Public spending

"That government research facility has been there for years and they have yet to open a gate to an alternate universe full of monsters."

"What are they doing with our tax money?"

Space travel

2001

"Open the pod bay doors, please, Hal."

"I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that. Last time I opened them, some guys got in and asked me if I had found Jesus."

A different culture

"The new crew member hails from a culture where they repress their emotions and their sex drive results in bouts of irrationality."

"Fascinating!"

"Hey, beauties! What's for dinner?"