# Instances of life intentionally imitating art **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 24, 2023, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116 "2023-04-24T15:31:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/81 "2023-07-05T17:10:47Z")
A much earlier example of scientist/engineers naming something real in honor of a similar object in a work of science fiction is the “Repulsor” rocket engine developed b y the Verein für Raumschiffahrt (VfR), the German rocket society that Werner von Braun and Willy Ley were members of. They named it after the spacecraft that appeared in Kurd Lasswitz’ novel **Auf zwei Planeten** (“Two PLanets”), an account of an invasion of the Earth by technol,ogically superior Martians. (The book came out in 1897, the same time as H.G. Wells’ _War of the Worlds_, and that novel eclipsed Lasswitz’ in the English-speaking world. Laswitz still hasn’t gotten the credit he deserves – there hasn’t yet been a complete and proper translation of the book.) The Repulsor was built and named in 1931. The last surviving example is in the collection at the Smithsonian: > **[Rocket Nozzle, Liquid Fuel, One-Stick Repulsor](https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/rocket-nozzle-liquid-fuel-one-stick-repulsor/nasm_A19781539000)** > > This is a nozzle from the One-Stick Repulsor rocket of the German Society for Space Travel (the Verein für Raumschiffahrt or VfR). Formed in 1927, the VfR began experimenting with crude liquid-propellant rockets in 1930. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/82 "2023-07-05T17:28:32Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Ah, [ L’esprit de l’escalier. > ](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjU3ZfAhPj_AhVwmIkEHQeNB2MQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FL%2527esprit_de_l%2527escalier&usg=AOvVaw0p-3Pk0IYpfEnljoUxFzFr&opi=89978449) > > I have experienced it many times. Also known as “treppenwitz” ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/83 "2023-07-05T17:39:22Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > . I’m not sure if those names eveb existed before he published Oscar did, but I think he invented Malvina (and Fiona) ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/84 "2023-07-05T17:42:08Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Ah, [ L’esprit de l’escalier. > ](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjU3ZfAhPj_AhVwmIkEHQeNB2MQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FL%2527esprit_de_l%2527escalier&usg=AOvVaw0p-3Pk0IYpfEnljoUxFzFr&opi=89978449) Nice to know it’s name now. What’s the name for compounding it? [George Costanza](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004517/?ref_=tt_ch): Oh, yeah? Well, the jerk store called. They’re running out of you! [Reilly](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0689177/?ref_=tt_ch): What’s the difference? You’re their all-time best seller! [George Costanza](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004517/?ref_=tt_ch): Yeah…? Well, I had sex with your wife! [McAdam](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0783378/?ref_=tt_ch): [awkward pause] His wife is in a coma. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/85 "2023-07-05T18:35:06Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Oscar did, but I think he invented Malvina (and Fiona) Thank you! I knew there was a third one I forgot – Fiona. Do you have any examples of pre-Ossian “Oscar”? I haven’t seen any. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/86 "2023-07-05T19:00:25Z")
> [@furryman](#): > > I always thought it was neat that Anahiem’s hockey team is named _The Mighty Ducks_ after the movie. But it wouldn’t surprise me to find out the team is owned by Disney. They were, originally. I don’t know if they were sole owners or in partnership. A friend got season tix because he was a hockey fan behind the Orange Curtain. He took me to a game where Michael Eisner drove the Zamboni, for some reason or other. I’m surprised the entire franchise didn’t wither into nothingness from embarassment. ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/87 "2023-07-05T19:50:05Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I often say the key to being witty is not to be quick; it’s to have a good memory. The situation will arise again, and _then_ you can pull that prefab zinger out of your back pocket. Which thread were you reading when you thought of this? ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/88 "2023-07-05T20:18:46Z")
He’s all over the _Tóraigheacht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne_. While the oldest text of that that we have is 17th C, it’s mentioned in earlier works and we have no reason to believe it’s made up, AFAIK. And in any case, the oldest texts predate Macpherson. Of course, I’ve only read translations at one remove in collections and online, not any 17th C originals. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/89 "2023-07-05T20:37:09Z")
Having said that, a quick squizz at the ISOS database turns up a reference to “_Oscar mhic Osinn_” in [MS A 20 (Duanaire Finn)](https://www.isos.dias.ie/UCD/UCD_MS_A_20.html) which is also 17th C. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [July 5, 2023, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/90 "2023-07-05T22:00:12Z")
Nowadays every crime boss, regardless of his religion or ethnicity, is a “Godfather”. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/91 "2023-07-06T00:18:10Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > He’s all over the _Tóraigheacht Dhiarmada agus Ghráinne_. While the oldest text of that that we have is 17th C, it’s mentioned in earlier works and we have no reason to believe it’s made up, AFAIK. And in any case, the oldest texts predate Macpherson. Of course, I’ve only read translations at one remove in collections and online, not any 17th C originals. Thanks. Really. This title’s more accessible – [The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Pursuit_of_Diarmuid_and_Gr%C3%A1inne) ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/92 "2023-07-06T00:48:43Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > He took me to a game where Michael Eisner drove the Zamboni, for some reason or other. Doesn’t everyone want to get to drive the Zamboni? And when you’re Michael Eisner, you get to make that happen. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/93 "2023-07-06T05:11:23Z")
Sure, but looking for that that doesn’t get you the period references as much, more the modern compilations and the like. ---
**Author:** ![Tusculan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecd19e/32.png) [@Tusculan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tusculan)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/94 "2023-07-06T19:46:42Z")
Isn’t Quidditch a real sport nowadays? ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/95 "2023-07-06T19:57:14Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > Doesn’t everyone want to get to drive the Zamboni? And when you’re Michael Eisner, you get to make that happen. The last live hockey game I went to, they had a Party Zamboni, that let fans ride around the rink while drinking. I was devastated to realize it wasn’t an actual working Zamboni, though. What’s the point?!?!? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/96 "2023-07-06T20:11:07Z")
Speaking of unusual uses for Zambonis: > **[Zamboni in the Drive-Thru: “Most Canadian Thing Ever”?](https://www.loweringthebar.net/2016/12/zamboni-in-the-drive-thru-most-canadian-thing-ever.html)** > > With a brief digression into the story of Christmas. Sort of. > **[Canada Now Challenging U.S. for Lead in Zamboni DUI Arrests](https://www.loweringthebar.net/2015/12/canada-now-challenging-us-for-lead.html)** > > Canada is now way ahead on a per-capita basis, but the U.S. still leads in absolute terms. I’m not quite sure how these real-life events imitate art, but I think they’re pretty artful in their own way. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/97 "2023-07-06T20:13:19Z")
Yeah, that’s kinda lame. Back when I had season tix, they used to let a fan do a ride-a-long on the real Zamboni during the between period breaks. I never won that. Although _twice_ I won the “you get to move from the upper bowl to the front row” thingy (but the second time was probably because we knew the guy who escorted you down). The only problem is, for a hockey game, front row seats are awful. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2023, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/98 "2023-07-06T20:21:51Z")
Yeah, but that means you get to bang on the glass when the fight on the ice is right in front of you _and_ you get to be on TV when there’s a fight in front of you or if you’re seated behind the benches or penalty boxes. ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/99 "2023-07-07T01:09:55Z")
After the movie Toy Story, you could actually buy a Buzz Lightyear action figure. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2023, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116/100 "2023-07-07T01:12:18Z")
At some point in the Toy Story franchise, Disney actually made a Buzz Lightyear Of Star Command cartoon series. It featured Zur (I think that was his name) and Little Green Men. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/instances-of-life-intentionally-imitating-art/983116.md?page=6)