Delusion."

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/09/06/richard-dawkins-evolution-is-not-a-controversial-issue/comment-page-4/

See also...

Dawkins: Creationists know nothing
http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_c3#/video/living/2012/09/05/orig-red-chair-richard-dawkins.cnn

Bill Clinton backs interstellar voyage project

(SPACE.com) Former president Bill Clinton has lent his support to the 100-Year Starship initiative, a project started by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA ) to research interstellar travel.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57508552/bill-clinton-backs-interstellar-voyage-project/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.10

Space Shuttle Atlantis' New Home Tops out

The exhibits will tell the shuttle program's history with interactive displays and other features that allow visitors to learn as much as they want about the spacecraft that carried astronauts into space for 30 years.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120905162606.htm

See also...

NASA's 'Mighty Eagle' Robotic Prototype Lander Aces Major Exam
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120905185745.htm

NASA's Dawn Spacecraft Prepares for Trek Toward Dwarf Planet
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120830141842.htm

Cheers, Voyager: 35 Years of Exploration
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120905185542.htm

Scientists Cast Doubt On Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle

"The quantum world is still full of uncertainty, but at least our attempts to look at it don't have to add as much uncertainty as we used to think!"

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120907125154.htm

See also...

Mathematicians Offer Unified Theory of Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Altering Einstein Field Equations
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120906092059.htm

Quantum World Only Partially Melts: Ultracold Atoms Reveal Surprising New Quantum Effects
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120906141848.htm

Comics go beyond the Higgs boson
http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/07/13732992-comics-go-beyond-the-higgs-boson?lite

Human rights case seeks equal billing for religion and atheism in schools

Arguing that it is "biased" for his children to be given free Gideon Bibles in class but not free atheist literature, an Ontario father is launching a human rights case that aims to drive the Gideons out of the province's public schools.

MORE: http://life.nationalpost.com/2012/08/29/human-rights-case-seeks-equal-billing-for-religion-and-atheism-in-schools/

Enter the dragon-slayer

First time author, Robert W. Griffiths, describes writing Slaying the Dragon, his critique of what he believes is the negative role that religion has and continues to have on society.

MORE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/books-in-wales/2012/09/08/enter-the-dragon-slayer-91466-31781460/

Atheist Park may have advantages

They said the daughter of the late President Park Chung-hee has a strong bond with Buddhists due to the influence of her late mother, Yook Young-soo, who was a pious Buddhist. The aides added that she is also close to several prominent Protestants.

Because of this background, some analysts say Park is de facto affiliated with the three key religions and this would help her relationship with Buddhists during her presidential campaigns.

MORE: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/09/116_118974.html

Vandals daub anti-Christian graffiti on monastery in Israel

The phrase "Jesus is a monkey" was painted on the walls of Latrun Monastery in large orange letters, as well as the words "Migron" and "Maoz Esther," referring to two illegal Israeli settler outposts in the West Bank.

--snip--

Israeli extremists have previously retaliated against both Islamic and Christian sites when they were forcibly evacuated from illegal West Bank outposts or settlements.

In February, a Greek Orthodox monastery in Jerusalem was similarly targeted when Israeli extremists wrote "Death to the Christians" on the walls and slashed the tires of churchgoers' vehicles.

Many mosques in the West Bank have also been set on fire in recent years and racist graffiti sprayed on the walls, including the words "price tag" and "Mohammad is a pig."

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/04/world/meast/israel-monastery-attack/index.html

Pakistani Christian Girl Accused of Blasphemy Released on Bail

After three weeks behind bars, Rimsha Masih, a mentally challenged Christian girl whose imprisonment drew condemnation from religious rights groups around the world, was released today.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/pakistani-christian-girl-accused-blasphemy-released-bail/story?id=17191412

Police: Suicide bomber kills 6 near NATO headquarters in Kabul

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/08/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Suicide attack kills 25 in eastern Afghanistan

About 80% of the attacks against civilians are by anti-government forces such as the Taliban, the report said.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/04/world/asia/afghanistan-violence/index.html

Car bomb outside coffee shop kills 2, wounds 11 in Baghdad

Iraqi authorities blamed al Qaeda for what they describe as coordinated assaults targeting mostly Shiite areas.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/01/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html

Mali Islamists take over town as chaos continues

Two Islamist groups, MUJAO and the al Qaeda-linked Ansar Dine, now control Douentza, according to Ansar Dine military leader Omar Hamaha.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/01/world/africa/mali-rebels/index.html

Rev. Moon, religious and political figure, dies in South Korea at 92

"Our True Father passed into the spiritual world at 1:54 AM Monday, September 3rd, Korea time," a message on a Unification Church English-language website said.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/02/world/asia/south-korea-reverend-moon-dead/index.html

Bill Nye: Creationism Is Not Appropriate For Children

See also...

Bill Nye Says Nay: 'Science Guy' Opposes Teaching Of Creationism
http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/bill-nye-says-nay-science-guy-opposes-teaching-of-creationism

Creationists hit back at Bill Nye with their own video
http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/31/creationists-hit-back-at-bill-nye-with-their-own-video/?hpt=hp_t2

The Humanist Hour #77: Nonbeliever Nation

This is a timely and important look at how growing numbers of nonbelievers, disenchanted at how far America has wandered from its secular roots, are emerging to fight for equality and rational public policy.

MORE: http://podcast.thehumanist.org/2012/08/the-humanist-hour-77-nonbeliever-nation/

Priest apologizes after sex abuse comments draw ire

(CNN) - A prominent Catholic friar has apologized for saying that child victims of sex abuse may at times bear some of the responsibility for the attacks because they can seduce their assailants, and that first-time sex offenders should not receive jail time.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/31/priest-apologizes-after-sex-abuse-comments-draw-ire/?hpt=hp_t2

Photo shows Amish beard-cutting attack, prosecutors say

(CNN) -- Federal prosecutors revealed a photograph Thursday that they say show an Amish man attacking another Amish man by attempting to forcibly cut his beard.

The photo was submitted as evidence in the trial of 16 Amish men and women charged with federal hate crimes in connection with last year's beard-cutting attacks in rural eastern Ohio. The trial started Monday at federal court in Cleveland with jury selection.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/30/justice/amish-beard-cutting-attack-photo/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1

Equal Rights For Bullies: Religious Right Comes To The Defense Of 'Faith-Based' Harassment

Religious Right groups seek room for 'faith-based' bullying in the public schools.

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/equal-rights-for-bullies-religious-right-comes-to-the-defense-of-faith

Atheist Leads Invocation at City Council Meeting

"Rather than bowing our heads and closing our eyes in deference, we should open our eyes widely to face to reality that confront us," he said.

MORE: http://www.ktul.com/story/19423878/athiest-leads-invocation-at-city-council-meeting

See also...

Invocation Inspiration: Tulsa Allows Humanist To Open Council Meeting
http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/invocation-inspiration-tulsa-allows-humanist-to-open-council-meeting

Offside Call: Ga. Community Rallies For Football Coach Who Imposed Religion On Players

One supporter posted on the page: “I really dont no (sic) wat (sic) happen from when I went 2 school we had prayer an sang the Pledge of Alligance (sic) wat (sic) has happen 2 people tryin (sic) 2 stop prayer anywhere God will judge those people.” 

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/offside-call-ga-community-rallies-for-football-coach-who-imposed-religion

Another creation science attraction plans Northern Kentucky home

Founders of the Creation Science Hall of Fame, which now exists only as a website, would like to build a brick-and mortar structure along Interstate 75. The group will consider vacant land and the renovation of an existing site.

"When we have the funds, we would like to locate on the highway, about halfway between the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter," said Terry Hurlbut, secretary/treasurer of the group. "What better place to locate than between these two attractions? We envision that, as people fly or drive in to see them, we will be a stop along the way."

MORE: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120826/NEWS01/308260057/Another-creation-science-attraction-plans-Northern-Kentucky-home?gcheck=1&nclick_check=1

North Alabama Woman Sees Praying Image On Side Of Horse

Trudy believes the sign on the side of her horse was a sign from God that everything was going to turn out well for their family.

MORE: http://whnt.com/2012/08/30/north-alabama-woman-sees-image-on-side-of-horse/?hpt=us_bn8

Florida's first female high school QB

A 17-year-old senior is making history by becoming the first female in Florida to play quarterback on a football team.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_t3#/video/us/2012/08/31/dnt-first-girl-quaterback-florida.wsvn

Oldest Occurrence of Arthropods Preserved in Amber: Fly, Mite Specimens Are 100 Million Years Older Than Previous Amber Inclusions

ScienceDaily -- An international team of scientists has discovered the oldest record of arthropods -- invertebrate animals that include insects, arachnids, and crustaceans -- preserved in amber. The specimens, one fly and two mites found in millimeter-scale droplets of amber from northeastern Italy, are about 100 million years older than any other amber arthropod ever collected. The group's findings, which are published August 27 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, pave the way for a better evolutionary understanding of the most diverse group of organisms in the world.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827180021.htm

Mystery of Operon Evolution Probed

ScienceDaily -- The threads of an evolutionary mystery that dates to the birth of molecular biology are beginning to unravel, thanks to a new investigation by computational bioengineers at Rice University and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120830173502.htm

Chimpanzees Create 'Social Traditions': Unique Handclasp Grooming Behavior Reveals Local Difference

Apart from the different style preferences of the chimpanzee communities, the research team also observed that the grooming handclasp behaviour was a long-lasting part of the chimpanzees' behavioural repertoire: the behaviour was even transmitted to the next generation of potential handclaspers.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120828190858.htm

We Are More Easily Influenced When We Follow Our Heart

ScienceDaily -- When we let our hearts choose for us, we are more influenced by people who resemble ourselves, a PhD study from BI Norwegian Business School shows.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120828073302.htm

NASA's Kepler Discovers Multiple Planets Orbiting a Pair of Stars

ScienceDaily -- Coming less than a year after the announcement of the first circumbinary planet, Kepler-16b, NASA's Kepler mission has discovered multiple transiting planets orbiting two suns for the first time. This system, known as a circumbinary planetary system, is 4,900 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120828190127.htm

See also...

NASA's GRAIL Moon Twins Begin Extended Mission Science
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120831135012.htm

NASA Launches Radiation Belt Storm Probes Mission
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120830075008.htm

NASA's Jupiter-Bound Juno Changes Its Orbit
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120830202851.htm

NASA Rover Returns Voice and Telephoto Views from Mars
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120827191958.htm

Curiosity Rover Plays First Song Transmitted from Another Planet
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120828190645.htm

Hubble Spots a Supernova in NGC 5806
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120831135203.htm

Couple to debate right to distribute atheist book

The Chouinards alleged they were discriminated against "due to creed" and that no material from non-Christian religions were solicited or distributed in the district.

"If they allow Gideon Bibles in the schools, then why can't other groups distribute their material as well," he said on Tuesday. "This is not fair for people who may believe in other religions."

MORE: http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2012/08/28/20150556.html

Unprecedented civil union unites Brazilian trio

The first-of-its-kind civil union has led to an outcry from religious groups, too. Those who fear the "slipperly slope" feel the ground moving underneath their feet.

"The institution of family cannot be defended with the approval of actions that seek to distort its definition," the religious, conservative Plinio Correa de Oliveira Institute said in a statement.

"The purpose of this (union) is not to build families, but to destroy them."

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/31/world/americas/brazil-polyfaithful-union/index.html

Death toll rises to 3 in bombing in Kenya

The riots were spurred by Monday's killing of radical Islamic cleric Aboud Rogo Mohammed. Rogo was accused of supporting Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia and was blacklisted by the United States and the United Nations Security Council.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/world/africa/kenya-cleric-killed/index.html?hpt=iaf_c2

Pakistan court postpones bail decision for girl accused of blasphemy

Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- A Pakistani court postponed a hearing Saturday on whether to grant bail to a Christian girl accused of burning pages containing Quran verses in a case that has heightened religious tensions.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/01/world/asia/pakistan-girl-blasphemy/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Suicide blasts at U.S.-Afghan base kill 13

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/31/world/asia/afghanistan-base-attack/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

See also...

3 Australian troops killed in 'green-on-blue' attack
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/world/asia/afghanistan-troops-killed/index.html

Afghan soldier kills two NATO troops, ISAF says
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/27/world/asia/afghanistan-troops-killed/index.html

Car bomb outside coffee shop kills 2, wounds 11 in Baghdad

Iraqi authorities blamed al Qaeda for what they describe as coordinated assaults targeting mostly Shiite areas.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/01/world/meast/iraq-violence/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

Taliban attack on Pakistan border checkpoint kills 8 soldiers

A Pakistani Taliban spokesman called CNN to claim responsibility for the attack.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/29/world/asia/pakistan-taliban-battle/index.html

Attacks on Arabs in Israel prompt soul-searching

Jerusalem (CNN) -- Two attacks carried out against Palestinians in recent days, one in Jerusalem and the other on the West Bank, have prompted some uncomfortable questions in Israel about racism toward Arabs.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/30/world/meast/israel-arab-racism-concerns/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

See also...

Israeli court: American protester Rachel Corrie's death an accident
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/28/world/meast/israel-rachel-corrie-verdict/index.html?hpt=imi_c2

Report: Atheism rate growing worldwide

Atheism is on the rise worldwide, and religiosity is falling, according to a recently released poll by WIN-Gallup International.
 
MORE: http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=18&articleid=20120825_18_A13_Atheis778117

See also...

Viewpoints: Why is faith falling in the US?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19262884

Atheists try to make their voices heard
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2012/08/27/atheists-try-to-make-their-voices-heard.html

Second Annual Carolinas Secular Conference -- Charleston, SC, September 28-30, 2012

Beyond its role as a working event, the Carolinas Secular Conference aims to be a joyous celebration of the growing secular movement and culture and an opportunity for nontheists of all stripes to make new friends across the region.

MORE: http://unitedcor.org/national/news/second-annual-carolinas-secular-conference-charleston-sc-september-28-30-2012

Atheist Summer Camp Is Heaven on Earth for Nonbelievers

Most summer camps host kayaking, arts and crafts classes and campfires, but what makes Camp Quest Northwest different is that it is literally "beyond belief."

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/US/atheist-summer-camp-heaven-earth-nonbelievers/story?id=17067039

Neil Armstrong: 1930-2012

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, has died, following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. He was 82.

MORE: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/people/features/armstrong_obit.html

See also...

Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first man to walk on moon, dies at age 82
http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/25/13478643-astronaut-neil-armstrong-first-man-to-walk-on-moon-dies-at-age-82?lite

Neil Armstrong, 1930-2012: U.S. Astronaut Was First Man to Walk On the Moon
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120825193618.htm

Armstrong's small step a giant leap for humanity
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57500439/armstrongs-small-step-a-giant-leap-for-humanity/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.10

Footprints on the Moon
http://scienceblogs.com/universe/2012/08/26/footprints-on-the-moon/

Rocks remember, and so do we
http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2012/08/25/rocks-remember-and-so-do-we/

Neil Armstrong's family wants you to look at the moon ... and give a wink
http://cosmiclog.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/08/25/13479969-neil-armstrongs-family-wants-you-to-look-at-the-moon-and-give-a-wink?lite

Complaints cause atheist-funded billboards in North Carolina to come down

American Atheists and Adams Outdoor Advertising are reportedly removing two Charlotte billboards blasting Christianity and Mormonism following an outpouring of complaints and threats.

MORE: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/08/25/complaints-cause-atheist-funded-billboards-in-north-carolina-to-come-down/

See also...

American Atheists Removes Religious Billboards from Charlotte
http://www.atheists.org/american-atheists-removes-religious-billboards-charlotte

Atheist Group to Post 'God Fixation Won't Fix This Nation' Billboards for Party Conventions

The Freedom From Religion Foundation, based in Madison, posted a billboard on Thursday in Tamp, Fla. and will be placing two billboards in Charlotte, N.C.

MORE: http://www.christianpost.com/news/atheist-group-to-post-god-fixation-wont-fix-this-nation-billboards-for-party-conventions-80567/

5 Common Misperceptions About Religion in Public Schools

Despite the Supreme Court’s strong focus on robustly defending the separation of church and state when public schools are involved, there remains a lot of misinformation about this topic in the public sphere.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2012-08-5-common-misperceptions-about-religion-in-public-sch

See also...

Ten Commitments: Guiding Principles for Teaching Values in America's Public Schools
http://www.americanhumanist.org/HNN/details/2012-08-ten-commitments-guiding-principles-for-teaching-valu

UCF professor Charles Negy challenges America's 'religious bigotry'

Fred Edwords, national director of the United Coalition of Reason, said the rising profile of non-believers in the United States began around 2004 with several popular books by atheists and humanists such as Christopher Hitchens. Local groups of atheists, agnostics, humanists and freethinkers began springing up throughout the nation, and a movement to unify the different varieties of non-believers started in 2009.

Edwords compares the growing size and visibility of non-believers to the gay-rights movement in its infancy. Non-believers often refer to "coming out of the closet."

MORE: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-08-24/features/os-ucf-charles-negy-religious-bigotry-20120824_1_believers-atheists-edwords

Atheist to give opening prayer at Tulsa City Council meeting

He said he would invoke council members to “open our hearts to the welfare of all people in our community by respecting the inherent dignity and worth of each person.”
 
His invocation will conclude: “We must remember that in the face of adversity, we need not look above for answers but instead recognize the proven potential within ourselves and in each other to overcome any challenges we face.”

MORE: http://newsok.com/atheist-to-give-opening-prayer-at-tulsa-city-council-meeting/article/3704534

Amish Hair-Cutting Hate Crime Trial Set to Begin

The trial of members of a breakaway Amish sect charged with hate crimes for cutting off the beards and hair of other Amish men and women is set to begin Monday in an Ohio court.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/US/amish-hair-cutting-hate-crime-trial-set-begin/story?id=17080302

Aiming High: Air Force Advances Freedom -- Despite Carping From Some In Congress

Let us celebrate Gen. Schwartz's brave move to ensure church-state separation and change what was once considered as the Air Force's exclusionary religious culture.

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/aiming-high-air-force-advances-freedom-despite-carping-from-some-in

Humanists Challenge Cross War Memorial in Maryland

Forty-Foot Tall Christian Cross in Bladensburg, MD on Public Property is Unconstitutional.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2012-08-humanists-challenge-cross-war-memorial-in-maryland

AHA Supports California SB 9 - The Fair Sentencing for Youth Act

The United States is the only country in the world that imposes life without parole on youth under the age of 18. In the U.S. there are over 2,500 cases of youth sentenced to life without parole and there are approximately 300. In the rest of the world, there are none. This extreme punishment is a violation of international law and fundamental human rights.

MORE: http://www.americanhumanist.org/news/details/2012-08-aha-supports-california-sb-9---the-fair-sentencing-f

Georgia Fringe Fest: Radical Religious Right Group To Hold 'Christian Heritage Day' In Statehouse

It is deplorable that such a radical group is given carte blanche to hold a day-long event in a state capital with the blessing of lawmakers.

MORE: http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/georgia-fringe-fest-radical-religious-right-group-to-hold-christian

Showdown In Texas: Legislature Gearing For Debate Over Private School Vouchers

Sen. Patrick doesn't seem to realize that allowing students to attend private schools using taxpayer dollars could lead to serious church-state issues. By their very nature, private schools are not required to maintain strict church-state separation and there is absolutely no way of forcing them to do so.

MORE: http://www.au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/showdown-in-texas-legislature-gearing-for-debate-over-private-school

Pulpit Politicking Prevarication: For Liberty Counsel's Staver, Truth Is Not An Option

All we want is for churches to know the law and obey it -- or give up their tax exemption. That is not too much to ask.

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/pulpit-politicking-prevarication-for-liberty-counsel-s-staver-truth-is-not

Exploiting Tragedy: FRC's Tony Perkins Seeks To Politicize Office Shooting

Perkins' tawdry determination to milk this tragedy for all he can get is more proof of the simple lack of ethics that plagues many Religious Right organizations.

MORE: http://au.org/blogs/wall-of-separation/exploiting-tragedy-frc-s-tony-perkins-seeks-to-politicize-office-shooting

From Bible-Belt Pastor to Atheist Leader

As his wife slept, he fumbled through the darkness for his laptop. After a few quick searches with the terms "pastor" and "atheist," he discovered that a cottage industry of atheist outreach groups had grown up in the past few years. Within days, he joined an online network called the Clergy Project, created for clerics who no longer believe in God and want to communicate anonymously through a secure Web site.

MORE: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/magazine/from-bible-belt-pastor-to-atheist-leader.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&smid=go-share

Atheist group at odds with ethnic festivals

An atheist group is complaining that Mexican Fiesta's discounted admission for attending its Sunday Mass on the Summerfest grounds violates laws barring discrimination based on religious affiliation.

MORE: http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/atheist-group-at-odds-with-ethnic-festivals-q56kdjk-167452485.html

See also...

Atheists Target Football Coach for Letting Churches Feed H.S. Football Team
http://www.thenewamerican.com/culture/faith-and-morals/item/12609-atheists-target-football-coach-for-letting-churches-feed-hs-football-team

Since 2010, 32 states have restricted abortions

In the first six months of 2012, 15 states passed 39 restrictions on abortion. Last year, 24 states passed 92 restrictions, an all-time record.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57500585/since-2010-32-states-have-restricted-abortions/?tag=exclsv

Bonobo genius makes stone tools like early humans did

Kanzi the bonobo continues to impress. Not content with learning sign language or making up "words" for things like banana or juice, he now seems capable of making stone tools on a par with the efforts of early humans.

MORE: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn22197-bonobo-genius-makes-stone-tools-like-early-humans-did.html

See also...

More Sophisticated Wiring, Not Just Bigger Brain, Helped Humans Evolve Beyond Chimps, Geneticists Find
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120822124708.htm

Human-Chimp Genetic Differences: New Insights Into Why Humans Are More Susceptible to Cancer and Other Diseases
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120823142735.htm

Most Mutations Come from Dad: New Insights Into Age, Height and Sex Reshape Views of Human Evolution

ScienceDaily -- Humans inherit more than three times as many mutations from their fathers as from their mothers, and mutation rates increase with the father's age but not the mother's, researchers have found in the largest study of human genetic mutations to date.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120824103020.htm

Study Reveals Human Drive for Fair Play

ScienceDaily -- People will reject an offer of water, even when they are severely thirsty, if they perceive the offer to be unfair, according to a new study funded by the Wellcome Trust. The findings have important implications for understanding how humans make decisions that must balance fairness and self-interest.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120823112934.htm

Sleep Learning Is Possible: Associations Formed When Asleep Remained Intact When Awake

ScienceDaily -- Is sleep learning possible? A new Weizmann Institute study appearing August 26 in Nature Neuroscience has found that if certain odors are presented after tones during sleep, people will start sniffing when they hear the tones alone -- even when no odor is present -- both during sleep and, later, when awake. In other words, people can learn new information while they sleep, and this can unconsciously modify their waking behavior.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120826143531.htm

More Exoplanets Discovered: 41 New Transiting Planets in Kepler Field of View

ScienceDaily -- Two newly submitted studies verify 41 new transiting planets in 20 star systems. These results may increase the number of Kepler's confirmed planets by more than 50 percent: to 116 planets hosted in 67 systems, over half of which contain more than one planet.

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120823150403.htm

See also...

Milky Way Now Has a Twin (or Two): Astronomers Find First Group of Galaxies Just Like Ours
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120822221342.htm

Mars Surface Data: ChemCam Laser First Analyses Yield Beautiful Results
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120824093521.htm

Mars Rover Curiosity Begins Driving at Bradbury Landing
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120822154011.htm

Spacetime: A Smoother Brew Than We Knew

"We have shown that the universe is smooth across the Planck mass," Nemiroff said. "That means that there's no choppiness that's detectable. It's a really cool discovery. We're very excited."

MORE: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120823111507.htm

Missionaries of Hate

Correspondent Mariana van Zeller travels to Uganda, where many question whether the growing influence of American religious groups has led to a movement to make homosexuality a crime punishable by death.

As an anti-gay movement spreads across the continent, gay Africans and their families face an increasingly uncertain future of isolation, imprisonment or even execution.

MORE: http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/missionaries-of-hate/

Mexico cult eyes 'evil' secular schools

(CNN) -- Authorities are negotiating with a religious cult in southwestern Mexico, trying to persuade leaders to allow public schools to operate in the isolated community, state media reported.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/23/world/americas/mexico-cult-school/index.html

Bishop's Extravagant Behavior Triggers Uproar

Bishop Tebartz-van Elst, 52, doesn't only embrace luxury when he travels to India to visit poor children and nuns. He also puts a premium on a pleasant standard of living back home in Limburg, one that befits his status. His new, multi-million-euro bishop's residence right next to the city's cathedral is about to be finished. But the complex has sparked a mix of amazement, rage and resignation among the 600,000 Catholics in the diocese. Many cannot comprehend how they are supposed to live in want while their bishop splurges.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/bishops-extravagant-behavior-triggers-uproar/story?id=17067033

2 members of Russian punk band flee country

(AP) MOSCOW - Two members of the punk band Pussy Riot have fled Russia to avoid prosecution for a protest against Vladimir Putin that sent three of their band mates to prison, the group said Sunday.

Five members of the feminist group took part in a provocative performance inside Moscow's main cathedral in February to protest the Russian leader's rule and his cozy relationship with the Orthodox Church. The women wore their trademark garishly colored balaclavas, which made it difficult for police to identify them, and only three were arrested.

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-202_162-57500534/2-members-of-russian-punk-band-flee-country/?tag=cbsnewsSectionContent.7

Afghan Soldier Kills 2 US Troops in Latest 'Green-on-Blue' Attack

Elsewhere in the country, Afghan officials discovered 17 bodies -- all of them beheaded -- abandoned at roadside in Southern Afghanistan. The civilians were executed by the Taliban after attending a mixed-gender party where there was music and dancing, according to Mullah Sharafuddin, the governor of Kajaki district in Helmand province, where the bodies were found.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/afghan-soldier-kills-us-troops-latest-green-blue/story?id=17084797

Girl held in Pakistan, accused of burning Quran pages

(CNN) -- An 11-year-old Christian girl has been arrested after being accused of blasphemy by burning pages of the Quran in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad.

MORE: http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/20/world/asia/pakistan-girl-blasphemy/index.html?hpt=wo_bn4

Gunmen Kill 8 in Pakistan's Troubled Baluchistan

Baluchistan is the site of a long-running insurgency by rebels who want a greater share of the region's resources and more autonomy. It's also home to Islamic militants who frequently target Shiites.
 
Shiites make up a sizeable minority in Pakistan, but many Sunni extremists do not view them as true Muslims.

MORE: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/gunmen-kill-pakistans-troubled-baluchistan-17084787

See also...

'Honor' murderer boasts of triple killing
http://www.cnn.com/2012/08/20/world/asia/pakistan-honor-confession/index.html

Mr. Deity & The Marriage

Atheism on the rise around the globe

According to a new poll, religiosity worldwide is declining while more people say they are atheists. In the United States, a growing number consider themselves non-believers.

MORE: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2012/0815/Atheism-on-the-rise-around-the-globe

New Study Shows Significant Atheist Military Population

As a result of the study, Air Force officials have promised to reform their oversight of chaplain endorsing agencies. There has been no commitment to reaching out to atheists and humanists in the military. Top-level chaplains have declined to address formal outreach MAAF and grass roots development. Humanists have no opportunity to state their religious preference on their official records. Lay leader applications have been pushed aside for over a year. This new demographics study should help to show the growing need for chaplains to support nontheists as well as theists.

MORE: http://militaryatheists.org/news/2012/08/new-study-shows-significant-atheist-military-population/

Atheist group targets presidential candidates' faith with billboards

Washington (CNN) – A prominent atheist group is using next month's Democratic National Convention to take aim at the presidential candidates' religion, putting up billboards targeting Mormonism and Christianity in Charlotte, North Carolina.

MORE: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/13/first-on-cnn-atheist-group-targets-presidential-candidates-faith-with-billboards/

See also...

Controversial atheist billboards up in Charlotte
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/controversial-atheist-billboards-charlotte/nQ9xW/

NC Atheist Billboards Outrage Charlotte Residents
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2012/August/NC-Atheist-Billboards-Outrage-Charlotte-Residents-/

Atheists find a new venue for the godless: on film

SAN FRANCISCO -- There were no red carpets, no paparazzi, no celebrities and definitely no God at the recent annual Atheist Film Festival.

Instead, there were more than a dozen films, long and short, about separation of church and state, freedom of religion (and no religion), the conflict between science and religion in public schools and a couple hundred people eager to see them.

MORE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/atheists-find-a-new-venue-for-the-godless-on-film/2012/08/15/f5f6fe56-e71b-11e1-9739-eef99c5fb285_story.html

Atheist groups protest prayers at Pa. meetings

GREENCASTLE, Pa. (AP) - Two atheists group are challenging a local school board's practice of saying prayers before beginning meetings.

MORE: http://www.wtrf.com/story/19314380/atheist-groups-protest-prayers-at-pa-meetings

Atheist group asks UTC to stop game day prayer

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - An atheist group has asked the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga to discontinue Christian prayers before football games.

MORE: http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/19305569/atheist-group-asks-utc-to-stop-game-day-prayer

9/11 museum, atheists spar over cross

(CBS News) The National September 11 Memorial and Museum's planned presentation of the World Trade Center cross-shaped steel beam, which became a famous Ground Zero symbol right after the September 11 attacks, is being legally challenged by an atheist group.

Last year, American Atheists sued the museum for the cross' removal, arguing that the steel beam promoted religion. Its legal director, Edwin Kagin, argued that the display represents "a violation of both federal and New York law in that public funds will be used to establish the Christian religion on public land."

MORE: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57494930/9-11-museum-atheists-spar-over-cross/

See also...

Atheists Against Religious Cross at 9/11 Museum
http://news.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474981555384

Megyn Kelly's Continued Defense of WTC Cross Includes Smear Of Atheists
http://www.newshounds.us/20120818_megyn_kelly_continued_defense_of_wtc_cross_includes_smear_of_atheists