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Inevitably links go out of date.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.


Mario Pisani on Eagleton on Meaning of Life *

Mar 6th, 2007 | Filed by

He borrows most from two thinkers, ancient and contemporary respectively: Aristotle and Julian Baggini.… Read the rest



Ayaan Hirsi Ali is no Fundamentalist *

Mar 6th, 2007 | Filed by

Hitchens wonders why Garton Ash and Buruma call her that.… Read the rest



David Thompson on Criticisms of Hirsi Ali *

Mar 6th, 2007 | Filed by

Laila Lalami’s argument is far more tendentious and evasive than those she critiques.… Read the rest



China Rebukes Japan on Sex Slavery Issue *

Mar 6th, 2007 | Filed by

FM says Japan should face history, take responsibility for army’s use of sex slaves during WW II. … Read the rest



Women Arrested in Tehran *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

For solidarity with five women on trial for protest against laws that discriminate against women.… Read the rest



HRW Protests Trial of Women in Tehran *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

‘Iran is prosecuting women for peacefully protesting laws that discriminate against them.’… Read the rest



Iraqi Feminist in London Targeted by Islamists *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

‘With the permission of Great God, we will kill you,’ the email told Houzan Mahmoud. … Read the rest



Central Council of Ex-Muslims in Germany *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

Mina Ahadi, 40 others founded Council to represent Germany’s secular-minded Muslim immigrants.… Read the rest



Seminar March 8 London on Women’s Rights *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

And Islamic and religious laws. Maryam Namazie, Taslima Nasrin. Admission free.… Read the rest



Julian Baggini on Fair Trade *

Mar 5th, 2007 | Filed by

Free trade is neither good nor bad; it all depends on how consumers exercise their freedom.… Read the rest



Rice Announces 3 Delegates to UN CSW *

Mar 4th, 2007 | Filed by

Lisa Guillermin Gable, Darlene Bramon, Pia Francesca de Solenni.… Read the rest



Interview with Pia Francesca de Solenni *

Mar 4th, 2007 | Filed by

Winner of Vatican prize points to ‘Christian feminism’ as antidote to secular feminism.… Read the rest



Support for Lester Bill Against Forced Marriage *

Mar 4th, 2007 | Filed by

Law will enshrine powerful rights for victims who have been compelled to marry against their will.… Read the rest



Review of Baggini’s Welcome to Everytown *

Mar 4th, 2007 | Filed by

The English feel stronger as a collective, with a philosophy of ‘conservative communitarianism.’… Read the rest



Sandra Harding Has a New Book Out *

Mar 4th, 2007 | Filed by

‘Harding problematizes the claim to universality that Western science rests upon.’… Read the rest



Japanese Govt Angry at US Sex Slave Bill *

Mar 3rd, 2007 | Filed by

Many ‘comfort women’ were Korean, but some were Chinese, Philippine and Indonesian.… Read the rest



South Korea Angry at Japan’s Denial *

Mar 3rd, 2007 | Filed by

Foreign Minister said Abe’s remarks were ‘not helpful’ and the truth must be faced. … Read the rest



Commission on the Status of Women Ignored *

Mar 3rd, 2007 | Filed by

Mainstream media are ignoring the biggest global forum for such issues. Why is that?… Read the rest



Ben Goldacre on Scare Stories *

Mar 3rd, 2007 | Filed by

Deputy political editors write science articles.… Read the rest



Man Sells Daughter to Settle Poker Debt *

Mar 3rd, 2007 | Filed by

She has asked authorities to save her from being handed over to a much older relative.… Read the rest