Current Netlore: A to Z Index, cont.

Internet hoaxes, email rumors and urban legends

# - B | C - G | H - K | L - P | R - Z

Larry Ellison's Yale Commencement Address
Did Oracle's CEO, Larry Ellison, really call the Yale Class of 2000 a pack of losers?

Larvae Infestation in Breast (Photo & Video)
Emailed image and video purport to document the medical case of anthropologist Susan McKinley, who failed to seek treatment for a rash and wound up with an infestation of larvae in her breast.

The 'Last Photo' from atop the World Trade Center
A wayward jetliner is clearly visible in the background of this purported September 11, 2001 tourist snapshot.

Law Firm Memo on Replacing Murdered Secretary
Callous memo stipulating schedule changes after an employee's murder turns out to be a prank.

Lead in Lipstick
Email flier claims name-brand lipsticks contain 'cancer-causing' lead and that consumers can test for its presence in products by scratching them with a 24K gold ring.

Lee Marvin and Bob (Captain Kangaroo) Keeshan - War Buddies?
In a story supposedly told by actor Lee Marvin on The Tonight Show years ago, he recalls serving in combat with fellow U.S. Marine Bob Keeshan, whom he called "the bravest man I ever knew."

Lemon Slices Pose Health Risk in Restaurants
New study finds that lemon slices/wedges served as garnishes in restaurants are often contaminated with health-threatening fecal bacteria.

Letter from the Old Folks Home
An 84-year-old resident of the Safety Harbor Assisted Home for the Aged writes to administrators of the local middle school to thank them for the radio she won at a senior citizen's luncheon.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel
From the "odd things inserted into orifices" file.

The Lion Cut
Actually, we think these photos of a "seriously pissed-off cat" just back from the groomer are real, but the accompanying story is too good to be true.

Listerine as Mosquito Repellent
Forwarded email claims spraying an outside area with Listerine mouthwash repels and/or kills every mosquito in the vicinity.

'Lock Bumping' Video
Forwarded emails link to videos demonstrating a breaking-and-entering technique used by criminals known as lock bumping or key bumping.

London Underground Terrorism Alert
Email rumor circulating in the wake of the 7/7/05 terror bombings claims another attack on the London underground is expected "within the next week."

Long Distance Toll Charge for Internet Access
A "new" old rumor - the U.S. government is going to make us pay long distance rates for dial-up access.

Long Island Malls Targeted for Black Friday (2004) Terror Attacks
Email rumor claims law enforcement officials are aware of a planned terrorist attack on four Long Island malls on Black Friday, November 26, 2004.

Lou Reed Is Dead
Not really, but this email hoax fooled several radio stations into reporting Reed's "death" as hard news.

LSD & Strychnine on Pay Phone Buttons
More pay phone hysteria, courtesy of the Internet.

Lucky Truck Accident (Photos)
Emailed pictures show the denouement of a pickup truck accident in which the truck apparently crashed through a barricade, struck a culvert, flipped end over end, and landed upright mere inches from the edge of a deep ravine.

MADD Petition
You are invited to help solve the problem of teenage drunken driving by reading a sappy poem and "signing" an email petition to be sent off to any number of destinations.

Madeleine McCann - Missing Child
Email flier seeks information on the whereabouts of missing child Madeleine McCann, who was abducted while on holiday in Portugal on May 3, 2007.

Madison Marie Crowder Prayer Request
Emailed prayer request from Kathy Hayes on behalf of her seriously ill granddaughter, 6-month-old Madison Marie Crowder.

Magic Johnson Is in a Coma, Near Death
Hoax email purporting to be a 'news item' from CNN claims famed basketball player Earvin 'Magic' Johnson is in a coma and dying in a Los Angeles hospital.

'Mail Server Report' Virus Warning
True: An Internet virus / worm is being propagated in emails containing the header "Mail Server Report."

Male Pregnancy Website
Wherein it is claimed that Taiwanese-born Mingwei Lee is the first human male to be artificially impregnated and will soon give birth to a child.

Mall Abduction Scams on 'Inside Edition'
This "warning to women" claims that elaborate scams are being used by abductors to lure female shoppers out of malls and into waiting vans.

Man Arrested for Having Sex with Pumpkin
"Police arrested Patrick Lawrence, a 22-year-old white male, resident of Dacula, GA, in a pumpkin patch at 11:38 p.m. Friday. Lawrence will be charged with lewd and lascivious behavior, public indecency, and public intoxication at the Gwinnett County courthouse on Monday."

Man-Eating Catfish (Photos)
Internet photos purport to show a giant, man-eating catfish caught in the Furong Reservoir in Huadu, China.

Man Keeps Dead Wife in Glass Coffee Table
According to this forwarded email, Arizona resident Jeff Green preserved the body of his dead wife Lucy in a specially-built glass coffee table, which is on display in his living room.

ManBeef.com - 'Human Meat' for Sale
Calling all cannibals! Here's an e-commerce site just for you!

Marines Intentionally Dishonored Bill Clinton
Is the president's Marine helicopter crew treating G.W. Bush with more respect than it treated Bill Clinton?

Marines Refused Service by Gas Station Attendant
Email describes alleged rude treatment of U.S. Marines by Arab owners of a Shell gas station in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

Marks & Spencer Voucher Giveaway
Chain letter claims recipients will receive a free gift voucher from Marks & Spencer and Persimmon Homes if they pass the message along to at least eight other people.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Forwarded email purports to reveal "Four Things You Didn't Know About Martin Luther King, Jr."

Marzipan Babies
Emailed images purportedly show tiny, realistic sculptures of human babies fashioned from marzipan paste.

Mastectomy Bill in Congress
Email flier urges women to sign an online petition in favor of the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act, which would require insurance companies to cover a minimum 48-hour hospital stay for patients undergoing a mastectomy.

MasterCard Wedding
During a wedding ceremony at Clemson University, the groom interrupts the proceedings to reveal a shocking secret about the bride and the best man (Internet version of "The Bridegroom's Revenge").

Matt Dawson Chain Letter
Circulating via email and on MySpace.com, this hoax claims 23-year-old Matt Dawson is suffering from lung cancer and a brain tumor, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation will donate 7 cents toward paying his medical bills every time the message is forwarded or reposted.

McDonald's Donations to Palestinians Injured in Uprising
A good example of what happens when a grain of truth is fed into the rumor mill in the midst of political discord.

McDonald's 'Free Premium Salad' Email Offer
"Free Salad" coupon circulating as an email attachment is bogus, according to the McDonald's Corporation.

McDonald's Importing South American Beef
This chain letter calls on American consumers to boycott McDonald's because the burger chain has allegedly begun importing "much of its beef" from South America.

McDonald's Job Application
Via forwarded email, an 'actual' job application submitted to McDonald's by one Greg Bulmash in 1997. Or so the story goes...

Mel Gibson - The Man Without a Face
Film about a disfigured teacher was allegedly based on Mel Gibson's own life.

Mel Gibson Movie 'The Passion' Blames Jews for Christ's Death
Rumor has it that Mel Gibson may harbor anti-Semitic sentiments and that his new movie 'The Passion,' which depicts the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life, blames Jews for his crucifixion and death.

Mentos + Coca-Cola = Death
Email rumor claims two boys in Brazil died after eating Mentos and drinking Coca-Cola at the same time.

Mermaid Found in the Philippines (Photos)
Emailed photos allegedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid found in the Philippines. P.T. Barnum would be proud.

Mermaid Washed Up by Tsunami (Photos)
Emailed photos allegedly show the carcass of a dead mermaid washed up on a beach at Chennai, India by the devastating tsunami of December 26, 2004.

Merman / Mermaid Carcass Found on Beach (Photos)
Emailed photos purportedly show the carcass of a merman (or mermaid) washed up on a beach variously said to be located in Venda, South Africa; Cebu, The Philippines; Malaysia; and Fort Desoto Beach, Florida.

'Merry Christmas' Virus Warning
Message beginning "Do not open any message with an attached file called 'Merry Christmas' regardless of who sent it" is a hoax.

Mexican Mafia Targeting Blacks in LA Freeway Shootings
Email rumor claims the Mexican Mafia is responsible for a recent spate of Los Angeles freeway shootings and is specifically targeting black men in white t-shirts in retaliation for the theft of cocaine.

Michael Moore vs. Bill Timmins on the Firing of Linda Ronstadt
Purported exchange of open letters between Michael Moore and Aladdin Casino and Hotel president Bill Timmins regarding the expulsion of singer Linda Ronstadt from the Las Vegas showplace.

Michael Moore: Open Letter to President Bush on Katrina
AUTHENTIC: An open letter to G.W. Bush from left wing pundit Michael Moore excoriating the president for his handling of the Hurrican Katrina disaster in New Orleans.

Michael Novenche Prayer Request
A sincere and authentic request for prayers for an ill 2-year-old boy, in circulation since April 2000.

Michael Richards' Self Defense
Circulating via email, a racist rant purportedly delivered by actor/comedian Michael Richards as his 'defense speech in court' for shouting racial epithets at black audience members during a 2006 incident at an L.A. comedy club.

Microwave Ovens, Plastic Wrap and Dioxin
Does microwaving foods in plastic containers or covered with plastic wrap expose consumers to deadly cancer-causing chemicals?

Microwaved Water Explodes in Man's Face
Email warns of a little-known hazard of using microwave ovens.

MiG Jet Fighter Found Buried in Iraq
Emailed photos show U.S. forces uncovering a Russian MiG-25 Foxbat jet fighter found buried in sand in Iraq.

Mike Hutchinson, Missionary in Peril
Email rumor that a Christian missionary in Africa is in danger of being lynched is false.

Military Casualties Under Clinton vs. Bush
Email flier purports to demonstrate that there were more U.S. military casualties under the Bill Clinton administration than there have been during the Iraq War under George W. Bush.

Mistaken Rapture
Arkansas woman mistakes the driver of a pickup truck for Jesus and dies while trying to ascend to heaven through the sun roof of her car.

M&M's for the Millennium
Just for forwarding a chain letter? I think not.

Mobile Phone Virus
While it is true as of this writing that at least one cell phone virus actually exists, emailed warnings circulating since 1999 impart false information about the nature of the threat.

Mold in Pancake Mix Causes Allergic Reaction
Email flier quotes a "Dear Abby" column in which a parent describes her 14-year-old son's severe allergic reaction to mold in outdated pancake mix.

MONDEX: The Mark of the Beast
Emailed slide show claims that microchips used in Mondex 'smart cards' are being implanted in people's hands or foreheads and constitute the 'mark of the beast' prophesied in the Biblical Book of Revelation.

Money Seized in Mexican Drug Raid (Photos)
Emailed photos show a huge cache of money totalling $207 million seized from Mexican drug dealers in 2007.

Monica Lewinsky Explains Post-Clinton Weight Loss
Here's what the former White House intern purportedly said on Larry King Live... and evidence that she didn't.

Monkeyman935 - State Police Warning
He's killed 56 women already! Don't answer emails from Monkeyman935!!!

Moose Harnessed for Hauling Wood (Photo)
Emailed image purportedly shows a full-grown 'work moose' being harnessed to haul wood in a logging operation.

Moose on a Wire (Photo)
Emailed image shows an unfortunate moose accidentally strung up on power cables by a utility crew near Fairbanks, Alaska.

Mountain Lion Killed in West Va. (Photos)
Emailed photos show an unusually large mountain lion (cougar) allegedly killed between Grantsville and Walker near Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Mouse Stuck in Printer Cartridge (Photos)
Emailed images document one of the more unusual causes of a printer jam - a mouse stuck in the printer's ink toner cartridge.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Causes Chemical Burn
Forwarded email describes 'chemical burns' sustained by a 5-year-old child when he scrubbed his own skin with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Contains Formaldehyde
Forwarded email claims that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser cleaning pads pose a health hazard because they contain formaldehyde.

Mr. Rogers Was a Marine Sniper/Navy Seal
Was Fred Rogers, longtime host of the children's TV show 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' a trained sharpshooter with dozens of kills to his credit as a Marine sniper or Navy Seal?

MSN Messenger Petition
Is MSN planning to start charging for instant messages? Can you stop them by circulating this chain letter? No and no.

Muhammad Atta Was Freed from Prison by American President
Depending on which version of this rumor you read, it was either Ronald Reagan or Bill Clinton who was responsible for setting Muhammad Atta free to carry out subsequent terrorist attacks on the U.S.

Mule Attacks Mountain Lion
Emailed photos purportedly show a mule attacking and killing a mountain lion in Arizona (or Wyoming, depending on version).

Mummified Fairy (Photos)
Emailed images purport to show mummified remains of a fairy (or "butterfly man" or "moth man") discovered in the Derbyshire countryside of England.

Munich Parking Garage (Photos)
Emailed images purportedly show a space-age automated parking garage constructed in a circular tower in Munich, Germany.

Muslim Postage Stamp Boycott
Email urges a boycott by "patriotic Americans" of postage stamp commemorating Muslim holidays.

Muslim 'Religion of Peace Demonstration' (Photos)
Emailed photos show Muslims brandishing signs advocating violence against anyone who insults Islam at a purported 'Religion of Peace demonstration' in London.

The Mysterious Staircase (Slideshow)
Emailed slideshow tells the story of a mysterious staircase at Loretto Chapel in Santa Fe, New Mexico and its miraculous construction by an unknown carpenter without the use of nails, glue, or central support.

Nagin Defends Use of 'Phantom Police'
Forwarded satire claims New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin padded the city budget by listing 700 nonexistent 'phantom' officers on the police payroll.

Nancy Pelosi Quotes
Circulating via email, purported statements by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi condemning stock market profit-taking and advocating redistribution of wealth via a 100% windfall tax.

NASA Confirms Biblical 'Missing Day'
In which we are asked to believe that NASA scientists inadvertently proved that the biblical account of God causing the sun to stand still for a day is true.

NASA Conducted 'Sex Experiments' in Space
So says a brand new book based on a bogus text floating around the Net since 1995.

NASA's $12 Billion Zero-Gravity Pen
Did NASA spend $12 billion to develop a ballpoint pen for astronauts working in zero gravity?

'Natalie' Chain Letter
A newborn baby named Natalie suffers from brain cancer, and AOL has promised to donate 5 cents toward her treatment for every time this message is forwarded. Sound familiar?

National Do Not Call Registry
TRUE: You can now have your name and phone number removed from most telemarketers' call lists by visiting a government Website and signing the National Do Not Call Registry.

National Firefighters Day - Petition
Was this email petition in favor of a National Firefighters Day to honor those who died during the rescue effort after September 11 really written by the son of a fallen fireman?

NBC to Mock Crucifixion in 'Will & Grace' EpisodeEmail alert claims an episode of the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace" aims to denigrate Christianity by featuring a parody of a cooking show entitled "Cruci-Fixins."

NBC Poll: In God We Trust
Forwarded email claims an NBC poll asking respondents if they believe in God yielded this result: 86% in favor of keeping the words "In God we trust" on currency and "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, 14% against.

A Needle Can Save the Life of a Stroke Victim
Misinformative email flier claims pricking a stroke victim's fingers and ear lobes with a pin or needle until they bleed will relieve symptoms of paralysis, restore consciousness, and allow the patient to be safely moved.

Neiman Marcus (Mrs. Fields) Cookie Recipe
Posh department store charges $250 for a cookie recipe; victim gets even by sharing it with the world. All the ingredients of a legend!

New $1 Coins Omit 'In God We Trust'
Email rumor claims the new one-dollar coin issued by the U.S. Treasury in February 2007 omits the slogan "In God we trust."

New California Law Requires Use of Headlights when Wipers Are On
Email flier claims that a new California law effective January 1, 2005 requires that drivers turn headlights on any time their windshield wipers are in use during daylight hours.

New California Traffic Laws for 2007
Hoax email purports to share a set of new California driving laws effective January or July 1, 2007.

New Texas Traffic Laws for 2007
Hoax email purports to share a set of new Texas driving laws effective July 1, 2007.

New Jersey 'Speeding Ticket Frenzy'
Email rumor claims New Jersey State Troopers are participating in a "speeding ticket frenzy" during the month of May -- whoops, make that July -- to increase the state's revenues.

The Newell Company 'Email Tracker' Giveaway
More money for nothing!

Niagara Falls Frozen Over in 1911 (Photos)
Emailed photos purportedly taken in 1911 offer postcard views of Niagara Falls completely frozen over.

Nickelodeon Show Promotes 'Gay Lifestyle' (Petition)
In spite of protests, the show in question already aired on June 18, 2002, rendering this petition drive outdated and pointless.

Nigerian Business Offer
Beware of messages from Nigerians offering you a million dollars or more for agreeing to be their "business partner."

Nike: 'Sweatshop' Not Allowed on Personalized Shoes
Nike has confirmed that this email exchange between the company and a customer with an agenda really occurred.

Nike Terrorism Ad
A phony Nike ad showing a bloody sneaker lying intact on the pavement after a terrorist attack bears the slogan, "You may not survive the blast, but your shoes will."

'No Fear' Bumper Stickers Are Racist
Email rumor charges that the stickers promote David Duke's National Organization for European American Rights.

'No Relief in Sight for the Lincoln' by Ed Stanton
Emailed editorial penned by 'Ed Stanton,' a pseudonymous officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, harshly criticizes civilian workers involved in tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia.

Nostradamus Predicted Outcome of 2000 U.S. Election
Republicans balk; Democrats wonder how Nostradamus could have been so spookily accurate 450 years ago.

Nostradamus Predicted Terrorist Attack on World Trade Center
Believe it or not, Nostradamus was able to compose this prophetic verse a century after his own death!

Not One Damn Dime Day
'Not One Damn Dime Day' email flier urges citizens to protest the war in Iraq by refusing to spend money on Inauguration Day, January 20, 2005.

Oct. 17: The Sun Will Rise Continuously for 36 Hours
Baseless online rumor claims "the sun will rise continuously for 36 hours" on October 17, 2008, converting three regular days into two "big" days -- an event which, we are told, only happens once every 2,400 years.

Office Worker Dead 5 Days Before Coworkers Realize
The strange story of George Turklebaum, proofreader.

Ola Kuczma 'Dying Child' Chain Letter
Email hoax claims that 3 cents will be donated toward the medical care of 14-month-old burn victim Ola Kuczma each time the message is forwarded.

Old Navy Gift Cards Giveaway
Latest version of the same tired prank.

Olive Garden Restaurant - Diner Contracts Syphilis
Forwarded email claims a female diner contracted syphilis after eating a meal contaminated with 'three different types of semen' at the Olive Garden restaurant in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Oliver North Warned Us About Osama bin Laden
During the Iran-Contra Hearings of 1987, Colonel Oliver North supposedly called Osama bin Laden "the most evil person alive."

Olympic Bloopers
A list of alleged "Olympic Bloopers" or "Sports Bloopers" -- verbal gaffes supposedly committed by TV sportscasters during the most recent Olympic Games.

'Olympic Torch' Virus Warning
Hoax virus alert circulating just prior to the opening of of the 2006 Winter Olympics warns of a computer virus that "opens an Olympic torch which 'burns' the hard disc."

One-Time Federal Phone Tax Refund
Email flier accurately describes a one-time IRS tax refund for consumers and businesses who paid a federal excise tax on long-distance phone service between March 2003 and August 2006.

Osama Bin Laden 'Suicide' Virus
Outdated email alert warns that messages purporting to offer pictures of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden hanged actually link to a malicious computer virus.

Oscar Mayer Refuses to Send Hot Dogs to Marines
Forwarded email urges "patriots" to boycott Oscar Mayer hot dogs because the company allegedly refused to ship its products to U.S. Marines stationed in Iraq.

Outback Steakhouse Chain Letter
Further adventures in "email tracking"

Ovarian Cancer and CA-125 Screening
Rumor makes misleading claims about "primary peritoneal cancer" and the value of the CA-125 tumor marker as a screen.

Paget's Disease of the Nipple
The information in this forwarded email warning of a rare but real form of breast cancer is mostly accurate.

Painted Cats (Photos)
Images circulating via email purport to show common housecats hand-painted in a variety of decorative colors and designs.

Paris Hilton Stabbed in Jail
An apparent CNN report claiming that jailed heiress Paris Hilton was stabbed multiple times by a disgruntled fellow inmate is a hoax.

Pastor Joe Wright's Prayer in the Kansas House of Representatives
Text of 'politically incorrect' prayer given by Pastor Joe Wright before the Kansas House of Representatives in 1996.

Pat Boone: CBS & 60 Minutes Are 'Modern Benedict Arnolds'
Did Pat Boone call CBS and 60 Minutes II 'modern Benedict Arnolds' for their role in revealing the prisoner abuse scandal at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq?

Paul Harvey Comments on 'The Passion' by Mel Gibson
A film review falsely attributed to Paul Harvey praises Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ.'

Paul Harvey on Prayer
Emailed essay attributed to Paul Harvey defends Christian prayers at public events: "I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations."

PBS / NPR / NEA Petition
"The Case of the Pointless Petition" - a cautionary tale.

The Peaceniks' Comeuppance
Obnoxious anti-war protesters are driven out of the Best Western restaurant near the University of Idaho by true patriots singing "God Bless America."

Pearl Harbor Photos from Old Brownie Camera
Emailed photos of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor were purportedly discovered on a roll of film from an old Kodak Brownie camera.

Pennsylvania Cell Phone Ban
"Legislative brief" circulating via forwarded email claims the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a bill on September 11, 2007 banning cell phone use in moving vehicles.

Penny Brown: Missing Child
Highly suspect email alert claims to seek information about an allegedly missing 9-year-old girl.

Pensacola Shark Attack - The Untold Story
A cynical, unsubstantiated account of events surrounding the July 6, 2001 shark attack on 8-year-old Jessie Arbogast of Pensacola, Florida.

Penus Van Lesbian
Heartwarming story of a talented young man who overcame a tragic christening to become a rich and famous television star.

Pep Boys Firing All Military Employees
Email rumor falsely claims that Pep Boys, the national auto parts chain based in Philadelphia, is summarily firing all reservist and National Guard employees called up for active duty in the Iraq war.

Pepsi Omits 'Under God' in Patriotic Can Promotion
A false and even more pointless variant of the Dr Pepper protest.

Perfume Sniffing (Knock-Out Perfume) Scam
It seems bands of thieves in major cities around the world are having spectacular success getting women to sniff ether-tainted perfume samples.

Personal Computer in a Pen
Emailed images purport to show a 'computer of the future,' a full-featured PC comprising five slender objects the size and shape of ball-point pens.

Petition Against Appointment of W. David Hager to FDA Panel
Outdated email petition opposes President Bush's appointment of anti-abortion physician Dr. W. David Hager to the FDA Reproductive Health Drug Advisory Committee.

Petition Against Pascua-Lama Gold Mine
Email petition expresses opposition to a Barrick Gold Corporation mining project in the Andean region of Pascua-Lama calling for the removal of glaciers that supply water to local farmers.

Petition to Deny Social Security Benefits to Illegal Immigrants
Email petition addressed to President Bush advocates a citizenship requirement for immigrants receiving Social Security benefits and other government services.

Petition to Keep English as Primary Language
Email petition addressed to President Bush and others claims the U.S. is in danger of being 'conquered' by Spanish-speaking immigrants and urges the adoption of English as the primary language.

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Health Warnings
TRUE: The FDA has issued a health alert about the dangers of PPA, an ingredient commonly found in cold remedies and appetite suppressants.

Phil Mickelson's Gambling Debts
Did pro golfer Phil Mickelson really rack up a $200,000 debt betting on his own performance in a practice round against three other players in Augusta, Georgia?

Photo of Orphaned Female Tsunami Victim in Phuket Hospital
Emailed image of a young girl in Phuket Hospital, a victim of the Indian Ocean tsunami whose parents are still missing.

Photo of Pres. Bush Fishing in Flooded New Orleans
Emailed photo purports to show President Bush and his father nonchalantly fishing in the flooded streets of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Phuket Deep Sea Creatures
Series of emailed images purports to show rare deep-sea creatures washed up on the beaches of Phuket, Thailand by the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004.

'Picnic' Origin
Email contends that the origin of the word "picnic" is connected with lynchings of blacks by white people in America.

Pink & White M&Ms Support Breast Cancer Research
Email flier urges recipients to buy special pink and white M&Ms to help fund breast cancer research through the SUsan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Pink Dolphin (Photos)
Emailed pictures of an extremely rare albino dolphin with red eyes and pink skin taken on Calcasieu Lake, Louisiana.

Piranha on Steroids (Photos)
Emailed pictures of fishermen holding a large fish with a mouthful of razor-sharp teeth, variously captioned: "Piranha on Steroids" or "World Record Piranha."

Pirate's Gold Chocolate Coins - Melamine Contamination Warning
Forwarded email says that Sherwood Brands Pirate's Gold Milk Chocolate Coins imported from China may contain deadly melamine and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has warned the public not to eat, distribute or sell the candy.

Pit Bull vs. Porcupine
(Warning: graphic images) Emailed photos show the result of an unfortunate encounter between a "pit bull" and a porcupine.

The Pledge of Allegiance
U.S. Court of Appeals declares the Pledge of Allegiance "unconstitutional." Online petition drives promise to deliver "millions" of names to elected officials in protest.

Pluck Yew (Origin of 'The Finger')
Supposedly, both the expression "F--- you" and the obscene gesture commonly referred to in America as "the finger" originated with uppity British archers during the Hundred Years' War.

Plug-In Air Fresheners a Fire Hazard
Email flier alleges that plastic plug-in air fresheners pose a serious fire hazard.

Poisoned Perfume Samples in the Mail
Are terrorists sending poisoned samples through the mail to kill innocent U.S. citizens?

Polar Bear Attack (Photos)
Emailed photos graphically document injuries sustained by the survivor of a polar bear attack.

Polar Bear & Huskies at Play (Photos)
Emailed images show a 1,200-pound polar bear playing with husky sled dogs in the sub-arctic wilderness of northern Canada.

Post Office Prohibits 'In God We Trust' Posters
Did U.S. post offices in Texas require posters bearing the motto 'In God We Trust' to be removed?

'POSTCARD' Virus Hoax
Hoax email alert warns of 'the worst virus ever' circulating in the form of an attachment labeled "POSTCARD."

The Pregnant Turkey
For a Thanksgiving laugh, mom stuffs a roast turkey with a cornish game hen as a practical joke on her naive daughter.

Prehistoric Barbie
Unbelievable archaeological discovery!

Prescription Drug Pricing
Email flier purporting to originate from U.S. government budget analysts blames inflated prescription drug prices on price gouging by pharmacies.

President Bush Paid for Funeral of 6-Year-Old Drowning Victim
According to this email rumor, President Bush paid for the funeral of 6-year-old Sam Kettler, who drowned in a water tank a few miles from the president's ranch in Crawford, Texas in March 2004.

Pressing the 'Clear' Button at the Gas Pump
Forwarded email advises service station customers to press the 'clear' button after using a debit or credit card at the gas pump so subsequent users won't be able to 'piggyback' charges on their accounts.

Prisoners Escape New Orleans Jails After Hurricane Katrina
Forwarded email warns of escaped prisoners unleashed on Louisiana and beyond by Hurricane Katrina.

Procter & Gamble Boycott (Homosexual Rights)
American Family Association email flier urges 'pro-family' readers to boycott Procter & Gamble due to the latter's support for repealing Cincinnati's anti-gay rights charter amendment.

Procter & Gamble Is Run by Satanists!
An oldie hits the charts again due to P&G's recent lawsuits against Amway for allegedly spreading false rumors.

'Progesterex' - New Date Rape Drug
According to this false email alert, there's a new date rape drug that permanently sterilizes female victims.

ProMeris Safety Warning
Forwarded email warns pet owners of possible health hazards associated with using ProMeris flea and tick treatments based on the author's personal experience with adverse reactions.

Prominent Democrats Born 9 Months After Roswell Incident
Forwarded email names several prominent Democrats supposedly born 9 months after the 'Roswell incident' in 1947.

Propane Tank Warning
Email alert warns purchasers of propane tanks to avoid buying tanks with blue or green residue around the valve, an indication they may be contaminated with anhydrous ammonia.

Public Toilet Made of One-Way Glass
Emailed photos show an outdoor public toilet with walls made entirely of one-way glass.

PUMA Ads
Germany-based sports shoe manufacturer PUMA AG says a pair of pictorial "ads" currently circulating on the Internet and featuring sneaker-wearing adults engaged in an apparent sex act are "unauthorized," "appalling," and utterly fake.

Puppies Found in Trash Bin Need a Home
Er, not anymore. This forwarded email seeking homes for nine puppies found abandoned in a trash bin is outdated. All the puppies have been adopted by new owners.

Puppy with a Heart (Photos)
Emailed photos show a chihuahua puppy born in Japan with a heart-shaped pattern in its coat.

Purell Hand Sanitizer Safety Warning
Emailed safety warning purporting to originate from Chevron Corporation warns that Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer is flammable and can catch fire if treated skin is exposed to an open flame soon after use.

The Purloined Penguin
In an unusual press conference held last week at Boston's New England Aquarium, officials assured the public that all of the aquarium's 61 penguins are present and accounted for, scotching a rampant rumor that a 12-year-old autistic boy had made off with one of the birds in his backpack.

Purse Snatchings Result in Near-Decapitation
This email tells us that female victims are suffering broken necks, near-decapitation and even death in the course of purse snatching crimes.

Purses Contaminated with Bacteria
Forwarded email relays the findings of a TV news investigative report on fecal contamination and e coli bacteria detected on women's purses.

The Queen, the President and the Flatulent Horse
During a state visit to England, President G.W. Bush goes on a fateful coach ride to Buckingham Palace with the Queen of England and a farting horse.

The Queen and the Scottish Soldiers (Photo)
(Contains nudity) Emailed image shows Queen Elizabeth of England sitting amidst a group of kilt-wearing Scottish soldiers, one of whom reveals a wee bit too much of his manhood.

Qur'an Verse 9:11
"For it is written that a son of Arabia would awaken a fearsome Eagle. The wrath of the Eagle would be felt throughout the lands of Allah and lo, while some of the people trembled in despair still more rejoiced; for the wrath of the Eagle cleansed the lands of Allah; and there was peace."

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