If you could have dinner and an evening of conversation with any famous living person, whom would you choose?
If you could have dinner and an evening of conversation with any famous living person, whom would you choose?
Deem that whomever your choice is, that you can speak the same language as they can (even if you can't) so you can choose someone who does not speak English, but you choose them because what they could tell you is important to you for some reason.
There are many persons who are no longer living whom I would have chosen, such as Leonard Cohen, or Spinoza, or Pierre Elliott Trudeau, or probably my late father who died suddenly and unexpectedly of a massive coronary when I was in another city. There are things I would have wanted to tell him but I did not have the opportunity. However, that's not the topic - the person must still be living (and lucid, of course).
Some may choose a person like Warren Buffet - many would pay thousands of dollars for such a privilege, but my feeling is that money is not the most important thing, it is the achievement of world peace in our time (not the Chamberlain kind, I mean GENUINE peace).
My choice would be Colin Powell. I have great respect for him, and believe he would have been a great POTUS.
There are some who disparage him for having been loyal to his boss, supporting the theory that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, but if you could not read the pained expression on his face when he stated that support, you would not have been able to comprehend that he had put loyalty above his own common sense. Although he was a Republican I don't think he was partisan - he was supportive of Obama being elected. I would really like to know what his take on the world's many conflicts is, and his suggestions as to how to deal with them.
So who is your SINGLE choice? Please don't provide a list - a list is not the topic. As well, please do not just post a name without reasons why you made the choice you did - they are as important as the name. As well, try HARD to restrain yourself from criticizing and disparaging the choices that others make - I know that's going to be hard for some of you so better to just go elsewhere than this. Just realize that the choice that is made is indicative of the kind of person who makes it, and walk away with that knowledge.
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Whom do you choose, and WHY you make that choice?
Neil deGrasse Tyson because I like his sense of humor as much as his intellegence.
Abraham Lincoln with an Einstein kicker
self explanatory
oops I see you said living .... my bad ....
i'd go for a favorite foursome .... John daly, Bill Clinton and Charles Barkley .... yeah, we'd have a blast
I also said choose only ONE.
Oops, okay ..... party on with wild Bill Clinton .... only if Hillary is not in attendance
Good choice. I considered him as well.
I agree on Colin Powell as well. Another from that era i would love to meet is Condi.
Fascinating life and woman.
You also said "living person"...
Bill Murray. He is an old soul.
Love his dry wit sense of humour. An evening with him would be a lot of fun.
Richard Petty because he is my favorite racecar driver
Aha!!! Dinner with The King. LOL
I've been thinking about this for awhile, Buzz, it's a tough question. Obviously, there are several famous people any of us could come up with, picking one is very difficult. I may have to sleep on it...
Dalai Lama....truly an old soul and a man for all time.
I won't comment on that choice - remember where I live.
Be careful the evil commies make life hell for those that support him.
Enoch. I have had the privilege of breaking bread with him a few times and he is wise beyond his years (which he has a few of) and a kind man with a great sense of humor. He is a man you can discuss things with, disagree with and still never have a cross word between you. I look forward to another of our 'meetings' once the roads clear.
It would be a benefit for anyone to spend some time with Enoch.
He is a very uplifting and calming person.
I do love reading his comments.
I am in 100% agreement.
I tend to think of Enoch as being an "old soul". I used to view myself as an "old soul" until I allowed too much chaos in my life by marrying a man with a very young, undeveloped soul.
I have made some very drastic, and very necessary life changes in the past year in order to regain balance and see the timeless beauty in life.
Reading Enoch's words of patience have been the most soothing experience that I have had in two decades. But I had to regain enough balance to appreciate them.
Sometimes it is easy to lose ourselves in the chaotic world we now live in. There is an old Native American saying that speaks of this well:
I agree.
In the 1990s, we were allowed to put messages on our outgoing faxes.
My fax message...
Now, I would probably have a message that involved stopping to plant, to tend and to smell the roses. LOL!
I agree....too many people get too wrapped up in the events of day to day living that they don't stop to really enjoy all that Mother Earth lovingly gives to them each day. Thank you for the link, it is very interesting.
Au contraire, mon amie. Voltaire's Candide's last words in the novel, at the end of his seeking the best of all possible worlds, were: "Let us cultivate our garden."
Same here, Spikegary. My dear Friend, Mentor and Writing Partner Enoch would be such a wonderful person to sit and converse with. There are so many things I would like to talk with him about, and our religious beliefs are very similar and it would be so great to compare so many things with him.
He is indeed one of NT's treasures, as well as to his community and all those he comes in contact with. His wisdom and wit in beyond amazing.
I too always struggle with this question. I would love to sit and have a beer or two with Uncle Joe (Joe Biden). He seems to be a real decent guy and a lot of fun to be around even if I don't always agree with his politics.
this is hard to pick one person. not sure...maybe the Pope
Stephen King. Not only amusing, but brilliant.
Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musically brilliant. Where does his music begin?
...and it is a great benefit to the world that it hasn't ended. He is a musical genius.
Arvol Looking Horse - WOW
You caused me to learn about him. You're right - Wow!
I'm currently in the middle of Theft by Finding, by David Sedaris. It's a collection of his diary entries from 1977 to 2002. I'm listening to the audiobook with him narrating, and it's so interesting and funny to imagine the culture of the 70's and 80's based on his daily observations. Things that would be shocking today were just mundane expressions back then. He was so broke and humble during that period, and now he's a famous author and humorist. I think he would be an unintimidating and easy person to talk to, and laugh with.
I’ve read most of his books and he’s hilarious. Naked was my favorite out of the ones I’ve read. Every year at Christmas time on NPR they replay his Santaland diaries skit.
Have you read this yet? I bet you’d like it. We have some similar tastes.
Not yet I just downloaded it. Thanks for the recommendation.
Waters has a home in Baltimore. He hitch hikes his way to the west coast for this book, and his first hitch hiking stop was in my town (Frederick, MD). The first half of the book is a fictionalized version of what happened, the second half is the real version. Funny as hell.
Neil Degrasse Tyson. I want to pick his brain
Me, too! Me, too!
"Call me when you have a dinner invite from an alien." LOL
Probably end up on the menu....
Although I can't open what you posted, I know from your comment that the Twilight Zone story was about aliens that did miracles for humans, curing all diseases, making sure they were all well fed and doing all strenuous jobs so humans would gain weight. They used a manual to guide them on how to do all those things called "To Serve Man". And yes, it was a cookbook. LOL
Brian Greene. No one can explain physics like that guy. I can listen to him for hours.
Also the Dali Lama... for the flip side of the coin.
Olivia de Haviland - age 101, actress and activist. Her portrayal of Melanie Wilkes, meek but ferociously strong and loyal to family and cause, grabbed my attention the first time I saw "Gone With the Wind" at age 10.
She had a very long, diverse acting career, a long-standing feud with her only sibling - actress Joan Fontaine - and was secretly called before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
I'd like to ask her about how she was able to break free of the mold Hollywood had first placed her in as well as McCarthy's "inquisition period". If interested, read more about her here:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000014/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm
Robin Hood's desire.
Betty White who is considered a national treasure. I bet she has some stories to tell.
Oooooo! Good one! I love her!
Same here, Paula. She is one of my very favorite actresses and comedians. Her spontaneous wit is beyond belief. It would be great treat to be able to visit with her.
Interesting that you chose Betty White, Paula. Twitter and Facebook exploded with "fake news" that she died on 12/27/2017:
Our Golden Girl icon is very much alive! I loved watching her on the Mary Tyler Moore show and game shows. Just watched "Advise and Consent" (1962) the other night - she played a senator.
She was really great in Golden Girls as well. I've watched her since she starred in "Life With Elizabeth" many years ago. My Mother and I watched it together and enjoyed a good laugh. Her mischief making hasn't changed over the years. I hope she will stick around for a few more years. There aren't that many like her around any more.
I still watch the "Golden Girls"!
No one can play that part like Betty White and make it so believable. She is in a class all her own. That is why she has managed to stay so popular over the many years she has been in the business.
She originally wanted the part of Blanch and might have pulled it off considering how brilliant she was as Sue Ann Nivens. But the final casting worked so much better IMO.
I agree, Paula. Betty White did not just portray her part in the Golden Girls, she was that character, in looks, actions and voice. I think that is why it all came off as well as it did. I truly don't think anyone else could have done a better job than Betty did.
Loved her in Lake Placid.
Indeed, she did an excellent job. But,the thing about Betty is that she does not seem to be acting, it's like it is a real part of her persona. It's so natural and easy that she makes the character so believable.
I'm rooting for the crocodile I hope he swallows your friends whole! You might want to arrest me for that too! Is that a crime? To wish the chewing of law enforcement?
Best line ever.
I think the more boisterous Maude overshadowed Betty preventing many from really appreciating her on Golden Girls.
They both played their parts extremely well, which contributed greatly to the success of the program.
If I had a choice, it wouldn't be just one person that I would sit with and, talk to over dinner and, an evening, it would have to be several, Barack Obama, George Clooney, Al Franken, the Dali Lama and, the brothers from Oak Island.
Tough question.
Michio Kaku or one of the other astrophysicists that knows how to talk to people who are NOT astrophysicists. May have to have a early dinner, I'd like to discuss the multi-universe, the properties (or likely theories) about the dimensions, how they're separated by "brains" (spoiler alert: it means the membrane that surround each dimension) their nature and speculations about what's on the other side and speculate how to get there AND back.
LOL I believe I'd take notes and go on a speaking tour.
If not, Stephen Hawkins, and speak of black holes, their nature, what exactly they spew out, and how a black hole dies and their evaporation rate.
The Pope would be good, see what the highest Catholic there is thinks of the world, his Religion's role, past, present, and future and what ever else that crossed his mind. I think it would be very interesting to get his opinions even more so since he isn't automatic as nasty as many of the others have been.
can we use thiopental :?)
For yourself or for your guest (no purpose in using it for both)?
Jay Leno, He likes old and odd cars and his interest in them goes more to the mechanical than the style. I'm the same way and i have a lot of interest in steam power as he does so I think we could have a enjoyable conversation over some Steak or Ribs. I have no interest in listening to a stuffed shirt and I'd want my guest to enjoy my company also and I think Jay would.
I was at Gale Banks engineering facility getting my diesel truck worked on and I was in one part of the plant that Gale Banks was displaying his diesel truck, the fastest diesel in the world, 222 MPH...I looked up when I thought that I recognized a voice and it was Jay Leno trying to buy the truck from Gale Banks....Banks told him, ''Jay, you don't have enough money to buy this truck.'' LOL...
Wow! That's fast for a diesel truck. But then, look at the Elon Musk electric semi, new technology is bringing a lot of new innovations to our world.
I have read that Jay Leno has a very large collection of cars and trucks. I can imagine he would be interested in that kind of diesel you were talking about to add to his collection. It must have been cool to see him there in person though.
Leno has an amazing collection of cars...World class.
Here is a link to just some of his close to 300 autos. He also has a huge collection of motorcycles.
Thanks for the link. I've seen pictures of some in he keeps in his home garage, but, I understand that he has more in other locations as well. I's say he has made a wise investment in them. Many of them are priceless collectors items.
Years ago i watched a show on him and he had a hanger at a small airport and he had his own staff that restored many of his projects. He was big into old steam powered cars back then and had a bunch that he had restored and he took one out for a ride, I remember him saying the steam car had about 700lbs of torque at the rear wheel which is crazy considering it had wooden spoked wheels.
The warehouse is at the Burbank Airport and there are over 200 cars and motorcycles there.
Patton tank engine - Spitfire aircraft engine - wwwwhhhhoooooaaaaaa.
Yes, and I saw a picture of him driving one of his old Model-T's. I saw one similar at the Edison and Ford winter estate museum in Naples Florida when I visited there a few years back. I think it is wonderful how he manages to keep his treasures in such great working condition. The entire estate is also covered by Banyan trees, also known as 'Waking Trees'. Here is a link to that estate.
I am surprised that Leno has not yet bought the cars and trucks kept there. But, I bet he would if he could.
I used to wonder why anyone would want to own so many old cars and such, but, I came to the conclusion that it was likely more than just a hobby or personal goal. Even today those older models are priceless, and in the future they will be even more so. A very wise investment I think.
I would have comments about that article if you post it on the Classic Cars group.
I would enjoy having lunch and conversation with Mike Rowe. He's the guy who narrates "Deadliest Catch" and did the "Dirtiest Jobs". He's also a singer and voice actor, a very personable and intelligent guy, who is somewhat conservative and talks common sense.
El Chapo Guzmán
He made John Gotti look like a choirboy.
Each year from 2009 to 2011, Forbes magazine ranked Guzmán as one of the most powerful people in the world, ranking him 41st, 60th, and 55th, respectively. He was thus the second most powerful man in Mexico, after Carlos Slim.[5][6] [7] The magazine also calls him the "biggest drug lord of all time." The U.S. federal government considers Joaquin Guzmán "The most ruthless, dangerous, and feared man on the planet"[8] and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimated he matched the influence and reach of Pablo Escobar, and considered him "the godfather of the drug world".[9] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joaqu%C3%ADn_%22El_Chapo%22_Guzmán
That's all true, but he is a nightmare.
To hear his stories of torture, mutilation, death would be more than I could handle.
Yes, I don’t idolize him or think he is a good person at all. I’d say he’s one of the worst. He would be a wealth of information on how the underworld operates and how high they reach into the Mexican government.
Oh, I know you don't.
But, can you imagine his evil hands throughout the world? And, the number of people who were tortured for him to gain his notoriety?
The Devil!
Have you read the book, ''Killing Pablo'', Dean...The story of Pablo Escobar. He killed Supreme Court Justices, no one was safe from him. Very interesting reading as his tactics were used against him by a group known as ''Los Pepe's''.
No but I saw a great series on Netflix about him. If you watch Netflix I recommend it.
I saw that series on netflix, it was excellent, Dean.
Whom do you choose, and WHY you make that choice?
The sons of bitches that stole my rowboat … back in the late '70's …
… for obvious reasons!
And dinner would be at the restaurant where Michael Corleone had dinner with Virgil Sollozzo and the police chief.
Hey mf'ers, try the veal, it's the best in the city.
Oh … I have to go to the bathroom.
LOL
Condoleezza Rice.
She likes Football too.
Saquon Barkley, because I want to talk to one of the most talented and humble athletes I have ever seen.
As for where: Hoss's Steakhouse in State College, Pa.