I wrote this on the CLS forum a while back:
Ever since reading Rostand's Cyrano de Bergerac I have been hooked on the story. It is one of the great tales that lends itself to a lot of interpretations (much like Dicken's Christmas Carol). Cyrano is one of literature's great characters. I think most people can connect with him as he embodies both our pride in our strengths and the shame of our insecurities.
Then of course there is his panache.
Panache is a French word. Anthony Burgess noted once that when he wrote his translation of Cyrno de Bergerac that he needed to introduce the audience to the concept of Cyrano's panache. Being it is not just his hat's white plume but also a representation of his character, his flair, his soul, and style. There just wasn't a suitable English word to replace it with.
I just love the word.

Originally Posted by
MacWage
...And he is REAL serious about that Star Trek thing, just ask what he plans to name his kid.
A Star Destroyer would kick the Enterprise's rump, though.

Originally Posted by
McMurdo
...And MacWage is right an Imperial Star Destroyer, would blow the Enterprise out of the sky, and I'm not even going to consider what the Death Star would do.

Originally Posted by
Wompet
...And let's at least make it a challenge - Klingon Bird of Prey vs. Millenium Falcon, or the Slave I.
I think I would choose a Warlock Class Destroyer (Though I think a zeppelin is a far, far more elegant means of transport)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warlock_class_destroyer
Cheers
Jamie
-See it there, a white plume
Over the battle - A diamond in the ash
Of the ultimate combustion-My panache
Edmond Rostand
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