Among the colorful myths surrounding the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington Cemetery and its 24-hour-a-day Honor Guard are the claims that the guards' permanent residence is a barracks under the tomb itself and that they're forbidden to drink alcohol, on or off duty, for the rest of their lives.

Colorful, but untrue.

Michigan news sources say an emailed request for Christmas cards on behalf of 5-year-old Noah Biorkman, who is dying of neuroblastoma cancer, is genuine. Noah was diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and is not expected to live till Christmas. Cards may be sent to the following address:

Noah Biorkman
1141 Fountain View Circle
South Lyon, MI 48178

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Is it true that the Obama administration has launched a government program granting a free cell phone and wireless service to every welfare recipient in the U.S.?

No, though that is the central claim of a new forwarded email currently fanning the flames of anti-government sentiment in this country.

"Enough is enough," says the anonymous tirade, "the ship is sinking and it's sinking fast. The very foundations that this country was built on are being shaken. The age-old concepts of God, family, and hard work have flown out the window and are being replaced with 'Hope and Change' and 'Change we can believe in.'"

Which is a curious reaction, considering that the program — which does, in fact, exist — was created over a decade ago by an act of Congress.

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What is the origin of the Jack-o'-Lantern? Why do children go trick-or-treating on Halloween? Who came up with "bobbing for apples"? While the modern celebration of Halloween still bears traces of its Celtic origins, it has come down to us as a cross-cultural stew of folk traditions, all pertaining in some way to death and the supernatural. Here you'll find answers to your questions about the history and lore of this one-of-a-kind holiday.