Two new papers illustrate the continuing power of the Milgram experiment.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
How Gülen Triumphed in Top Intellectuals Poll 
Jul 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
By being organized, that’s how.… Read the rest
Sam Harris on God-fearing Atheists
Jul 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Among 35,556 people, Pew seems to have found 40 who are especially confused.… Read the rest
Hitchens on How to be a Public Intellectual
Jul 13th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
An intellectual is someone who does not attempt to soar on the thermals of public opinion… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Discuss the Wafer Kidnapping
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Jesus was kidnapped? Mo thought he’d just gone down the pub.… Read the rest
A Defect in the International Legal System
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Some of those charged with looking out for international law are shielding those who flout international law.… Read the rest
China and Russia Veto Zimbabwe Sanctions
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
No threat to world peace; mustn’t meddle in internal affairs.… Read the rest
Bernard-Henri Lévy on Obama
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
He is the most gifted politician produced by the Democratic machine in a long time.… Read the rest
Catholic League Demands Expulsion of Student
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The UCF administration needs to act swiftly and decisively in seeing that justice is done.’… Read the rest
Bible Professor Suspended by Seminary
Jul 12th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Requires faculty to pledge not to teach anything contrary to the 1646 Westminster Confession of Faith.… Read the rest
Andrew Anthony Reviews Kenan Malik
Jul 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A stalwart defender of free speech, Malik is a formidable enemy of fuzzy or wishful thinking. … Read the rest
Ian McEwan on the Apocalyptic Mind
Jul 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Common threads run between medieval and contemporary apocalyptic thought.… Read the rest
Farc Denounces ‘Betrayals’
Jul 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Betrayal of revolutionary principles ended brutal unlawful imprisonment. Shock horror.… Read the rest
Catholic League Angry at PZ Myers
Jul 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
League has contacted president of UM and state legislature, wants them to act quickly and decisively.… Read the rest
Catholic League is Afraid, Very Afraid
Jul 11th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Wants extra security in Minneapolis so that Catholics ‘can worship without fear of violence.’… Read the rest
Vatican Outrage at End to 16 Year Coma
Jul 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Eluana Englaro has been comatose for 16 years, Vatican wants that to continue.… Read the rest
Jesse Jackson Apologizes
Jul 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Accused Obama of ‘talking down to black people,’ expressed desire to cut his nuts off. Tho thorry.… Read the rest
Atheist Soldier Sues Pentagon for Discrimination
Jul 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Some former soldiers say the Pentagon tacitly encourages evangelical proselytizing to create a ‘godly army.’… Read the rest
Rorty and the ‘Intellectual Self-concept’
Jul 10th, 2008 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Academics make intellectual choices in part because of what sort of intellectual they think they are.… Read the rest
