Debunked!: Conspiracy Theories, Urban Legends, and Evil Plots of the 21st Century

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Chicago Review Press, 2008 - 224 pages
As he did in "Urban Legends "and "Hollywood Urban Legends," and as he has done in dozens of columns for the "Chicago Sun-Times" over the last decade and a half, Richard Roeper lays out the basics of the conspiracy theory, quotes some of the true believers--and then tears the theory apart with his bare hands. 9/11 was an inside job. Lady Di and JFK Jr. were murdered. Heathens are winning the war on Christmas. "American Idol "is rigged. Barack Obama is a radical Muslim. "The Secret "will make you thin. The Virgin Mary is in the grilled cheese. That's what it's like to live inside the mind of the 21st-century conspiracy theorist, who believes that all you have to do is look at the signs and you'll see what's really going on. This book will appeal to the vast majority of readers who possess the common sense gene, as well as the vocal minority who believe they're living in a world in which secret tribunals pull the strings and influence the outcome of everything from terrorist attacks to professional sporting events.
 

Contents

II THE MEDIA
37
III SPORTS AND GAMING
57
IV ENTERTAINMENT
97
V BUSINESS
125
VI MIRACLES
143
VII THE CULTURE
163
VIII POLITICS
195
IX MOVIES
213
Index
237
Back Flap
245
Back Cover
246
Copyright

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Page ix - Some men see things as they are and ask why. I dream of things that never were and ask why not.

About the author (2008)

Richard Roeper is a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and the co-host of Ebert & Roeper. He is the author of Sox and the City, Schlock Value, Ten Sure Signs a Movie Character Is Doomed, Urban Legends, and Hollywood Urban Legends. He lives in Chicago.

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