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Inevitably links go out of date.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.


Saudis Threw Such a Lovely Conference *

Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by

Mind you, Saudi Arabia bans all non-Islamic religious practices, but it’s terrifically tolerant.… Read the rest



Lovely, Lovely Conference *

Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by

Critics said the Saudis were the last people who should host a meeting on religious dialogue. But – uh.… Read the rest



Theologians Tell Clerics to Respect Women *

Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by

Women are not holding their breath.… Read the rest



Saudi Conference Ends on Sour Note *

Jul 20th, 2008 | Filed by

Some participants irritated by late changes to draft statement without consent of all members.… Read the rest



Sexual Harassment of Women in Egypt *

Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by

No one spoke about freedom of choice, freedom of movement or the right to legal protection. … Read the rest



46% of Egyptian Women Harassed Daily *

Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by

83% of Egyptian women and 98% of foreign women said they had been harassed at some point.… Read the rest



Two Thirds of Egyptian Men Harass Women *

Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by

Egyptian and foreign women frequently complain of persistent sexual harassment on Egyptian streets.… Read the rest



Church Has Faith in People’s Ability to Avoid HIV *

Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by

Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier said he had long been opposed to the use of condoms to prevent HIV. … Read the rest



Church Cancels Gun-giveaway for Teenagers *

Jul 19th, 2008 | Filed by

Windsor Hills Baptist had planned to give away a semiautomatic assault rifle, but shot itself in foot instead.… Read the rest



Mandela Turns 90 *

Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by

Calls for the rich to do more for the poor.… Read the rest



UK Govt to Fund Board of Islamic Theologians *

Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by

Sheikh Mogra said ‘This board has to be something owned by us, driven by us but supported by government.’… Read the rest



Midwives Train as Surgeons in Mozambique *

Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by

Is on track to achieve UN Millennium Development goal to reduce maternal death rate by 75% by 2015… Read the rest



Without the Data, There’s Only Someone Saying *

Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by

Journalists don’t always understand what it means for there to be evidence for an assertion.… Read the rest



Mo Practices Transubstantiation *

Jul 18th, 2008 | Filed by

Jesus asks for Celine Dion. … Read the rest



Saudi King ‘Appeals for Tolerance’! *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

‘Has called on followers of the world’s main religions to turn away from extremism’! Yes, really.… Read the rest



Saudi Monarch ‘Decries Extremism’! *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

Conference to emphasize ‘a more tolerant side’ of Wahhabi Islam. Right. … Read the rest



Saudi King Says Religions Should Unite *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

To combat problems such as ‘breakdown of the family,’ code for women who don’t submit enough.… Read the rest



God Donates Gold Teeth, One Per Customer *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

Pray for a sign, go home, find gold tooth in mouth. A miracle!… Read the rest



‘Islam is a Religion of Moderation and Tolerance’ *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

‘A new page for humanity in which – God willing – concord will replace conflict.’ God unwilling, not.… Read the rest



Man Knifes Sister for Being ‘Bad Muslim Girl’ *

Jul 17th, 2008 | Filed by

Told sheriff’s investigators he attacked his sister because she had disgraced their family.… Read the rest