U-M professor dismisses Facebook money bags rumor based on July calendar quirk
Riches will not be flowing to those falling for an Internet rumor said to be based on Chinese folk beliefs, a University of Michigan professor told the Detroit Free Press.
Jen Zhu, the University of Michigan Chinese Initiatives coordinator, said there's nothing in Chinese culture to support the belief that the fact this July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays could bring bags of moneys to those who copy and post a message on their Facebook pages. Other experts agreed.
One version of the rumor has Facebook users posting the following message on their status updates:
"This year July has 5 Fridays 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays. This happens once every 823 years. This is called money bags. So copy this to your status and money will arrive within 4 days. Based on Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. Those who read and do not copy will be without money."
The phenomenon of 5 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in one month is not even all that rare, experts told the Free Press.
Comments
treetowncartel
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 8:23 p.m.
I wonder if Granholm knows about this. Did she re-tweet it yet?
fjord
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
It's bad enough that the Free Press wasted people's time with this drivel. Why did it have to be re-posted here? Oh yes, please do report on every stupid Facebook status fad. It's ever so interesting. While you're at it, how about some serious reportage on the latest trends in pet fashion? And personally, I'm way behind on what Justin Bieber is up to.
Bertha Venation
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 7:45 p.m.
but....but.... but my ouiji board says....
Will Warner
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 3:28 p.m.
"Based on Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui" Sounds more like its based on the philosophy of P.T. Barnum.
skfina2
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
You don't need an expert to look at a perpetual calendar and see that this "phenomenon" occurs every 5 - 6 years.
alan
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:45 p.m.
"Someone needs to consult experts on this?" "Seriously, this is ridiculous." "This is news?" Okay, so why was my comment deleted? Please don't move this to the garbage bin also. I touched on all three of these issues in my comment and it was removed. I was polite. What did I say that everyone else is not saying?
Tony Dearing
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 3:16 p.m.
I reviewed your comment and restored it. My apologies for it being unpublished.
wacky_walrus
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:33 p.m.
This is news?
Dalex64
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
Someone needs to consult experts on this?
Andy
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:06 p.m.
Seriously, this is ridiculous.
a2idealist
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2 p.m.
Jen Zhu is a she, not a he.
Tony Dearing
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
Thanks for pointing that out. We've changed the wording to resolve that.
alan
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 1:35 p.m.
Thank you. I really needed a Ph.D to help me understand the complexities of this strikingly newsworthy issue.
quetzalcoatl
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 1:03 p.m.
A chain letter for the wired generation
Forever27
Mon, Jul 11, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Of course a month with 5 weekends brings more money, most people get paid biweekly.