Human solidarity is in fact a rational response to the ‘human condition,’ as Schopenhauer saw.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
A Good Night for the English Language 
Nov 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
James Wood on the defeat of a politics hostile to words by a victory speech eloquent in echo, allusion, and counterpoint.… Read the rest
Did McCain Lose More Than an Election?
Nov 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He had presented himself as a figure who would never pander or betray his convictions.… Read the rest
Garden Gnomes Banned From Church Cemetery
Nov 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘There is no such thing as a real gnome so why should we have such unnatural creatures in churchyards?’… Read the rest
Daniel Drezner on Public Intellectuals and Blogs
Nov 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The growth of the blogosphere erodes the barriers erected by a professionalized academy.… Read the rest
Haredi Parents Demand Heart Machine for Corpse
Nov 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
They haven’t been to the hospital since July, but say ‘religious law’ decides when death occurs.… Read the rest
The New York Times Has Lost its Mind
Nov 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Runs a piece by a psychic about his excellent psychic adventure, no disclaimer in sight.… Read the rest
Palin Will Run for President in 2012 Inshallah
Nov 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Palin says she won’t hesitate to run for the presidency in four years if it’s God’s will.… Read the rest
Monks Brawl at ‘Church of the Holy Sepulchre’
Nov 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Two monks from each side were detained as dozens of worshippers traded kicks and punches.… Read the rest
Report on Intimidation of Critics of Islam
Nov 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Stories of Europeans of Muslim background, believers and nonbelievers, threatened by Islamists.… Read the rest
Christians Threaten ‘Art World Vandalism’
Nov 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Christians won’t tolerate insults to Jesus Christ,’ threatens Stephen Green.… Read the rest
Joan Smith on Secularism in America
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Or rather, its absence.… Read the rest
Secular v Haredi in Jerusalem Mayoral Election
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Both candidates favour expanding settlements.… Read the rest
Prop 8 Protests at Rick Warren’s Megachurch
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Gay-rights advocates protested over Saddleback Church’s support of Proposition 8.… Read the rest
P J O’Rourke Looks Forward
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The South Side of Chicago is what everyplace in America will be once the Democratic administration have etc etc’… Read the rest
A Useful Emetic
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
If you’ve just accidentally swallowed some poison, this is just the ticket. Otherwise don’t bother.… Read the rest
Untested ‘Cures’ Advertised on the Net
Nov 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Leading medical experts are warning patients against using untested remedies advertised on the internet.… Read the rest
Katha Pollit Says Sayonara to Sarah Palin
Nov 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Palin models what feminism isn’t.… Read the rest
Visit the New Age Shop
Nov 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Reiki; readings that combine tarot cards, angel cards and crystal dowsing; ‘Balanced Therapy’; much more.… Read the rest
Anti-Semitism in 9/11 ‘Truth’ Movement
Nov 9th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Texe Marrs outlines the eight pillars, or foundations, of the Zionist elite conspiracy to undermine the US.’… Read the rest
