Charting the Course of History (Interesting Quotes or Misquotes(?))

When charting the course of history or human events, communication is critical.  Miscommunication, misunderstandings, errors in translations could result in the masses believing that earth is being invaded by aliens.

"One of the extraordinary things about human events is that the unthinkable becomes thinkable.”  - - Salman Rushdie quotes (Indian born British Writer, b.1947)

The link below is to a Cracked article will really give you pause and make you think long and hard, and choose your words carefully; especially when you are not speaking in your native tongue. These errors – misunderstandings – “mistranslations” - literally changed the course of human events.

6 Mistranslations That Changed The World

Here is a quick summary of 4 of the 6 mistranslations.

• Someone misunderstood an astronomer's reference to “channels”, and next thing we knew there were Martians. Even though the “lost in mistranslation” mistake was finally explained, it was too late. People had bought into the idea of life on planet Mars. No turning back.
• Nikita Khrushchev uttered a statement that was not properly interpreted by the Americans. The USA took it as a threat and before anyone could misspell the name “Nikita”, the United States and Russia were in a race for space!
• The incident about President Carter's Polish interpreter will make your side hurt from laughing so hard.
• But the mistranslation that caused two atoms bombs to be dropped on Japan? It's not funny!

There were two more mistranslations left, but couldn't finish reading the article. After reading the part about President Harry Truman's reaction to Japan's response as to whether or not they would surrender, my jaw dropped.

Could this possibly be the real historical record?  

Entertainment : Review of TV Drama Series : "Small Island" (2009)

"Small Island" is a two-part drama adapted for television, included in the BBC Masterpiece Classic Collection, based on a novel by the same title written by Andrea Levy.

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“Small Island” is a BBC Masterpiece Theater presentation.  The name of the main character is Hortense, an idealistic “proper” young Jamaican woman who dreams of living in England and she will fulfill her dream! It may take a little bit of conniving but … she will make it happen!

The setting is the 1940s; during and after the World War II - Jamaica and London.

* Naomie Harris plays Hortense.  She is something else!!

If the name Naomie Harris sounds familiar, it should. She starred in the James Bond movie, “Skyfall”. At the end of the movie, she finally formally introduced to Mr. Bond as “Miss Moneypenny”.

Here's the plot in a nutshell.

Hortense has a friend who has a fiancé and that fiancé is in the military and intends to take the friend, who will be his wife, with him when he goes to England. Uh huh. That was the original plan. But Hortense figured out a way to get the guy to ditch the friend and take her to England instead.   Like I said:  She is something else!  :)

* David Oyelowo plays Gilbert, the fiancé, scratch that ex-fiancé … dot dot dash … husband of “convenience”.

David Oyelowo. That name sound familiar? It should. He was “Danny” in the popular BBC spook TV show, “MI-5”. Also chosen for the role of “Dr. Martin Luther King”, in the Oscar-nominated film “Selma” about the Civil Rights Movement in America.

“Small Island” is a love story and you will love all of the characters; the ones in the starring roles and the supporting roles. They are very realistic and you will feel like you're a part of their lives.

Authentic costumes, great scenery, believable dialogue, stellar performances, quality entertainment!

My one word to describe this masterpiece? Delightful!

Most memorable line? “Gilbert! I'm perishin' in this bed!” :)

Hortense dreams of England - Small Island - BBC


NOTE:  This content was first published at Daily Two Cents; however that site shut down.  It has now been published via Read.Cash.

Celebrate and Honor True American Heroes. Happy Veterans Day!

It’s November 11th. Happy Veterans Day!


Never served in the military but was hired by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs and given the honor of working side by side with many who did serve in this country's armed forces. A deeply heartfelt shout out to my former co-workers at DVA and a salute to all U.S. Veterans everywhere - those who have served, those currently serving, and a special dedication to the memory of the men and women of valor who sacrificed their lives.

• November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars".
• 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day
• With the approval of P.. 380 on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
• October 8th, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first "Veterans Day Proclamation".
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History of Veterans Day -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 

glitter-graphics.com

NOTE: This content also appeared at my partner blog, My Blog Stop!