Top Net Hoaxes/Urban Legends of 1999
Dateline: 01/12/00With 1999 safely behind us (thanks in no small part to a Y2K Bug that never bit), it's time to look back on the torrent of misinformation that coursed through our modems during the year and pass unscientific judgment upon the hoaxes and urban legends we most loved and hated.
Below you'll find nominations in 3 categories:
Due to the plethora of eligible nominees, I had to be selective, but I also tried to base my choices on views expressed by contributing readers. If you feel I've left out anything important or wish to comment on these or other bits of Netlore that plagued you last year, feel free to email me with your thoughts. (For those who've inquired about KFC's Mutant Chickens, hang on 'til next year's poll.)Vote by selecting among the choices in the box that appears to the right of the text below. Remember, this poll is unscientific and just for fun. Cast as many votes in each category as you wish. You can view the results in real time.
And the nominees are...
1. Silliest of 1999:
ATM Envelope Poisonings 5-Cent Tax on Email Marilyn Manson, Puppy Killer
"Whenever you go to an automatic teller machine to
make deposits, make sure you don't lick the
deposit envelopes (spit on it). A customer died
after licking an envelope at a teller machine at
Yonge & Eglinton. According to the police, Dr.
Elliot at the Women's college hospital found
traces of cyanide in the lady's mouth and
digestive system and police traced the fatal
poison to the glue on the envelope she deposited
that day." more...
"Bill 602P will permit the Federal
Govt to charge a 5 cent surcharge on every email
delivered, by billing Internet Service Providers
at source. The consumer would then be billed in
turn by the ISP. Washington D.C. lawyer Richard
Stepp is working without pay to prevent this
legislation from becoming law." more...
"You all
know of the sick person named Marilyn Manson. I
know someone who went to one of his concerts. He
is abusing animals. He threw several puppies into
the crowd before his show. And then he told the
crowd that he would not start the show until the
pups were killed. So, in conclusion, several
puppies are killed at each Marilyn Manson
concert. This is a sick thing that has to stop
now. And we are the only ones who can stop it." more...
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"The spider was captured and brought back to the lab, where it was determined to be the South American Blush Spider (arachnius gluteus), so named because of its reddened flesh color. This spider's venom is extremely toxic, but can take several days to take effect. They live in cold, dark, damp, climates, and toilet rims provide just the right atmosphere." more...
Eddie Murphy Mistaken for Mugger
"Then ... one of the men said, 'Hit the floor.'
Instinct told her: Do what they tell you. The
bucket of quarters flew upwards as she threw out
her arms and collapsed on the elevator carpet. A
shower of coins rained down on her. Take my money
and spare me, she prayed. More seconds passed.
She heard one of the men say politely, 'Ma'am, if
you'll just tell us what floor you're going to,
we'll push the button.'" more...
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