So, I learned a shocking truth the other day: Fresca is a diet soda. Okay, this might not be news to you (or anyone who actually, y’know read the label) but it was a revelation to me. I’ve been drinking Fresca for years and feeling guilty because of all that sugar only, as it turns out, there is no sugar. D’oh. Now I have to learn to not feel guilty about drinking Fresca. Something I just took for granted as true isn’t. Which got me to thinking: what if there are other facts out there that really aren’t facts?
Like, if you go out in the cold and wet you will catch a cold. Or, if you eat before swimming you’ll get a cramp and drown. Or, if you shave your arm hair, it will grow back in thicker. I learned this last “fact” from my bestest friend, Heather, at the age of eleven. Actually, looking back on my childhood, Heather was the source of much apocryphal information.
Other cultures have wrong “facts” too. I’ve heard that in Russia it’s thought that you can catch a cold by drinking chilled drinks. And that if a young woman sits on cold concrete she’ll become infertile. These “facts” seem obviously wrong–even silly–to us, but have you ever tried arguing against a cultural “fact”? Usually the believer will look at you with pity for your ignorance.
After all, everyone knows that if you cross your eyes.
Cheers!
Elizabeth
www.elizabethhoyt.com
www.juliaharper.com
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Elizabeth your so silly. Fresca tastes to good be diet, you must be wrong. LOL Actually, both of my parents are diabetic and that is one of their favorite drinks.
My husband used to tell my kids the one about swimming and after two summers of arguing he has conceded that of course I am right and neither of my children have drowned. LOL 
by Patty L.
on February 8th, 2008 at 6:57 am
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I thought the cold concrete thing was supposed to give you hemorrhoids! 
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I just learned this about Fresca as well. I’m not a big Fresca drinker, but I have it on occasion, and was stunned to learn it was a diet drink.
Funny how that happens.
by Alyssa
on February 8th, 2008 at 11:13 am
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You all are making me feel better about the Fresca thing–LOL!
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I read most labels. I am past middle age and finding it hard to control my weight.
by Estella
on February 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
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This reminds me of the controversy over posting the Ten Commandments in federal buildings here in the South. I always laughed when they were referred to as “Christian” values when in fact they are Jewish laws. 
by Laidybyrd
on February 8th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
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Ah yes! I’m always impressed with people who are willing to see a sense of humor in things like this…discovering that you thought something was true and it isn’t and it’s okay to say I was wrong. It takes a big person to admit they were wrong. 
As for Fresca, I haven’t had one in years, but I used to drink more of them. My pop indulgence now is Pepsi One.
Denise
by Denise A. Agnew
on February 8th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
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I’m howling over the cold concrete - my parents said it would make me constipated!!!!! Plus all the other things Elizabeth mentioned and they had a bunch more too lol. Needlesstosay they worried over everything!
by catslady
on February 8th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
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Tag . . . you’re it. Love your web site. Great presention.
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When I was pregnant, my MIL told me not to sit with my legs either crossed or folded up under me because I could “twist” the cord and cut off the baby’s nutrients.
:::eyebrow raised::::
by Lorelie
on February 11th, 2008 at 7:33 am
