On just war, complex equality, universal ideals of justice, and more.… 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Inevitably links go out of date.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.
A Degree in Sleeping and Not Washing 
Aug 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Degrees in surfing, watching tv, games – vocational training or a waste of time and money?… Read the rest
Revolting Drivel
Aug 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The serpent stands for rationalist mischief, says godbothering ethicist Leon Kass.… Read the rest
The Name of the Rose It Ain’t
Aug 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A best-seller about Leonardo, the Holy Grail and ‘the Goddess’ is a tad shaky on the facts.… Read the rest
Funnier Than Anything Hope Ever Said
Aug 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Christopher Hitchens’ loving tribute to a comedian whose only fault was total absence of humour.… Read the rest
The Vatican is Being Gravely Silly
Aug 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Shocking, cruel language, not open to argument – the Catholic church is being another Soapy Sam.… Read the rest
Ann Widdecombe Approves, Anyway
Aug 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The Telegraph doesn’t mention any other MPs who like the Vatican’s statement on marriage.… Read the rest
Edward Said on the Importance of Edward Said
Aug 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
How odd – his book came out 25 years ago, and yet people still aren’t obeying it.… Read the rest
Canadian PM Could Burn in Hell
Aug 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Calgary bishop declares Chrétien’s eternal salvation is in jeopardy.… Read the rest
A Bigoted, Misanthropic Elitist
Aug 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
How we miss him! Wendy Kaminer reviews a book on Mencken and religion.… Read the rest
Skepticism is not Cynicism
Aug 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
‘To doubt claims that are not backed by evidence…seems only reasonable.’… Read the rest
The Vatican Clears Things Up
Aug 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Homosexual marriage not analogous to God’s plan for marriage and family. Oh.… Read the rest
Why Books Level the Playing Field
Aug 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Students prefer prettier professors, and may learn more from them.… Read the rest
How Are False Memories Formed?
Aug 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Study suggests how to increase memory without also increasing corresponding false memories.… Read the rest
Endless Irritating Debate on Nature-Nurture
Jul 31st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
H. Allen Orr is pleased to find that Matt Ridley does have something new to say about the subject.… Read the rest
Science Does Progress
Jul 31st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Science is not a matter of opinion, John Gribbin says.… Read the rest
Do Humans Make Progress?
Jul 31st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Adair Turner says John Gray’s pessimism is overstated and his economics all wrong.… Read the rest
‘Journalists Aren’t Supposed to Tell Lies?!’
Jul 31st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
When they tell a pack about him, John Lloyd discovers how unbothered they are about it.… Read the rest
Junk Science
Jul 30th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The real risks of not immunising children outweigh worries based on bad evidence.… Read the rest
First Aid TV Style
Jul 30th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Fully trained after watching ER?… Read the rest
