Myth Busters
This never strikes twice.
What is lightning? The Washington Monument was struck by lightning in August 2021, and it’s not an unusual occurrence. The monument sometimes gets struck multiple times in a year
In 1957, the Soviets launched this animal into space.
What is dog? Laika, a mostly Siberian husky, rode aboard a Sputnik (Muttnik) spacecraft.
This is the tradition at the conclusion of the graduation ceremony.
What is throw graduation caps into the air? This tradition began in 1912 at a Naval Academy graduation ceremony
Two long strings of numbers are found at the bottom of checks; one is the account number and the other is this number.
What is routing? The first nine numbers are the routing numbers, which is the bank’s identification code.
This over-the-counter medication is billed as “plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is.”
What is Alka-Seltzer? Alka-Seltzer has some hilarious vintage commercials
We were told as children that if we took part in this summertime activity after eating, we would get muscle cramps.
What is swimming? It’s true that the stomach requires extra blood to help with digestion but not enough to cause muscle cramps.
This 1950s invention makes it easier to steer your car when driving.
What is power steering? It was introduced in 1951. By the mid-1950s, more than two million cars were equipped with it.
Master’s candidates usually have to submit this type of written paper
What is thesis? A thesis can be based on existing research.
This is the proper term for signing the back of a check.
What is endorse? If you want to deposit the check, you can include “For deposit only to account number XXXXXXX” under your signature.
This fast-food burger restaurant was famous for its “Where’s the beef?” campaign.
What is Wendy’s? This classic commercial showed a senior woman opening the hamburger bun of a competitor to find only a tiny burger in it
Some say adding this to water makes it boil faster.
What is salt? Salt water has a higher temperature than non-salted water, but it has a higher boiling point. The decrease in time it takes for the water to boil is negligible—so negligible that you won’t notice it.
In 1955, these two labor organizations merged to form the huge umbrella organization under which most labor unions fall.
What are AFL and CIO? The resulting organization is the AFL-CIO. One notable exception is the Teamsters, which split from the organization in 2005.
Graduation gowns originally served this purpose.
What is to keep graduates warm? When the tradition began in the 1300s, buildings were not heated.
It’s what CD stands for.
What is certificate of deposit? This investment instrument pays a premium dividend in exchange for the depositor agreeing to leave the money on deposit for a certain amount of time.
A little dab’ll do ya.”
What is Brylcreem? You can still buy it, and the tagline is the same
We have been told this French military leader and emperor is short. In fact, we have named a “short man’s complex” after him.
Who is Napoleon? The average height of a man in France during the early 1800s was roughly 5' 3". Napoleon was 5' 5" tall and therefore, of above average height among his peers.
The four-minute mile was first achieved by this person in 1954.
Who is Roger Bannister? He was a full-time medical student at the time.
PhD candidates must write and have this accepted to earn their advanced degree.
What is dissertation? It is written to argue a thesis and is usually followed up with oral arguments. A dissertation must be fresh research rather than relying on the conclusions of others.
Back in the day, savings account deposits were recorded in these.
What are passbooks? Passbooks were in vogue during the time when you had to physically go to the bank to withdraw money.
Owners believe this Bavarian auto’s slogan should be “bring money or walk” instead of “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
What is BMW? They say “bring money or walk” because BMW repairs are expensive.
Many people assume this state produces the most peaches.
What is Georgia? In fact, more peaches are grown in the northern states. The reason people think of Georgia is that it’s known as the Peach State
The sole family ownership of this automaker was relinquished when the company went public.
What is Ford (Motor Company)? At the time, it was the largest initial public offering or IPO in history.
Like many old documents, original college diplomas were made from this
What is sheepskin? A college diploma is sometimes still referred to as sheepskin.
It is the full name of the Fed, the central bank of the United States
What is Federal Reserve (System)? The Fed is not a retail bank; it sets the country’s monetary policy and lends money to banks.
Madge, the manicurist, says, “You know you’re soaking in it now.”
What is Palmolive dishwashing liquid? The company was attempting to portray the product as gentle on the hands.