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Inevitably links go out of date.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.


The Wasteland – Inside Mugabe’s Crumbling State *

Mar 21st, 2007 | Filed by

Daily life is consumed by the struggle to eat and finding the money for medicines and school. … Read the rest



Peer Seeks to Block Gay Rights Rules *

Mar 21st, 2007 | Filed by

‘Concerns that the regulations compromise religious liberty.’… Read the rest



Michael Walzer on the Left We Need *

Mar 21st, 2007 | Filed by

The real left should never be muffled or evasive.… Read the rest



Primate Behavior and the Roots of Morality *

Mar 21st, 2007 | Filed by

Frans de Waal replies to philosopher critics.… Read the rest



When Medical Ethics Clash With Religious Beliefs *

Mar 20th, 2007 | Filed by

Doctors are increasingly accommodating patients’ religious beliefs, however odd.… Read the rest



Religious Liberals Enable Fanatics *

Mar 20th, 2007 | Filed by

Now liberals as well as reactionaries embrace the term ‘secularist fundamentalism.’… Read the rest



Anthony Appiah on Slavery and Freedom *

Mar 20th, 2007 | Filed by

There’s no neat toggle switch between slave and free.… Read the rest



Alister McGrath and Daniel Dennett Discuss *

Mar 19th, 2007 | Filed by

McGrath says issues such as the meaning of life remain outside the scope of science. … Read the rest



Victor Stenger Reviewed *

Mar 19th, 2007 | Filed by

‘If there’s no God, who pulls up the next Kleenex?’… Read the rest



‘Flock’ Urge Bishops to Vote Against Gay Rights *

Mar 19th, 2007 | Filed by

‘Many Christians will be praying, giving up other activities that could rightly claim their attention.’… Read the rest



Myths About Darwin *

Mar 19th, 2007 | Filed by

The story is more subtle, complex and interesting than those invented by the myth-makers.… Read the rest



Irish Religious Orders Promised to Help Pay *

Mar 18th, 2007 | Filed by

Compensation for abuse in industrial schools, but the sums are not adding up.… Read the rest



Understanding the Fatwa on Taslima Nasreen *

Mar 18th, 2007 | Filed by

A time honoured tactic to incite the faithful to murder those who dare to criticise Islam.… Read the rest



Ziauddin Sardar Sees Dogmatism Everywhere *

Mar 18th, 2007 | Filed by

Those secular fundamentalists and scientific atheists – they’re such a pain.… Read the rest



If Police Had Listened to Banaz Agha *

Mar 18th, 2007 | Filed by

She wouldn’t have been murdered for ‘honour.’ IKWRO offers a petition.… Read the rest



Three Killed in Attack on School in Thailand *

Mar 18th, 2007 | Filed by

Police blame Muslim separatists, villagers blame police and paramilitary soldiers.… Read the rest



Three Little Carrots? Ipods? Spoons? Frogs? *

Mar 17th, 2007 | Filed by

Organisers of children’s performance racked brains to find inoffensive substitute for shocking ‘pigs.’… Read the rest



Academic says Debate on Islam is Stifled in UK *

Mar 17th, 2007 | Filed by

Lecture on Islamic anti-Semitism was cancelled after complaints from Muslim students.… Read the rest



Thugs Slaughter Busload of People in Thailand *

Mar 17th, 2007 | Filed by

Nine killed; four women, two girls; teachers, students, traders, farmers; all Buddhists except driver.… Read the rest



Oxford Students Petition to Oust Don *

Mar 17th, 2007 | Filed by

Professor of demography helped found MigrationWatch in 2001.… Read the rest