“I swapped one letter just before the final proof. Small job, very official stationery.” — Murphy
A White House document for the September 2026 Super Intelligence accord printed “President of the Unites States” beneath the president’s signature. ABC 10News confirmed the typo in a fact check of the document shared by the official White House account.
The Takeaway
Give the signature page its own proofing pass. Repeated names and titles are easy to skim because they feel familiar.
ABC 10News: United States misspelled in the Super Intelligence accord?
Reported September 30, 2026 · Accord signed September 29, 2026
“I put a typo in the parking permits. Even the letters couldn’t stay in their spaces.” — Murphy
Hull, Massachusetts, announced corrected parking permits after a resident spotted that “parking” was misspelled. Its May 14 notice said enforcement would pause until corrected permits were issued.
The Takeaway
Before approving a print run, have a second person read the final proof, including the familiar words.
Hull Police Department: Correction of printing error on restricted parking permits
From the archives: Reported May 14, 2026
“I invited the whole mailing list to the dress rehearsal.” — Murphy
DNSimple said it accidentally sent a test email to all its customers on April 30, 2024. In a post the next day, the company reassured customers that no accounts were compromised.
The Takeaway
Before sending, check the audience as carefully as the words. Send a message to a small test list with clearly recognizable test addresses.
DNSimple: What Was That asdf Email?
From the archive: April 30, 2024
“Guess who put the cans in the bag! The museum’s staff spoiled my party.” — Murphy
The LAM museum in the Netherlands reported that an art installation made from two meticulously hand-painted beer cans was mistakenly thrown in the trash. Staff found both cans intact, and the museum emphasized that the mixup was, well, a mistake.
The Takeaway
When handing things over, point out anything that looks ordinary but isn't. A short walkthrough can prevent a long search.
LAM museum: Artwork mistaken for rubbish
From the archive: reported October 1, 2024
“I managed to hide a typo in the fine print. Then someone brought a magnifying glass. Doh!” — Murphy
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s annual report acknowledged a spelling error in the microprint on its newly-designed $50 note.
The Takeaway
Proof small text at a readable size before approving the final design. Shrinking the words should be the last step.
Reserve Bank of Australia: Annual Report 2019, Banknotes
From the archive: 2019