Snopes’ Freshman Orientation Special

See what Snopes.com is debunking today. [Web Version]( August 24, 2019 Daily Debunker Snopes’ Freshman Orientation Special Students heading off for their first semester in college can expect to encounter any number of novel experiences and challenges, including being regaled with some of the oldest, long-debunked urban legends we know of. Academic life has always been the subject of larger-than-life stories and cautionary tales. Today we offer a Snopes collection comprising eight hand-picked legends that will test both your credulity and your critical-thinking skills, whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, or even a world-wise graduate student. Are you ready? Class is in session! [Read more]( Fact Checks The Miracle of CGI-Assisted Parking Is the car in this viral video using a rear 5th wheel to parallel park? The idea of putting an extra wheel on a car to make it easier to parallel park has been around since at least the 1950s. This is not a real-life example. [False]( Do You, Fido... Did Norway legalize marriage between humans and animals? A two-year-old Cameroonian blog post found itself going viral in August 2019, especially among American readers with one eye on the end of days. We’re happy to report that interspecies marriage is not a thing in Norway. [False]( Made in U.S.A. Are President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” caps made in China? While some hats sold by third parties that support Donald Trump are made in China, the campaign's official merchandise is "proudly made in USA." [False]( New Rules Was this list of “Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School” written by Bill Gates? The former Microsoft CEO has been busy doing other things than compiling lists of rules for youngsters to observe. We’re not even sure he would agree with all of them. [Misattributed]( Support Snopes Fight for Facts We can’t win the fight against misinformation without your support. [Make a contribution]( In the News Alaska Salmon Deaths Blamed on Record Warm Temperatures Add salmon to the list of species affected by Alaska's blistering summer temperatures, including the hottest July on record in 2019. [Read more]( Supreme Court: Ginsburg Treated for Tumor on Pancreas Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has completed radiation therapy for a cancerous tumor on her pancreas and there is no evidence of the disease remaining, the Supreme Court said. [Read more]( Illinois Patient’s Death May Be First in U.S. Tied to Vaping The Illinois agency said in its release that the number of people who contracted a respiratory illness after vaping had doubled in the past week, to 22. [Read more]( Hong Kong Protesters Form Human Chains to Call for Democracy Organizers of “The Hong Kong Way” said it would be a show of solidarity against the extradition law and police violence, as well as a plea for international support. [Read more]( 300-Plus Accusers in Ohio State Doctor Scandal Their claims span 1979 to 1997 — nearly all of Richard Strauss’ Ohio State career — and include his work with the athletic department, the student health center and his off-campus men’s clinic. [Read more]( Staff Pick Fisherman Survives Inside Whale for Three Days? The faux-spirituality website Spirit Science posted a story about a Spanish fisherman who was supposedly swallowed by a whale and lived to tell the story. [Read more]( Snopes Media Group Inc. 864 Grand Ave #256 San Diego, CA 92109 © 1994-2019 by Snopes Media Group Inc. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes Media Group. [Manage Preferences]( [Unsubscribe](