OT: Might Make You Laugh

[vladikus]

I like to read a lot and this was a short paragraph out of a fictional biography.

"Sir George Buchanan was an old-school diplomat, distinguished by discretion, silvery hair and a monocle. Seven years' service in Russia had left him weary and frail, but with a host of friends and admirers, including the Tsar himself. His only handicap in fulfilling his post was his inability to speak Russian. This made no difference in Petrograd, where everyone who mattered also spoke French or English. In 1916, however, Buchanan visited Moscow, where he was made an honorary citizen of the city and given a priceless icon and massive silver loving cup. "In the heart of Russia," wrote R.H. Bruce Lockhart, the British Consul General, who was assisting in Buchanan's visit, "he had to say at least a word or two in Russian. We had carefully rehearsed the ambassador to hold it up and say to the distinguished audience, 'Spasibo' which is the short form of Russian for 'thank you.' Instead, Sir George, in a firm voice, held up the cup and said, 'Za pivo' which means 'for beer.'"

-Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert Massie (very good book by the way)

If that isn't that funny, you might like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGL427EoAc

[sansanjuan]

Originally Posted by vladikus

I like to read a lot and this was a short paragraph out of a fictional biography.

"Sir George Buchanan was an old-school diplomat, distinguished by discretion, silvery hair and a monocle. Seven years' service in Russia had left him weary and frail, but with a host of friends and admirers, including the Tsar himself. His only handicap in fulfilling his post was his inability to speak Russian. This made no difference in Petrograd, where everyone who mattered also spoke French or English. In 1916, however, Buchanan visited Moscow, where he was made an honorary citizen of the city and given a priceless icon and massive silver loving cup. "In the heart of Russia," wrote R.H. Bruce Lockhart, the British Consul General, who was assisting in Buchanan's visit, "he had to say at least a word or two in Russian. We had carefully rehearsed the ambassador to hold it up and say to the distinguished audience, 'Spasibo' which is the short form of Russian for 'thank you.' Instead, Sir George, in a firm voice, held up the cup and said, 'Za pivo' which means 'for beer.'"

-Nicholas and Alexandra by Robert Massie (very good book by the way)

If that isn't that funny, you might like this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPGL427EoAc

Perhaps he was even more popular after that "toast"...
-ssj

[chrispedersen]

Supposedly a true story:

Whilst running for President Al Gore was reputed to have been asked what his favorite bible verse was. Mixing up the sign that appears at all football games (John 3:16), he replies John 16:3.


Well, its a knee slapper in religious circles =)

[Ishamoridin]

That quote's not from Gore, though it's also been attributed to Kerry. It is, apparently, from President Bush Sr.

To save people looking it up, John 3:16 is "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

While John 16:3 is "they will do such things because they have not known the Father or me."

[chrispedersen]

Originally Posted by Ishamoridin

That quote's not from Gore, though it's also been attributed to Kerry. It is, apparently, from President Bush Sr.

Curious where you got that attribution.

[thejeff]

According to Snopes, it was George H.W. Bush and has been told about at least Gore, George W. Bush and Kerry.
The source is one of conservative columnist Cal Thomas's books.

[quantum_mechani]

Originally Posted by chrispedersen

Well, its a knee slapper in religious circles =)

At least, crossed with football circles. A venn diagram I lie entirely outside!