Historical Hogwash
Two glass bottles filled with cherries, preserved more than 250 years ago, were recently unearthed in the basement of George Washington’s Mount Vernon home. That got us thinking about the “I can’t tell a lie” story regarding a young George, a hatchet, and a cherry tree, a tale that has captured the public imagination for years. But that altruistic bit of biography never really happened, joining a long list of historical “facts” that are, in truth, complete fabrications.
Did George Washington Really Say “I Can’t Tell a Lie”?
Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas (1970.43)
Did Marie Antoinette Really Say “Let Them Eat Cake”?
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Did Nero Really Fiddle as Rome Burned?
© Photos.com/Getty Images
More Myths Debunked
This Week in Europe
From Venice’s efforts to curb over-tourism to the “smooch cabins” on German trains, here are a few headlines out of Europe that we couldn’t help but notice.
Venice entry
Beginning this weekend, day-trippers visiting Venice, Italy, will be charged an entry fee of 5 euros—with fines of up to 10 times that for those who fail to pay the price of admission. The fabled canal city has long been a victim of over-tourism, as previous efforts to slow the wear-and-tear of the sinking city have fallen short. The fee is aimed at encouraging smaller crowds during peak tourist season, as well as longer stays, since anyone staying in the city or its neighboring regions won’t be charged.
Truth in shrinkflation
Shrinkflation, a portmanteau of “shrink” and “inflation,” describes an indirect rise in price that affects all consumers. Think “fun size” candy bars, or “easier-to-hold” sports drinks that are thinner in the middle. Companies usually aren’t required to disclose the fact that you’re getting less for your money. But in France, a new law recently passed requiring stores to place signs in front of “shrinkflated” products by July 1, as a warning to consumers.
Love train
In Germany, the state-operated train system will soon begin offering private cabins on high-speed intercity trains, a feature being touted as a place for passengers to hold private video calls—or cuddle. The ad campaign has led German newspaper Bild to nickname these privacy pods “knutsch-abteil,” or “smooch cabins.”
© Sailorr/Fotolia
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