1

$125 million for a Grade-school math error

Image: Aaron Lefler

Imagine losing a hugely expensive spacecraft due to a simple mix-up between English and metric measurements . That is exactly what happened to NASA in 1999 when a Mars orbiter designed by Lockheed Martin was lost in space.

The confusion caused a malfunction on the $125 million craft, resulting in the probe’s loss. Although it was unusual for Lockheed to use English measurements for a NASA design (since NASA had stipulated using metric measurements for many years), there were still several instances where the error should have been caught but wasn’t.

2

Toys ‘R’ Us blunder

Image: Taylor Heery

If you think an action figure of a drug dealer isn’t the best idea for a toy store , you’re not alone. Yet, for some reason, Toys "R" Us decided otherwise in October 2014, possibly hoping to cash in on the massive success of the Breaking Bad TV series.

Unsurprisingly, the giant toy retailer was forced to pull from its shelves four collectible dolls based on characters from the AMC hit show, each doll featuring a detachable sack of cash and a bag of meth.

3

Apple Maps' rocky beginnings

Image: CardMapr.nl

When Apple decided to launch its own map application on iOS devices after a conflict with Google in 2012, users quickly realized that the Apple app was not nearly as launch-ready as it should have been .

Locations were mislabeled, roads were missing, and it occasionally steered people in entirely the wrong direction. The problem was eventually, though largely, resolved, but it was an embarrassing misstep for a company known for never launching a product before it was as near-perfect as possible.

4

Bank of America debit card fee

Image: Ali Mkumbwa

Back in 2011, when the backlash against the banking industry had not yet reached its boiling point, Bank of America announced it would charge customers $5 per month to use their debit cards .

It was a bad business decision. More than 300,000 people signed an online petition, and Fox Business Network’s Gerri Willis cut up her debit card on air. The bank pointed to federal regulations as the reason for the charge but ultimately capitulated to consumer demand after a month before the fees went into effect.

5

$33 airline tickets from Toronto to Cyprus

Image: Miguel Ángel Sanz

If buying a business class ticket regularly priced at $2,558 for just $33 sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Except in 2006, when an Alitalia employee accidentally forgot to input two extra zeros when pricing business-class tickets from Toronto to Cyprus.

Due to the exchange rate on that day and the blunder, hundreds of buyers managed to snag fares for just $33. The airline honored those deals, accepting the heavily discounted price for the 509 people who purchased tickets before the error was detected.

6

A $70 million comma

Image: Nattipat Vesvarute

As the folks at NASA and Alitalia have shown us, small errors can lead to costly mistakes. The following blunder comes courtesy of Lockheed Martin , which issued a contract to a customer with a missing comma in the sale price .

The astute customer held the aerospace company to the contract, costing Lockheed Martin $70 million for a C-130J Hercules aircraft in June 1999.

7

Sears misses the ship

Image: Estefania Cortes

A retail giant that faced a situation similar to the one Kodak faced—embrace the new and unknown or cling to the old, successful recipe—Sears sold everything from socks to tires via mail order, shipping across the U.S.

Choosing to stick with the old method, the company ended its catalog and delivery business in 1993 . In 1994, Amazon was founded , filling the business void that Sears had just created. The rest is history.

8

Passing on Microsoft

Image: Jaime Marrero

$60 million might seem like a lot of money to us regular folks, but for someone with very deep pockets like Texas businessman and two-time U.S. presidential candidate Ross Perot, it wasn’t all that much.

In 1979, he was offered the chance to buy Microsoft for that sum. However, his final offer to the tech company was just $15 million, and as a result, the Texan missed out on the opportunity to own what would become one of the biggest companies in the world .

9

Blackberry sticks with the old

Image: Thai Nguyen

Another case of a brand sticking with the old instead of embracing the new, BlackBerry was all the rage at the start of the 21st century— until Steve Jobs came along with the Apple iPhone .

While BlackBerry Messenger was extremely popular, with over 80 million users worldwide, the device lacked the new touchscreen functionality and sleek design of the Apple product. From being a market leader, BlackBerry’s market share plummeted to 0.2% by 2016.

10

RadioShack’s downfall

Image: Jelleke Vanooteghem

Not so long ago, RadioShack was a familiar presence on the streets and the go-to place for buying batteries and electronics. But it was that same brick-and-mortar presence, coupled with a reluctance to embrace e-commerce , that ultimately led to its demise .

Eventually, poor profit margins on what they could sell, combined with a loan they couldn’t repay, brought down what was once the go-to place for electronics.

1

The Moon landing (July 20, 1969)

The moment Neil Armstrong set foot on the lunar surface, he had millions of eyes upon him across millions of TV screens. Considered the television event of the decade, t he July 20, 1969 Moon landing broke records at a national and international level. Gathering an estimated 600 to 650 million viewers worldwide, "the small step for man, giant leap for mankind" was watched by around 125 to 150 million American viewers, representing around 93% of households with a TV. This record was not surpassed until the 1981 wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles.

2

"Day of Infamy" speech (December 8, 1941)

A day after the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese Imperial Navy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the U.S. Congress during a joint session. His speech, which started by describing the day before as "a date which will live in infamy", was not meant to convince Congress about declaring war —which it did shortly after—but to rally a distressed and shocked nation. One of the most famous political speeches of all time, this address attracted the biggest radio audience in American history, with more than 100 million people (an estimated 81% of the adult population) tuning in.

3

The first Kennedy-Nixon debate (September 26, 1960)

The first of the 1960 presidential debates between Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon does not hold the record for the most viewed debate of the century (held by the 1980 Carter-Reagan debate), but it’s nonetheless a landmark event in American television. The first televised presidential debate ever, it attracted between 66 and 77 million viewers , and it is considered one of the main reasons for the shift in public opinion in favor of Kennedy. Nixon, aged 47, the leading candidate before the broadcast, appeared exhausted and pale compared to the much younger-looking and more telegenic Kennedy, aged 43.

4

"I have a dream" speech (August 28, 1963)

The date and location of Martin Luther King Jr.’s most famous speech were not accidental. As part of the marches in support of President Kennedy’s proposed civil rights legislation, it coincided with the centennial of the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation made by Abraham Lincoln, at whose memorial King gave his speech. Besides the massive live audience (around 250,000 people), the speech was broadcast by the three major television networks and by major radio stations in the country . Although there are no official numbers recorded, it is estimated that there were millions of viewers and listeners, including the First Family at the White House.

5

The War of the Worlds broadcast (October 30, 1938)

On October 30, 1938, CBS Radio Network broadcast a radio adaptation of H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds , directed and narrated by Orson Welles. The first part of the broadcast was delivered as a realistic news broadcast, with reporters breaking the news about an alien invasion, which led part of the audience to panic and believe that an actual invasion was taking place. The episode had an estimated audience of 6 million, and it is thought that more than a million listeners believed it was a real broadcast.

6

The Beatles’ first U.S. television performance (February 9, 1964)

The most famous British band of all time made their American TV debut on February 9, 1964, on The Ed Sullivan Show , with an audience of 73 million viewers. The performance was highly anticipated —the broadcast network received 50,000 applications for the 728 seats available in the studio— and it is considered the starting point of American Beatlemania and the so-called "British invasion" of American music.

7

FDR's first Fireside Chat (March 12, 1933)

In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the radio became one of the main sources of entertainment and news. President Roosevelt’s Fireside Chats used the radio format as a way to connect directly with millions of weary Americans , explaining the policies that were being implemented to combat the crisis, dispelling rumors, and encouraging them to trust in the government. The friendly, informal tone of these broadcasts was highly effective in raising the nation’s morale and reducing general anxiety. With the first broadcast reaching an audience of 60 million, the Fireside Chats attracted more listeners than most of the popular radio shows, with numbers rising as America entered World War II.

8

Nixon’s resignation speech (August 8, 1974)

On August 8, 1974, President Nixon addressed the American public from the Oval Office to announce his decision to resign the following day as a result of the Watergate scandal and under the threat of an impending impeachment. Besides an ample radio audience, the televised speech was watched by 90 to 110 million television viewers. While the reactions of the public were mixed, the speech had an unprecedented impact and is considered one of the most important political speeches of that era.

9

_Roots_’ final episode (January 30, 1977)

The production and broadcast of the 1977 Roots miniseries was a milestone in itself. Only a few years before, tensions around the Civil Rights movement had shaken America, and some thought that airing a story that put the enslavement of Black people in the spotlight was a huge risk. But audience numbers proved them wrong: with around 29 million households tuning in for the first episode, the series became a cultural phenomenon that sparked conversations about race, ancestry, and American history. The final episode, with more than 100 million viewers —more than half of the U.S. population— was the most-watched TV episode of the time, and the second-most-watched overall series finale in U.S. history.

10

Super Bowl XVI (January 24, 1982)

Nowadays, it’s not surprising that sports events like the Super Bowl have a huge television audience, but things were different in the 1980s. Super Bowl XVI, played on January 24, 1982, in Michigan, with the San Francisco 49ers facing the Cincinnati Bengals, was watched by more than 85 million people, breaking all broadcasting records of the time .

11

Louis-Schmeling rematch (June 22, 1938)

When Joe Louis faced the German boxer Max Schmeling for the first time in 1936, everyone predicted that Schmeling would lose against the undefeated and rising Louis. To the world’s surprise, Schmeling won by knockout. Their rematch two years later was not only Louis’ opportunity to change the result and defeat Schmeling , but it was also charged by the increasing political tensions between Hitler’s Germany and the U.S. Besides its huge live audience at Yankee Stadium, the fight had a record audience of 70 million people in America, with an additional 30 million estimated listeners from other countries.

1

California: The Golden State

Image: Maarten van den Heuvel

If this name makes you instantly think about the Gold Rush , let us tell you, you would be going in the right direction because California’s nickname, "The Golden State," gleams with both historical and literal significance.

It harks back to the 1848 Gold Rush, which transformed the state into a bustling hub for fortune seekers. But beyond gold, the nickname also refers to the Golden Gate, the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Additionally, the state’s flower, the golden poppy, is another nod to this iconic moniker. The nickname is more than accurate—wherever you look, California’s golden legacy keeps sparkling.

2

Connecticut: The Nutmeg State

Image: Christopher Luther

This may be one small state, but it sure has a lot of nicknames. The official one is "The Constitution State," but you’ve likely also heard of "The Nutmeg State." So why nutmeg for Connecticut? It’s not about farming—it’s a nod to the cleverness of its residents during colonial times.

The tale goes that traders from Connecticut sold carved wooden nutmegs as a joke, showcasing their wit and entrepreneurial spirit. While historians debate the truth of the story, the nickname stuck unofficially.

Want to know the other nicknames? They are "The Blue Law State" and "The Provisions State." So if you had to pick, which one is your favorite?

3

Delaware: The Diamond State

Image: Josefina Lacroze

Delaware might be small, but its nickname, "The Diamond State," reflects its value. Similar to Connecticut, it also holds several nicknames. Now, as for the one mentioned here, the legend credits Thomas Jefferson with calling Delaware a "jewel" among states due to its strategic location and resources.

As the first state to ratify the Constitution (which earned it the nickname "The First State"), Delaware is a gem in America’s founding story. Though tiny, it punches above its weight with its rich history, tax-friendly laws, and scenic beauty. It’s proof that great things come in small packages, you know?

4

Florida: The Sunshine State

Image: Betty Subrizi

"The Sunshine State" was officially designated as Florida’s nickname in 1970, but doesn’t it feel like it’s been that way forever? If Florida’s nickname doesn’t make you want to pack your beach bag , nothing will!

Known for its abundant sunshine, the state is a top destination for snowbirds and sun-seekers alike. Its warm weather supports everything from sprawling orange groves to its famous beaches. But Florida’s not just about sunny skies—it’s also rich in diverse wildlife and cultural vibrancy. Take a swim at its beaches or explore the Everglades, whatever you choose, this state’s bright reputation is well-earned.

5

Hawaii: The Aloha State

Image: Luke McKeown

Speaking of dreamy beaches and lots of sunshine, right? Hawaii’s nickname radiates warmth, just like its famous greeting, "Aloha."

But it’s so much more than that. Aloha embodies love, peace, and a deep connection to nature. It was even defined by the legislature as the Hawaiian philosophy that focuses on the collective experiences people have.

From lush landscapes to welcoming locals, the Aloha spirit defines Hawaii’s identity. Visitors leave with more than tan lines—they carry a piece of Hawaii’s enduring kindness and hospitality. They certainly had us at Aloha !

6

Mississippi: The Magnolia State

Image: Annie Spratt

Some states choose to honor legends, some honor their place in history, but Mississippi chose to honor the one thing you can see wherever you look around the state: the Magnolia tree.

With its iconic blooms and Southern charm, "The Magnolia State" perfectly suits Mississippi. Magnolias, known for their large, fragrant flowers, thrive in the state’s warm climate and are its official state tree and flower.

Mississippi took the simple route by choosing the magnolia as a symbol, and it’s even featured in the Mississippi quarter!

7

Missouri: The Show-Me State

Image: Tianxiang Ji

Missourians are famously skeptical, and that’s what the "Show-Me State" nickname celebrates. The phrase became popular after Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver said in 1899, "I’m from Missouri, and you’ve got to show me ." It stuck, and now it symbolizes the state’s no-nonsense, practical attitude.

Beyond the attitude, Missouri shines with its stunning Ozark mountains, historic St. Louis Arch, and rich jazz heritage. Missourians are proof that actions speak much, much louder than words.

8

New Hampshire: The Granite State

Image: Spenser Sembrat

Here’s an example of a state that chooses to honor its natural production, much like California with its gold. Granite’s strength and durability make it the perfect symbol for New Hampshire.

Its rugged mountains and quarries helped earn the nickname "The Granite State." The rock also represents the state’s independent spirit and resilient residents.

Granite was a cornerstone, quite literally, of New Hampshire’s economy, as it was used in buildings across the nation. Combine this with breathtaking fall foliage and quaint small towns, and you’ve got a state that is as solid as they come.

9

Rhode Island: The Ocean State

Image: Demure Storyteller

Remember when we mentioned that some of the smaller states above have more than one nickname? Well, despite being the smallest state, Rhode Island boasts three nicknames, but most importantly, over 400 miles of coastline, earning it the title "The Ocean State."

From sailing in Narragansett Bay to fresh seafood delights, the ocean defines its character. The nickname reflects its maritime history, including colonial shipping and today’s vibrant waterfront communities. Rhode Island addresses the elephant in the room: Life is indeed better by the sea!

10

Tennessee: The Volunteer State

Image: Susanne Alexander

Our last item in this article honors history in the best way. Tennessee’s nickname dates back to the War of 1812 when its citizens volunteered by the thousands to take an active role, especially during the Battle of New Orleans.

But that wasn’t all. The reputation continued during the Mexican-American War, solidifying its "Volunteer State" nickname. Today, Tennesseans remain proud of their volunteer spirit, as they should! From vibrant Nashville to the serene Smoky Mountains, the state offers its best to everyone who visits. That go-getter attitude is as alive as ever in this hospitable state. Go, Tennessee!