Unintended Consequences, Mostly LOL Stuff

A Wikipedia article wisely proclaims that the concept of Unintended Consequences  "...is commonly used as a wry or humorous warning against the hubristic (sic) belief that humans can fully control the world around them..." LOL... For example: We likely can't cause others to fly away, unaided! Besides, being able to do so would perhaps have unintended consequences! (http://enn.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unintended_consequences#History)   

For other examples, I want to look at Unintended Consequences from a humorous news article and a funny-in-hindsight personal story that struck me right where I was standing at the moment. 

First, former Park Ranger turned writer Jim Burnett notes in a recent submission to the National Park System Newsletter concerning Unintended Consequences: "Throughout the National Park System, and other public lands across the nation... are... comfort stations... (T)he same guideline applies to them all—please keep the outside door closed. Failing to do so can lead to some classic examples of the Law of Unintended Consequences (nationalparkstraveler.com)."

Burnett had me hooked at the phrase "please keep the outside door closed," after seeing it in the same text with Unintended Consequences  and "Comfort Station Doors." That's correct: "Comfort Station Doors." I rushed on in search of a good laugh. Burnett didn't disappoint! But first, let me be clear, if needed (?) that he's talking about the NPS's rustic, park outhouses...

Early one morning Burnett heard a panic-launched scream as he saw a gentleman burst through a previously-blocked-open-overnight door of a nearby Comfort Station. He goes on to note that the poor man's hasty departure was hampered by having been caught with his pants down and having not yet corrected this stage of undress. 

Other than now being a in public area with his pants down, Burnett explains that he couldn't see any obvious reason for the man's very obvious disrepair! As a trained Ranger he went to the man and quickly inquired, "Can I help you. Sir?", and received a quaking, singular reply: "Rattlesnake!" In a great piece of writing Burnett explains that as the man "calmed down and explained that he had gone into the stall... and was preparing to take his position on the appropriate plumbing fixture, ... he... spotted the reptile coiled up... in the corner of the stall  (http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2014/06/comfort-station-doors-and-law-unintended-consequences25162).

The unintended consequence of another, well-meaning, park visitor who had propped the door open just a little to allow for overnight airing turned out eventually to be humorous, if not outright funny, only because the surprised visitor didn't have a heart-attack or get bit squarely in his hindquarters or elsewhere... I encourage you to go to the above link to enjoy Jim Burnett's entire submission and body of work.

I'm in a good mood so I've decided not to delve into entirely negative, not-at-all humorous Unintended Consequence news articles like when armies that were ordered into wars that, arguably, eventually left those in the invaded area much worse for the wear for years... Enough!

Second, a short personal story of some humor: Years ago I literally walked into an Unintended Consequences almost-news story while serving in a small hospital as their official Volunteer Chaplain of the Week. My Official patients-to-visit list, as given to me by the hospitals social services office, presented the name of a female patient that I ought to visit (Read on and you'll understand why I feel compelled to overuse the word "official!")

The patient's room door was wide open so I began the customary protocol; knocking on the door as I made one step in and began explaining who I was and why I was there. I don't recall how far I had gotten when I realized the female patient was lying nearby sans a sheet, a gown, any clothing or needed covering whatsoever!

With an embarrassing jerk I careened back into the hallway. Continuing to follow Official Protocol I found a nurse and explained. I told her if she could rectify the patient's situation I would be glad to go back and attempt to render chaplain-care (if it was still possible). She did and I returned to the room as everyone's faces returned to a lesser red glow. (Actually, I don't think the nurse blushed). Often in hospitals closed doors and/or signs directing visitors and unsuspecting Volunteer Chaplains to the nurses station prior to entry nicely curtail the unintended consequences of an open door that should have been closed.

In the nurse's defense, she did explain that this lady had a "situation" that was making it difficult for them to keep her unnaked; still, again, a closed door and/or a sign would have been nice... At least no one was injured or bitten or suffered a heart attack... Jim Burnett is right; some doors should remain, most often, closed...

Now, please take time to post an unintended consequence or two you've experienced. A humorous story would be good, but any that are not illegal or immoral as defined by the blog Officials are welcomed! 

A final note: Again please remember I was acting in an "official" capacity and not simply room-surfing... an unethical practice one should undertake only after considerable consideration and then deciding not to.