Common Urban Legends and Wives Tales

There are many out there, and you hear more and more as you grow older. Urban legends and wives tales never seem to go away. Matter of fact, it seems more and more keep arising, even with Google and Wikipedia.

I did a piece on common myths a couple of years ago. Now, here are some of the more common urban legends of our time.

1. Elvis and Tupac are alive.

I was always told not to believe any death, on TV or in real life, unless a body is produced. Elvis died in his bathroom and his body was clearly identified. Tupac was gunned down in Vegas and the last person to see him was his mother. Yet since 1996, he has released more albums than he did before his accident. I'm not saying he's alive or dead, but it makes you wonder.

2. Playing song lyrics backwards.

There were certain bands, mostly heavy metal bands, that supposedly had hidden satanic meanings in their songs that were deciphered once the song was played backwards. Now the music does sound extra evil when played in reverse. But no one knows for sure what these messages are.

3. Reciting ABCs backwards during a field sobriety test

For years, it seemed police made supposedly drunken drivers step out of the car and recite the ABCs backwards. This can be difficult sober. No one seemed to know anyone else that had ever undergone this until COPS came out and did it on folks a few times. It doesn't happen often, but it is supposedly true.

4. Various car care tips.

We can start with gasoline. Back when gas was still well over $3/gallon, many folks that once used unleaded plus switched to regular. Years ago, regular would make your car stink and consequently wreck your engine. Foreign oil has changed so much, like car engines, and it doesn't appear to make a difference anymore. This being said, I wouldn't use regular gas in a brand new car or a luxury vehicle.

Also, not properly warming your car up for more than five minutes can wreck the engine. This is also not totally true. Often you don't need more than three minutes and your engine is fine.

Finally, you do burn more gas when you run your A/C and when you ride on the Interstate. I have personally tested this too many times in different automobiles.

5. Eating and exercising before bedtime isn't healthy.

Actually a good steady workout, and a nice, light snack or meal can help you sleep even better. I wouldn't test this legend with spicy food or chili though.

6. You need eight hours sleep or more/night.

This all depends on the person. Yes we all need proper rest. But some people function well on merely five hours of sleep, and more than eight makes them groggy and more tired.

7. Birds appear on the ground in flocks when it's about to snow.

This past week testedd my theory. I saw birds everywhere and although it wasn't the forecasted blizzard, there was snow nonetheless.

What are some other urban legends and wives tales that you know of?