‘Mangling some of the facts is one thing, but de Botton’s cruelty to English prose is less forgivable.’… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
What Is Music For? 
May 15th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Not what Barenboim thinks, says Terence Kealey.… Read the rest
A Good Life is not Always a Happy One
May 15th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Discontent and ambition have driven humanity to confront and overcome challenges. … Read the rest
Nick Cohen on Freedom of Expression
May 15th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
And calls for its suppression.… Read the rest
Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Asylum Application
May 15th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
TV documentary about her triggered calls for her to be stripped of her Dutch passport. … Read the rest
Johann Hari Reviews Why Truth Matters
May 14th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Modesty forbids.… Read the rest
Roadblocks to Equality for Women
May 14th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Worldwide, the situation is grim. Keep your eyes on the prize.… Read the rest
Rod Liddle on Ruth Kelly
May 14th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Is it possible to be minister for equality while wishing in your heart to smite all sodomites asunder? … Read the rest
Opus Dei Has Historically Always Been Bad Guy
May 14th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Now they get to be victim: ‘a small Catholic group that is being beaten up by big, bad Hollywood.’… Read the rest
Adam Smith Abducted Again
May 13th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Smith’s genius as an economist cannot be separated from his decency as a human being.… Read the rest
Shirin Ebadi Against the Mullahs
May 13th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Forced to resign as Iran’s first female judge when the revolutionaries decided women were unfit.… Read the rest
Michelle Goldberg on Theocrats Militant
May 13th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Be afraid.… Read the rest
Eve Garrard on Joffe Bill
May 13th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The person whose life it is is best able to decide what its intrinsic value is.… Read the rest
Samuel Brittan on Mill
May 13th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Mill’s views on politics came from the same vein of thinking as his scholarly studies.… Read the rest
Letters on Breathtaking Arrogance of Christians
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Atheists need neither heavenly carrots nor hellish sticks to persuade us to be moral, ethical persons.… Read the rest
Religious ‘Leaders’ Team Up to Fight Legislation
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘We believe that all human life is sacred and God-given.’ That’s nice, but so what?… Read the rest
Polly Toynbee Resists Cabal of Believers
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘Today is the day when the forces of superstition will try to cut off any further debate.’… Read the rest
Poland Bans Some TV Ads During Pope’s Visit
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Alcohol, underwear, contraceptives (well duh), and – sanitary towels? Because…?… Read the rest
Fired Editor of CMAJ on Editorial Independence
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘The notion that politically sensitive topics can be expunged from a medical journal is folly.’… Read the rest
The Loony Scientist Stereotype
May 12th, 2006 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
How it does linger.… Read the rest
