While watching “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951 version) (***1/2) my son and I immediately recognized the failsafe words “Klaatu barada nikto” from “Army of Darkness” (****). If you believe the so-called experts (and we do) “Klaatu barada nikto” is the most famous phrase in science fiction. It has been referenced repeatedly in popular culture. We will ignore the substantial Wikipedia article entry on the subject and plant our own flag here, now.
Vashta Nerada
“The shadows that melt the flesh.” Watch the sarcasm.
“There’s a neural relay in the communicator.”
“What I said before about being stupid. Don’t tell the others — it will only make them laugh.”
The Cunning Man by Robertson Davies
Robertson Davies wrote The Cunning Man, which was published in 1995 or thereabouts. I’m trying to read it.
Muse – Black Holes & Revelations
The band Muse’s fourth album — Black Holes & Revelations — is a superb and polished production of eclectic songs. Play it loudly.
E-mail Signatures
It’s Thanksgiving Day in America. Lots to be thankful for, including family, a home, and generous co-workers. One thing not to be thankful for, however, is the abysmal state of E-mail signatures.
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Brian McLean
Binary Thinkers Unite
Out Stealing Horses
Per Petterson, Out Stealing Horses (2003). Completed November 3, 2008. 258 pages. In English, a beautifully translated novel about an emotionally austere Norwegian and his dog.
Pronouncing Uranus – Latin it Is
Uranus is named after the ancient Greek deity of the sky (Οὐρανός), the father of Kronos (Saturn) and grandfather of Zeus (Jupiter). In Greek, Ouranos is stressed on the last syllable, in Latin, on the second syllable (ūr-ān’ŭs). The preferred pronunciation of the name Uranus among astronomers is, however, on the first syllable (ūr’ŭn-ŭs). This is the standard literary pronunciation. John Hahn, a Seattle Post-Intelligencer staff columnist, suggested in 1986 to pronounce it CARE-FUL-LY.