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Old Wives' Tales
Colored ink under water in pool

Does a Urine-Revealing Pool Chemical Exist?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Dec. 14, 2000 Kids have long been warned about a chemical in swimming pools that reveals the presence of urine.
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Person, Human, Art

Was 'Muffin Man' Song a Warning to Kids About 16th-Century Serial Killer?

Written by:
Madison Dapcevich
Feb. 12, 2021 The baker reportedly lured children to their death by dangling muffins from a string.
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No, storage in a refrigerator or freezer is not required or recommended for batteries produced today. Cold temperature storage can in fact harm batteries if condensation results in corroded contacts or label or seal damage due to extreme temperature storage.

Will Refrigerating Batteries Improve Their Performance?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson David Mikkelson
April 25, 2010 Some people believe that storing batteries in a fridge or freezer will help them not lose their ...
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Close-up of Dieffenbachia amoena, a common household plant

Is the Common Household Plant 'Dieffenbachia' Deadly?

Written by:
Alex Kasprak
June 14, 2017 Viral web sites massively exaggerate the risk posed by these plants, even if that risk is rooted ...
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Natural Repellent for Spiders?

Written by:
Dan Evon
Sept. 25, 2015 Do walnuts, horse chestnuts, and Osage oranges repel spiders?
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Earthquake Myths

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
April 17, 2010 Some people regard hot and dry weather as "earthquake weather," a supposed precursor to a large ...
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Property Dispute

Written by:
David Mikkelson
Sept. 3, 2007 E-mail exchange between property manager and renter turns personal.
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Leaving Letter

Written by:
David Mikkelson
April 4, 2007 Departing employee e-mails acerbic 'leaving letter' to his colleagues.
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Should You Use Liquid Soap to Remove Ticks?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
July 3, 2006 Swabbing liquid soap on ticks may sometimes help remove them, but it isn't a recommended, effect ...
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Flowers in Hospitals

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Jan. 14, 2006 Do flowers and plants suck the oxygen from sickrooms?
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Brad & Elizabeth E-mail

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Dec. 12, 2005 Fellow exacts revenge on cheating girlfriend by broadcasting her apologetic e-mail and his reply ...
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Ham Sandwich Fight

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Sept. 10, 2005 An e-mail exchange between two legal secretaries over the whereabouts of the makings of a ham sa ...
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Menstrual Superstitions

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
June 14, 2005 A compendium of menstrual superstitions.
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'Leap Day' Proposal

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson David Mikkelson
Feb. 17, 2004 Once upon a time, the notion of women proposing marriage to men was an aberration.
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Are Birds Flying into Your House Bad Luck?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Jan. 11, 2004 Whatever it means, it never feels like good news.
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Does Shaving Hair Make It Grow Back Thicker?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Oct. 1, 2003 As much as we shampoo it, style it, cut it, and fret over it, hair continues to be a mystery to us.
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Wart Cures Folklore

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Aug. 29, 2003 Can you cure warts by having someone buy them from you?
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Mosquito Repellent Lore

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
May 12, 2003 Are home remedies to repel mosquitoes effective ways to defend yourself from West Nile Virus?
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Should You Wait an Hour After Eating to Swim?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
Aug. 14, 2001 Childhood is fraught with dangers, both real and imagined.
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Will Placing a Penny on the Tracks Derail a Train?

Written by:
Barbara Mikkelson
July 6, 2001 "I smashed a penny on the railroad tie ... and was advised by someone that I could have derailed ...
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