THIS IS the part of the site where our crack investigative team (that would be me) picks from among the most interesting questions submitted by readers (that would be you) and does its level best to separate fact from fiction, truth from legend, history from tall tale.
Got a burning question? Ask me at urbanlegends@aboutguide.com
Q: Were Neil Armstrong's Actual First Words on the Moon 'Good Luck, Mr. Gorsky'?
The following was posted as a hoax on your website: When Apollo Mission Astronaut Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon, he not only gave his famous "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" statement but followed it by several remarks, including "Good luck, Mr. Gorsky." Read more...
Q: Did JFK Say 'I Am a Jelly Donut' to the Citizens of Berlin, Germany?
I have heard and read from several different sources the story that John F. Kennedy made a major German language blunder in his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in Berlin, Germany. The story goes that he should have said "Ich bin Berliner" ("I am a citizen of Berlin"), and that "Ich bin ein Berliner" really means "I am a jelly doughnut." Read more...
Q: Is Worm Meat Really Used as a Filler in Fast Food Restaurants?
I was just looking at all the Taco Bell roach stories, and I recently heard a new version: Taco Bell is supposedly allowed by the FDA to put mealworms into their beef products because they're cheaper than beef, contain fewer fat and calories, and the FDA allows them to. Read more...
Q: Is John Dillinger's Preserved Willie on Display at the Smithsonian?
Dear Urban Legends: You are no doubt tired of hearing this, so I will be brief and not waste much of your time. I believe I read an article by Robert Anton Wilson a ways back regarding the Smithsonian or some D.C. museum housing private parts of famous people — John Dillinger, for example. Is there any truth to this folklore? Read more...
Q: Is a Dog's Mouth Cleaner than a Human's?
Dear Urban Legends: I have a problem with people who say "a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's." I have asked for facts from these people to back up their statements but no one has been able to provide them to me. Read more...
Q: Did Jennifer Lopez Insure Her Butt?
Dear Urban Legends: Is it true that Jennifer Lopez insured her butt for a billion dollars? Read more...
Q: Did Tom Jones Insure His Chest Hair?
Dear Urban Legends: Is it true that singer Tom Jones got his chest hair insured for $7 million? Read more...
Q: Do They Eat Babies in China?
I received an email last week which was quite disturbing and, to say the least, disgusting. It is about dead babies that can be bought from hospitals in Taiwan for $70 to meet the high demand for grilled and barbequed babies! Read more...
