Media

The Worst Photo Caption of All Time? See It Here

Accidental death is rarely, if ever, funny, for the simple reason that the loss of human life is generally such a sober occurrence that it wipes out any potential humor in a situation. However, don’t tell the editors of the Western Mail, a Welsh daily newspaper. The people who write their photo captions apparently find death hilarious; so hilarious that they openly advertise this fact through those very captions.

Following the recent death of airport manager Bob Jones in a plane crash, the Welsh Mail ran a photo of Jones alongside its story about the crash. The photo was captioned with what some observers are calling the “worst caption fail of all time.” How bad was it? See below:

Welsh Daily Newspaper Prints The Initialism LOL Next To Photo of Dead ManFor those who don’t know, “LOL” is an internet initialism standing for “Laugh Out Loud.” In other words, the photo caption might as well have said “Ha ha ha, this airport manager died.” Classy.

The newspaper has apologized for the error. No word yet as to whether the anonymous caption wizard involved has been disciplined, though apparently the mistake is under internal investigation.

H/T Press Gazette

Comments (59)

  • trinklefinder
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:10pm

    Youve gone thru the trouble of spelling everything else out fully, whether its lots of love or laugh out loud why not just spell it out too. geesh.

    Report Post » trinklefinder  
  • MRMADMAN
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:38am

    There are a few people that think LOL means “Lots of Love”. Honest mistake

    Report Post »  
    • nelbert
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:56am

      You’re more than likely correct. Apart from ‘Laugh Out Loud’ being out of place in sensibilities, it also doesn’t really fit the context, and ‘Lots of Love’ is, indeed, the older, pre-internet use of the acronym.

      Report Post » nelbert  
    • ScottR63
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:06am

      ha ha ha ha which ever…..thats funny:’)

      Report Post » ScottR63  
    • Balrog28
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:25am

      @SCOTTR63
      Not funny – sad. When people stop caring about their jobs – it shows! And if there isn’t repercussions for their actions – that says more about our downward spiral of our culture than anything. I have started teaching my children that they have the choice to do anything in life they want to – however there are consequences for each action they take. And when I started doing that I suddenly realized, wow – that’s what God the Father has taught me.

      Report Post » Balrog28  
    • Duey2000
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:45am

      Regardless of what somebody thought that it stood for, it is highly unprofessional to place a text abbreviation in any real publication unless you are citing a text or Tweet. It is like when somebody uses “text” language on a job application or a resume. I send it straight to the trash. Sadly I see more of them every day too…

      Report Post »  
  • Meyvn
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:05am

    Sounds just like Trollmonger.

    Report Post » Meyvn  
  • wkw58
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 6:54am

    Oh those Welsh. What are ya gonna do with ‘em?

    Report Post » wkw58  
  • Guringo
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 6:11am

    just saw this on Newsroom (tv show), apparently some folks think it stands for ‘lots of love’…

    Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:05am

    He was probably a Conservative and LOL was meant for him by Liberal press?(They got caught showing a Liberals thought process.)

    Report Post »  
  • libertymeteor
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 11:59pm

    lol

    Report Post » libertymeteor  
  • Larry E
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 10:47pm

    Someone who works for NBC is moonlighting as a Welsh caption writer!

    Report Post »  
  • QuincySmith
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 10:30pm

    “Accidental death is rarely, if ever, funny…” The editor apparently is not aware of The Darwin Awards: http://darwinawards.com/darwin/

    I‘m sorry for the airport manager’s family – comment is meant for theblaze staff.

    Report Post » QuincySmith  
    • NOT A CRAZY
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 11:08pm

      Editor? At The Blaze? Don’t make me laugh. LOL

      Report Post » NOT A CRAZY  
    • bikerr
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 1:08am

      @QuincySmith–In some cases Death is welcomed with open arms. Expand your box!

      Report Post »  
    • caveman74
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 9:34am

      no kidding…doesnt the blaze edit this welsh paper lamoj (laughs at my own joke)

      Report Post »  
    • Tom K
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:34am

      @ QUINCYSMITH : Just love the Darwin Awards. It is also fun to laugh at the Darwin Theory !

      Report Post »  
    • Redwood Elf
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:19pm

      Unfortunately, the Texting-while-driving girl whose last words were “texting while driving not safe LOL” will be denied a chance at a Darwin award, since according to the Darwin Award folks, such deaths are too common.

      I say she deserves one for so clearly demonstrating that she knew better.

      Report Post » Redwood Elf  
  • SeekerEmerald
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:44pm

    I know of one way this could happen accidentally. The same kind of thing happened where I once used to work. Basically, someone writes something they are not supposed to and shows it to their co-workers for a laugh. Then the “funny part” is supposedly removed, but somehow it does not actually get removed, maybe a technical glitch, maybe the wrong file name is used when saving, or when opening again, who knows.

    In my case a guy programmed an ink jet printer to spray “John Smith is a ignorant moron!” on all the letters that passed through a particular mail prepping machine. He then sprayed one on a blank card, and showed all his buddies. They all had a good laugh. Then he went to erase the comment from the printer, but forgot to “save the changes” after removing the text. When the machine started running live mail a few hours later, nobody noticed for a while, so tens of thousands of letters were mailed out with that text on it. “John Smith” (not the real name used) was a regional manager for this company. He heard about it, and I think you can image the phone calls and emails that followed.

    One possibility…

    I try to keep in mind the wise saying “never attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity.”

    Report Post » SeekerEmerald  
    • forthepeople
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:50pm

      Your Fired ! that was easy .

      Report Post » forthepeople  
    • Diane TX
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 4:06am

      @ forthepeople

      What is it with you “youths” ? Did you all attend public schools? The word “your” is very different than the word “you’re”. You see “your” means something that belongs to YOU. Your house, your car, your cat and so on and so on. The word “you’re” is a contraction of the words – you are. Such as you’re not very bright; you’re a product of public education, you’re fat, and so on and so on.

      Yes, they sound the same, but they have very different meanings. It’s (means it is) a shame that so many posters have less than stellar educations, that they can’t (means can not) even write a proper English sentence.

      This just annoys me that the education level of Americans has fallen so low below par.

      Report Post »  
    • sissygirl
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 8:55am

      @diane TX I went to a public school and I know the difference between your and you’re. I also know the difference between its and it’s, when to use who or whom, and even the proper use of ‘I’ and ‘me’. Just standing up for my public school peeps out there! Don’t be a hater out there!

      Report Post »  
    • Balrog28
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:29am

      @Diane TX
      Just a question – but why is “will not” contracted to “won’t“ and ”shall not“ contracted to ”shan’t” Just a stupid English language question.

      Report Post » Balrog28  
    • Tom K
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 11:31am

      @ DIANE TX : Thank you for your educational information on Your and You’re ! I don’t know about you, but I pay enormous property taxes which go to our local government school system which turns out a more inferior product EVERY YEAR. These “ graduates ” can not; write a complete sentence, make change at the register or carry on a verbal face-to-face conversation. Our Government schools are Useful Idiot Factories ! Anyone BUT the “ Ineligible One ” in November !

      Report Post »  
  • aggiebrewer
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:31pm

    real news huh…waste of time
    More and more the blaze slides toward irrelevence.

    Report Post »  
  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:29pm

    Lots Of Luck

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
  • Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:24pm

    The Manager was a huge dairy fan, loved butter, milk, etc. His favorite brand was Land of Lakes (LOL). They were just trying to give him a tribute and a hat tip to his love of Dairy products.

    Report Post » Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra  
    • Zipit
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:56am

      A little “cheezy” there, don’t ya think?

      Report Post »  
  • piper60
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:24pm

    Why do these people consider themselves professionals? Geeees.

    Report Post » piper60  
  • The Gooch
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:23pm

    One time does not a trend make. Other examples?
    And if he was the airport safety manager, that’s the only way this would be funny. LOL

    Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:01am

      COOCH – How long have you been talking like a musketeer? Literary enough for ya, Gilligan?

      Report Post » Wango  
    • LIBSALWAYSLIE
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 6:31am

      WANGO, how long have you been an idiot?

      Report Post » LIBSALWAYSLIE  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 8:14am

      Leave my buddy, Wango, alone. He’s just desperate for attention and can only assert himself by calling folks name. I mean, really… going after him is like kicking a lil’ yappy dog.
      Okay, actually… I really hate yappy dogs. Have at him.

      Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 12:05pm

      KOOCH . . . Calling in reinforcements already? From LIBSALWAYSLIE no less. You’ve even taken on its dazzling parlance AND thought . . . “You call people names. Waa!” Seriously? What would d’Artagnan say? I don’t know either, but I‘m pretty sure he wouldn’t cower in the corner and whimper about his attacker “just wanting attention.” Cower and whimper. I believe you have them on retainer.

      Your lady parts are showing, Kooch. Hey, wait – lady parts, Kooch – is there something spiritual going on there? Something . . . Nordic even? Tell you what, now would be a good time to burp forth something arcane from 1930s Austria. Something from deep within Wikiworld. I think you need another big dose of “Don’t I sound smart” from your digital demigod.

      Report Post » Wango  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 5:58pm

      Dear Wango,
      Oh, no. Another digital herpes flare up courtesy of Wango. See? It’s not hard to correctly address a poster by his or her tag. Keep trying… you’ll get it right someday! I have faith in your abilities. Go,Team Wango!!!
      Nice literary reference, by the way. I just hope you didn’t do that looking for bald-faced affirmation. Hell, I’ll indulge. Good boy! That’s a good leftist troll! Who’s a good leftist troll!?! YES!!! You are a good leftist troll Yes, you are! (Virtual pat on the head)
      Do you EVER stay focused on an article? That is kind of the point of this forum. Or are you the predictable leftist “F’ you!!!” act I suspect you to be? We’ll let the viewers decide.
      The way I see it, I’m a big boy and I can and will take this garbarge. Let’s call it pennance… for when I was of the same stripe as you. When you’re focused on me, you’re leaving other folks alone, whatever portion of your attention is meted out upon me.
      Be seein’ ya! I gotta see a physician to address the Wango Itch… I‘m sure I’ll be dealing with another flare up soon enough.

      Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 10, 2012 at 7:48pm

      KOOCH . . . Leftist troll. Really? Did you get that from LIBSALWAYSLIE. Then again it does say scads about why you hang out here. Me? I’m here to decimate the heathen herd. You actually agree with these morons. Now, you’ve proven yourself to be ALMOST smart, the way Ann Romney is ALMOST pretty. And that’s enough to be a big fish in this little barrel. But it ain’t enough for me. (See how I used “ain’t” there? I learned that from you. It‘s a great way to throttle back my blazing intellect so I don’t intimidate the little folks. Shows I’m not all caught up in my own overblown self assessment.)

      Carry on, ALMOST average. But don’t hedge. You may not be a saxophone, but you’re a hell of a bugle. Say hi to Rafalca for me.

      Report Post » Wango  
    • chips1
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:46pm

      I get the feeling that this WANGO guy is going to be on the news soon!!!!

      Report Post »  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 12:54pm

      I’m so confused: Am I a woodwind, am I a brass, am I a fish, or a horse whisperer?
      Good grief, man, pick a metaphor and stick with it!
      I’ll say one thing: When you lob a grenade, it’s a confetti-laden explosion of bombastic imagery.
      So your diatribes “prove” you’re more enlightened and more intelligent than all those present? Okay. I have no problem with folks having abilities that surpass my own. My goodness, if it makes you feel better, you win in that regard. In the immortal word’s of Happy Gilmore: “I’m stupid. You’re smart. I was wrong. You were right. You’re the best. I’m the wrost. You’re very good-looking. I’m not very attractive.”
      You are certainly skilled and passionate with your routine. Thanks for the laughs. I’ve gotta go tell my horses I was in Wango Land again. They’re big fans of yours… and they knew you were the smarter one all along. Another damn argument I lost. At least my dogs still think I’m great. My cats are undecided… but, they’re well, big… you know (The Blaze won’t allow me to type the word I want to use).

      Report Post »  
    • Wango
      Posted on August 11, 2012 at 7:59pm

      Kooch . . . Oh, Happy Gilmore day! Your gratitude begins and ends with an ad hominem attack based on a pop culture reference. Yes, clearly you’re an enlightened, intellectual giant.

      But the world does appreciate the Gilmore attribution. You stated early on that you were willing to learn. This proves it. I am so darn proud of you, Kooch. I hear cherubs clawing their way down my chimney right now. I hope they bring more news of your blossoming humility.

      Report Post » Wango  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on August 12, 2012 at 12:42pm

      Wow. Now that post truly made me laugh, Wango. Yes, I get it. You have one rule of engagement which applies to you and others: You get to decide the rules of engagement as you see fit. Um, you don’t have to keep reminding me. As I said, I get it. I’d accuse you of being thick, but you‘ve made it clear you’re the Brainy Smurf of the realm.
      It’s the lesson in humility jape that evoked a big, ol’ laugh. Yeah, that’ll take coming from the likes of you. I’d just as soon take a lesson in effective coping skills from Gary Busey.
      I honestly believe you could be fun to hang out with… to a point. The problem with a character like you is that there is always the danger of guilt by association. You cheese off the wrong dude and suddenly it’s, “Hey, you with this punk!?!“ No one wants to be kicked out of th Smurf Village along with Brainy when he takes the ”I am so great!” routine too far.
      Do you like ping pong? You must….

      Report Post »  
  • yanki161
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:21pm

    HOW is it a mistake?? It’s obviously not a “typo.“ So how did three letters get there ”by mistake?”

    Report Post » yanki161  
  • grayling646
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:12pm

    No, Mytheos. They weren’t saying “Ha ha ha, this airport manager died.” It was a mistake. You freaking putz.

    Report Post »  
    • Toltepeceno
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:18pm

      A mistake? What would they have misspelled?

      Report Post » Toltepeceno  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:24pm

      It’s Welsh, almost unreadable sometimes.

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • phoenix110
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:28pm

      You’re kidding right? Did you just put “mistake” and “editor” in the same sentence trying to defend the guy? lol You do know what an editor is, correct? And you DO know what an editors job is, right? I would say the editor is a lazy and/or incompetent putz and you are a bigger putz for trying to defend him. You should look up the literary term “simile” so you can be less stupid and put “editor” on your “jobs I will never be good at” list.

      Report Post »  
    • 4xeverything
      Posted on August 9, 2012 at 11:58pm

      Sh1t happens.

      Report Post » 4xeverything  
  • MsMonsoon
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:10pm

    How stunning juvenil!. Are there no grown-ups left in the news business these days?

    Report Post » MsMonsoon  
  • historyguy48
    Posted on August 9, 2012 at 9:09pm

    I’ll bet you the editor thought LOL meant lots of luck. Oops!

    Report Post » historyguy48  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love