Take That, DOMA!

CNN is reporting that a federal appeals court has upheld an earlier ruling (2010) that DOMA is unconstitutional:

"The 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston has ruled the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, discriminates against gay couples."

Full story here.

The Wandering God

Quote for the win:  "If God exists everywhere, then evil shouldn't exist anywhere."

Via the rational warrior, Tombstone Da Deadman.

Also, great question, why don't agnostics argue for the suspending judgement about the possible existence of any other gods besides the currently popular ones? (first few seconds part of a rap, followed by the actual talk).

The Faith Cake

via QualiaSoup.

Isn't That Just Ducky!

Hello, Everybody! Happy Memorial Day!

My humans are still in bed! Why you still in bed, Human?

The sun is shining! It is time to go outside! It is time to play!

Let's play! Can we play? Can I haz playtime with you?

Happy Memorial Day! Let's play!

Isn't that just Ducky!

Carl Sagan: The Reassuring Fable

(via LibertarianSara)

The humble, inspiring and timelessly apropros words of Carl Sagan narrate this brief (3:45minutes) video incorporating recent historical images.

"The significance of our lives - and our fragile planet - is then determined only by our own wisdom and courage. We are the custodians of life's meaning. We long for a parent to care for us, to forgive us our errors, to save us from our childish mistakes. But knowledge is preferable to ignorance; better by far to embrace the truth, than a reassuring fable. 

Modern science has been a voyage into the unknown, with a lesson in humility waiting at every stop. Our common-sense intuitions can be mistaken. Our preferences don't count. We do not live in a privileged reference frame. If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal."  Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot.