classic science fiction lines

Subject: classic science fiction lines
From: Peter T.
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 03:46 PM

Oh, why not, it's Friday. From "The Day The Earth Stood Still":

"I'm worried, worried about what Gort might do. If anything should happen to me, you must go to Gort, and you must say to him: Klaatu verada nictu."

yours, Peter T.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: lamarca
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 03:55 PM

From "The Nine Billion Names of God" by Arthur C. Clarke:

"Overhead, without any fuss, the stars were going out."

Click here for an on-line copy of the short story, which was one of the inspirations for Bob Zentz's "When All Thy Names Are One" (see - it's even folk-music related - sortof...)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: X
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 03:58 PM

...and God said, "Let there be light."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 03:59 PM

The word classic in such a context, is so vague and overused by pop culture as to render it nearly meaningless...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Wesley
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:07 PM

From "The Thing" with James Arness - "Listen everyone - wstch the skies"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Sorcha
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:18 PM

"Beam me up Scotty"
"WARP 10!!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:35 PM

Sorry, but my sci-fi runs only to Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs"

"Why didn't somebody tell me my butt was this big?"

"What's the matter Colonel Sanndurz? Chicken?"

"They've gone to plaid."

Spaw

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Burke
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 04:58 PM

He didn't invent it, but I think Heinlein popularized: TANSTAAFL.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Amergin
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 05:06 PM

don' t panic...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Edain
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 05:12 PM

"Good morning Dave"

Does discworld count? anyways

"+++Divide by cucumber error. Please re-install universe and re-boot+++

Hmmm... Blake's 7

Villa - "I've just invented a new stratagy, it's called running away.." --- Cally - "Where I'm from we have a saying, a man who trusts can never be betrayed, only misguided" Avon - "Life expectancy must be short for your people"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: voyager
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 05:21 PM

Cyberspace.
A consensual hallucination experience daily by billions
of legitimate oerators, in every antion, by children,
being taught mathematical concepts...A graphical representation
of data abstracted from the banks of every computer
in the human system. Unthinkable complexity. Lines of light
ranged in the nonspace of the mind, clusters and constellations of data
Like city lights, receding...

Neuromancer
William Gibson

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 05:39 PM

If only cyberspace was half as interesting as William Gibson envisioned when he coined the term...

He's also the guy who best defined cyberspce... It's where the bank keeps your money...

Too bad his older stuff ages so quickly...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Gareth
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 06:18 PM

"If this goes on !" - Henlien

" Think of it as evolution in practice" Pournell & Niven

Gareth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: lamarca
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 06:28 PM

One of my co-workers used to have his Macintosh set so that instead of a beep or chime or quack when you did something of which the computer disapproved, Hal's voice would come out of the speaker saying "I'm sorry, Dave, I can't do that..."

I wish I could find that sound file again for my more modern Mac G4...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 06:53 PM

lamarca... I have that and a collection of other sound files from Hal... If they work on Mac's I have no idea...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Noreen
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:05 PM

Ford Prefect: "...unpleasantly like being drunk."

Arthur Dent: "There's nothing unpleasant about being drunk?!"

Ford Prefect: "...ask a glass of water..."

pace Douglas Adams

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Art Thieme
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:05 PM

This first quote is from me (I think):

"History repeats; it just costs twice as much every time around."

From the original Invasion Of The Body Snatchers":

"I fell asleep--and it happened."

As quoted by George R. Stewart in his fine novel Earth Abides. This from W.M. Stanley in Chemical And Engineering News--Dec. 22, 1947:

"If a killing type of virus strain should suddenly arise by mutation it could, because of the rapid transportation in which we indulge nowadays, be carried to the corners of the earth and cause the deaths of millions of people."

(Art Thieme)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Amos
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:08 PM

"Any paradox can be paradoctored" -- Heinlein

"3-2-1- Blast Off!!!!!" -- Captain Video reruns

" I think its trying to communicate" -- 213 corny Sci Fi films.

"My God!! It's.....ALIVE!!!" --Ibid

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Madam Gashee
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:10 PM

Slartibartfast likes the fiddly bits! Douglas Adams

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Gareth
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:14 PM

It's life Jim, but not a we know it.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Crane Driver
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:29 PM

Violence is the last resort of the incompetent - Asimov

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: AliUK
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:32 PM

-Live long and prosper- cant get more classic than that!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Paul from Hull
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 07:45 PM

"Space is BIG.

REALLY big.

Youmay think its a long walk to the Post Office, but that's just peanuts to Space...."

The Book.

Hitch-Hikers Guide To The Galaxy.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mike Byers
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 09:31 PM

From a number of very bad SF movies: "There are things, professor, that man was not meant to know." I've been looking for a list of these things for several years, so I can be sure not to know them...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Robin2
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 09:40 PM

"Elvis is not dead, he just went home"
Men In Black

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 09:56 PM

"Damn it Jim, I'm a doctor not a (fill in the blank).

From King Kong: "The airplanes got him." "Oh no. It was Beauty who killed the beast."

And done best when out of sync with the film:"Godzirra! AHHHHHH!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: robomatic
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 10:00 PM

"Monsters . . . Monsters from the Id!"

Forbidden Planet

"Ice Nine"

Kurt Vonnegut

"You see, Doctor, Science has overcome time and space... but Harvey has not only overcome time and space, but any objections!"

Harvey

: "Gentlemen! This is the War Room!"

Dr. Strangelove

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: raredance
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 11:37 PM

I've discovered cold fusion

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: DonMeixner
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 11:43 PM

"This may be the beginning of a biblical prophesy come true" Edmund Gwen in "Them"

"Unk!.... Unk, Unk!" Velociraptor one to Velociraptor two as they break into the kitchen in Jurassic Park.

Don

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: rangeroger
Date: 09 Nov 01 - 11:53 PM

Thou Art God

Grok

Michael Smith- Stranger in a Strange Land

There does seem to be lot of Heinlein qoutes here.

rr

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Crane Driver
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 06:57 AM

rangeroger - there's a Henlien quote as well - guess no-one can spell Doc Smith

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: John P
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:05 AM

"He's dead, Jim"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: John P
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:06 AM

"Earl Grey, hot."

"Make it so."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: John P
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:08 AM

The world's shortest science fiction novel:

She smiled, and cast her eyes upon me. They bounced.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: JudeL
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:43 AM

Ford Prefect: "How do you feel?"

Arthur Dent: "Like a military academy - bits of me keep passing out"
(Also from HHGTTG)

"FIRE AT WILL" - I always felt sort of sorry for poor Will

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Firecat
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:57 AM

I love the line out of Doctor Who "Remembrance of the Daleks"where the Doctor (Sylvester McCoy) is trying to get Davros not to use the hand of Omega but Davros is going through all that "Daleks are the supreme beings of the Universe" stuff. Here goes:-

Davros: The Daleks will become the Lords of Time! We will become...

Doctor: (Interrupting) All powerful! Crush the lesser races! Conquer the galaxy! Unimaginable power! Unlimited rice pudding! Etcetera! Etcetera!

Davros: Do not mock me, Doctor! I can destroy you!

Doctor: (sarcastically) Oh, wonderful! What power! What brilliance! You may be able to conquer the odd planet, enslave the occasional culture, but it still doesn't detract from the basic fundamental truth of your own ignorance!!

I love that!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Willa
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 10:02 AM

'There have scarcely been men for twenty thosand years-and there has been life for twenty millions...As time goes on-perhaps-men will be wiser...Wiser...' H.G.Wells A Story of Things to Come

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jeremiah McCaw
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 11:07 AM

From Heinlein:

"Love is that condition in which another person's happiness is essential to your own."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 12:26 PM

He's dead, Jim" "But that's impossible"

I love the WWW!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bill D
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 12:28 PM

and Hal9000 I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: SINSULL
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 12:31 PM

rich r - You are going to have to prove that!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,chuck
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 12:55 PM

Paraphrased from "Dark Star:"

"Don't give me all that 90% probablility of intelligent life crap. I want something I can blow up!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Nick
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 12:58 PM

Open the pod bay doors Hal... Im sorry Dave but I cant do that

I'm just an old country doctor, not a moon shuttle conductor.

(From Conan the Barbarian, a stretch I know but...) Two or three years ago they were just another snake cult, now their temples are everywhere!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Don Firth
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 03:25 PM

He was the last man on Earth. Someone knocked on the door.

Can't remember what that's from, but I read it when I was a kid.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mark Cohen
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 07:55 PM

Robomatic, I think it was: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the War Room!"

I've always liked two lines from "The Blob" (which introduced a new actor, Steven McQueen): "It must have devoured the old man completely." And, after they blasted the blob with top-of-the-line superpowerful weaponry: "It didn't work."

Aloha,
Mark

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 08:50 PM

Not a true "line from the series" (as quoted by John P above), but my favorite T-shirt reads:

"He's dead, Jim... You take his tri-corder, I'll get his wallet."

Lin

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:22 PM

'This is the voice of the Mysterons -we know you can here us earth people ...' but the classic has to be
'We come in peace,earthlings'

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Philibuster
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:23 PM

Come on folks, no Dan Simmons yet?

"I tried to rediscover the voice of some of the Ancients," I said, suddenly shy.
"You succeeded brilliantly."
"The Heaven's Gate Interlude is still rough," I said.
"It's about loneliness," I said.
"It is loneliness."
"Do you think it's ready?" I asked.
"It's perfect. . . a masterpiece."
"Do you think it'll sell?" I asked.
"No fucking way."

"Approaching rasberry jam speed."
That is to say, if the containment fields failed for a microsecond, all that would be left of us would be a thin lair of rasberry jam.

"Ship, shut the hell up."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:36 PM

Not exactly science fiction, since it's really good science (and really not even dirty) is the classic:

Black holes have no hair.

Commonly attributed to Feynman, since he used it in a lecture ca. 1965, although it was frequently found inscribed (presumedly by smirking sophomores) on restroom walls at MIT in the 1957-59 era.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,chuck
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 09:40 PM

With apologies to the winner of the Bulwer-Lytton prize for bad prose (well, he apologized to us after he wrot this):

" The face of the forbidden planet was pock-marked and green-- kind of like the way cottage cheese gets when you leave it in the carton,long after the date you're supposed to open it on."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: sophocleese
Date: 10 Nov 01 - 11:53 PM

"No! The situation isn't "isn't good". We are spiralling out of control towards an immense, immense planet whose gravitational pull will compact this entire vessel to the size of a single constipated mouse dropping long before we even enter its atmosphere in five days' time. And that's a best-case scenario which rests upon the massively implausible assumption that the ship hasn't shredded itself to tiny fragments long before then. We have one engine: a single, solitary, solo engine, pointed in one direction, which is absolutely the couldn't-be-worse wrong direction, and the manouvering capability of a quadriplegic elephant falling from the highest parapet of the Chicago TwinTowers, tied to a grand piano with no castors."

From the recent novel "Colony" by Rob Grant.

Subject: Speculative fiction rules!
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 03:00 AM

"on rest room walls at MIT in the 1957-59 era. "

well... then it's certainly NOT science, and therefor must be total fiction... so I ask, "Who cares"????

*stirring the pot8

GUEST, chuck

^5's mate!!!!!! At long last!!!!

Unrelated to chuck...

It's amazing and more than a little disenchanting, the number of people who, claiming to be Speculative Fiction fans, can only quote crap...

Star Trek quotes?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Please... CHILDREN can do better than that...

I'm sure Harlin Ellison, William Gibson, Douglas Adams and Neil Gaiman would be very disappointed in the lot of you...

I think a bunch of you should read "Bimbos of the Death Sun"...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 07:07 AM

I cannae change the laws o' physics...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Llanfair
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 05:20 PM

Cordelia..."Isn't there an elsewhere you should be?"

Buffy the vampire slayer.
Cheers, Bron.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Grab
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 05:46 PM

I'll second Lamarca on that line - great. Not read that for ages.

Others:-

"Only you can save mankind. If not you, who else?" Terry Pratchett (a _very_ good book written at the time of the Gulf War, and extremely appropriate now)

"When a day you know for a fact is Wednesday starts off by sounding more like Sunday, something is very wrong." Day of the Triffids, John Wyndham

"I can't get used to the fact that I can kill my friends just by pressing my tongue against my back teeth in a particular way. So I tend not to have many friends." Daughter of Regals and other stories - Stephen Donaldson

Read any Neal Stephenson, and I can find a dozen favourite lines without hardly looking. But the one that sticks around, for the efficiency and nerve of it, is:-
"After that, it was just a chase scene."
Snow Crash - Neal Stephenson

Graham.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: DonMeixner
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 05:58 PM

"But Which way do go Doctor?" Asked Leila, Sara Jane, Jo, Teeghan, Romana, et al.

"Foward." Replied the Doctor

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,TrevorBradbeer
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 06:09 PM

Just about ANY line of Babylon5 script, especially where Londo Mollari is trying to unravel the hidden philosopy of the humans' Hokey - Cokey song...

Or, from Star Wars:

Skywalker: 'I don't believe it!' Yoda: 'That.. is why you fail'

Trev.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Little Hawk
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 06:12 PM

Y'all 'r a buncha johnny-come-latelys imitatin' mah western thread like this...aw shucks...waal...

Star Trek quotes not good enough for you, Clinton? Well, then...

McCoy (fuming): "...why you emotionless, greenblooded, inhuman...!!!" (Spock's eyebrows arch quizzically as he observes McCoy's outburst...another fascinating example of human illogicality to file away in his mental archive.)

"Make yourself comfortable, my dear..." (Kirk, speaking to any attractive female alien, as he pours the wine, puts on the mood music, and begins to pull off his boots...)

- LH

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Tweed
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 06:48 PM

"To Serve Man"....It's a COOKBOOK!!!
from the Twilight Zone or maybe the Outer Limits.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Grab
Date: 11 Nov 01 - 08:54 PM

Don, you've forgotton the classic Doctor Who line:-

"Lateral thinking. If in doubt, go sideways."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 11:21 AM

"Oh my God! It's full of stars......."

(last recorded words of Dave Bowman)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,D-Hand
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 11:26 AM

'Are you out of your Vulcan mand???'

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 12:13 PM

Wanderer...

it's... "My God, it's full of stars."

If yer gonna quote, get it right eh!

;-)

snow crash eh!....

"Poor Impulse Control"

LOL!!!!!!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: UB Ed
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 12:36 PM

"Don't get hung up
by the way I look.
Don't judge a book by its cover.
I'm not much of a man
by the light of day
but by night I'm a hell of a lover."

Frank N Furter.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 01:00 PM

"Think of it as evolution in action." Is a Nivenism, one of my favorite quotes of all time. from "Oath of Fealty"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: SharonA
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 02:11 PM

Tweed: "To Serve Man" was definitely a Twilight Zone episode.

But, of course, there's the opening narrative of The Outer Limits, which includes "We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical." (Can anyone remember the entire thing?)

Yet another Star Trek quote: "He called the Enterprise a garbage scow!"

And I can't believe no one has yet submitted this: "Soylent Green is people!!!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mrrzy
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 02:28 PM

From The Last Starfighter, after being asked What to Do now that all systems are out and the ship is falling into the planet or the sun or something, the kind of thing Scotty would rescue the Enterprise from daily:

(something like) What do we do now, Captain>
(Exact answer:) We die.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 02:36 PM

I remember "To serve man" as a short story. I don't remember who wrote it.

"The earth is too small a basket for all of our Eggs." (not sure that is exactly right)... Niven & Pournelle, Lucifer's Hammer.

Some more Nivenisms

http://www.larryniven.org/frameset.htm

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 02:36 PM

I remember "To serve man" as a short story. I don't remember who wrote it.

"The earth is too small a basket for all of our Eggs." (not sure that is exactly right)... Niven & Pournelle, Lucifer's Hammer.

Some more Nivenisms can be found here:

http://www.larryniven.org/frameset.htm

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 05:01 PM

A Star Trek one, from 'the Undiscovered Country' (I think) - Uhururururu - "well the thing's gotta have a tail-pipe...?!"

And from Hitchhikers Guide...

'Who said anything about panicking, this is still just the culture shock. You wait till I've settled down into the situation and found my bearings. THEN I'll start panicking!'

'Resistance is useless'

and 'So this is it, we're going to die.'

LTS

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Grab
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 05:06 PM

*grin* If you can't find a memorable line in Neal Stephenson then you're not looking, eh Clinton?

No-one's mentioned:-

"Get away from her you bitch!"
Aliens

Most chilling:-

"Stay with me forever."
Event Horizon

Graham.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 05:54 PM

From lots of them!! "MIB" and "Cats and Dogs" at least. "Don't push the red button!" ...and.... OK, Now you can push the red button!

How about "Help me! Help me!" from "The Fly"

and there's the expositionary lead-ins, "Come look at this doctor."; "Theres and old indian legend..."

"I need a brain Igor"

Notice that they always get out of trouble by bypassing circuits. Most recent big budget example... twice in Phantom Menace. Starships have too many circuits!!

"You are standing there with an unlicenced nuclear accererator on your back" ....Ghostbusters

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 06:50 PM

and what about Eric Frank Russell.." MYOB and F:IW
Mind Your Own Business
Freedom: I Wont ( any fool can talk us into saying yes, but freedom, Real freedom is being able to say NO)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cllr
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:23 PM

"Beware the Id's that march" Return to the Forbidden Planet.

Cllr

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Rollo
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 07:24 PM

Princess Leia: "I love you!"

Han Solo: "I know!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 01 - 11:54 PM

"Every generation that reaches middle age believes firmly that the world is going to hell. But this time, ... even at my tender years, I think they may have something. Our culture seems like a big machine that's vibrating itself to bits. Parts keep flying off. Parts that are important. Decency, dignity, morality. We've all gone impulsive. Anything you want to do is all right, provided your urge is strong enough."

From Wine of the Dreamers by John D. MacDonald, written in 1951. One of the two "science fiction" novels he wrote, the other being Ballroom of the Skies.

Even "Harlin" Ellison agreed with John D.

Lin

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 09:27 AM

And another one from my era: Glory Road by Robert A. Heinlein, written in 1963: (sorry for the long quote, but the element of foresight struck me)

"Star ... got out a sketch block.... This block appeared to be a big cube of Plexiglas; it looked like it, felt like it, and took thumb prints like it. With [a long pointer] she could sketch in three dimensions; ... a 3-dimensional blackboard.

"This wasn't magic; it was advanced technology--and it will beat the hell out of our methods of engineering drawing when we learn how, especially for complex assemblies such as aviation engines and UHF circuitry--.... The block was about thirty inches on a side and the sketch inside could be looked at from any angle--even turned over and studied from underneath."

Anyone used CAD lately?

Lin

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Midchuck
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 10:35 AM

On the other hand...not sci-fi, but a fact article in a sci-fi magazine. John Campbell was writing in Analog - or maybe it was still Astounding then - in 1962 or so, about the first computer gaming - students at MIT and the other big tech schools sneaking into the computer rooms to program the big mainframes (of course, all computers then were big mainframes, and vastly less powerful than what I'm typing on now) to play space war games.

Good article, but he ended it by saying "Of course, it'll never be very popular. The game board costs $100,000!"

Peter.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mrrzy
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 11:08 AM

Men in Black: people are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 11:40 AM

Venkman: "Igon, this reminds me of the time you tried to drill a hole through your head. Remember that?"
Igon: "That would have worked if you hadn't stopped me."
--Ghostbusters--

Earl: "Runnin' ain't a plan, Valentine. Runnin's what ya do when a plan fails."
--Tremmors--

Snake Pliskin: "Welcome to the human race."
--Escape From New York--

Roy Batty: "If only you could see what I've seen with your eyes."
--Bladerunner--

Lilu: "Me 5th Element. Me surpream being. You, no trouble."
--5th Element--

Kazan: "Gumdrops come in bags"
--Cube--

Priest: "This is a house of God. People are trying to pray."
Kurgan: "He cares about these helpless mortals..."
Priest: "Of course he cares, he died for our sins."
Kurgan: "And THAT shall be his undoing!"
--Highlander--

Mother: "Sorry to interrupt your recretions fellas, but it is time for Sgt. Pinback to feed the alien."
Pinback: "Aaaawwwww... I don't wannna do thaaaaat..."
--Dark Star--

Cat "Man! I'm sooo hungry, I just HAVE to eat!"
Lister "Rimmer's dad's died."
Cat "I prefer chicken."
--Red Dwarf--

Just to name a very few...

;-)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Jacob B
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 01:37 PM

I shouldn't be wasting my time reading this thread, let alone posting to it, but since there seem to be so few people here who have actually read any classic science fiction ...

"To Serve Man" was written by Damon Knight. The Twilight Zone episode was a dramatization of his short story.

Heinlein not only popularized the expression TANSTAAFL, but he invented it in his novel The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress. (If anyone knows of a usage of the term that predates the novel, please speak up. Every reference to the term that I've seen, including an Economics textbook named TANSTAAFL, credited it to Heinlein.)

In case there are any SF fans out there who remember the days before the FIAWOL/FIJAGDH controversy, here's a line from an Asimov short story:

"Not blood, but high grade machine oil."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Grab
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 02:33 PM

Random quotes from random films.

More SW quotes:-
"Oh my!" (C3PO, too many times to mention)
"Your powers are weak, old man."
"The Force is strong with this one."

Tremors:-
"A concrete bunker. Every defense known to man. And underground ****ing monsters."

Wargames:-
"What game would you like to play? ...., ...., Thermonuclear War...?"

Pitch Black:-
"So how does it look now?" "It looks clear."

Terminator:-
"Nice night for a walk... Your clothes. Give them to me."

Robocop:-
"They'll fix you. They'll fix anything."

Wierd Science:-
"Why am I so ****ing intelligent?"

Graham.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: SharonA
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 03:12 PM

From "Night of the Comet" (as big sister is shaking little sister by the shoulders, freaking out and shouting something to the effect of "Do you realize that civilization as we know it has been obliterated?") Little sister: "I think I swallowed my gum."

Same movie (after sisters arm themselves with AK-47s) Little sister: "Daddy would've gotten us Uzis."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: lady penelope
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 05:03 PM

My mate Ben Aaronavitch is gonna be so happy, he's been quoted!!!! ( Doctor Who - Remembrance of the Daleks ) He came round and made my Mum read the script ( my Mother's read everything, as far as we can figure out ) and was happy when she passed it(?!) (He didn't want to accidentally nick a story line etc.). That was a big eye opener as to what Nathen-Turner (hack, spit) did to Dr Who. We got to read the original scripts for most of that series and they were all brilliant - the actual episodes were pale in comparison.

Rant over.

Current favourite line " Oh, it starts with oohs and aaahs, but it always ends with screams " Jeff Goldbloom's character, Jurassic Park.

"This must be Thursday, I could never get the hang of Thursdays." Arthur Dent. HHGTTG

TTFN M'Lady P.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Chicken Charlie
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 06:36 PM

First time 2001 went around, seems to me the one we picked up on was "Rotate the pod, please, HAL."

"Professor Jones said, 'When I push this button time will run backward backward run will time button this push I when said Jones Professor...."

"Your mind to my mind ...."

"A whisky with lots of ice ...." ("Time Bandits," just before the Titanic sinks.)

"Let's run it against a rat in autopsy ...." (Andromeda Strain)

"Experiment with your own life, damn it." (Ditto)

CC

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 07:06 PM

May I respectfully remind you sir, that you have been in that bath for nearly two years....

Ah, dear old Dougie Adams...

When one has had as many baths as one can sensibly have in a day, the hands of the clock tick relentlessly on towards 4.00 o'clock, and one enters the long, dark, teatime of the soul...

LTS

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cllr
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 07:45 PM

Dark they were and Golden eyed.

Cllr

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 13 Nov 01 - 08:22 PM

Some great ones from The Planet of the Apes

The female ape when Charleton Heston tries to kiss her..."but...you're so ugly!"

When Heston finally regains his voice..."get your hands off of me you goddamn ape!"

And when Heston sees the Statue of Liberty buried in the sand...."my God! We finally did it! We destroyed ourselves! Damn YOU ALLLLLLL!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 14 Nov 01 - 03:50 AM

And don't forget from Spaceballs, in a not unsimilar setting: "Humans! There goes the neighborhood!"

Steve (I assume they said it in American)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 14 Nov 01 - 11:58 AM

and for those H2G2 fans(as I believe they are called)who want quotes here is a helpful site Click here

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mooh
Date: 17 Nov 01 - 09:28 PM

This is Maribel Toshibo. I'm at Mooh's Computer. "Sometimes I miss my sanity." ~Wedge Antilles, Star Wars: X-Wing: Iron Fist~ "So glad you are among the living, Tainer. Now that I have you trained to proper manners, I would hate to lose you." ~Squeaky the 3-PIO unit, Star Wars: X-wing: Wraith Squadron~ I'd offer some Dune quotes, but I can't find my copies of the books at the moment. ~MT~

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Kaleea
Date: 17 Nov 01 - 10:03 PM

Danger, Danger, Warning, Warning, . . .Danger, Will Robinson! "Beam me up Scotty" was NEVER in the dialog of any Star Trek TV or movie script. Nor was "...those darn narns..." in B5. However . . . (visualise lots of blinking lights) . . . I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer! I'm a doctor, not an elevator, Spock, give me a hand!

He's DEAD, Jim. Jim, he's DEAD! (and my personal fav ). . . He's WORSE than dead!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,c
Date: 18 Nov 01 - 02:18 PM

'I know you have a civil tongue in your head---I sewed there myself!'
Whit Bissell to his creation in 'Teenage Frankenstein'.

CD.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mooh
Date: 19 Nov 01 - 09:09 PM

"God created Arrakis to train the faithful." -Dune

~MT~

Subject: BS: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 05:37 PM

From the original Godzilla movie (it was on last night):

Raymond Burr: "I'm afriad my Japanese is a little rusty..."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Joybell
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 06:51 PM

From "The Giant Gila Monster".
As the monster crashes it's 10ft-round head through the wall of a crowded dance hall, gnashing its huge teeth and roaring, the hero shouts, "Don't panic folks!"
Cheers, Joy

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Midchuck
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:15 PM

Honor Harrington, facing a trial-by-combat with katanas:

Your Grace, I have only one question: Do you wish this man crippled, or dead?

Peter.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:32 PM

Silly Question - Why isnt this in BS ???

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:33 PM

Oh !! Of Course !! BS is later than this !!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Leadfingers
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:34 PM

And , incidentally , !100!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Justa Picker
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 07:38 PM

In reference to the Universe :

"I guess I'd say, if it is just us, it seems like an awful big waste of space..."

C O N T A C T - Jodie Foster

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 08:44 PM

Anybody else remember "Sqa Tront!" --?

clint

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 09:40 PM

from the Outer Limits:

""There is Nothing Wrong With Your Television Set.
There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling the transmission. If we wish to make it louder,
we will bring up the volume. If we wish to make it softer, we will tune it to a whisper. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical.
We can roll the image; make it flutter. We can change the focus to a soft blur or sharpen it to crystal clarity. For the next hour, sit quietly and we
will control all that you see and hear. We repeat: there is nothing wrong with your television set. You are about to participate in a great adventure.
You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind to the Outer Limits."

(I cheated) :)

From Star trek: "Resistance is futile. You *will be assimilated!!* the Borg

From Heinlein's _Stranger in a Strange Land_: "Front!" Juball Harshaw

Eric Flint's Belisarious series, all through the books, fromValentinian: "mutter, mutter, mutter"

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Dave Swan
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:06 PM

"I always get the shakes before a drop."

Anyone??????

D

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:09 PM

"Knock" "the last man on earth ... and there was a knock at the door" is adapted from a story with the same title by Fredric Brown and was first published in Isaac Asimov Presents The Greatest SF Stories 10 (1948)

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 11:17 PM

I know I've come across this a few times in SF books. It's a borrowed classic movie line; one of my faves:

"We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto."

teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Kaleea
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 03:07 AM

"Klaatu barada nikto!"
      Gort, the Robot in: The Day the Earth Stood Still

    Did anyone ever figure out the translation?

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: beardedbruce
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 06:35 AM

Dave,

From Starship Troopers, RAHeinlein

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,CrazyEddie
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 07:10 AM

"Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast"   An alternative Arnold Rimmer, nicknamed Ace, in Red Dwarf.

"Life! Don't talk to me about life; loathe it or ignore it, you can't LIKE it." Marvin the Robot, AKA 'the paranoid android' in Hitcher's guide.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Crystal
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 08:00 AM

From Babylon 5;

I can only conclude that I am paying off Karma at a VASTLY accelerated rate.

and

Londo: It is like being nibbled to death by...What are those earth creatures called? Bills, webbed feet, go Quack?
Vir: Cats?
Londo: Yes, it is like being nibbled to death by cats!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Dáithí Ó Geanainn
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 08:27 AM

Didn't "So It Goes" originate in an SF story ? Anybody know who? (Sounds like Heinlein again to me)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Jawbone
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 08:49 AM

From Futurama, lampooning The Twilight Zone:

"You're entering the vicinity of an area adjacent to a location; the kind of place where there might be a monster... or some kind of weird mirror. These are just examples. It could also be something much better. Prepare to enter... The Scary Door.

As per your request, please find enclosed the
last man on Earth."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Flash Company
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 09:18 AM

All through the night the memory of the sun stalked through the house like the ghost of a dead forest fire....
Ray Bradbury 'The Day it Rained Forever'

FC

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Igor
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:32 AM

.   .    .    .      .    . IGOR !

R E V E R S E    T H E   P O L A R I T Y

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: HuwG
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 10:43 AM

"Abandon ship ! Abandon ship ! Black hole approaching ! This is not a drill. This is a drill. [sound effect of a drill] Abandon sh... Oh, God ! Now the siren's bust. Awooga ! Awooga ! Abandon ship !"

-Holly, the ship's computer in "Red Dwarf".



"Christ ! What an imagination I've got !"

- thought shared by drug addict Bennie Noakes and supercomputer Shalmaneser in John Brunner's "Stand on Zanzibar"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Joe_F
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 11:15 AM

"...they are gregarious without being social, just as we...are social without being gregarious."

Said, by one of a race of intelligent bears who have recently encountered a race of intelligent primates, in Isaac Asimov's story "No Connection" (1948). It would be hard to sum up the damned human race in fewer words than "gregarious without being social".

--- Joe Fineman    [e-mail]

||: Calling someone stupid is a poor substitute for saying :||

||: something smart.                                        :||

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Donuel
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 11:24 AM

One man's good is another man's evil. Good and evil are the temporal giants that man has wrestled for millions of years.
To a timeless immortal, good and evil is not a struggle, but only building blocks. Should man become nearly immortal, there are questions to be asked, answers to be questioned, heaven to be praised and eventually, hell to be paid.

Best Intentions
Don Hakman

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Tannywheeler
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 12:12 PM

So, it's not a "line" exactly -- so sue me.

From Men In Black -- the bead on the cat's collar.....       Tw

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Justa Picker
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:02 PM

THE FERENGI RULES of ACQUISITION   (all classic i.m.o.)
(from Star Trek - Deep Space Nine)

1.    Once you have their money, never give it back

2.    You can't cheat an honest customer, but it never hurts to try

3.    Never spend more for an acquisition than you have to

4.    Sex and profit are the two things that never last long enough

5.    If you can't break a contract, bend it

6.    Never let family stand in the way of opportunity

7.    Always keep you ears open

8.    Keep count of your change

9.    Instinct plus opportunity equals profit

10.    A dead customer can't buy as much as a live one

11.    Latinum isn't the only thing that shines

12.    Anything worth selling is worth selling twice

13.    Anything worth doing is worth doing for money

14.    Anything stolen is pure profit

15.    Acting stupid is often smart

16.    A deal is a deal ... until a better one comes along

17.    A bargain usually isn't

18.    A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all

19.    Don't lie too soon after a promotion

20.    When the customer is sweating, turn up the heat

21.    Never place friend ship before profit

22.    wise men can hear profit in the wind

23.    Never take the last coin, but be sure to get the rest

24.    Never ask when you can take

25.    Fear makes a good business partner

26.    The vast Majority of the rich in this galaxy did not inherit their wealth; they stole it

27.    The most beautiful thing about a tree is what you do with it after you cut it down

28.    Morality is always defined by those in power

29.    When someone says "It's not the money," they're lying

30.    Talk is cheap; synthehol costs money

31.    Never make fun of a Ferengi's mother

32.    Be careful what you sell. It may do exactly what the customer expects

33.    It never hurts to suck up to the boss

34.    Too many Ferengi can't laugh at themselves anymore

35.    Peace is good for business

36.    War is good for business

37.    You can always buy back a lost reputation

38.    Free advertising is cheap

39.    Praise is cheap. Heap it generously on all customers

40.    If you see profit on a journey, take it

41.    Money talks, but having a lots of it gets more attention

42.    Only negotiate when you are certain to profit

43.    Caressing an ear is often more forceful than pointing a weapon

44.    Never argue with a loaded phaser

45.    profit has limits. Loss has none

46.    Labor camps are full of people who trusted the wrong person

47.    Never trust a man wearing a better suit than you own

48.    The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife

49.    Old age and greed will always overcome youth and talent

50.    Never bluff a Klingon

51.    Never admit a mistake if there's someone else to blame

52.    Only Bugsy could have built Las Vegas

53.    Sell first; ask questions later

54.    Never buy anything you can't sell

55.    Always sell at the highest possible profit

56.    Pursue profit; women come later

57.    Good customers are almost as rare as Latinum - treasure them

58.    Friendship is seldom cheap

59.    Fee advice is never cheap

60.    Never use Latinum where your words will do

61.    Never buy what can be stolen

62.    The riskier the road, the greater the profit

63.    power without profit is like a ship without an engine

64.    Don't talk shop; talk shopping

65.    Don't talk ship; talk shipping

66.    Anyone serving in a fleet who is crazy can be relieved, if they ask for it

67.    Enough is never enough

68.    Compassion is no substitute for a profit

69.    You could afford your ship without your government - if it weren't for your government

70.    Get the money first, then let the buyers worry about collecting the merchandise

71.    Gamble and trade have two things in common: risk and Latinum

72.    Never let the competition know, what you're thinking

73.    Never trust advice from a dying Ferengi; listen but don't trust

74.    A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all

75.    Home is where the heart is, but the stars are made of Latinum

76.    Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies

77.    Go where no Ferengi has gone before; where there is no reputation there is profit

78.    There is a customer born every minute

79.    Beware of the Vulcan greed for knowledge

80.    If it works, sell it. If it works well, sell it for more. If it doesn't work, quadruple the price and sell

          it as an antique

81.    There's nothing more dangerous than an honest businessman

82.    A smart customer is not a good customer

83.    Revenge is profitless

84.    She can touch your ears but never your Latinum

85.    Death takes no bribes

86.    A wife is a luxury, a smart accountant a necessity

87.    Trust is the biggest liability of all

88.    When the boss comes to dinner, it never hurts to have the wife wear something

89.    Latinum lasts longer than lust

90.    Mine is better than ours

91.    He who drinks fast pays slow

92.    Never confuse wisdom with luck

93.    He's a fool who makes his doctor his heir

94.    Beware of small expenses: a small leak will kill a ship

95.    Important, more impotant, Latinum

96.    Faith moves mountains - of inventory

97.    If you would keep a secret from an enemy, don't tell it to a friend

98.    Profit is the better part of valor

99.    Never trust a wise man

100.    Everything that has no owner, needs one

101.    Never do something you can make someone do for you

102.    Nature decays, but Latinum lasts forever

103.    Sleep can interfere with opportunity

104.    Money is never made. It is merely won or lost

105.    Wise men don't lie, they just bend the truth

106.    There is no honor in poverty

107.    Win or lose, there's always Huyperian Beetle Snuff

108.    A woman wearing clothes is like a man without profit

109.    Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack

110.    Only a fool passes up a business opportunity

111.    Treat people in your debt like family ... exploit them

112.    Never sleep with the boss's wife unless you pay him first

113.    Never sleep with the boss's sister

114.    Small print lead to large risk

115.    Greed is eternal

116.    There's always a way out

117.    If the profit seems too good to be true, it usually is

118.    Never cheat a honest man offering a decent price

119.    Buy, sell, or get out of the way

120.    Even a blind man can recognize the glow of Latinum

121.    Everything is for sale, even friendship

122.    As the customers go, so goes the wise profiteer

123.    A friend is only a friend until you sell him something. Then he is a customer

124.    Friendship is temporary, profit is forever

125.    A lie isn't a lie until someone else knows the truth

126.    A lie isn't a lie, it's just the truth seen from a different point of view

127.    Gratitude can bring on generosity

128.    Ferengi are not responsible for the stupidity of other races

129.    Never trust your customers

130.    Never trust a beneficiary

131.    If it gets you profit, sell your own mother

132.    The flimsier the produce, the higher the price

133.    Never judge a customer by the size of his wallet ... sometimes good things come in small

          packages

134.    There's always a catch

135.    The only value of a collectible is what you can get somebody else to pay for it

136.    The sharp knife cuts quickly. Act without delay!

137.    Necessity is the mother of invention. Profit is the father

138.    Law makes everyone equal, but justice goes to the highest bidder

139.    Wives serve; brother inherit

140.    The answer to quick and easy profit is: buy for less, sell for more

141.    Competition and fair play are mutually exclusive. Fait play and financial loss go hand-in-hand

142.    A Ferengi waits to bid until his opponents have exhausted themselves

143.    The family of Fools is ancient

144.    There's nothing wrong with charity ... as long as it winds up in your pocket

145.    Always ask for the costs first

146.    If possible sell neither the sizzle nor the steak, but the Elphasian wheat germ

147.    New customers are like razor toothed gree worms. They can be succulent, but sometimes they

            bite back

148.    Opportunity waits for no one

149.    Females and finances don't mix

150.    Make your shop easy to find

151.    Sometimes, what you get free costs entirely too much

152.    Ask not what your profits can do for you; ask what you can do for your profits

153.    You can't free a fish from water

154.    The difference between manure and Latinum is commerece

155.    What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine too

156.    Even in the worst of times someone turns a profit

157.    You are surrounded by opportunities; you just have to know where to look

158.    Don't pay until you have the goods

159.    The customer is always right ... until you have their cash

160.    Respect is good, Latinum is better

161.    Never kill a customer, unless you make more profit out of his death than out of his life

162.    His money is only your's when he can't get it back

163.    A thirsty customer is good for profit, a drunk one isn't

164.    Never spend your own money when you can spend someone else's

165.    Never allow one's culture's law to get in the way of a universal goal: profit

166.    Never give away for free what can be sold

167.    If a deal is fairly and lawfully made, then seeking revenge especially unprofitable revenge, is

            illegal

168.    Beware of relatives bearing gifts

169.    If you're going to have to endure, make yourself comfortable

170.    Never gamble with an empath

171.    Time is Latinum. The early Ferengi get the Latinum

172.    If you can sell it, don't hsitate to steal it

173.    A piece of Latinum in the hand is worth two in a customer's pocket

174.    Share and perish

175.    When everything fails - run

176.    Ferengi's don't give promotional gifts!

177.    Know your enemies ... but do business with them always

178.    The world is a stage - don't forget to demand admission

179.    Whenever you think that things can't get worse, the FCA will be knocking on you door

180.    Never offer a confession when a bribe will do

181.    Even dishonesty can't tarnish the glow of Latinum

182.    Whenever you're being asked if you are god, the right answer is YES

183.    Genius without opportunity is like Latinum in the mine

184.    There are three things you must not talk to aliens: sex, religion and taxes

185.    If you want to ruin yourself there are three known ways: Gambling is the fastest, women are the

            sweetest, and banks are the most reliable way

186.    There are two things that will catch up with you for sure: death and taxes

187.    If your dancing partner wants to lead at all costs, ler her have her own way and ask an other

             lady to dance

188.    Never bet on a race you haven't fixed

189.    Borrow on a handshake; lend in writing

190.    Drive your business or it will drive you

191.    Let other keep their reputation. You keep their money

192.    If the flushing isn't strong enough, use your brain and try the brush

193.    Klingon women don't dance tango

194.    It's always good business to know about new customers before they walk in your door

195.    Wounds heal, but debt is forever

196.    Only give money to people you know you can steal from

197.    Never trust your customers, especially if they are your relatives

198.    Employees are the rungs on your ladder to success - don't hesitate to step on them

199.    The secret of one person is another person's opportunity

200.    A Madman with Latinum means profit without return

201.    The justification for profit is profit

202.    a)    A friend in need is a customer in the making

            b)    A friend in need means three times the profit

203.    A Ferengi in need, will never do anything for free

204.    When the Grand Nagus arrives to offer you a business opertunity, it's time to leave town until

            he's gone

205.    When the customer dies, the money stops a-comin'

206.    Fighting with Klingons is like gambling with Cardassians - it's good to have a friend around

            when you lose

207.    Never trust a hardworking employee

208.    Give someoine a fish, you feed him for one day. Teach him how to fish, and you lose a steady

            customer

209.    Tell them what they want to hear

210.    A wife, who is able to clean, saves the cleaning lady

211.    In business deals, a disruptor can be almost as important as a calculator

212.    If they accept your first offer, you either asked too little or offered too much

213.    Stay neutral in conflicts so that you can sell supplies to both sides

214.    Never begin a business transaction on an empty stomach

215.    Instinct without opportunity is useless

216.    Never take hospitality from someone worse off than yourself

217.    Only pay for it, if you are confronted with loaded phaser

218.    Always know what you're buying

219.    A friend is not a friend if he asks for a discount

220.    Profit is like a bed of roses - a few thorns are inevitable

221.    Beware of any man who thinks with his lobes

222.    Knowledge is Latinum

223.    Rich men don't come to buy; they come to take

224.    Never throw anything away: It may be worht a lot of Latinum some Stardate

225.    Pride comes before a loss

226.    Don't take your family for granted, only their Latinum

227.    Loyalty can be bought ... and sold

228.    All things come to those who wait, even Latinum

229.    Beware the man who doesn't make time for oo-mox

230.    Manipulation may be a Ferengi's greatest tool, and liability

231.    If you steal it, make sure it has a warranty

232.    Life's no fair (How else would you turn a profit?)

233.    Every dark cloud has a Latinum lining

234.    Never deal with beggar; it's bad for profits

235.    Don't trust anyone who trusts you

236.    You can't buy fate

237.    There's a sucker born every minute. Be sure you're the first to find each one

238.    The truth will cost

239.    Ambition knows no family

240.    The higher you bid, the more customers you drive away

241.    Never underestimate teh inportance of the fist impression

242.    More is good, all is better

243.    If you got something nice to say, then SHOUT

244.    If you can't sell it, sit on it, but never give it away

245.    A warranty is valid only, if they can find you

246.    He that speaks ill of the wares will buy them

247.    Never question luck

248.    Celebrate when you are paid, not, when you are promised

249.    Respect other culture's beliefs; They'll be more likely to give you money

250.    A dead vendor doesn't demand money

251.    Satisfaction is not guaranteed

252.    Let the buyer beware

253.    A contract without fine print is a fool's document

254.    Anyone who can't tell fake doesn't deserve the real thing

255.    A warranty without loop-holes is a liability

256.    Synthehol is the lubricant of choice for a customer's stuck purse

257.    Only fools negotiate with their own money

258.    A Ferengi is only as important as the amount of Latinum he carries in his pockets

259.    A lie is a way to tell the truth to someone who doesn't know

260.    Gambling is like the way to power: The only way to win is to cheat, but don't get caught in the

            process

261.    A wealthy man can afford everything except a conscience

262.    No lobes, no profit

263.    Never let a female in clothes cloud your sense of profit

264.    It's not the size of your planet, but it's income, that matters

265.    The fear of loss may be your greatest enemy or your best friend - choose wisely

266.    A pair of good ears will ring dry a hundred tongues

267.    Wish not so much to live Long, as to live well

268.    a) When in doubt, lie    b) When in doubt, buy    c) When in doubt, demand more money

            d) When in doubt, shoot them, take their money, run and blame someone else

269.    Never purchase anything that has been promised to be valuable or go up in value

270.    It's better to have gambled and lost than to never have gambled at all

271.    There's many witty men whose brains can't line their pockets

272.    The way to a Ferengi's heart is through his wallet

273.    Always count their Latinum before selling anything

274.    There is no profit in love; however, a strong heart is worth a few bars of Latinum on the open

            market. Keep it on ice

275.    Latinum can't buy happiness, but you can sure have a blast renting it

276.    If at first you don't succeed, try to acquire again

277.    Diamonds may be girl's best friend, but you can only buy the girl with Latinum

278.    It's better to swallow your pride than to lose your profit

279.    Never close a deal too soon after a female strokes your lobes

280.    An empty bag can not stand upright

281.    Blood is thicker than water, but harder to sell

282.    Business is like war; it's important to recognize the winner

283.    Rules are always subject to change

284.    Rules are always subject to interpretation

285.    No good deed ever goes unpunished

286.    When morn leaves it is all over

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 01:40 PM

Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics"

A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

A robot must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.

A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: just john
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 03:25 PM

(I've long awaited an opportunity to say, "Oh my stars, it's full of gods!")

Anyway:

"I'm confused .. I'm angry ... and I'm armed."

                     -- Cap'n Tightpants, Firefly

Kaylee: Is that him?
Mal: That's the buffet table.
Kaylee: But how will we know for sure until we've questioned it?

                     -- Firefly

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 09:12 PM

"I kill you filthy!"
    ~ Gully Foyle, The Stars My Destination



(Somebody send a copy of that book to Peter Jackson, please?)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Pete Peterson
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 10:21 PM

I can't believe nobody has mentioned Lois Bujold yet. But summing up Miles, or the whole Vorkosigan family, in a few quotes, is . . . difficult. Nevertheless, how about--

"When you choose an act, you choose the consequences of that act. Miles' theist mother stressed the corollary of this even more strongly: when you wished something to happen, you had damn well better choose the acts which would lead you there."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Don Firth
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 10:43 PM

THIS followed by THIS.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 10:53 PM

"Oh! That's nice!"
      ~ Jane Fonda in Barbarella

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 11:11 PM

"I've got a bad feeling about this..."

         ~ said by pretty much everybody in Star Wars

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: NH Dave
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 01:28 AM

"It only stands to reason" originally the punch line of a short shaggy dog story from Fantasy & Science Fiction, and later picked up and popularized by Spider Robinson.

    Dave

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:04 AM

Don, those sounds are going on my computer; thanks!

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Alba
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 04:18 AM

From the Movie KPax,

Prot:Every being in the universe knows right from wrong, Mark.

Prot:Even your Buddha and your Christ had quite a different vision. But nobody's paid much attention to them, not even your Buddhists and your Christians.

Prot:I shall miss Earth, it has great potential.

May the force be with y'all
Jude

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Crystal
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 05:16 AM

From Thunderbirds, just before everything goes horribly wrong and lives a put in danger; "Don't worry, I'm sure it's perfectly safe."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: clueless don
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 09:25 AM

"It was no deity that saved him, Doctor - it was my cross-circuiting to B."

"Almost, but not quite, wholly unlike tea."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 10:26 AM

Harlan Ellison used to refer to his first marriage as "dissaster area No1" and his flat (in NY I think) was called Ellison Here (its a verbal pun).

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: belter
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 12:15 PM

from dark star "Let there be light"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cllr
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 06:46 PM

actually belter to be honest Darkstar nicked that one from somewhere else 8-)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 07:47 PM

Harlan Ellison: "Whaddya say to a little fuck?"
tall blonde actress: "Hello, little fuck."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bert
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 10:56 PM

Have a jelly baby! Dr Who

Toast, you want toast? The toaster in Red Dwarf.

Rimmer: You're going to die a horrible painful death!
Lister: You're enjoying this aren't you.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 12:52 AM

blah blah blah

blah blah blah blah

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 01:43 AM

From Ursula LeGuin's _Lathe of Heaven: What the psychiatrist said when he hypnotized a patient: "antwerp" (I can't hear it as just the name of a city anymore.) :) I also can't hear the song "A Little Help From My Friends" in quite the same way anymore, either. :)

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 01:48 AM

Oh, while I'm on the subject of Ursula LeGuin, I'd love to recommend a book of hers, _The Telling_, about a culture whose tradition of storytelling is sacred, and the tradition persists despite persecution and suppression. I think that one is a classic piece of writing all by itself. It was published a few years back. ...

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 02:27 AM

Ok, just one more ... for now. :)

For the subculture of "fanzine fans", as in those who, beginning in the early 30s, began corresponding with each other after getting acquainted through letter columns of professional publications.

In that vain, this is an allegorical classic:

The Enchanted duplicator, first published in 1954.

Teresa

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Teresa
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 02:30 AM

Ack, I am always making puns, even when I don't want to ... *vein*

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 12:57 PM

"Quiet, you bubble-headed booby!"
      ~ Dr. Smith

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: just john
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 01:06 PM

"That's the kind of wooly-headed liberal thinking that leads to being eaten." -- Principal Snyder, BtVS

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 01:13 PM

"But the humans won't stop there. They'll make bigger boards and bigger nails. And soon they will make a board with a nail so big it will destroy them all!"
    ~Kodos or her brother Kang, not sure which

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 01:51 PM

Here is my admonition to you all---a quote from Lt. Worf on Star Trek:

"Less talk, and more synthehol!"

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 03:39 PM

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one" Spock from The Wrath of Khan (I think the quotation is right but I'll stand corrected.)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 04:25 PM

"Oh great! Now we're slaves! This monkey's paw sucks!"
    ~ Bart Simpson

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 04:37 PM

The classic line from the Cat in Red Dwarf episode " Backwards"( where everything runs in reverse) after the Cat has been in the bushes for a poo and walks out very carefully, with an expression of horror on his face, the others say " What happened" Cat replies" Dont ask"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: belter
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 06:42 PM

Cllr, but was it said by a smart planet buster bomb some were else?

I can't really remember all of it, but Gully Foyle's speach to the gutter people is incredible. It's like some kind of venacular poetry. A futcheristic Keats.

"Listen a me, all you! Listen, man! Gonna sermonize, me. Dig this, you!"

you gots millions and spends pennies. etc.

I'll see if I can find it.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: HuwG
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

"I used to think it was a terrible thing that life was so unfair. Then I thought, what if life were fair, and all of the terrible things that happen to us came because we really deserved them ? Now I take great comfort in the general unfairness and hostility of the universe."

- Marcus Cole, in "Babylon 5"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:17 PM

Dare I mention another Alfred Bester line? From "The Demolished man" (UK title)
" Tenser said the Tensor.........."

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Cluin
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 11:57 PM

"Shut up, Wesley!"
   ~ Jean Luc Picard

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 04:49 PM

"What are you doing with my imodium q-38 Earth Annialator?"- Marvin the martian.
"They're Here!"- Kevin Mccarthy Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
"Would you like to play a game?" The computer from Wargames.


I always wondered if DeForest Kelley had "I'm Dead, Jim." put on his tomb stone. Neil

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: robomatic
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 05:11 PM

Mobster: "But Cap'n, youse said you're star fleet organizashun don't allow no interferin'!"
Kirk: "Who's interferin'?.....We're - takin' over!"



"The sky was full of ships."    -Theodore Sturgeon

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bert
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

Though not a 'line' as such - the look on Lister's face as Kryton, who had just become human, was showing him pictures of his penis.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Kaleea
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 02:59 AM

Justa--
    I think you confused the "Rules of Politicians" with the "Rules of Aquisitions!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 08:29 AM

Yes - but don't you think that there's a remarkable resemblance between Quark and W?

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Jan 05 - 09:42 AM

"Close Encounters" is of course full of allusions to earlier SF - including movies...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 05:16 PM

Jayne: Don't much see the benefit in getting involved in strangers' troubles without a up-front price negotiated.

Book: These people need assistance. The benefit wouldn't necessarily be for you.

Jayne: That's what I'm sayin'.

Zoe: No one's gonna force you to go, Jayne. As has been stated, this job is strictly speculative.

Jayne: Good! Don't know these folks, don't much care to.

Mal: They're whores.

Jayne: I'm in.

- Firefly, "Heart of Gold"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bert
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 06:42 PM

Mine! Mine! Mine! - Cat in Red Dwarf

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Art Thieme
Date: 25 Jun 10 - 07:16 PM

TIME is the fire in which we burn!-----one of the later Star Trek films...

Also: (my absolute favorite!)

Every time I begin to feel the slightest bit self-important, I think of all the dirt that never did have a chance to sit up and look around.-------------Kurt Vonnegut in Between Time And Timbuktu

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: ClaireBear
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 02:29 AM

"They're made out of meat."

-- Terry Bisson, from a very funny short short story you can read here.

Claire

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: mousethief
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 03:13 AM

"I was the victim of a series of accidents, as are we all." --Malachi Constant: Sirens of Titan (Vonnegut)

"We will rule over all this land, and we will call it, This Land."
"I think we should call it your grave!"
"Ah, curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!" -- Wash: Firefly

"No power in the 'verse can stop me." -- River: ibid.

"Danger, Will Robinson!" -- The Robot: Lost in Space

"Time is an illusion. Lunch time, doubly so." -- Ford Prefect: HHGTTG (Adams)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Phot
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 08:57 AM

Oh Shit!! Data, just before crashing the Enterprise D.

Everybody rember where we parked. Kirk, just after landing a Klingon bird of prey in the middle of a public park in San Fransisco.

Where are the nuclear Wessels? Checkov, shortly before finding the USS Enhterprise CVN.

Wassail!! Chris

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: GUEST,Shimrod
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 09:41 AM

"90% of everything is crap."

Theodore Sturgeon

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 09:50 AM

Game over man

Aliens

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 10:10 AM

"There won't be so much real difference--honest, there won't--
And I'd go down in a minute and take my chance--
I'm a good American and I always liked them--
Except for one small detail that bothers me
And that's the food proposition. Because, you see,
The concrete-mixer may have made a mistake,
And it looks like just high spirits.
But, if it's got so they like the flavor . . . well . . ."

From "Nightmare Number 3" by Stephen Vincent Benet

Have a nice day!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: deepdoc1
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 11:29 AM

"If I'm your mission, Shepherd, best give it up. You're welcome on my boat. God ain't." -Mal Reynolds

"Do you know what the chain of command is here? It's the chain I go get and beat you with to show you who's in command." -Jayne Cobb

"I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" -Harlan Ellison

"No matter where you go, there you are." -Buckaroo Banzai

"Do you really believe that?"
"I do."
"You willing to die for that belief?"
"I am." (pulls out his gun and shoots at the Operative repeatedly) "Course, that ain't exactly Plan A." -Serenity

"You want to go home and rethink your life." -Obi-Wan

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mrrzy
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 01:35 PM

You scream and then you leap.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Charley Noble
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 04:00 PM

Let's see, one button turns on the lights and the other is the self-destruct ...

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Don Firth
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 04:32 PM

Frankenstein (1931).

Young Frankenstein (1974).


SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT!

The stinger line of the classic science fiction short story "To Serve Man", by Damon Knight:

"It's a cookbook!!"

Don Firth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Wesley S
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 07:59 PM

Not exactly science fiction - but in the movie about tornados - "Twister" - Bill Paxton and Hellen Hunt have this massive tornado bearing down on them. They are about to die. What does Bill say?

"Run!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: deepdoc1
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 08:14 PM

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. -Time Enough for Love

Always listen to the experts. They'll tell you what can't be done, and why. Then do it.

Always yield to temptation, It may never pass your way again. -The Notebooks of Lazarus Long

Certainly the game is rigged. Don't let that stop you; if you don't bet you can't win." -Time Enough for Love

God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent---it says so right here on the label. If you have a mind capable of believing all three of these divine attributes simultaneously, I have a wonderful bargain for you. No checks, please. Cash and in small bills. -Time Enough for Love

Of all the strange "crimes" that human beings have legislated out of nothing, "blasphemy" is the most amazing---with "obscenity" and "indecent exposure" fighting it out for the second and third place. -Time Enough for Love

The meek shall inherit the earth, a 6 foot plot above them. -The Notebooks of Lazarus Long

The plural of spouse is spice. -Time Enough for Love

The ways of God and government and girls are all mysterious, and it is not given to mortal man to understand them."in Time Enough for Love

What are the facts? Again and again and again--what are the _facts_? Shun wishful thinking, ignore divine revelation, forget what "the stars foretell," avoid opinion, care not what the neighbors think, never mind the unguessable "verdict of history," --what are the facts, and to how many decimal places? You pilot always into an unknown future; facts are your only clue. Get the facts!

Anything else from Lazarus Long.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: quokka
Date: 26 Jun 10 - 10:58 PM

"Listen, three eyes," he said, "don't you try to outweird me. I get stranger things than you free with my breakfast cereal." (From The Restaurant at the End of the Universe)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Don Firth
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 12:29 AM

I recall a science fiction short story that I ran across in an SF anthology years ago. The story was first published sometime in the 1930s. It started:

He was the last man on Earth.

There was a knock on the door.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: mousethief
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 01:31 AM

Oh God I'm so depressed -- Marvin the Paranoid Android (H2G2)

Bi-la kaifa -- Dune

Go stick your head in a pig. -- H2G2

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 11:33 AM

From a review of The Mole People:

"It moves along with the speed of the digestive track with similar results."

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: mousethief
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 11:42 AM

"Fascinating" -- Mr Spock

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Peter T.
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 11:59 AM

"Why does no one read earlier entries before posting their own?" -- from an unwritten science fiction story entitled "How The Careless Reader Was Suddenly Sucked Into A Horvath Hell Without Connor or Holtz To Help Them".

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 05:25 PM

He was the last man on Earth.

There was a knock on the door.

It was the wife...

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 05:47 PM

He said "Greetings" and Melted the Lug wrench??
the movie Starman

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Jun 10 - 10:56 PM

GROK!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Hamish
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 08:25 AM

Doctor Who: I'm going to have to ask you to trust me.
Amy: Don't you always tell me the truth?
Doctor Who: If I always told you the truth, I wouldn't have to ask you to trust me.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Green Man
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 10:33 AM

E.E.Doc Smith - Skylark of Valeron

"She's a blinding flash and a deafening report."!

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Midchuck
Date: 28 Jun 10 - 11:13 AM

The "Doc" Smith reference reminded me of one of his lines, that I don't know what book it was from, but I'm sure it was him, that I've used for years:

"He's so low he could put on a tall silk hat and walk under a duck!"

Peter

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Mrrzy
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 11:09 AM

I'm a soldier, not a diplomat! -Capt. Kirk

I'm a diplomat, not a soldier! -Capt. Picard

I'm a doctor, not an escalator! -Dr. McCoy

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: TheSnail
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 01:23 PM

"All your base are belong to us"

Zero Wing video game.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 06:56 AM

" a stitch in time saves Stein" Dr Asimov, of course

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 07:17 AM

The Programmer closed the switch linking all the computers in the univers together into one giant supercomputer and asked the question "Is there a God?"
There was a flash of lightening that welded the switch closed
and a Voice said " There is NOW!!"
Frederic Brown

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: John J
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 07:22 AM

'There's a pain in my diodes'.

Perhaps shouldn't come under the heading of mere fiction.

JJ

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Midchuck
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 12:50 PM

The Programmer closed the switch linking all the computers in the univers together into one giant supercomputer and asked the question "Is there a God?"
There was a flash of lightening that welded the switch closed
and a Voice said " There is NOW!!"
Frederic Brown

I remember that one from childhood. A rather ridiculous idea - in the 1950s.....

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: michaelr
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 01:48 PM

"Why would I destroy Earth? That's where I keep all my stuff!"
- The Tick

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Don Firth
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 04:12 PM

Don't remember the whole schtick verbatim, but the general plot goes something like this:

Scientists and philosophers build the greatest, smartest computer in the Universe and dub it "Deep Thought." Then, they put The Question to Deep Thought. "What is the meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything?"

Deep Thought flickers and hums for some seven years. Then comes the answer:

"42."

The scientists and philosophers protest. "We don't understand the answer." To which Deep Thought responds, "The problem is, you don't understand the question."

After many adventures, Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect discover the question:

"What is 6 times 9?"

Arthur and Ford ruminate over this a bit, then as they walk off, Arthur comments, "I've always thought there was something fundamentally wrong with the Universe."

Yup. That about sums it up.

But you should be okay if you remember where your towel is. Words to live by.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: gnu
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 05:16 PM

"I'll be Barack."

To be written in the future.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: HuwG
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 10:52 PM

Micca, Asimov's spoonerism was even more apposite. Montgomery Harlow Stein of New York embezzled a large sum of money and used a time machine to jump to a point in the future just outside the Statute of Limitations for his crime. Rejecting the appeal by the District Attorney, the judge declared:

A niche in time saves Stein

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 01 Jul 10 - 03:25 AM

Thanks Huw, I knew I was close, but not exact, I loved those "Asimovisms" and puns, He was as bad as Severn(almost).
No one has mentioned the Title that is memorable too
"The lathe of Heaven£#"
"Do androids dream of electric sheep? "

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Naemanson
Date: 04 Aug 10 - 09:01 PM

Arthur C. Clarke once wrote a story where a monastery hires a company to install a computer to help them write down the nine billion names of God. They believe that the world will end once that job is done. The programmers become worried that the monks will riot when they reach their goal and the world doesn't end so they slip away and ride down the mountain. They know when the computer will finish its task. At that time they look up and "without any fuss at all the stars were going out."

I love that line.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Stu
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 06:54 AM

"Tell me about your homeworld, Asshole" - National Lampoon's Doon.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Little Hawk
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 01:13 PM

"Goddamit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Bill D
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 01:30 PM

"It's just one of those rays where everything goes 'dong'."
                     Ferdinand Feghoot (Grendle Briarton)

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 05 Aug 10 - 01:54 PM

" F:IW"
...and then there were none"
Eric Franl Russel

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Naemanson
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 08:02 AM

And then there was the story of the evolution of man and computer. As the centuries pass computers get smaller and more powerful and man gets closer in the interface. At each point in the story where the time shifts farther into the future somebody asks the computer if entropy can be reversed.

In the last section humans are joining their essence to the computer and leaving their frail bodies behind. The universe is dying. The last human asks the computer the same question and then directs it to keep thinking on the problem.

The story ends with: "...and then the Cosmic AC said, "Let there be light!" and there was light.

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 06 Aug 10 - 10:18 AM

The Russell Quote above?
"Freedom : I Won't"

Subject: RE: classic science fiction lines
From: Micca
Date: 07 Aug 10 - 07:45 AM

I almost forgot the one of the very best
From "Repo Man"
" Sometimes people just explode"