Month: October 2019

“You know it’s Halloween. I guess everyone’s entitled to one good scare.”

From: Halloween (1978)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Sheriff Leigh Brackett

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the original Halloween film that was released in 1978. The film is about a homicidal maniac named Michael Myers who stalks several teens in a small suburban town. This was one of the original slasher films and launched Jamie Lee Curtis’ career in the film industry.

The quote comes early in the film. Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) sees Michael Myers hiding in the bushes. When her friend investigates, she tells Laurie no one’s there. Perturbed and distracted by the mysterious figure’s disappearance, Laurie runs into Sheriff Leigh Brackett (played by Charles Cyphers). Reassuring Laurie it’s okay, Sheriff Brackett delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Halloween is just around the corner. It’s fine to go around and scaring people but don’t go overboard with it. After all, not everyone may find being frightened fun.

“I have done nothing wrong, ever, in my life.” AND “Money, please!”

From: Parks and Recreation

Genre: Televison

Who said it?: Mona-Lisa Saperstein

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the NBC comedy series, Parks and Recreation. The show follows the Parks Department of the town of Pawnee as well as their friends and how they try to manage the township.

The quote comes from the 6th season premiere episode, London. With his Rent-A-Swag shop in jeopardy thanks to a competing store, Tom Havelford (played by Aziz Ansari) discovers that the owner of his competition is the father of Mona-Lisa Saperstein (played by Jenny Slate). Mona-Lisa’s father opened up the store to get back at Tom for “ruining” his children’s lives. When Tom pleads with Mona-Lisa to tell her father of her lies. However, she does pretty much the opposite…

Geek wisdom: Some people will never admit to their wrongdoings and, sometimes, they will be rewarded for it. Yes, it may seem unfair… but nobody said life was fair.

“Never rub another man’s rhubarb.”

From: Batman (1989)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: Joker

The story behind the quote: This is going to be weird since I’ve actually used the clip for another piece of Geek Wisdom but it is the best way to get the quote…

The quote comes from the 1989 Batman film directed by Tim Burton. It was a smash-hit and returned The Dark Knight to a more serious tone than what was established in the campy (but still wonderful) ’60s television series.

The quote comes from the middle of the movie, The Joker (played by Jack Nicholson) is terrorizing Vicki Vale (played by Kim Bassinger). Bruce Wayne interrupts and Bruce tries to intervene but The Joker, mildly upset that Vicki Vale was “seeing another guy,” just shoots him. The Clown Prince of Crime looks at the fallen body of Bruce Wayne and then delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: What’s yours is yours. What’s mine is mine. Don’t try to steal anything and be happy with what you have. If you aren’t, then go out and earn it rather than try to take what isn’t rightfully yours.

“Pride is not the opposite of shame, but its source.”

From: Avatar: The Last Airbender

Genre: Television and Cartoons

Who said it?: General Iroh

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Avatar: The Last Airbender, a cartoon series that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008. The story follows the adventures of AAng, the titular “last airbender,” to learn how to control, or “bend,” the four primal elements of air, water, earth and fire in order to become the Avatar.

The quote comes from the episode “Bitter Work.” General Iroh (voiced by Makoto “Mako” Iwamatsu), the uncle of Prince Zuko, who comes from the Fire Nation. Iroh decides to teach his nephew the art of lightning bending. Zuko is unable to learn it and gets frustrated. Iroh explains that his shame at himself is causing the anger that is stopping him from creating lightning. Zuko rebutts that he is actually still very proud. This is when Iroh delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Being too proud of oneself leads to overconfidence and can lead you to make disastrous errors. But being too prideful can also lead to not learning from those mistakes. Learn to own up to your mistakes and remember that you’re not perfect.