Not on the grounds of race, disability, etc, but on the grounds of sex, marital status or sexuality.… Read the rest
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Inevitably links go out of date.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 Studies That Move Goalposts 
Oct 4th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Researchers can mischievously change their stated goal, or ‘primary outcome,’ after their trial has finished… Read the rest
Vatican Continues its Inelegant Dance
Oct 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We’re bad but they are worse, says Catholic church sullenly.… Read the rest
IHEU Statement on Child Abuse and Holy See
Oct 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The church ‘has been given a free ride by the international community because of its presumed moral leadership.’… Read the rest
IHEU Calls the Vatican to Account for Child Abuse
Oct 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The speech also drew attention to the Vatican’s failure to comply with its obligations under International Law.… Read the rest
Slippery Language and Free Speech
Oct 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The Executive Branch’s endorsement of speech-restrictive norms could affect how the courts interpret the First Amendment.… Read the rest
Roberto Saviano on Berlusconi’s Smears and Threats
Oct 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Anyone who takes a critical stand on the Italian government or Prime Minister knows to expect retaliation. … Read the rest
Melanie McDonagh Wants No ‘Catholic Bashing’
Oct 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
She hopes child abusers are burning in hell. A good Catholic.… Read the rest
A Big Hello to Ardi
Oct 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The fossil skeleton of Ardipithecus ramidus, a hominid from 4.4 million years ago, is the oldest such fossil ever found.… Read the rest
Science Provides 11 Ardi Papers, Free
Oct 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Science for the public. Thank you.… Read the rest
Hominid Fossil Found; Predates Lucy
Oct 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The older hominid suggests no modern ape is a realistic proxy for characterizing early hominid evolution.… Read the rest
Bishop Lahey is Expected to Turn Himself In
Oct 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The bishop of Antigonish, Nova Scotia is facing child pornography charges.… Read the rest
DC: Launch of Former Muslims United
Oct 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ibn Warraq and Nonie Darwish have launched the group to protect and succour apostates from Islam.… Read the rest
Not Clever to Email While Driving
Oct 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But everybody does it. Bang crash tinkle.… Read the rest
Shuggy on Andrew Brown on Atheism and Class
Oct 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The soft theists of CiF want to impose a liberal narrative on salvation religions that don’t have one.… Read the rest
Different Rules for Hollywood Celebrities
Sep 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Drug and anal-rape a girl of 13? Hey the guy is a genius director, so let it go.… Read the rest
Every Day is Blasphemy Day
Sep 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Especially today.… Read the rest
Two Different Understandings of Blasphemy
Sep 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Blasphemy laws have prohibited any denial or questioning of the dominant religious beliefs of the time.… Read the rest
Paul Sims on Andrew Brown
Sep 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Brown should have brushed up on his history before declaring atheism to be exclusively middle class.… Read the rest
Homeopathy Couple Jailed Over Baby’s Death
Sep 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Gloria’s parents finally took her to a hospital for an eye infection that had started to melt her corneas.… Read the rest
