Mike O Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I've always been intrigued about having the opportunity to have a one-on-one discussion with an individual that was a signficant historical figure (Jimmie Doolittle, Martin Luther King, Caesar, etc.) Someone I could soak in the historical significance of their contribution to history (good or bad) with no inhibitions on their part or my questions to them. As a formally trained engineer, I naturally gravitate towards to the 'Captains of Industry' but also think about those individuals that had an impact on our sociological fabric. I'd be eager to spend a few hours with: - Henry Ford - Dalai Lama I've had the opportunity to visit the Ford Museum in Dearborn Mich. and was fascinated by Henry Ford and his relationship with Thomas Edison. I was also lucky to have heard the Dalia Lama speak at my Alma Mater. However, these events pale in comparison to spending one on one real time just chatting with these individuals. Who would you like to share a coffee or toss back tall cold one with? Past or present? Regards, Mike O Link to comment
Dave McReynolds Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 fascinated by Henry Ford and his relationship with Thomas Edison I was fascinated by the play "Camping with Henry and Tom," by St. Germain, and that Warren Harding accompanied the boys on one of their annual camping trips. I would like to have a coffee/beer (for a start) with Amelia Earhart. She strikes me as the kind of person I would like to be, had I been born a woman. Link to comment
Highway41 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 George Will. He is alive so the conversation would be two way. Link to comment
Fubar Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I've had the opportunity to visit the Ford Museum in Dearborn Mich. and was fascinated by Henry Ford and his relationship with Thomas Edison. Who would you like to share a coffee or toss back tall cold one with? Been to the Henry Ford museum and Edison's winter home just south of here. Both good choices. Teddy Roosevelt comes to mind as does Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and Abe Lincoln. Albert Einstein, Galileo and Newton, too. But honestly, I would have to go with my dad. He died when I was 6 so I really never got to know him at all. He had a Norton in the sixties and loved cartoons as much as me. Beyond that.... Link to comment
Paul Mihalka Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 For a serious conversation I would love to sit down with Bob Lutz. From the past it would be Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Mercedes engineer of legends. Besides being a engineer, when a race driver complained about something, Uhlenhaut got in the car on the track and beat the racer's times. For a beer I would love to sit down with Sarah Palin. That should be fun... Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Scientists: Carl Sagan Richard Feynman I'll think of some other historic folks, but those two for starters. Link to comment
Twisties Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jesus. As most know, I am not religious. But there is a person who has likely had more influence on my life circumstances than anyone else in history. I'd be interested to see what he was like. Link to comment
Dave McReynolds Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jesus. As most know, I am not religious. But there is a person who has likely had more influence on my life circumstances than anyone else in history. I'd be interested to see what he was like. Who knows Jan, you might get your wish (I don't know about the coffee and beer, though). Link to comment
Shaman97 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jesus. As most know, I am not religious. But there is a person who has likely had more influence on my life circumstances than anyone else in history. I'd be interested to see what he was like. Who knows Jan, you might get your wish (I don't know about the coffee and beer, though). No kidding: Judgment Day cometh ... May 21 Link to comment
JOHNNYWISHBONE Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 i'd like to talk to and have a shot and a beer with the guy that sold BMW on that ridiculous side opening lid dea for the saddlebags. Link to comment
Bud Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 My great grandparents on both sides. Link to comment
yabadabapal Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Einstein. Dear Albert, help, I dont understand anything. Link to comment
Bob Palin Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jesus. As most know, I am not religious. But there is a person who has likely had more influence on my life circumstances than anyone else in history. I'd be interested to see what he was like. I was thinking exactly the same thing. Link to comment
KTM Doug Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 My Dad, who passed away in '98 Link to comment
upflying Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and Chuck Yeager. That should cover my three interests, film, politics and flying. I wouldn't pass up a day with Jay Leno either. Link to comment
Whip Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Friedrich August von Hayek Lee Harvey Oswald James Madison Babe Ruth David Wenner..(Father in-law) James Kachadou Kachadourian..(Grandfather) I really don't wanna bother with anyone above room temp. L Link to comment
Ohio48 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jennifer Aniston. Beer, coffe, water, what ever she would like to drink. Link to comment
Kitsap Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 A little closer to home.. I had a grandfather that died when I was eight. Even at that age I could tell he was a real character but I was too young to hang with him and his buddies. He smoked a pipe, drove an old MG with wire wheels and golfed with a whiskey flask. He always had a shine in his eyes for me no matter what I did, I would love to buy him a pint and walk the links together. Link to comment
1MPH Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Hannibal Leonardo da Vinci Marco Polo Ernest Shackleton Link to comment
bayoubengal Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Several: My Father - who fortunately I get to visit with on a daily basis. My parents live in my guest house. He's awesome. And I am grateful. Neil Armstrong - if he'd talk. He's pretty private. Wright brothers. Any of America's Founding Fathers. Ronald Reagan. But if I only get one - Jesus. Link to comment
Joe Frickin' Friday Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Ernest Shackleton Thanks for mentioning that one. For anyone who hasn't heard of Sir Ernest Shackleton, this is a guy who attempted to lead a trans-antarctic expedition in the early 1900's. Their ship got caught in the ice and slowly crushed, giving them time to move all of their supplies and equipment out onto the ice, where they survived for nearly two years before being rescued, without losing a single one of the 28 men. The real events are far, far more dramatic than what I'm describing here, and if Hollywood came up with a similar storyline you'd roll your eyes and think "this is the stupidest thing I've ever seen." But these guys did it, and Shackleton smartly led them all through it. I highly recommend this book, which recounts the entire voyage in great detail, reconstructed from the diaries of many of the men on that voyage. My dad read that book many years ago, and I read it soon after. It made such an impression on my dad that soon after my parents retired, they travelled to Antarctica, and one of their stops on the way was to visit Shacketon's grave on South Georgia island. After your post, I'd have to say yeah, Shackleton's on my list, and if you asked my dad who he'd like to have a beer with, I'd bet Shackleton will be on his list, too. Link to comment
4wheeldog Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I am going with Nikola Tesla. The man was too brilliant to be recognised properly in his day, was not motivated by filthy lucer, and was crazy like a fox. It would be fascinating to hear his take on modern technology. Link to comment
Jake Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 Jesus. I was thinking exactly the same thing. This makes me recall one of my favorite old Martin Mull song-bits. My answer is that I'd rather have a beer with God! Martin Mull - I Don't Want To Be Jesus I don't want to be Jesus, I'm allergic to the cross and I don't want to be Moses, and be concerned with what things cost I don't want to be Buddha, and have to sit with my legs crossed I want to be God. That's what I want to be Make me the Lord 'cause I'm so bored with mere mortality It's not enough for me I want to make it thunder, I want to shake my lightning rod Ooh, how I want to be God... how I want to be God I don't want to be Carson or Dinah, Mike, or Merv or Ilie Nastase, I wasn't put on Earth to serve I don't want to be pushy, but I want what I deserve I want to be God Oh, my God that's what I want to be Make me the Lord 'cause I'm so bored with mere mortality It's not enough for me I want to make it thunder I want to shake my lightning rod Yes - ooh, how I want to be God I don't want to be Jesus How I want to be good Good God Link to comment
VinnyR11 Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 In addition to my mom and dad I'd choose Richard Feynman, Lewis and Clark, and Leonardo daVinci. I was trying to figure out if there was a theme that ties them, and I think they all have an abundant curiosity and the abilities and desire to chase it. Link to comment
moshe_levy Posted February 24, 2011 Share Posted February 24, 2011 I've got a few, in no particular order: Ayn Rand (one of the best authors ever) Larry David (with whom I would discuss Jesus) Sitting Bull (I'd need a translator, but that is a man with a story to tell) John Bonham & Nicko McBrain (my two favorite British drummers) Newt Gingrich (circa 1994 - the new 2.0 version isn't for me) -MKL Link to comment
REVz Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Marcel Marceau, so I could drink my beer in peace REVz Link to comment
Ron_B Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Marcel Marceau, so I could drink my beer in peace REVz Link to comment
1MPH Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Ernest Shackleton [/url Their ocean voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia,to me, was spellbinding. Link to comment
Bullett Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 My Momma, but I have to be careful 'cause she might steal my beer. And Willie Nelson, 'cause we both like his music. Link to comment
Bob Palin Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Ayn Rand (one of the best worst authors ever) Fixed it for you Link to comment
Shaman97 Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 My dad, who spent most of my life in VA Hospitals. He died when I was 7. Theodore Roosevelt - the man had plenty of what more of our pols could use - Balls, vision and a plan to accomplish what he set out to do. John Lennon, but leave Yoko home. Sir Isaac Newton Link to comment
Lineareagle Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Galileo but I wouldn't want to talk to him I would just like to hand him a modern telescope and some pics from Hubble and watch his expression. As far as Jesus, I do not believe he had the impact he wanted to have so this might be a bit of a tragic conversation. Link to comment
Bob Palin Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 As far as Jesus, I do not believe he had the impact he wanted to have so this might be a bit of a tragic conversation. There's no way to know but I think you're probably right and that is what would make it interesting. Link to comment
Dave McReynolds Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 As far as Jesus, I do not believe he had the impact he wanted to have so this might be a bit of a tragic conversation. There's no way to know but I think you're probably right and that is what would make it interesting. I can understand why you would say that, from a secular standpoint, since the impact of Christianity has been limited, and often considerably distorted from his original ideas. From a religious standpoint, of course, he had exactly the impact he wanted to have. All depends on your point of view (I'm not a Christian, but I think I can understand both points of view). Link to comment
tallman Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Satan Nostradamus Mary Magdalene Link to comment
moshe_levy Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 Ayn Rand (one of the best worst authors ever) Fixed it for you C'mon Bob, agree with her or not, she is one of the best writers of the 20th Century, and in a language that was not even her native tongue. Her ideas and her writing are two separate things. -MKL Link to comment
Antimatter Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 J.R.R. Tolkien C.S. Lewis Oscar Wilde I'm always kind of afraid to meet the authors of works I enjoy - they often turn out to be prickly individuals and the distaste I feel after meeting them colors my ability to enjoy their works. I guess in the end I'd prefer to have a beer with my friends, and a glass of scotch with a good book and some tunes on the stereo. Link to comment
hANNAbONE Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 yOU...mIKE O...you wild animal.! Link to comment
Mike O Posted February 26, 2011 Author Share Posted February 26, 2011 yOU...mIKE O...you wild animal.! .... Any time 'Bone I find these responses fascinating. Some I had on my list (John Lennon) others I'd not heard of before (Ernest Shackleton - just downloaded that to my Kindle).... Mike O Link to comment
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