Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.

We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.

A note about links

Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.


Ben Goldacre on Journalistic Malfeasance *

Oct 12th, 2009 | Filed by

He talked to the source. She says she did not say what the Express reported she said.… Read the rest



Ireland: Library Funding Slashed *

Oct 11th, 2009 | Filed by

Galway Library has had cut the number of new books to one between all branches.… Read the rest



Funds Cut Off for Iran Human Rights Watchdog *

Oct 11th, 2009 | Filed by

Many see the denial of funds as a shift by the Obama admin away from promotion of human rights in Iran.… Read the rest



Egypt: Controversy Over the Niqab *

Oct 11th, 2009 | Filed by

This is the same government that is said to have prosecuted people for breaking their Ramadan fast. … Read the rest



Tony Blair Joins Rhetorical War on Atheists *

Oct 11th, 2009 | Filed by

‘Those who scorn God and those who do violence in God’s name, both represent views of religion.’… Read the rest



The Murder of Grace Ushang *

Oct 10th, 2009 | Filed by

She was a member of Nigeria’s Youth Service Corps; she was raped to death for wearing trousers.… Read the rest



Nigeria’s ‘Indecent Dressing Bill’ *

Oct 10th, 2009 | Filed by

The bill mirrors that article of the Sudanese penal code under which Lubnah Hussain was arrested.… Read the rest



Journalist Talks to Dawkins About New Book *

Oct 10th, 2009 | Filed by

Popular science writers trade in awe, the sense of sublime wonder that drew them to it in the first place.… Read the rest



Stupidest Article Ever to Appear in Major Media *

Oct 10th, 2009 | Filed by

‘Another group of researchers, many of them with advanced degrees in science, are unimpressed by Ardi.’… Read the rest



Then Again – Ardi Was Married and Straight! Yay! *

Oct 10th, 2009 | Filed by

The species may have pair-bonded, therefore, marriage has meant woman and man for 4.4 million years.… Read the rest



Obama Adviser Defends Sharia *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

Says majority of women around the world associate justice for women with sharia compliance.… Read the rest



Your Child is Missing? Here, Meet Our Medium *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

New Zealand public tv station inserts itself into missing child story by offering one of its ‘psychic stars.’… Read the rest



C of E Grabs Power Back From Women Bishops *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

Committee agreed to automatically remove certain powers from female bishops and give them to their male colleagues.… Read the rest



Church Times Reviews ‘Does God Hate Women?’ *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

Surprisingly favorably. (The irony was entirely intentional! I know where ‘whited sepulchre’ comes from!)… Read the rest



Nobel Committee Gives Obama a Surprise *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

Republicans are grumbling about star power.… Read the rest



US v Freedom of Expression *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

Egypt and US co-sponsored a resolution condemning ‘negative stereotyping of religion.’… Read the rest



Atheism as Class-marker is Beside the Point *

Oct 9th, 2009 | Filed by

It would be outrageous to say that the reasons for choosing atheism over religion might actually be valid.… Read the rest



Mooney Insists That Dawkins Has Surrendered *

Oct 8th, 2009 | Filed by

He has become a communicator! He has learned how to frame! Another lost lamb returned to the fold.… Read the rest



Your Logic Makes the Puppy Sad *

Oct 8th, 2009 | Filed by

Myers on Mooney on Dawkins on communication.… Read the rest



Yes You Are Strident, Reporter Tells Dawkins *

Oct 8th, 2009 | Filed by

You wouldn’t talk about a strident Christian, Dawkins tells reporter.… Read the rest