| Current Netlore: Terrorist Attacks on the U.S. | |
Iron Your Mail to Prevent Anthrax?
That's what a renowned bioterrorism expert suggests, believe it or not.
Jasmine, Child of WTC Victim (Chain Letter)
In which we are told that the Red Cross will donate 10 cents toward saving Jasmine's mother's life every time this chain letter is forwarded.
John Brady Kiesling's Letter of Resignation to Colin Powell [Flier]
Circulating by email: Text of U.S. diplomat John Brady Kiesling's letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell over the Bush administration's "fervent pursuit of war with Iraq."
The Klingerman (Kinderman) Virus
A deadly virus is being sent around via blue envelopes in the U.S. mail.
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.
Man 'Rode Rubble Down' from 82nd Floor of WTC and Survived
A firefighter or policeman (depending on version) survived the collapse of one of the World Trade Center towers by "surfing" the rubble as it fell from the 82nd floor.
Status: False
Source: World Trade Center Myth that Kept Hope Alive, The Telegraph
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.
National Firefighters Day - Petition
Was an email petition in favor of a National Firefighters Day to honor those who died during rescue efforts after September 11 really started by the 14-year-old son of a fallen firefighter?
Nostradamus Predicted the WTC Attack
Somehow, the famed prophet managed to write these spooky quatrains a hundred years after he died.
Oliver North Warned Us About Osama bin Laden
During the Iran-Contra Hearings in 1987, Colonel Oliver North supposedly called Osama bin Laden "the most evil person alive."
Osama bin Laden and Bert the Muppet
In news photos of protesting Muslims in Bangladesh, an image of Bert the Muppet appears on a poster side-by-side with Osama bin Laden.
Status: True
Source: Evil Bert Meets Evil Osama, About Political Humor
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."
Photo of Pres. Bush Hugging Daughter of 9/11 Victim
Emailed photo shows President G.W. Bush hugging 15-year-old Ashley Faulkner, the daughter of 9/11 victim Wendy Faulkner.
Pilot's Pre-Flight Speech Asks Passengers to Fight Hijackers
After the terrorist attacks, the pilot of United Flight 564 gave a rousing speech to his passengers, including the admonition: "If someone or several people stand up and say they are hijacking this plane, I want you all to stand up together. Then take whatever you have available to you and throw it at them."
Status: True
Source: Experts: Passengers Should Fight, Associated Press
Poisoned Perfume Samples in the Mail
Are terrorists sending poisoned samples through the mail to kill innocent U.S. citizens?
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."
Red Thomas: How to Protect Yourself Against Terrorist Attacks
"Armor Master" Red Thomas's long email explaining how to protect oneself against chemical, nuclear and biological weapons is authentic, but experts disagree as to its accuracy.
Rental Trucks Reported Stolen by Possible Terrorists
Dozens of rental trucks have supposedly gone missing across the U.S. in the past 24 hours. Is it part of a terrorist plot? We don't think so.
Richard Reid - Sentencing of the 'Shoe Bomber'
Circulating via email: the text of U.S. District Court Judge William Young's statement castigating convicted terrorist "shoe bomber" Richard Reid during sentencing
Robert Matthews: A Tale of Inspiration on 9/11
A retired firefighter dies in the ruins of the World Trade Center after saving a pregnant woman, who goes on to name the child after her rescuer.
Starbucks Charged WTC Rescue Workers for Bottled Water
EMS workers seeking water to aid victims of the World Trade Center attack were charged full price for it by a local Starbucks.
Status: True
Sources: Starbucks Apologizes for Water Flap, Associated Press
Tamim Ansary: Afghan-American's Perspective on Terrorism
Email essay begins with the sentence, "I've been hearing a lot of talk about 'bombing Afghanistan back to the Stone Age'" — and goes on to plead that that not all Afghans be identified with terrorism and Muslim extremism.
Status: Authentic
Sources: An Afghan-American Speaks, Salon.com
Email Thrusts SF Writer into Spotlight, SF Chronicle
The 'Tourist Guy' ('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.
Update: Gallery of 'Tourist Guy' Variants
Update: Identity of 'Tourist Guy' Revealed!
UPS Uniforms Purchased on eBay by Possible Terrorists
Despite a plethora of email alerts claiming that mysterious buyers have bought a large number of UPS uniforms on eBay at very high prices, both companies say they're unaware of any such transactions.
Wal-Mart Makes Employees Pay for U.S. Flag Displays
Is Wal-Mart too greedy and unpatriotic to pay for American flag displays at its stores?
The Wingdings Prophecies
Did a Microsoft Windows font predict the World Trade Center attack? Was there a Flight #Q33NY?
WTC Postage Stamp Commemorates 9/11
Emailed image is purportedly the artwork for a new stamp issued by the U.S. Postal Service to commemorate the events of September 11, 2001.
'WTC Survivor' Virus
According to all the major antivirus labs this supposed virus, allegedly capable of wiping out your hard drive, doesn't exist.
Related:
Folklorists Document 'Shared Narrative' of NY Tragedy
Rumors and hoaxes may be of pressing interest for the moment, but the personal stories and reflections of those who have been impacted by this tragedy will have enduring importance, folklorists say. Fieldworkers are hard at work on the streets of New York City compiling this "shared narrative."
