It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something. -- Franklin D. Roosevelt
If you have received a letter inviting you to speak at the dedication of a new cat hospital, and you hate cats, your reply, declining the invitation, does not necessarily have to cover the full range of your emotions. You must make it clear that you will not attend, but you do not have to let fly at cats. The writer of the letter asked a civil question; attack cats, then, only if you can do so with good humor, good taste, and in such a way that your answer will be courteous as well as responsive. Since you are out of sympathy with cats, you may quite properly give this as a reason for not appearing at the dedication ceremonies of a cat hospital. But bear in mind that your opinion of cats was not sought, only your services as a speaker. Try to keep things straight. -- Strunk and White, "The Elements of Style"
Data: Doctor? I require your advice as a successful parent. Crusher: Well, thank you, Data. I'd like to think I was. Well, please sit down. How's Lal? Data: Lal is realising she is not the same as other children. Crusher: Is it lonely for her? Data: She does not feel the emotion of loneliness, but she can observe how isolated she is from the others. She wishes to be more like them. I do not know how to help her. Lal is passing into sentience. It is perhaps the most difficult stage of her development. Crusher: When Wesley was growing up, he was an extraordinarily bright boy, but he had a hard time making friends. I think the other children were a little intimidated by him. Data: That is precisely what happened to Lal in school. How did you help him? Crusher: Well, first I went back to my own childhood and remembered how painful it was for me. Because I remember a time when I wasn't very popular either. And when I told that to Wesley, it made him feel a little better. He knew I understood what he was going through. Data: I have not told Lal how difficult it was for me to assimilate. I did not wish it to discourage her. Perhaps this was an error of judgement. Crusher: You didn't have anyone experienced to help you through sentience. She at least has you. Just help her realise that she's not alone, and be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention. Data: I can give her attention, Doctor. But I am incapable of giving her love. (Data leaves) Crusher: Now why do I find that so hard to believe? "Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Offspring [3.16], Season 3"
Turn it upside down.
THIRD JERSEY: Atomic milkshakes and deep-fried rainbows are staples of this lost state. Oz can be seen burning from its emerald skyscrapers. - THE INVISIBLE STATES OF AMERICA A TOURISM GUIDE BY UEL ARAMCHEK %
I've been working on a new electronic cash system that's fully peer-to-peer, with no trusted third party. -- Satoshi Nakamoto; Nov 1, 2008
He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sun rise. ~ William Blake
Your mode of life will be changed for the better because of good news soon.
Yo momma is so stupid that she was born on Independence Day and can't remember her birthday.
It is a sign of contraction of the mind when it is content, or of weariness. A spirited mind never stops within itself; it is always aspiring and going beyond its strength. ~ Michele de Montaigne
All the things we see when awake are death, even as all we see in slumber are sleep. ~ Heraclitus, Fragments
Don't call me a "computer scientist". I'm a coder. I hate computer scientists. If I wanted to deal with people who're more concerned with correctness according to some set of made-up rules than with functionality, I'd go to a church.
Although it is true that by fate all things are forced and linked by a necessary and dominant reason, nevertheless the character of our minds is subject to fate in a manner corresponding to their nature and quality. ~ Chrysippus
As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will, he will be sure to repent. ~ Socrates
Ferengi Rules Of Acquisition: 187. If your dancing partner wants to lead at all costs, let her have her own way and ask another one to dance
"The cycle of possibilities if fleeting. The lash of an eye in a hurricane." Seefran Love Song 341-AT9
Solutions are obvious if one only has the optical power to observe them over the horizon. -- K.A. Arsdall
THE FOND OLD COUPLE WAS DISAPPEARING TOGETHER THROUGH SUCCESSIVE AMPUTATIONS. -- Jenny Holzer
EPIGRAMS IN PROGRAMMING 70. Over the centuries the Indians developed sign language for communicating phenomena of interest. Programmers from different tribes (FORTRAN, LISP, ALGOL, SNOBOL, etc.) could use one that doesn't require them to carry a blackboard on their ponies.