Favorite quotes, sayings, etc.

[MSTCS Dennis Noble (Ret)]

Because I have had a very bad day: the words would not come, and those that did sure could not be worked into a good sentence, I began to think--always a bad sign.

I have read some of the quotes on E-mails of many posters. I still have not figured that little method yet, but would like to hear some of the favorite quotes of those out there. Maybe you will inspire me.

To lead off, not only are some of these my favorite quotes, but usually are my guides. (Some due to my former civilian position.)

"Those who seek the truth should be punished." (Source, unknown)

“Still, our real fears are the sounds of footsteps walking in the corridors of our minds, and the anxieties, the phantom floatings, they create.” (Truman Captoe)

People will lie even when telling the truth might save them. (Paraphrase from Joseph Wambaugh)

Justice depends on how much money you have. (Old cons saying)

“It has been my experience that writers, myself included, often forget what they have written since the act of writing is simply a letting go of a piece of one’s own mind, and so there is a kind of mental erasure as it finds its place on a page in order to leap to another consciousness like a mutant viral strain.” (Gore Vidal)

Perhaps you have more cheerful ones, but these are some of mine when the writing does not go well.

[BMCS Dave Considine]

This is one of my favorites (and more cheerful one)

"Getting off of dry land always seems to help my equilibrium"

Jimmy Buffett

[HSC Chris Fly]

Some of my favorites:
"Invention, my dear friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation, and 2% butterscotch ripple." -Willy Wonka

"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." -Wonka

"If the good Lord had intended us to walk he wouldn't have invented roller-skates." -Wonka

"The suspense is terrible... I hope it'll last. " -Wonka

and my favorite Wonka quote
"You should never, never doubt what nobody is sure about."

If you can't tell, I really like Willy Wonka. There is a lot of literature quoted in that movie.

Chris

[BMC John Phillips III]

I saw this one on boatswainsmate.net and I like it a lot. I think it pretty much sums up my work ethic/personality:

"If, in order to be popular I have to do what other people want me to do, regardless of my own convictions, then I have no desire to be popular, and I am quite sure I will never be."
Commodore Ellsworth Bertholf, First Coast Guard Commandant

Maybe I am fooling myself, but in most cases, I still managed to be somewhat popular with the people that I felt were/are worth a damn. Something tells me the Commandant was able to as well.

[SKC Raymond Kurtz (Ret)]

Try these..............

It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason, peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here. Patrick Henry

Poor government comes about when good citizens sit on their hands instead of standing on their feet. Robert Baker

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts ... the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. Edmund Burke

America will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our people. Pres. George W. Bush, State of the Union speech, 1/20/2004

Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost. John Quincy Adams

A generation which ignores history has no past and no future. Robert A. Heinlein

Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that has the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses. Dale Carnegie

Every time I sign an autograph it’s like giving a Christmas gift. Richard Petty

The story is told one night at dinner here in Mount Vernon, Lafayette said to Washington, “General, you Americans even in war and desperate times have a superb spirit. You’re happy and you’re confident. Why is it?” Washington answered, “There is freedom. There is a space for a man to be alone and think, and there are friends who owe each other nothing but affection.” Ronald Reagan

If you have a yes man working for you, one of you is redundant. Barry Rand of Xerox.

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

I have three,

"If ignorance is bliss, why are you so happy" - This is something I have said for a while.


"You can't cheat an honest man, He has to have larceny in his heart in the first place" - Robert A. Heinlein

There is no such thing as common sense, if it was common everyone would have it. - not so much a quote but worth reminding some folks of from time to time.

[ETC Joe Jester (Ret)]

I have a few favortes ...

The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. -- May V. Smith

Chance favors the prepared mind. -- Louis Pasteur

It is the province of knowledge to speak, and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen. --Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

You can lead a man to knowledge, but you can't make him think! --Andrew Augustus, Jr.

Never miss a good chance to shut up. --Will Rogers

There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence. --Will Rogers

And some good unattributed cowboy quotes:

Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear or a fool from any direction.

Any cowboy can carry a tune. The trouble comes when he tries to unload it.

When in doubt, let your horse do the thinkin'.

Poor is having to sell the horse to buy the saddle.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it over and put it back in your pocket.

No matter who says what, don't believe it if it don't make sense.

[BMCM Bruce Bradley]

"Not all those who wander are lost".

"I am Sam, Sam I am". one of my old signature block quotes

"A mentor is someone whose hindsight can be your foresight".

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

From an old BMC I once had: "If it don't work, get a hammer. If THAT don't work, get a bigger hammer. And if THAT don't work, PAINT the SUMBITCH!!"

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
--Steve Prefontaine

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity."
--George S. Patton

"Do you think God gets stoned? I think so... look at the platypus."
--Robin Williams

"Do Lipton employees take coffee breaks?"
Steven Wright

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Bruce, you gotta love the Tolkien......

favorite song lyrics

"Die on your feet or live on your knees." Yngie Malmsteen

favorite movie line

"We keep you alive to serve this ship, row well, and you shall live" Ben Hur.

[YNCM Doug Squires (Ret)]

My Tolkien favorite:

"All that glitters is not gold."

[AMTCM John Long]

When work gets you down and you want to add salt to the wound.....

"Friday just means it's two days till Monday!"

by yours truely....:D

[PAC Jamie Devitt-Chacon (Ret)]

Those who know me, know these come from my favorite movie...

"Life is pain.... Anyone who says differently is selling something." The Man in Black, The Princess Bride

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means." Indigo, The Princess Bride

And my favorite, and often used in our home, comes with a story. I was picking up a friend from the airport, who had come to visit San Diego in May. As we waited for her luggage, the outside doors kept opening and shutting. It was about 10:30 at night. A man, dressed in a loud shirt, shorts and flip flops, complained loudly about the chill air around us. He stated that he sure hoped that was the air conditioning! I couldn't help myself as I said to him that that is the outside air, that this is the desert after all, and it gets darn cold at night. At which point, he stared at me in disbelief, and said loudly,

"It's COLD???!!! I'm from Wisconsin, and NOBODY told me!!!"

Have a fantastic day!

[ETC Pat Kaschube]

You can't roll up your sleeves if you are constantly wringing your hands.

Henry Rollins

[BMC Russell Miller]

Sometime you win, Sometimes you don’t, Sometimes you out run that devil, Sometimes you don’t, Best that you can hope for is to die with your boots on.

A day Underway is better than a day at the dock

Are we having fun yet

And my favorite one a wise old Master Chief taught me is
I never had a bad day in my life, they tried to make my day bad, but they did not get my wife permission

[HSC Chris Fly]

A day Underway is better than a day at the dock


I think I might have to disagree with that one....;)
Chris

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

Some of my favorite quotes come from the movie "Bull Durham":

"Sometimes you win, sometimes you loose, sometimes it rains."
-- Ebby Calvin "Nuke" Laloosh

"Sears sucks, Crash. Boy, I worked there once. Sold Lady Kenmores. Nasty, whoa, nasty."
--Larry

"The rose goes in the front, big guy."
--Crash Davis

[HSC Schon C. Russell]

I have two that I live by,

"You are only as good as your crew!" (My first Chief)

"Joke em if they can't take a F*$& and F#@* em if they can't take a joke."
I think this was from a movie but not sure.

[BMC John Phillips III]

I think I might have to disagree with that one....;)
Chris

Chris, he meant "docK," not Doc and I don't care how good of an HS you think you are, I still rather be underway than to see you anyday! :D

Seriously, here in KW a day underway is definitely better than a day at the pier.

Here's an interesting one I read in an online article, I am sure we've all heard before but I like the context in which it's used - double quote by LT:

"I think the Patriots actually live by the saying, 'If you're not cheating, you're not trying,' " said San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

[HSC Chris Fly]

Chris, he meant "docK," not Doc and I don't care how good of an HS you think you are, I still rather be underway than to see you anyday! :D

Seriously, here in KW a day underway is definitely better than a day at the pier.

Here's an interesting one I read in an online article, I am sure we've all heard before but I like the context in which it's used - double quote by LT:

"I think the Patriots actually live by the saying, 'If you're not cheating, you're not trying,' " said San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

Let me get my glove on and my finger lubed up and I'll guarentee you'd rather be underway! :D

[BMC John Phillips III]

why do I feel so violated right now? (turns head and coughs)

[ASTC Mario Vittone]

"The word experienced is often used to describe someone who has gotten away with doing the wrong thing more frequently than you have."

~ Laurence Gonzales - Deep Survival (http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Survival-Who-Lives-Dies/dp/0393052761/ref=ed_oe_h/002-3648522-9428803?ie=UTF8&qid=1189878674&sr=8-1)

"There is no reason to believe that a person is any good at something just because they do it for a living. By process of elimination, you can find the world's WORST surgeon....and he's operating tomorrow.

~ Mario Vittone

[BMCS Nick Pupo]

I have many quotes that I like, but these are two of my favorite song quotes.

"It's hard to find true equilibrium when you're staring at each other down the muzzle of a gun".
Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull)

"It's a sad man my friend who's living in his own skin and can't stand the company".
Bruce Springsteen

Good Sports Quote
"We love when the alumni give us money, it's their two cents we can do without"
Joe Paterno

[CWO Eugene Diotalevi (BMC)]

Looking at his beer can, Homer Simpson says; "expand my brain learning juice."

[DCCS Todd Holcomb]

Back when I was a young man and would try to complete a chore so I could head out for the evening and wild times with my friends, my dad would wait until I was dressed and ready to walk out the door and then we would go "check my job out" and he would shake his head and say "Son, it amazes me how you never have time to do it right but you always have time to do it twice, you can go when it's right!":eek:

The older I get the wiser my parents get!!:cool:

Todd

[CWO Shad Hudgins (MSTC)]

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."
-Ben Franklin

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

"If you make something idiot proof, they'll just make a better idiot."

"Never let the truth get in the way of a good story."

"The floggings will continue until moral improves!"

[BMC John Phillips III]

OK at least I wasn't the first to bring up a quote from the great philosopher Homer J. but here are two his I consider my favorites:

Preempted by "Remember Lisa,"

"Trying is the first step towards failure."

and

"Alcohol is both the cause of and the answer to all of life's problems!"

and just for good measure: "Doh!"

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

While on LEDETS, what I used to say to the Squids to shut them up after their barrage of puddle pirate slams;

"If it wasn't for Coasties, Navy kids would be ugly."

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

The LEDET motto- (while underway)
"Sleep 'till you're hungry, eat 'till you're tired."

"What's the difference between a shopping cart and a Squid? Occasionally the shopping cart displays a mind of its own."

[BMC John Phillips III]

Eric, before you know it you are gonna have your 100th post! :D

Here's one that BMCM Slesh has used but he was quoting Bob Moawad (I believe the W is used as a consonant).

"When you're green you grow; when you're ripe you rot."

I actually used it today ;)

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

When you enter the ocean, you enter the food chain.

[HSC Chris Fly]

"Sleep 'till you're hungry, eat 'till you're tired."



I'm pretty sure that's the HS, SK, YN and ET motto u/w also! I should at least 1/2 of those as I've been an ET and HS u/w.
Chris :D :D :D

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

"There are 1000 different ways to complete any task, unfortunately only about 10 of them are right."


JP3,
I wasn't even paying attention to the count, 1 post closer to my gold star!

[ETC Ben DiGuilio]

You'll be ok once the swelling goes down.


Use it in any context you like. It fits quite a few!

[SKC Raymond Kurtz (Ret)]

Ronald Reagan used to walk through cemetaries to read the tombstones. He and Nancy came upon one that read "HERE LIES AN HONEST MAN AND A POLITICAN"

Old Ronny had a wonderful sense of humor. Turning to Nancy he said "Look at that dear, two men buried in the same grave."

[BMC John Phillips III]

Eric, I wasn't keeping track either until I noticed you had like 2 or 3 posts on here in a short time (rare for you) then I looked at your # of posts ;)

Ben, just remember, if the swelling doesn't go down after 4 hours you should consult a physician :D

[BMC Russell Miller]

A MK friend of mine used to say this all the time.

If you can not fix it with a hamer or screw driver it not broke, if you want it fixed right get a bigger hammer. He hate volvo penta engines for some reason

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Your friend left out Duct Tape.

"If you can't fix it with a hammer, screwdriver or duct tape, it can't be fixed".

[ETCS John Zidek]

We have all Volunteered.

Some of us have Volunteered others for things.

I just heard a new one yesterday.

Volun-Told as in:

I didnt volunteer, I was Volun-Told.

ETC "Z"

[BMCS Jeff Lucas]

I have been involuntarily volunteered before.:cool:

[BMC John Phillips III]

Here's one I just made up,

"Volunteering is like throwing up, you may not want to, but most of the time, you feel so much better after you do."

I am not sure if it will catch on, but feel free to use it :D

[BMCS Jim Madsen]

Don't taz me bro!!!

[ETCS John Zidek]

This one was passed on to me by Master Chief Blake Mabe:

There is no waiting list for the paygrade below you.

"Z"

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

My first OIC liked to use this term whenever another boater (or the crew) did something stupid.
"What are you, Nautically Retarded?"
Eric

[HSC Chris Fly]

Eric,
I understand why that would be said......However, I've found as I get older and more educated, that the use of the word retarded is one of the most insulting word in our language. I'm sure most people who use it don't mean it as an insult to mentally handicapped people, but it is. I would never encourage the use of that word in ANY instance. :mad:

Just my .02,
Crhis

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

I understand that people can feel insulted by the use of certain words in certain context. What I don't understand is how the use of certain words can be insulting in every context. I refuse to limit my vocabulary just because people can't look beyond one use of a word.
I believe that this topic was beat to death on the whole "black gang" discussion, and isn't relative to this thread.
So, if any one is offended by what I wrote; I apologize.
Retarded -adjective
Having only a limited ability to learn and understand.

Retarded
adj
Definition: intellectually limited

[HSC Chris Fly]

I understand that people can feel insulted by the use of certain words in certain context. What I don't understand is how the use of certain words can be insulting in every context.

There are lots of words that are insulting in every context...and pretty much everyone of them are used in a derogatory mannor. I don't want to get this thread any more off track, so this will be my last post about this in this thread. My only advice would to think about how you would feel about that word if you had a child that was mentally handicapped and you heard someone say "that's retarded".....
Chris

Now back to your regularly schduled quotes!

[BMC Mark Emerson]

Change it to "Nautically Challenged" or suffer from "non-nauticalitus", "Souldabeenalandlubber disease", "ididn'thavetopassatesttodriveit syndrom", "You appear to be having problems, lets board them"!


Have fun

[BMC John Phillips III]

How about this one,

"Never look for your failure in other people's success."

[BMCS Eric Guerette]

How about this one,

"Never look for your failure in other people's success."

I thought it was the other way around. "Never look for your success in other people's failure."

I guess it works either way.

[SKC Ronald Brumble]

I have a new quote, don't know I'm the first to say it but;


Older and more experienced does not always mean correct.:D :D

[BMC John Phillips III]

http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_history.html

I like the two from Mark Twain.

[BMC Mark Emerson]

My Mom just reminded me of this the other night - Author Unknown but my Grandpa used to say it all the time...

I was sitting and crying about having no shoes when I looked up and saw a man with no feet!

It really makes you think about your life.

[BMCS T. D. Ellis]

Whenever someone answers the phone and then asks me, "How are you?" I reply, "I am doing so well the only way I could be better was if was cloned, but that is illegal in this country." I am not sure where I got it from.

It works well because with one notable exception, the person on the other end laughs and then I am in like flint and can get whatever I need. It definitely works better than, "It is a dog eat dog world and I'm wearing milk-bone underwear." That one does not work as well. Norm on Cheers used that line and that's where I got that one from.

[BMCM Stuart S. Slesh]

Favorite Norm quote....

Hey Norm, how's life treating you?

Like a baby treats a diaper.

[ETC Joe Jester (Ret)]

To arrive at a just estimate of a renowned man's character one must judge it by the standards of his time, not ours.

Interesting Samuel Clements quote thanks to JP.

Too bad it's not applied.

[BMC John Phillips III]

Joe thanks, I think we both have an appreciation for that quote but we may actually be applying it in reverse directions...interesting isn't it? But then again, in my direction I guess I would be using the term renowned very loosely. I know at least one person that would agree with that.

[ETC Joe Jester (Ret)]

I'm sure your using it with one specifically in mind.

I'm using it with with respect to the "excuse du jour" for not honoring some, with those supporting the withholding of such honor as viewing with contemporary eyes.