Myths, Legends, and Other Amazing Adventures

2 Pages 483 Words

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“We live in a scientific age, and like to show, by the words we use, that we think in a scientific way.”(H. W. Fowler 1858-1933) If we think in a scientifically appropriate way, we know that urban myths should have no relevance. The reasons why people think these ideas are appropriate are mind boggling. Superstition’s are one thing because they are not conclusive in being correct or incorrect. Being superstitious is so common, it is considered normal to have those beliefs. Unlike superstitions, urban myths can be sound in their validity. Often they are invalid, but at least they can be tested. Maybe superstitions are for the best. They give us constant hope and can lighten our spirits if our superstitious wishes come true.
The common urban myth that almost everyone knows about is the pop-rock and soda myth. The myth is that if you eat pop-rocks and drink soda, your stomach will explode. People have tried, and that idea is now considered ludicrous. Thinking that two FDA approved food items together will cause you to explode is idiotic. Non-food items that make you explode are another story. Eating fire while drinking gasoline, probably not a good idea.
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Speaking of fire, spontaneous human combustion. What’s the deal with that? Some say that it is possible to just burst into flames out of nowhere and burn to ashes. Scientists say, if you actually catch on fire your clothes will act like a candle wick and the fat in your body like the wax from that candle. You can actually burn down to ash. Southampton University professor Dr. Mike Green calls this the “wick effect.” The spontaneous part is the fallible aspect. Every known case where spontaneous human combustion was thought to play a role has been thrown out due to the fact that there was either a carelessly placed candle, match, or cigarette that was the original ignition of the fire.(Milton)
Want another fire myth? Well, you’re ...