Started as an argument about bond prices, became a row about racism and the fate of the global economy.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Saudi Lawyer Demands Danish Apology 
Aug 31st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Wants a public apology from several newspapers that published a Motoon in 2008.… Read the rest
Is Depression an Evolutionary Adaptation?
Aug 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A pair of evolutionary psychiatrists claim it is, and say that drugs only make things worse.… Read the rest
What Happens to Pets After the Rapture?
Aug 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Kind helpful blaspheming atheists will give them a loving home. [link fixed!]… Read the rest
Bishop Warns of ‘Aggressive Secularism’
Aug 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Says the established religion must speak out more to preserve the country’s Christian heritage.… Read the rest
No Evolution T-shirts for High School Band
Aug 30th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The district is required by law to remain neutral where religion is concerned’…and evolution is a religion.… Read the rest
‘Western Feminist’ Rebukes ‘Western Feminists’
Aug 29th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We should support religious feminism abroad; otherwise we’re arrogant and full of ourselves.… Read the rest
Ben Goldacre on Advertising via Journalism
Aug 29th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Newspapers are short of cash, and they print PR-reviewed ‘research’ straight from the press release.… Read the rest
Goldacre and Science Minister Debate: Tix Free
Aug 29th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
An important issue, good that a politician is taking it seriously.… Read the rest
Health Warning: Exercise Makes You Fat
Aug 29th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The kind of headline you want to see: it’s affirmative, it’s reassuring, it gives you permission to sit on your arse all day. … Read the rest
Faith Healers Watched Boy Die of Appendicitis
Aug 29th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
State law has an exemption for ‘a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner’ but no other religion.… Read the rest
Clive James on ‘Honor’ Murders
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The words “community” and “culture” are starting to sound like weasel words for institutionalised sadism.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on Turning a Blind Eye to Misogyny
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mainstream opinion does not consider the oppression of women a pressing concern when it is done in the name of culture or religion.… Read the rest
Normblog on Wisdom from Slavoj Zizek
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Or not so much wisdom as sorry claptrap.… Read the rest
Women and Islam
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In Turkey, 69% of all female health workers polled said violence against women is sometimes excusable.… Read the rest
Jason Rosenhouse Reviews Keith Ward
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
What could be simpler than a disembodied eternal intelligence capable of bringing worlds into being with an act of will? … Read the rest
Moses Inspires Jesus and Mo
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Jesus has these friends at the Templeton Foundation…… Read the rest
Ziauddin Sardar Explains About the Koran
Aug 28th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ibn Sina, Ibn Rushd, Muslim Spain, the Blue Mosque! See?… Read the rest
Mali: Women’s Rights Bill Blocked
Aug 27th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Muslim groups have been protesting against the law ever since parliament adopted it in early August.… Read the rest
Mali: Wives Must Obey Husbands
Aug 27th, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We’re not trying to make women slaves. The head of the family is the man, and everyone in the family has to obey him.’… Read the rest
