However much he may wish to rewrite his past, he was neither misunderstood nor misquoted on the fatwa.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
Woman ‘So Offended’ by Starbucks Cup 
May 7th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Coffee addict forced to read something she didn’t agree with. World grinds to halt.… Read the rest
Atheists Waking Up in Godbothering US
May 7th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Now there’s atheist summer camp. Yee-ha.… Read the rest
May Day in Iran
May 7th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
In Sanandaj the security forces crushed the workers’ main rally, beating up a number of workers.… Read the rest
Court Refuses ‘Miss D’ Permission to Travel
May 7th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The judge said that granting the order would amount to a failure to protect the rights of the unborn.… Read the rest
Akinola Installs Rebel Bishop in Anglican Splinter
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Fuel for the debate over the proper reading of Scripture on homosexuality and other issues. … Read the rest
Mob Films Girl’s Murder on Cameraphones
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
As a warning to other sluts? No doubt. [Caution: don’t watch.]… Read the rest
Video of Stoning Shown on Internet
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Cellphone videos show an Iraqi mob stoning and kicking to death a 17-year-old girl.… Read the rest
Kyrgyzstan and the ‘Tradition of Bride Kidnapping’
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Be careful not to see it through western eyes though.… Read the rest
Bridge-building Football Game Called Off
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Imams refused to play if women played, priests said okay no women, women said eh?… Read the rest
Irish Health Service Drops Opposition
May 6th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
HSE will agree to let Miss D travel to UK for an abortion.… Read the rest
Bush Promises to Veto Abortion Rights
May 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘I will veto any legislation that encourages the destruction of human life.’ No more capital punishment then?… Read the rest
Turkish Women and Islamism
May 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Some fear it, others are thrilled.… Read the rest
Interview with Amartya Sen
May 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Democracy can be seen as government by discussion, responding to and protecting public discussion. … Read the rest
Who’s Kwame Anthony Appiah?
May 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The questions he poses are disturbing, since they expose the errors of our most cherished forms of selfhood. … Read the rest
Stephen Moss Talks to Slavoj Zizek
May 5th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Slovenian philosopher, cineaste, professional contrarian. He is feted as an “academic rock star”.’… Read the rest
Stunning 12th Century Buddhist Art Found in Nepal
May 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Sheep herder told researchers of caves containing a mural of 55 panels.… Read the rest
Irish Abortion Court Case Continues
May 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Effort to force teenager to carry anencephalic foetus to term continues.… Read the rest
Vatican’s Thigh-slapper About ‘Terrorist’ Comedian
May 4th, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
There are terrorists around, therefore jokes are terrorism. Huh?… Read the rest
Vatican Calls Pope-criticism ‘Terrorism’
May 3rd, 2007 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A presenter at a rock concert spoke out against some of Ratzinger’s views. That’s terrorism?… Read the rest
