July 2014 – My Geek Wisdom

“The ‘hammer’ is my penis.”

From: Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog

Genre: Internet/Web Series

Who said it?: Captain Hammer

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Web Series called Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog. It’s a three episode series regaling the tale of the misunderstood “villain” Dr. Horrible (played by Neil Patrick Harris), his “superhero” archenemy, Captain Hammer (played by Nathan Fillion) and their shared love interest, Penny (played by Felicia Day). It is, of all things, a musical comedy, focusing on Dr. Horrible’s attempt to join the Evil League of Evil but is torn because of his unrequited love for Penny.

The quote comes from the second episode of the series. Dr. Horrible, in his “civilian” disguise, has befriended Penny and has gotten close to her. During one of their casual encounters in a laundromat, Penny introduces Dr. Horrible to his boyfriend, Captain Hammer. While Penny leaves to check on her wash, Captain Hammer taunts Dr. Horrible that he is going to show her his “hammer” later tonight.

Geek wisdom: We live in an extremely confusing world where things have hidden meanings and double entendre. Some phrases can have life lesson buried beneath the surface, a fact which is the basis for My Geek Wisdom!

Sometimes, it’s best to clear up the smoke and mirrors and just be frank about what you are trying to convey. Hiding it behind confusing words can distort its meaning. If you want to be clear about something, say it bluntly.

“And I for one welcome our new insect overlords…”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Kent Brockman

The story behind the quote: It’s actually hard to write Geek Wisdom using the Simpsons. Not because there aren’t a lot of quotable lines from the show. Rather, it’s because 20th Century Fox will usually take down a lot of video clips from the show! This is a quote that has been in the making since I started writing this blog but I’ve never really been able to find a good clip or even a picture of the quote… until now!

The quote became popularized in the Simpsons episode “Deep Space Homer” wherein Homer Simpson becomes an astronaut because of NASA’s attempt to bring an “ordinary” man into space for publicity. Unfortunately, Homer accidentally breaks the ant terrarium, causing the ants to float all around the shuttle.

During an interview with news anchorman Kent Brockman, one of the ants float very close to the camera. Kent then concludes that the ants have taken of the shuttle and will be conquering the planet Earth next… so he delivers the quote.

Since I’m pretty sure the clip will be taken out soon (even with the edit), I’ve decided to post a picture of the quote below.

Geek wisdom: A person’s character can only be tested during hard times. And it may actually be surprising how fast your friends and even your family members can turn on you when things start to go south. Your mettle will also be tested during those trying times and you yourself may be shocked how quickly you can betray your family and friends.

A true test of a person’s character is what he’ll do when the odds aren’t in his favor. Like Kent Brockman, he caved when he thought the human race was about to be enslaved. How will you react against those odds?

“You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!”

From: Planet of the Apes (1968)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: George Taylor

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the original Planet of the Apes film that was released way back in 1968. The film stars Charlton Heston as astronaut George Taylor who, crash lands on an unknown planet way in the future. The dominant species on this planet are intelligent apes who use the subjugated human being (who cannot speak) as pets and cheap labor. Thinking that Taylor is just another “ordinary” human, the apes capture him. The story revolves around Taylor’s attempts to flee the planet.

WARNING: There are SPOILERS for the ending of this (extremely old and well-known) film!

The quote comes from the very end of the film. Taylor and his new female companion, Nova, escape to the Forbidden Zone, as apes are not permitted there. The earth astronaut, sees the ruins of the Statue of Liberty. Realizing he actually is on Earth after it has been razed by nuclear war, Taylor laments the fate of the human race and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes take the future for granted. We hastily destroy our environment and lay waste to the planet’s natural resources without even giving a second thought to the long term repercussions they may have. We can be shortsighted and believe that the world will always be there for us and nothing we do can harm it.

We only have one world. We have to take care of it while we still can.

“Would you kindly…” and “A man chooses. A slave obeys.”

From: BioShock

Genre: Video Games

Who said it?: Atlas and Andrew Ryan

The story behind the quote: The quotes comes from BioShock. The game takes place in an underwater utopia turned battleground called Rapture. You control Jack who crashes in Rapture and, contacted by the mysterious Atlas. Atlas claims that the leader of Rapture, Andrew Ryan, has incarcerated his family and he needs Jack to help rescue them.

The quote comes from near the end of the game. After numerous battles, Jack reaches the office of Andrew Ryan. Ryan has been waiting calmly for Jack. Ryan reveals to Jack why he has been so tenacious in following everything that Atlas told him to do…

WARNING: The clip actually reveals a MAJOR SPOILER for the game! Read at your own risk.

Geek wisdom: We all have the habit of following the crowd, not questioning whatever is put in front of us. We just accept what we are told. Like soldiers in a way following orders. We blindly follow what others tell us to buy, to wear and to use without question. Like in BioShock, the main character, we think we have free will. Yet, based on our instincts of just following what we are told, we apparently don’t.

Sometimes, we need to question authority. We need to break away from this pattern. We need to think for ourselves.