Start with the evolution of beak size in finches in the Galápagos archipelago.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Aberystwyth Cleric Defends ‘Life of Brian’ Ban 
Jul 24th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Hasn’t seen it, says it was unpleasant then and still is, therefore should be banned.… Read the rest
Catholic Group Tries to Prosecute Parade
Jul 24th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Catholic ‘civil rights’ group accuses organizers of gay pride parade of ‘inciting religious hatred.’… Read the rest
Jersey Abuse Claim ‘Corroborated’
Jul 24th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Police investigating allegations of child abuse say search of a bunker seems to support witness statements.… Read the rest
Karadzic as Dabic, Spiritual Explorer
Jul 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He was an expert in ‘human quantum energy’ and ‘a researcher in psychology and bio-energy.’… Read the rest
Interview With Barbara Ehrenreich
Jul 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
You could have sunny economic indicators but the population is so divided there’s not an average.… Read the rest
Hitchens Gets Himself Waterboarded
Jul 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Waterboarding used to be something that Americans were being trained to resist, not to inflict… Read the rest
Man, 64, Will Wait to Poke Bride, 10
Jul 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He’s paid the SR100,000 but will wait until she’s 15. Lucky girl.… Read the rest
Getting a Laugh From ‘World Youth Day’
Jul 23rd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The walls had collapsed. I was standing out in the open. It was very liberating. … Read the rest
Pope Says No to EU Party Invitation
Jul 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Vatican is alarmed at putative ‘drift towards militant secularism.’ Cause and effect? Who knows.… Read the rest
Allah Autographs a Piece of Meat in Nigeria
Jul 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Diner was about to eat it, when he suddenly noticed the words in the gristle.… Read the rest
Why No Marx in Econ, No Freud in Psych?
Jul 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Because of ‘antihistorical imperatives’? Or for the same kind of reason Galen is not taught in med school?… Read the rest
Karadzic Was Practicing ‘Alternative Medicine’
Jul 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
What else is there to say?… Read the rest
‘Faith Leaders’ Exaggerate Hostility to Gays
Jul 22nd, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Report says believers are ‘significantly more moderate’ on homosexuality than is often alleged on their behalf. … Read the rest
Arab League in ‘Solidarity’ With Sudan
Jul 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Declares ‘strong stance in solidarity with our brothers in Sudan’ against those pesky genocide victims.… Read the rest
9 Condemned to Death by Stoning in Iran
Jul 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The eight women sentenced had convictions including prostitution, incest and adultery.… Read the rest
Pope Warns of ‘Spiritual Desert’
Jul 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
This was shortly after apologizing for all that priestly groping.… Read the rest
DR Congo: Civilians Still Being Killed
Jul 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Killing and rape in North Kivu continues at a horrifying rate despite signing of peace accord.… Read the rest
Politicians and Diplomats Should Support ICC
Jul 21st, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
To say diplomats and politicians alone should decide what to do about Sudan risks maintaining status quo.… Read the rest
Saudi ‘Interfaith Forum’ Seen as Joke by Some
Jul 20th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Women, for instance, since no women were present.… Read the rest
