Category: Television

“Whatcha talkin’ ’bout, Willis?”

From: Diff’rent Strokes

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Arnold Jackson

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from Diff’rent Strokes. The show was a very successful sitcom that ran from 1978 to 1986. In the show, businessman Mr. Drummond takes in two African American kids from Harlem, Willis and Arnold and adopts them. The show follows a classic “fish out of water” scenario wherein Willis (played by Todd Bridges) and Arnold (played by Gary Coleman) as they try to adjust to living in luxury as well as trying to fit in with high society.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of Arnold as he says it multiple times in the show. He doesn’t necessarily always question Willis and he does substitute different people at times. But since he usually questions his older brother, the quote is usually mentioned as such.

Geek wisdom: Sometimes, you just need to get some clarity on a situation. There are times when we say that we understand something even though we really don’t. Whether it be because we don’t like to ask questions or we don’t like to look stupid, it doesn’t, and it shouldn’t matter. Clarify and ask questions while it’s still early.

“Ferb, I know what we’re gonna do today!”

From: Phineas and Ferb

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Phineas

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the Disney animated series Phineas and Ferb. The show revolves around Phineas and Ferb, two brothers who, thanks to their inventive minds as well as engineering skills, manage to create and build various fantastical object in order to enjoy themselves during their summer vacation. Their sister, Candace, always wants to “bust [her] brothers” by telling on them to their mom. However, Phineas and Ferb’s creations usually vanish before their mom arrives. This is usually due to some mishap, usually caused by their pet platypus, Perry, who also a secret agent, and his nemesis Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

The quote is usually spoken by Phineas, who, in each episode, exclaims it to his brother Ferb when he comes up with a plan on what their plans are for the day.

The clip below actually comes from “Rollercoaster: The Musical”… because I couldn’t really find a good clip where Phineas delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We just love to postpone things. We always come up with various excuses why we don’t do our chores or start that project we’ve always dreamed of doing. We like to say we don’t have the time or we want to get all our ducks in a row before we do it. However, things will never get done unless we start it.

Actually, this blog is a testament of biting the bullet and actually starting it. I envisioned My Geek Wisdom a long time ago and, after months of contemplation, it was released roughly five years ago on September 4. I wouldn’t be doing this for five years already if I hadn’t started then. So, don’t waste time and seize the day!

“Aaaaand… it’s gone.”

From: South Park

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Unnamed Bank Clerk

The story behind the quote: South Park is an animated cartoon on Comedy Central. The show revolves around the small Colorado town of South Park and each story usually revolves around Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, Kenny McCormick and Eric Cartman. The creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, usually use the show to parody and satirize current events and to show how ridiculous things really are.

The quote comes from Margaritaville, the third episode of the thirteenth episode of the show. Stan received a check of $100 and his father encourages him to put it in the bank. However, instead of putting the money in a normal account, the bank clerk preemptively invests the money in a mutual fund, which was not a great idea…

Geek wisdom: It’s really easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have all the time in the world. Whether it be objects we cherish, our loved ones and even the time we spend on this earth, we believe that it’ll all be there tomorrow. But we usually regret it when these things are taken away from us without notice. We regret not spending time with the things we cherish until it’s, well, until it’s gone.

We have to treasure the time we have here as well as the things we love. That’s because we never know when it will be taken away from us.

“Who loves orange soda?”

From: Kenan and Kel

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Kenan Thompson and Kel Kimble

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Kenan and Kel, a live action sitcom on Nickelodeon that came out during the mid-90s. The show focuses on two teenage boys. Kenan Rockmore (played by Kenan Thompson) is a generally good-natured kid but dreams of getting rich quick. His best friend, Kel Kimble (played by Kel Mitchell) is energetic but rather dim-witted. Each episode has Kenan trying to cook up some get rich scheme with the assistance of Kel but they manage to bungle it up at the end.

The quote is actually one of the catchphrases of the show. Essentially, Kel really enjoys the fizzy, artificially flavored citrus drink and is not ashamed to let everyone know about it.

Geek wisdom: Life can be extremely tough nowadays, with problems popping up here and there. So, sometimes, it would be a great idea to escape the pressure of everyday life and just enjoy the better things life has to offer. There’s nothing wrong with indulging the some of the comforts in life.

“It’s after six. What am I? A farmer?”

From: 30 Rock

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Jack Donaghy

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the critically acclaimed sitcom 30 Rock. The show is about a fictional sketch show originally called “The Girlie Show,” which is produced by Liz Lemon (played by show creator Tina Fey). However, under the behest of network executive Jack Donaghy, the show is retooled so that top comedian Tracy Jordan (played by Tracey Morgan) would topbill the show. The show is mostly a spoof about the backstage happenings and insanity of producing a show.

The quote comes from the seventh episode of the first season of 30 Rock. Jack Donaghy is all dressed in a tuxedo and Liz assumes he is going to a big gala. However, it turns out the event is nowhere near happening. Liz then irritatedly asks why he’s wearing a tux, which is when Jack delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Everyone has things that make them feel good. We all have certain rituals that makes sense in out heads, even though it may seem absurd to others. We can’t really judge them because we all have these little quirks. We have to accept all of these little idiosyncrasies as these are all part of what makes us who we are.

“We create our own purpose in life. Now go create yours.”

From: Justice League Unlimited

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Lex Luthor

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the DC Comics animated series, Justice League Unlimited. This was the last series to be produced for Bruce Timm’s shared DC Animated Universe (DCAU for short).

The quote comes from the end of Justice League Unlimited episode entitled, “The Return.” The episode revolves around the android Amazo, after being in deep space for years, has evolved and become incredibly powerful. The android is on a quest to return to Earth and take his vengeance on the one who took advantage of him, Lex Luthor. The Justice League attempt to stop Amazo but to no avail. In a last ditch effort to hide Amazo’s target, The Atom shrinks himself and Luthor into subatomic size. But Amazo, having nearly God-like powers, easily find them.

Surprisingly, Amazo doesn’t attack his target but, instead, asks him why he keeps going on. Luthor then surmises that Amazo is indirectly asking what the android’s purpose in life. After a conversation talking about philosophical theories, Luthor delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: Mankind has always asked others what is the meaning of life. What is the purpose of being alive. The question is actually moot as one’s life shouldn’t be determined by others. One’s worth or what one will become should not be dictated by another. Rather, it is up to each and every individual to find that out for yourself.

In fact, the question “What is the meaning of life” is the wrong question to be asking. The correct question is should be “what is my meaning of life.” We all have to look deep inside ourselves to seek the answer to that question.

“One man can make a difference.” AND “I guess one person can make a difference. ‘Nuff said.”

From: Knight Rider and Spider-Man 3

Genre: Television and Movies

Who said it?: Wilton Knight and Stan “The Man” Lee

The story behind the quote: Okay, this is going to be rather difference as these two quotes have pretty much the same meaning so I’m giving them it’s own entry. The first is Wilton Knight from the hit ’80s television show, Knight Rider. The second is from the prolific comic book legend, Stan “The Man” Lee

The quote was said in Knight Rider during the first episode of the series. When Michael Knight (played by a legend in his own right, David Hasslehoff)

gets his new identity, he meets up with Wilton Knight, the man who rescued him. Wilton, while on his death bed, pleads to Michael to use KITT (a highly sophisticated car equipped with gadgets and a rather advanced AI) to fight crime because he feels that, even though he is one person, he can still change the world for the better.

The second quote is much more recent as it came from the 2007 superhero movie, Spider-Man 3. As Peter Parker (played by Tobey Maguire) walks along Times Square, he sees a news flash saying that Spider-Man will receive the key to the city. It just so happens that, as he stopped to read the news bulletin, Peter Parker was standing next to Stan Lee. Stan Lee then turns to Peter and delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: We sometimes feel helpless and that whatever we do will not have an impact in the world. However, we can still influence the world around us. Even if it is the smallest change, we are still making an impact on the world. The only time when we won’t make a difference in the world is if we don’t even attempt to make an impact on the world. The point is, we have to keep on trying.

“We said ‘meh’!” “M-E-H. Meh!”

From: The Simpsons

Genre: Cartoons, Television

Who said it?: Bart Simpson

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from The Simpsons’ episode entitled “Hungry Hungry Homer” which is the 15th episode of the 12th season of the long running cartoon. The episode is actually all about Homer Simpson staging a hunger strike when no one believes him when he tries to tell everyone that Springfield’s baseball team, the Isotopes, is movie to Albuquerque.

However, like all Simpsons episodes, things start of rather tamely. The Simpsons family is watching television when a commercial for Blockoland, a theme park much like Legoland, is shown. Thinking that the kids would love going there, Homer asks his children, Bart and Lisa if they would want to go there. He unfortunately gets a rather unenthusiastic response…

Geek wisdom: At times, we can get excited over the things that interest us and we try to share our love for those things to others. However, we do have to realize that some people may not feel the same way you do. They may feel totally disinterested in it or even hate whatever it is.

We can’t really get mad at them because all of us have different likes and dislikes. People are all different and will feel differently regarding different things. We have to respect their opinions and not force them to like or dislike something to conform with our own ideas.

“…the points don’t matter.”

From: Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Genre: Television

Who said it?: The various hosts of the show

The story behind the quote: The quote comes from the incredibly long-lived improv comedy show, Whose Line Is It Anyway? The basic premise of the show is that the host gives a panel of four comedians a series of various scenarios to act out improv-style. He may then ask the comedians to perform various other things on the fly, like changing the personality in the middle of the scene. The humor is usually derived from how the comedians react and how they react to each other.

The quote is usually said by the host to explain that, although it’s supposed to be a game show, the points are just arbitrarily on a whim. The original UK show (hosted by Clive Anderson) doesn’t mention this often. However, when the show moved to the US, hosts Drew Carrey (during the show’s intial 1998-2005 run) and Aisha Tyler (who is currently the host of the revival since 2013), make it a point to mention the quote frequently.

Geek wisdom: Social convention will try to tell us what makes us a success. They will try to pound into us there is a series of tick boxes you have to fill in to say that you’ve made it in life. Have a family. Have a high paying job. Own your own house. But these things may not mean anything to others… maybe even you.

We try to compare ourselves to these “points” even though they may not matter to us because society tells us so. We don’t have to follow the normal convention of success as the measure of a man’s success depends on whether or not he met his own personal goals or not.

“I’ve made a huge mistake.”

From: Arrested Development

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Most of the Bluth Family Members but mostly “Gob”

The story behind the quote: Arrested Development is a sitcom that focuses around the Bluths, a family of rather deviant people. While the sitcom was acclaimed by critics and did get a huge cult following, the show was ultimately cancelled after only three seasons. The show’s fanbase did prove large enough to warrant Netflix to develop a fourth season roughly seven years after the show’s cancellation. The show is known for a lot of Easter Eggs as well as recurring gags like this week’s quote.

The quote is actually exclaimed by the majority of the Bluth family, however, it’s Gob Bluth that says it the most often. It’s usually uttered after one of the characters does something he/she thinks is the right thing to do only to realize a few moments later that it was actually a bonehead move.

Geek wisdom: Everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay to make them most of the time. Mistakes are actually one of the best tools we have to learn new things. However, it’s a huge mistake to keep on making the same errors over and over again, repeating them ad nauseam.