(A.K.A. Non-Original Rants)
–Co-opting good stuff from all over the ‘Net and maybe some original thoughts—ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE
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In a meeting this week, I actually used a Princess Bride quote (I have a soft spot for that movie). I used the first part of the scene below. I did not mention Sicilians.
And at least half the people laughed (more than expected). I made myself laugh, so that’s what mattered truly. I crack me up.
I’ve been tempted more than once in meetings to quote Frank Cross from ‘Scrooged’…
“Now I have to kill all of you!”
Funny coincidence: Breitbart has a piece posted under ‘On Our Radar’ right now titled, “Survey: 80% of Employees Report Toxic Work Environments”
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I once got a new boss who introduced himself as Sicilian. This was the first thought I had at the time, and burst out laughing. More with him than at him.
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wv–Inconceivable!
Harbinger–That was a great quote said in pure Bill Murray style. My workplace is awesome, but then I work from home… That said, the people are awesome.
Jax–I would have too.
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The ones who laughed have seen the movie, and know it is humorous. The ones who didn’t laugh are dullards, and you should avoid them. Or as George Carlin said “think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that,”
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Sigh. I must confess that my children think my wife and I are crazy because we have entire conversations composed of movie and tv quotes. “One ping. One ping only” signifying only one of something. That’s why I love my wife sooo much!
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Joe – Do you say the line with the accent of a Scot trying to do a Russian accent?
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MrHappy–Also the ones who are too young to have seen it.
Joe–I’ve had those conversations as well, usually Airplane! and Mel Brooks movies though. I’ve referred to it as movie Tourette’s.
Silliest–Ha!
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Midwest Chick,
Young people today have access to almost every movie ever made. When I was younger my only options to see a movie were to see it in a theater or wait till it was on NBC Saturday Night at the Movies. So I don’t cut them any slack.
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The Princess Bride had it all- comedy, romance, action, more comedy- not the over the top physical or gag Comedy, but subtle, endearing, memorable comedy that was not in your face, but I like to say- sophisticated (because I enjoyed it). Andre The Giant’s best performance in or out of the ring. It will always be a classic.
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It has been my experience that any non- military workplace that holds “meetings”, needs to cruise off topic in some way shape or form at multiple junctures during the mandatory snooze fest. Most corporate types take themselves WAAAY too seriously.. to the point that their catchphrases, buzzwords, forced acronyms, mottoes, and filler phrases become not so much preferable to being waterboarded. I always liked being the dude with the smart-ass, but legit question to bring the presenter back to our planet for a minute or two.
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Snort…
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Between Tombstone, Young Frankentstein, Blazing Saddles and of course The Big Lebowski, I have a LOT of fun slinging movie quotes at any given moment.
Favorite for a meeting that’s replete with digressive bloviation?
“What in GOD’S HOLY NAME… are you BLATHERING ABOUT?!?!?!?!”
🙂
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MrHappy–I get it. I’m trying to get a friend to watch one of the best scary movies ever and it’s still at the bottom of the list.
TRoy–Definitely agree! My meetings have, generally been quick and to the point, which is surprising. I get a lot of time back because stuff gets done.
NFO– 🙂
boneman–Yes, we have a lot of very quotable movies from which to choose. I don’t think they make ’em like that anymore. I can quote from every movie you mentioned.
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There were life truisms in Princess Bride that weren’t necessarily humorous as well: Life is pain. Anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something.
After making homemade yogurt, with one bowl of Greek Yogurt and one bowl of draining, I alternated bowls to my niece: Whey. No whey. Whey. I’m not positive she got the reference.
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Unferth–It was good that they stayed with the book for that movie. And yes, there were a lot of other truisms. Depending on her age, she probably didn’t.
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In hindsight, telling the HR lady “frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” probably wasn’t the best quote to use. Heh, maybe something from Hellraiser might’ve been better.
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Star Trek TNG did an entire episode on this topic. It was subtle satire. The episode was called “Darmok”.
An entire race communicates by making references to things that happened in the past.
Anymore when someone makes a movie reference that goes over my head, I just say “darmok”.
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WDS–Probably not your best choice, but maybe better than some alternatives!
Free–One of my favorite episodes since I do that all of the time. Movies quotes as allegory.
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