John Madden Death Hoax (2014)
False reports in 2014 and 2016 that former NFL coach John Madden had passed away came from an article originally published on a satirical website. In the age of digital information, celebrity death hoaxes have…
More New England Patriots Players Attended White House Super Bowl Ceremony in 2015 than 2017?
A side-by-side comparison of the number of New England Patriots players at a White House event in 2015 and 2017 is real, but misleading. The tradition of championship-winning sports teams visiting the White House has…
Does a Vintage Advertisement Show Boy Eating a Stick of Butter?
An image purportedly showing a vintage advertisement for butter was created as a joke. Vintage advertisements provide a fascinating glimpse into the past, reflecting the cultural norms, trends, and marketing strategies of their time. Among…
Does the Average Woman Swallow 6 Pounds of Lipstick During Her Lifetime?
While it’s a neat-sounding statistic, common sense rules it out. In a world where health and beauty concerns intertwine, it’s no surprise that urban legends and myths surrounding cosmetics capture public attention. One such claim…
Did 69 People Die After Drinking Crocodile-Bile Poison Beer?
A rumor claimed that more than 60 people died in Mozambique because they consumed beer that was poisoned with crocodile bile. Throughout history, tales of mysterious deaths and unusual circumstances have captured the imagination of…
Does This Pic Show Fall Foliage in Upstate New York?
The image of an autumnal landscape was first published on Flickr in 2006. The breathtaking beauty of autumn foliage has long captivated the hearts of travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. One image that has gained…
Loretta Lynn Death Hoax (2018)
Contrary to a false report circulating in 2018, country singer Loretta Lynn did not die after checking into hospice care. In the age of digital information, celebrity death hoaxes have become a recurring phenomenon that…
Is McDonald’s the World’s Largest Purchaser of Cow Eyeballs?
Some versions of this rumor posit that the cow eyes are used as hamburger filler, or to make beef patties stick together better. Urban legends and sensational claims about fast food chains have become a…
Are Kids ‘Snorting’ Smarties and Putting Themselves at Risk of Nasal Maggots?
Citing a doctor, a 2009 warning to parents from a Rhode Island middle school claimed maggots could “feed on the sugary dust wedged inside the nose.” The world of social media is replete with trends…