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THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

Oct. 27, 2022

Today: The origins of the Jack-o'-Lantern, "moon melons," and a rumored Obama quote on Biden
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The humble jack-o’-lantern, a pumpkin shell with a macabre face carved into it, lit from inside with a candle, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween. It carries with it a rich legacy of history and folklore.

The custom itself is centuries old, though carving jack-o’-lanterns wasn’t always linked specifically to Halloween, nor was the raw material always a pumpkin.

David Emery has more.

Does Pic Show Blue Japanese Fruit Known as ‘Moon Melon’?

A widely shared meme claimed the fruit can switch flavors after you eat it. Read Story.

Did Obama Say ‘Don’t Underestimate Joe’s Ability to F*ck Things Up’?

We looked for the origins of a quote that said former U.S. President Barack Obama purportedly warned about U.S. President Joe Biden's abilities. Read Story.

Does Pic Show Milky Way Galaxy Framed By Karnak Egyptian Temple?

If it looks too cool to be real, it probably is. Read Story.

Does the Average Woman Swallow 6 Pounds of Lipstick During Her Lifetime?

While it’s a neat-sounding statistic, common sense rules it out.

Read More

A New Poll Asked Americans If They Think Government Investments in Science Are Worthwhile

Here's how people responded to the survey to gauge public perceptions of science by the Pew Research Center.

Read More

Researchers Tested Henry David Thoreau’s Historical Observations — and Here’s What They Found

The group assessed the quality of Thoreau's findings to determine if, or how, they could inform modern studies.

Read More

Staff Pick

Helmet Camera Footage Reportedly Shows Russian Pilot Ejecting from Downed Fighter Jet

Russian government sources report that the incident occurred in June 2022, and that the pilot was unharmed. Read Story.

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