Week 706: Questionable Journalism

A Nice Set of Falsies

In Kenya, the native land of Barack Obama's father, the word "barack" can be translated as either "clean" or "articulate." (Mike Hammer, Arlington)

For many years, Sears catalogue pages came perforated for easier use in outhouses. (Judith Cottrill, New York)

In France, the musical "Les Misérables" is known as "The Miserables." (Russell Beland)

Most of the world's supply of linthicum and timonium are found within a 25-mile radius of Baltimore. (Dudley Thompson, Cary, N.C.)

Columbus, Ohio, was named for a local farmer called Ebenezer Columbus. (Martin Bancroft, Rochester, N.Y.)

Not only was Judy Garland's real name Frances Gumm, but John Wayne's real name was Francis Gumm. (Andrew Hoenig, Rockville)

"Beelzebub" is written as "XAENE" in the Greek language version of the Book of Revelation; it is pronounced "heinie" or "cheney." (Kevin Dopart, Washington)

The last one-digit number to be discovered was the 7. (Joel Knanishu, Rock Island, Ill.)

A plasma-screen TV uses plasma that manufacturers buy from funeral homes. (Roy Ashley, Washington)

The White House is actually ecru. (Bob Kopac, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.)

In Italy, pizzas contain no cheese, tomatoes or flour. (Art Grinath, Takoma Park)

One out of every 14 e-mails offering big money for help in an African currency exchange is genuine. (Jack Fiorini, Williamsburg)