They’ve taken over Swat completely; Rashid has never been so depressed.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
HRW on Murder of Russian Human Rights Lawyer 
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘For victims of human rights abuses in Chechnya, Markelov’s name was synonymous with hope for justice.’… Read the rest
Thailand: Government Cracks Down on Media
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Justice ministry plans to censor 3,000 to 4,000 Websites for posting material offensive to the Thai monarchy.… Read the rest
Another Bloodbath in Darfur?
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Sudan’s army appears set to launch an attack on Muhajeria, whose civilian population approaches 50,000. … Read the rest
India: Even Courts Can’t Stop ‘Honour’ Killings
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The courts are swamped by young couples seeking protection from parents who have turned into enemies.… Read the rest
Six Months for Double ‘Honour’ Killing
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The brother had an explosion of rage, so that’s all right then.… Read the rest
‘God Please Smite This Irritating Guy For Me’
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Rev. Fred Nile expects god to intervene in the toxic affairs of his minor political party. … Read the rest
There Is a Conflict Between Science and Religion
Feb 3rd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Whether the universe and life itself had a supernatural cause is an empirical question.… Read the rest
Court Rules School Can Expel Lesbians
Feb 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
School’s purpose is to ‘teach Christian values in a Christian setting pursuant to a Christian code of conduct.’… Read the rest
Pakistan: UN Refugee Agency Official Kidnapped
Feb 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
His driver was killed. The UN condemned attacks on humanitarian workers.… Read the rest
Christian Voice Gets a Scolding
Feb 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Not allowed to put dubious factual claims in advertisements. Naughty.… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Fume at Special Rights for Gays
Feb 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
By demanding equal rights, they deny us our right to discriminate against them. It’s so unfair.… Read the rest
Stanley Fish Loves Polygamy on TV
Feb 2nd, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The man is the center of the universe and the women compete for his attention; what’s not to like?… Read the rest
‘Blue Monday’: Pseudoscientific Media Myth
Feb 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Making stupid stuff up about the most depressing day of the year doesn’t help anyone.… Read the rest
An Ordinary Human Being Can Make a Difference
Feb 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Lilly Ledbetter talks about her 10-year fight for justice and the new law.… Read the rest
Celebratory Signing of Lilly Ledbetter Bill
Feb 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The East Room was packed with beaming lawmakers and advocates for civil rights and workers’ rights.… Read the rest
‘Heart-warming’ Story Turns Rancid
Feb 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
People thrilled at birth of octuplets (why?) now realize humans shouldn’t have litters.… Read the rest
Survey: Half of Britons Don’t Believe in Evolution
Feb 1st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
At least 22% ‘prefer’ creationism or ID. What is this, a shopping mall?… Read the rest
Drink Coffee, See Dead People
Jan 31st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ben Goldacre takes a closer look, finds the usual confusions; academics are sadly unblameless.… Read the rest
No Reason to Worry About Thimerosal in Vacs
Jan 31st, 2009 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Researchers find no risk of thimerosal in vaccines causing brain problems.… Read the rest
