Comical Historical Events

[Bendicion]

During the building of the Berlin wall, the east Germans weren't always building it straight at the border. They cut a few corners, so pieces of East Berlin were on the west Berlin side of the wall.

A Turkish immigrant to west Berlin, saw such a piece of unused land and started growing vegetables there.

The east Germans kind of let him, provided that he did not build a tunnel and that the shed he builds is lower than the wall.

The west Berliners, lacked any jurisdiction to do something about it.

Today it still stands, unlike the wall that made it possible.

https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baumhaus_an_der_Mauer

Sad that it had to go be rebuilt after each arson attack

[Kerwa]

Speaking of corporate blunders, how about the time Hoover Europe managed to commit suicide by giveaway?

In the early 90s, Hoover had a massive excess of product, not just vacuum cleaners, but other appliances, that they had to get rid of. So they had a promotion where anyone who bought £100 worth of stuff would get round-trip tickets to several European destinations like the Costa, Vienna, Rome, Munich, etc. Bear in mind, this meant they were buying the tickets at a relatively minor loss because Ryanair and the like weren't around yet. The promotion worked so well, and they still had a lot of stock to get rid of before making new stuff, that they did the stupidest thing imaginable...expand the promotion to include tickets to New York and Orlando.

These tickets cost £600 apiece at the time, and so the demand exploded as people were now buying vacuum cleaners and washers that they didn't need just to get a cheap vacation to America. Worse still, they didn't stop the promotion when they ran out of stock, so they just kept making new products whilst trying to buy more tickets...and when the tickets ran out, they canceled the promotion, which meant they were still legally on the hook for millions of pounds worth of free tickets for those who bought before it ended, which lead to a flurry of lawsuits, Hoover Europe executives being sacked, and Hoover Europe selling itself to Italian appliance company Candy just to get out of the ocean of debt.

I knew someone who visited the States on that deal.

Once upon a time, speaking of corporate blunders, Chevy couldn't figure out why their Nova automobile wasn't selling in Latin America. Someone pointed out that "No va" means "Doesn't go" in Spanish.

Sadly that’s an urban myth.

GM did make some cars that required dismounting the engine and lifting it to change the spark plugs however. That’s much worse.

[The Archregimancy]

I knew someone who visited the States on that deal.

Once upon a time, speaking of corporate blunders, Chevy couldn't figure out why their Nova automobile wasn't selling in Latin America. Someone pointed out that "No va" means "Doesn't go" in Spanish.

Sadly that’s an urban myth.

GM did make some cars that required dismounting the engine and lifting it to change the spark plugs however. That’s much worse.

Indeed; there's even a Snopes article debunking the Chevy Nova legend.

Key part:

The original Chevrolet Nova (initially the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962. (This car should not be confused with the smaller, front wheel drive vehicle which was produced in 1985 as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota and also assigned the Nova name.) Between 1972 and 1978 the Chevrolet Nova was also sold in Mexico and several other Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Venezuela. Shortly afterwards the great “Nova” legend arose, a legend which a little linguistic analysis shows it to be improbable:

First of all, the phrase “no va” (literally “doesn’t go”) and the word “nova” are distinct entities with different pronunciations in Spanish: the former is two words and is pronounced with the accent on the second word; the latter is one word with the accent on the first syllable. Assuming that Spanish speakers would naturally see the word “nova” as equivalent to the phrase “no va” and think “Hey, this car doesn’t go!” is akin to assuming that English speakers would spurn a dinette set sold under the name Notable because nobody wants a dinette set that doesn’t include a table.

Although “no va” can be literally translated as “no go,” it would be a curious locution for a speaker of Spanish to use in reference to a car. Just as an English speaker would describe a broken-down car by saying that it “doesn’t run” rather than it “doesn’t go,” so a Spanish speaker would refer to a malfunctioning automobile by saying “no marcha” or “no funciona” or “no camina” rather than “no va.”

Pemex (the Mexican government-owned oil monopoly) has sold gasoline in Mexico under the name “Nova.” If Mexicans were going to associate anything with the Chevrolet Nova based on its name, it would probably be this gasoline. In any case, if Mexicans had no compunctions about filling the tanks of their cars with a type of fuel whose brand name advertised that it “didn’t go,” why would they reject a similarly-named automobile?

This legend assumes that a handful of General Motors executives launched a car into a foreign market and remained in blissful ignorance about a possible adverse translation of its name. Even if nobody in Detroit knew enough rudimentary Spanish to notice the coincidence, the Nova could not have been brought to market in Mexico and/or South America without the involvement of numerous Spanish speakers engaged to translate user manuals, prepare advertising and promotional materials, communicate with the network of Chevrolet dealers in the target countries, etc. In fact, GM was aware of the translation and opted to retain the model name “Nova” in Spanish-speaking markets anyway, because they (correctly) felt the matter to be unimportant.

The truth is that the Chevrolet Nova’s name didn’t significantly affect its sales: it sold well in both its primary Spanish-language markets, Mexico and Venezuela, and its Venezuelan sales figures actually surpassed GM’s expectations.

[The Orwell Society]

Sadly that’s an urban myth.

GM did make some cars that required dismounting the engine and lifting it to change the spark plugs however. That’s much worse.

Indeed; there's even a Snopes article debunking the Chevy Nova legend.

Key part:

The original Chevrolet Nova (initially the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962. (This car should not be confused with the smaller, front wheel drive vehicle which was produced in 1985 as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota and also assigned the Nova name.) Between 1972 and 1978 the Chevrolet Nova was also sold in Mexico and several other Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Venezuela. Shortly afterwards the great “Nova” legend arose, a legend which a little linguistic analysis shows it to be improbable:

First of all, the phrase “no va” (literally “doesn’t go”) and the word “nova” are distinct entities with different pronunciations in Spanish: the former is two words and is pronounced with the accent on the second word; the latter is one word with the accent on the first syllable. Assuming that Spanish speakers would naturally see the word “nova” as equivalent to the phrase “no va” and think “Hey, this car doesn’t go!” is akin to assuming that English speakers would spurn a dinette set sold under the name Notable because nobody wants a dinette set that doesn’t include a table.

Although “no va” can be literally translated as “no go,” it would be a curious locution for a speaker of Spanish to use in reference to a car. Just as an English speaker would describe a broken-down car by saying that it “doesn’t run” rather than it “doesn’t go,” so a Spanish speaker would refer to a malfunctioning automobile by saying “no marcha” or “no funciona” or “no camina” rather than “no va.”

Pemex (the Mexican government-owned oil monopoly) has sold gasoline in Mexico under the name “Nova.” If Mexicans were going to associate anything with the Chevrolet Nova based on its name, it would probably be this gasoline. In any case, if Mexicans had no compunctions about filling the tanks of their cars with a type of fuel whose brand name advertised that it “didn’t go,” why would they reject a similarly-named automobile?

This legend assumes that a handful of General Motors executives launched a car into a foreign market and remained in blissful ignorance about a possible adverse translation of its name. Even if nobody in Detroit knew enough rudimentary Spanish to notice the coincidence, the Nova could not have been brought to market in Mexico and/or South America without the involvement of numerous Spanish speakers engaged to translate user manuals, prepare advertising and promotional materials, communicate with the network of Chevrolet dealers in the target countries, etc. In fact, GM was aware of the translation and opted to retain the model name “Nova” in Spanish-speaking markets anyway, because they (correctly) felt the matter to be unimportant.

The truth is that the Chevrolet Nova’s name didn’t significantly affect its sales: it sold well in both its primary Spanish-language markets, Mexico and Venezuela, and its Venezuelan sales figures actually surpassed GM’s expectations.

That definitely brings some new light on the subject.

[Farnhamia]

Sadly that’s an urban myth.

GM did make some cars that required dismounting the engine and lifting it to change the spark plugs however. That’s much worse.

Indeed; there's even a Snopes article debunking the Chevy Nova legend.

Key part:

The original Chevrolet Nova (initially the Chevy II) hit the U.S. market in 1962. (This car should not be confused with the smaller, front wheel drive vehicle which was produced in 1985 as a joint venture between General Motors and Toyota and also assigned the Nova name.) Between 1972 and 1978 the Chevrolet Nova was also sold in Mexico and several other Spanish-speaking countries, primarily Venezuela. Shortly afterwards the great “Nova” legend arose, a legend which a little linguistic analysis shows it to be improbable:

First of all, the phrase “no va” (literally “doesn’t go”) and the word “nova” are distinct entities with different pronunciations in Spanish: the former is two words and is pronounced with the accent on the second word; the latter is one word with the accent on the first syllable. Assuming that Spanish speakers would naturally see the word “nova” as equivalent to the phrase “no va” and think “Hey, this car doesn’t go!” is akin to assuming that English speakers would spurn a dinette set sold under the name Notable because nobody wants a dinette set that doesn’t include a table.

Although “no va” can be literally translated as “no go,” it would be a curious locution for a speaker of Spanish to use in reference to a car. Just as an English speaker would describe a broken-down car by saying that it “doesn’t run” rather than it “doesn’t go,” so a Spanish speaker would refer to a malfunctioning automobile by saying “no marcha” or “no funciona” or “no camina” rather than “no va.”

Pemex (the Mexican government-owned oil monopoly) has sold gasoline in Mexico under the name “Nova.” If Mexicans were going to associate anything with the Chevrolet Nova based on its name, it would probably be this gasoline. In any case, if Mexicans had no compunctions about filling the tanks of their cars with a type of fuel whose brand name advertised that it “didn’t go,” why would they reject a similarly-named automobile?

This legend assumes that a handful of General Motors executives launched a car into a foreign market and remained in blissful ignorance about a possible adverse translation of its name. Even if nobody in Detroit knew enough rudimentary Spanish to notice the coincidence, the Nova could not have been brought to market in Mexico and/or South America without the involvement of numerous Spanish speakers engaged to translate user manuals, prepare advertising and promotional materials, communicate with the network of Chevrolet dealers in the target countries, etc. In fact, GM was aware of the translation and opted to retain the model name “Nova” in Spanish-speaking markets anyway, because they (correctly) felt the matter to be unimportant.

The truth is that the Chevrolet Nova’s name didn’t significantly affect its sales: it sold well in both its primary Spanish-language markets, Mexico and Venezuela, and its Venezuelan sales figures actually surpassed GM’s expectations.

Oh, just ... go dig something up, would you?

[Kowani]

one of my favourite literary roasts

When Norman Mailer punched out Gore Vidal at a party, Vidal, while still prone on the floor, quipped, "Norman, once again words have failed you."

[The Archregimancy]

one of my favourite literary roasts

When Norman Mailer punched out Gore Vidal at a party, Vidal, while still prone on the floor, quipped, "Norman, once again words have failed you."

This reminds of a well-known exchange between Alcibiades and Pericles (as related by Xenophon):

“When I was your age, Alcibiades, I talked just the way you are now talking.”

“If only I had known you, Pericles, when you were at your best.”

[Chan Island]

Looking around, I'm surprised to not find mention of American writer Hunter S. Thompson and his infamous and outrageous diet of drugs, alcohol and more drugs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson

Most famous for this one was the 'daily routine' he had... which I'll let speak for itself.

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-p ... Py7Zdr.jpg

[Kowani]

one of my favourite literary roasts

When Norman Mailer punched out Gore Vidal at a party, Vidal, while still prone on the floor, quipped, "Norman, once again words have failed you."

This reminds of a well-known exchange between Alcibiades and Pericles (as related by Xenophon):

“When I was your age, Alcibiades, I talked just the way you are now talking.”

“If only I had known you, Pericles, when you were at your best.”

oh that’s good

[Shrillland]

Looking around, I'm surprised to not find mention of American writer Hunter S. Thompson and his infamous and outrageous diet of drugs, alcohol and more drugs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson

Most famous for this one was the 'daily routine' he had... which I'll let speak for itself.

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-p ... Py7Zdr.jpg

"Not that we needed all that for the trip, but when you get into a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can."

[Heloin]

Looking around, I'm surprised to not find mention of American writer Hunter S. Thompson and his infamous and outrageous diet of drugs, alcohol and more drugs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_S._Thompson

Most famous for this one was the 'daily routine' he had... which I'll let speak for itself.

https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-p ... Py7Zdr.jpg

o7

[Seragor]

Disneyland has played a role in the disputes of some communist leaders.

When Khrushchev (leader of the Soviet Union) visited the United States, he had an outburst when other government authorities informed him that he wasn't allowed to visit Disneyland as they feared for his safety.

Kim Jong-nam (son of Kim Jong-il and brother of Kim Jong-un) was arrested in Japan when he attempted to visit Tokyo Disneyland using a fake passport, which was no doubt embarrassing for all the parties involved.

[Azania-]

In 1992, Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano learned the Transcendental Meditation technique (developed by Indian guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who was at one point the guru of the Beatles) and introduced it to other government officials and their families. Two years later, Chissano and his generals ordered all police and military to meditate twice a day for 20 minutes, and 30,000 civilians were taught the technique.

Here's a 2001 Guardian article that goes into further detail.

[Christian Confederation]

During WWI Germany made an ocean liner look a British Liner, which ran into a British liner made to look like a German liner or the British liner the Germans made their ship look like, Historians are unsure but they do know both sides were confused until they agreed to a duel.

[Asherahan]

The Taiping Rebellion, whose commanding was upheld by one Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the brother of Jesus Christ.

That is not the fun part the fun part is this guy died because he thought it would be a good idea to go a palace garden and graze like a animal thinking it would help alleviate the starvation of his subjects if they did the same.

He ate something poisonous and died

[The Blaatschapen]

The Taiping Rebellion, whose commanding was upheld by one Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the brother of Jesus Christ.

That is not the fun part the fun part is this guy died because he thought it would be a good idea to go a palace garden and graze like a animal thinking it would help alleviate the starvation of his subjects if they did the same.

He ate something poisonous and died

Leave the grazing of gardens to the professionals

[Asherahan]

That is not the fun part the fun part is this guy died because he thought it would be a good idea to go a palace garden and graze like a animal thinking it would help alleviate the starvation of his subjects if they did the same.

He ate something poisonous and died

Leave the grazing of gardens to the professionals

Yes

[Heloin]

During WWI Germany made an ocean liner look a British Liner, which ran into a British liner made to look like a German liner or the British liner the Germans made their ship look like, Historians are unsure but they do know both sides were confused until they agreed to a duel.

What the hell are you talking about?

[Big Bad Blue]

That time George HW Bush said "Read my lip no new Taxes!" Before immediately raising taxes.

That time his son talked about the brutal, unnecessary invasion of Iraq.

one of my favourite literary roasts

When Norman Mailer punched out Gore Vidal at a party, Vidal, while still prone on the floor, quipped, "Norman, once again words have failed you."

This reminds of a well-known exchange between Alcibiades and Pericles (as related by Xenophon):

“When I was your age, Alcibiades, I talked just the way you are now talking.”

“If only I had known you, Pericles, when you were at your best.”

That time Alexander of Macedon came upon Diogenes, who was outdoors reading, asked if there was anything he could do for him and got the reply, "yes, you can stand out of my light..."

[Shrillland]

Well, in honour of Australia's big day yesterday, how about the fact that Australia's first PM got his start in politics by helping to quell the world's first cricket riot? Even more humourous, there are such things as cricket riots.

Edmund Barton was one of the umpires for an match in February of 1879 between the NSW Colonial Team and a visiting British team lead by George, Baron Harris. Another umpire, George Couthard, had made a call that the NSW supporters weren't happy with, and it didn't help that Couthard was English. The gamblers, who'd heavily bet on an NSW victory, were especially furious, and because the stadium was set at an odd angle to the crease, a lot of spectators couldn't properly see if Couthard's calls were valid, so after one unfavourablee call too many, the spectators, bush poet Banjo Patterson amongst them, rushed the field. Eventually, Barton ended up being the one to replace Couthard after a 30 minute free-for-all left a lot of the English team injured. Barton's appearance of coolness under fire and his perceived restoration of the day is what led voters to choose him for the NSW Parliament the following year and started him on his course to be the first Prime Minister of Australia.

[Archinstinct]

The Emu-War. Enough said.

[Hamidiye]

The Taiping Rebellion, whose commanding was upheld by one Hong Xiuquan, who claimed to be the brother of Jesus Christ.

Well, from where I'm sitting this sounds no more or less crazy than...say...mormonism?

[Chan Island]

During WWI Germany made an ocean liner look a British Liner, which ran into a British liner made to look like a German liner or the British liner the Germans made their ship look like, Historians are unsure but they do know both sides were confused until they agreed to a duel.

What the hell are you talking about?

The SMS Cap Trafalgar, which was disguised as the RMS Carmania… then encountered the real RMS Carmania. There’s a legend that the Carmania meanwhile was disguised as the Cap Trafalgar too, though this isn’t as verified.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMS_Cap_Trafalgar

Either way, at least one party was looking at itself. Which is amusing.

[Perikuresu]

I'm not sure if this story has been told here but in British India, there was a huge cobra population near Delhi, so to solve it, the British introduced an incentive: a bounty on each dead cobra. Which whilst it was a success, people just began cobra farms to breed and then kill them, and once they found out about the plan, the British scrapped it. The result: the cobras were released back into the wild and the population increased.

[Concejos Unidos]

I'm not sure if this story has been told here but in British India, there was a huge cobra population near Delhi, so to solve it, the British introduced an incentive: a bounty on each dead cobra. Which whilst it was a success, people just began cobra farms to breed and then kill them, and once they found out about the plan, the British scrapped it. The result: the cobras were released back into the wild and the population increased.

Something similar happened in Colonial Hanoi, when the French started paying bounties for rat tails, creating rat farms.