In April 1987 there was a march for Jesus. What happened in October 1987? The stock market crashed. Aha!… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Whither the Junior Dictionary? 
Dec 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Words like ‘saint’ and ‘buttercup’ have gone – what can it all mean?… Read the rest
SUVs at Altar, Detroit Church Prays for Bailout
Dec 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Local car dealers donated three giant cars to display during the service, one from each of the ‘Big Three.’… Read the rest
Still No Equality for Muslim Women
Dec 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Nadia Jamal seems surprised.… Read the rest
Independent Publishes More Catholic Apologetics
Dec 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Cardinal notices conflict between religious belief and what it means to be liberal; chooses wrong side.… Read the rest
WSJ on Durban II, the HRC and ‘Islamophobia’
Dec 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘If the Durban II drafters have their way, any challenge of Islamic teachings would be taboo.’… Read the rest
Adam Phillips on ‘The House of Wittgenstein’
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Philosophers must not become mandarin philosopher-kings, but stick to the ruthless curiosity of childhood.… Read the rest
Grayling on the Hard Truth About Animal Research
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
As knowledge increases, so do doubts about the ethics of using any mammal for research.… Read the rest
Relatives Hold Vigil for Jestina Mukoko
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Last week Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights filed a High Court application to force the police to produce her.… Read the rest
Two More ZPP Officers Abducted
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Zimbabwe’s human rights abuses continue as two officers of the Zimbabwe Peace Project are grabbed.… Read the rest
British Lawyers Try to Free Dr Humayra Abedin
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Lawyer Anne-Marie Hutchinson said Monday she is trying to free Abedin; family has ignored court order.… Read the rest
Vatican Demonstrates its Own Regressive Nature
Dec 8th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
By opposing UN resolution aimed at stopping the execution of gay people in Islamic countries.… Read the rest
Race to Rescue Doctor from Forced Marriage
Dec 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Dr Abedin is being held captive by her family in Dhaka; she is thought to have been violently beaten.… Read the rest
Tariq Ramadan Issues Some Instructions
Dec 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘No one can deny that some individuals do face discrimination because of their “religion”.’… Read the rest
Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People
Dec 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Ooh naughty – smirking incredulity, casually derogatory remark, provocation, tut tut.… Read the rest
Anti-abortion Rights Campaigners v Cherie Blair
Dec 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Blair giving a lecture titled ‘Religion as a Force in protecting Women’s Human Rights.’ Yeah right.… Read the rest
Catholic Cardinal Whines About Secularism
Dec 7th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Atheism has become more vocal and aggressive.’ It’s an outrage! Atheism should be silent and passive!… Read the rest
Many Opposition Activists Missing in Zimbabwe
Dec 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The whereabouts of 14 MDC activists and a baby are still unknown more than a month since they disappeared. … Read the rest
Normblog on Simon Jenkins on ‘Scaremongering’
Dec 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
As long as the bombers announce their hatred of secular law and liberty, the Simon Jenkinses can’t wait to urge you to relax.… Read the rest
Odinga, Tutu Say Mugabe Must Go
Dec 5th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Collapse of health systems and water supply in Harare are major reasons for the cholera deaths.… Read the rest
