California: Hoax Soaks Aliso Viejo. Officials fall for 'dihydrogen monoxide' internet prank

Los Angeles Times ^ | March 13, 2004 | William Wan

[John Jorsett]

In large quantities, dihydrogen monoxide can cause medical problems in humans and even destroy property. But in Aliso Viejo, it's only causing red faces.

Officials of the south Orange County city were embarrassed to learn Friday that they had tripped over an Internet hoax about dihydrogen monoxide — commonly known as water — in an effort to be environmentally correct.

A proposed law that was scheduled to go before the City Council next week would have banned foam cups and containers at events requiring city permits.

A staff report cited environmental concerns, including the danger posed by dihydrogen monoxide, described as a chemical used in production of the plastic that can "threaten human health and safety."

"It's embarrassing," said City Manager David J. Norman. "We had a paralegal who did bad research."

[Calvin Locke]

What are we doing to our children?

Allowed them to be "educated" by the NEA.

[StriperSniper]

Looks like a Kingfish setup. What's amazing about that photo to me is that sea looks just like it did up here when I went Blackfishing on Feb. 2. It was jut as flat and clean looking. The water up here after about March, starts to load up with plankton of all kinds and makes it look dirty. It's only the dead of Winter that we get real nice looking water like that inshore.

[Fiddlstix]

ROFLMAO!

DHMO Website Here

[Fresh Wind]

It's even worse than that. Every time it rains, the airborne dihydrogen monoxide is absorbed by the rainwater and saturates the ground. It poses a serious risk to crops and wildlife, and eventually it gets into the aquifers where it can remain for centuries.

[Rocky]

"It's even worse than that. Every time it rains, the airborne dihydrogen monoxide is absorbed by the rainwater and saturates the ground. It poses a serious risk to crops and wildlife, and eventually it gets into the aquifers where it can remain for centuries."

You are absolutely correct. The well water where I live is loaded with DHM. I'm afraid to drink anything but Perrier.

[realpatriot71]

"It's embarrassing," said City Manager David J. Norman. "We had a paralegal who did bad research."

Always someone elses fault - anyone doubt that the dumbing down of America is ticking along quite predictably?

[hoppity]

A couple of years ago I saw a bit on TV where they had a booth at Universal Studios with a sign reading, "End Women's Suffrage." They had lots of signers.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Were they passing out free dihydomonoxide in styrofoam cups?

[sharktrager]

I have seen a few Freepers fall for this one too. They usually call those who mention it enviro-wackos, without ever realizing the humor of the situation.

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"A staff report cited environmental concerns"

We learned with Clarence Thomas that the accusation is more important than the actual crime / evidence. Being that is now true the environment concerns then trump any actual damage / crime.

[New Horizon]

Oh man! Excellent site! LOL!!!

[Fiddlstix]

Oh man! Excellent site! LOL!!!

It is a fun site. I keep it bookmarked. I show it to visitors from time to time and ask for their opinion.
It always amazes me how many people think it is "the real thing", so to speak
LOL

(P.S. Bookmark it yourself and have a little fun too. LOL)

[norraad]

"End Women's Suffrage." They had lots of signers.

That's Jimmy Kimmel (The Man Show), he's still doing great work in the late night slot, if you can't stay up, tape it.

He sends his uncle Frank out in a security guard outfit to celebrity events to do walkway interviews.

The world of pompous stupidity is never safe from "The Kimmel".

[BeAllYouCanBe]

"They usually call those who mention it enviro-wackos, without ever realizing the humor of the situation."

I had chemistry in high school 40 years ago and maybe then I may have gotten the joke then BUT not today, it is a sort of adolescent prank that really is funny only to those who are in the “in-crowd” and in the know. So it does prove to me that many have been taken in by all the techno babble that is out there spoken by “experts” who should speak in plain English.

[Trillian]

Heh..

[Tall_Texan]

They should ban the stuff. It an ingredient in "acid rain".

[Rebelbase]

"Scouring the dihydrogen monoxide for monsters . . ."

A tough job. I volunteer.

[MaryFromMichigan]

This stuff is addictive.
I know.
I am a user of the stuff.
If I go very long without it, I suffer insatiable cravings until I have some.
I carry a bottle of the stuff in my car, so I never have to worry about being without it.
I have some EVERY day.
Usually many times a day.
God forgive me, but I don't think I could live too long with out it.

If you want to be on a "ping" list...
...feel free to start one.

[DumpsterDiver]

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