Is Indiana Congressman John Hostettler really introducing legislation to
change the name of Interstate 69 to Interstate 63, because religious groups feel that I-69 is too risque whereas I-63 is more 'moral sounding'? Of course not. But the story has spread pretty far by now. When I first saw the headline linked to on Blogdex, I assumed it was real after glancing at it quickly. I should have known better. After all, the story comes from the
Hoosier Gazette, which is becoming well known as a source of news hoaxes. Check out
this article at Indystar.com about Josh Whicker, the creator of the
Hoosier Gazette. He's already scored three successful hoaxes before this one. There was the one claiming that a five-year study at Indiana University had discovered that new parents often experience a sudden loss in IQ (that fooled MSNBC). There was the one claiming that Purdue University had given a basketball scholarship to the wrong Jason Smith (to a 5'6" Jason Smith computer geek, not 6'6" Jason Smith point guard). And then there was one about a guy who won the lottery two days after his divorce was final. As for the I-69 name change thing, it's already been picked up as real news by the
Sierra Times, and reportedly, according to the
Courier Press (requires registration), Hostettler's congressional office has been fielding outraged calls about the issue all day from people who don't realize the story was a joke.
Comments
I just want one of the signs for Exit 69 to Big Beaver Road!
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evansville
http://www.hoosiergazette.com/News/Nov2004/news004.htm
(Looks like you scooped Snopes, Alex- their information just went up)
Didn't see this when it first posted... will have to admit though I'm guilty of the whole sign stealing thing. (In my youth of course) Of course, the sign still hangs in the garage. 😊
look in the lower left corner...
It appears as though I'm only aboot two hours from Climax at any given time. Of course, if Climax is always two hours away, I'd wear a lot of women out. 😊