I think you hit the nail on the head with this one. It is definitely creepier when something is off slightly, especially when you can’t exactly place your finger on it.
Let me just say that the very idea of having to speak into that things mouth fills me with dread. I mean can you imagine looking over to order something to go and being met with that gaping maw? I personally would need a change of pants. 
After reading the article, I want to know what the “bear-breasted mermaid” looks like…the image that comes to mind is a really hairy chick with flippers.
And thigh…and buttocks…
Electric Boat is in Groton, CT! The Submarine Base is in Groton, CT! Groton is a different town from New London! They don’t even border each other - an entire river separates them!
In fairness to John, not only do MANY people get this wrong, it is habitually printed in countless newspapers. The official name of the base is even “Naval Submarine Base New London,” (??? - it’s not in New London, dammit!) so I suppose I can see why people might get the idea that it actually is in New London. But you’d think newspapers and magazines would employ a fact-checker to make sure of things like this.
The Coast Guard Academy really is in New London, though.