Month: December 2016

“But I don’t want to be a pirate!”

From: Seinfeld

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Jerry Seinfeld

The story behind the quote: This is another quote from the mega-hit sitcom from the 90’s, Seinfeld. This week’s quote comes from the appropriately entitled episode from Season 5, The Puffy Shirt.

Kramer’s new girlfriend is a fashion designer and is someone who is a “low talker,” which means you can barely hear her when she speaks. She tries to get Jerry to wear one of her designs, a puffy shirt that looks like what pirates used to wear, when she hears that Jerry is going to be on the Today Show. Jerry nods his head as he didn’t know what he was agreeing to due to Kramer’s girlfriend mumbling whenever she speaks.

Of course, when Kramer brings the shirt to Jerry, Jerry tries to back out because of how ridiculous it looks. Even though Jerry tried to back out of the agreement, he eventually does wear it on the Today Show. However, that still doesn’t change the fact that Jerry just doesn’t like the idea of being “the first pirate.”

Geek wisdom: Your word is your bond. If you agree to something, you’re unable to back out. Even if you then realize it will make you look foolish, you will still have to push through with the agreement… even if it does make you the very first “pirate.”

“Blast this Christmas music! It’s joyful and triumphant.”

From: The Grinch

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: The Grinch

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the live action version of The Grinch, which is based on the Dr. Seuss book “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” As they had to fill in the extra time needed for a full theatrical release, the live action movie added more scenes and story arcs, such as the Grinch’s origins and how he came to hate Christmas.

The quote comes during the scene where The Grinch (played by Jim Carrey) is fast asleep. However, the citizens of Whoville (who love Christmas) are playing Christmas carols. The Grinch starts to sing in his sleep and he awakes in fear as he realizes what he’s doing. This is when the Grinch utters the quote.

Geek wisdom: Once in a while you will get the Holiday doldrums. When you don’t really feel like celebrating the season to be jolly. Actually, there is nothing wrong with that. However, just because you’re not in the spirit, that doesn’t give you the right to try to stop others from enjoying themselves.

“Who’s scruffy looking?”

From: The Empire Strikes Back

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Han Solo

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Episode V of the Star Wars films, The Empire Strikes Back. I don’t really think that there’s much I have to say about the franchise as it’s one of the most popular franchises of all time. So, let’s get to the quote!

The quote comes early in the film, just after Han Solo (played by Harrison Ford) rescues Luke Skywalker (played by Mark Hamill) on the icy (and ironically named) planet Hoth. Han Solo then makes a snarky comment to Princess Leia, making it seem like she made the order to ground all flights from leaving the planet to keep him in the base. The confrontation escalates and Leia insults Han by calling him a “half-witted, scruffy looking nerf herder.” Strangely, Han doesn’t have any issues with being called a half-wit or a nerf herder…

Geek wisdom:  People will take offense to the weirdest things. You can call a certain person all kinds of bad things and it will just roll off their back. However, there is a chance you may say the wrong thing to the same person, something you may think is innocuous and unoffensive, and they’re take it as the ultimate form of insult. So, always think first of what you want to say and choose your words carefully as much as possible.

“I collect spores, molds and fungus.”

From: Ghostbusters (1984)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Dr. Egon Spengler

The story behind the quote: This quote comes the extremely popular film from 1984, Ghostbusters. The film is the story of three scientists who establish a way of capturing and imprisoning ghosts and turn it into a business. Ghostbusters was a phenomenal success and spawned a sequel, an incredibly successful cartoon and toy line as well as a 2016 remake.

The quote comes early on in the film as the Ghostbusters has just established their paranormal extermination business. After Peter Venkman (played by Bill Murray) checks in with their secretary Janine Melnitz (played by Annie Potts) if they got any calls, brilliant parapsychologist Egon Spengler (played by Harold Ramis) crawls out from under her desk. Janine tries to strike a conversation regarding their likes and dislikes. When going to the topic of hobbies, Egon does mention what he loves to collect…

Geek wisdom: Everybody needs a hobby. It seems boring or even not a worthwhile obsession to others. But whatever hobby you have is your own. If you enjoy something, even if it is collecting spores, molds and fungus, you should do it.

“You are what you choose to be. You choose!”

From: The Iron Giant

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Hogarth Hughes

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the 1999 animated film, The Iron Giant. This was actually the first film directed by Brad Bird, who would go on and direct two incredibly popular Pixar films, The Incredibles and Ratatouille. The Iron Giant follows a kid named Hogarth Hughes who befriends a giant sentient robot from outer space. Although the film wasn’t a success during its initial release, it has become a cult classic and a personal favorite for a lot of people.

The quote is actually mentioned several times. However, the quote is the most poignant during the final moments of the film. Believing that Hogarth has been killed by the army, The Iron Giant goes ballistic and starts laying waste to the surrounding area. In a last ditch attempt to destroy the giant robot, the army fires a missile at it. However, the missile strike will also destroy the town. Hogarth recovers and rushes to his giant friend and explains to him that he doesn’t have to be a weapon anymore.

Fun Fact: The titular character was voiced by Vin Diesel!

Geek wisdom: We decide who we want to be in the end. You may have a troubled past or not given the chances other people got. However, you can’t keep on blaming past events for your actions. You have to take ownership of your life and be the person you want to be because we ultimately choose who we are in the end.