Table Talk
To what group or groups do you belong? What do you call yourselves? Why?
A group of leopards is called a "leap." Dolphins join together in a "pod." Cats form a "clowder," foxes form a "skulk," moles make a "labor," crows form a "murder," and rhinoceroses form a "crash."
If you could establish a prize in your name, for what would it be awarded?
After experimenting with explosives for many years, Alfred Nobel invented dynamite in 1866. Nobel's invention earned him a lot of bang for his buck. In his will, he established a trust fund to award the annual Nobel prizes in the fields of chemistry, medicine, literature, physics, economics and peace.
If you had to select this year's "Person of the Year," what or whom would you choose?
After his solo crossing at the Atlantic in 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh became an international hero. As a result, he was named Time magazine's first "Man of the Year." Others given that title include Mahatma Gandhi, Franklin Roosevelt (twice), Bill Gates, the Earth, and even the computer!
If you could bring one famous person back to life, who would it be? Why?
Although he died more than 30 years ago, rock 'n' roll king Elvis Presley still reigns. Auctions of his memorabilia have included his soap, pajamas, parking tickets and American Express card. On average, there is one sighting of Elvis Presley every day, and about four calls come to Graceland daily, asking to speak to him.
What are some things that are difficult for you to do with your non-writing/dominant hand?
Although some animals prefer one paw over the other, only humans typically prefer the right hand. About 10% of the population is left-handed. Famous lefties include Leonardo da Vinci, George H.W. Bush, Jerry Seinfeld, Oprah Winfrey, Babe Ruth, Julia Roberts, Billy the Kid and Paul McCartney.
What do you currently collect? What have you collected in the past? If you could collect anything, what would it be?
An archtophilist collects teddy bears. A brandophilist acquires cigar bands. Recipes are collectibles for receptarists. Conchologists search for shells, phonophiles keep an ear out for phonograph records, and deltiologists collect postcards.
How would you like to earn your 15 minutes of fame?
Andy Warhol was an American painter, film director and publisher who led a movement called Pop Art. Warhol's art was based on images from popular culture, like Campbell's soup cans and celebrities like Marilyn Monroe. He once said, "The day will come when everyone will be famous for 15 minutes."
What are some of your favorite games?
Backgammon, one of the oldest known games in history, was played an ancient Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome, and Persia. Versions of checkers dating back to 3000 BC were found in the Middle East. The modern form, using a chessboard, was first played in France around 1100.
What is the most unusual pet you have ever had?
Birds and crickets are kept as pets in Japan. The Inuit people of northern Canada taking in bear cubs and seal pups. Abraham Lincoln tamed a pet turkey named Jack. The Roman emperor Nero had a tiger he called Phoebe. Calvin Coolidge domesticated a donkey named Ebeneezer.
Where have you seen the prettiest butterflies? What did they look like?
Butterflies taste with sensors on their feet and eat through a tiny straw-like proboscis on their head. Butterflies range in size from 1/8 inch to 12 inches, and fly up to 12 miles an hour. Monarch butterflies migrate a distance of 2000 miles. Butterflies cannot fly if they are cold.
Where is your favorite place to think?
Called the father of modern philosophy, Frenchman Renee Descartes was a 17th-century thinker, mathematician and scientist. In 1620, Descartes came up with his most famous statement: "I think, therefore I am." This thought occurred to him as he warmed himself by stove while serving in the military in Germany.
What is the most unusual food you have ever eaten?
Captain James Cook's voyages to the South Pacific led him to discover the Hawaiian Islands in 1778, which he named the Sandwich Islands. His voyages were also remarkable because the crew remained in good health. Cook's insistence on proper diet greatly reduce the cases of scurvy onboard his ship, the Endeavor. One of Cook's favorite dishes was parrot pie.
When have you ever proved your critics wrong?
Composer Ludwig von Beethoven was called "hopeless" by his music teacher. Elvis Presley failed the audition for a TV talent show. Walt Disney, fired from a newspaper, was told he had "no good ideas."
What was something that made you laugh so hard you cried?
Humans are the only animals that cry. Tears flow from glands under the island through many tiny tear ducts, being released as the muscles in the eyelid tense up, a sad story is called a "tearjerker" because it makes us cry. Sometimes a funny or joyful situation can also make us cry.
If you could name a hurricane after someone, what would you call it?
Hurricanes were originally given names by Australian weatherman Clement "Wet" Wragge, who named them after people he disliked. During World War II, the US Army continued naming storms, usually after wives and girlfriends. Today the world meteorological organization votes on an alphabetical list of alternating male and female names.
If you could "right a wrong" from history, what would you do?
I Mount Rushmore national Memorial Park in South Dakota was completed in 1941. It was meant to honor for US presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. To some, it is hailed as the "shrine of democracy." To Native Americans, however, it is typically considered a shrine of illegal occupation.
If you started your own business, what would it be?
In 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton developed a medicinal drink from a carbonated water and extracts of kola nuts and coca leaves, which he called Coca-Cola. The Shell Oil Company began as a novelty store that sold seashells. More than 600,000 new businesses are started every year.
What is the most unusual fashion craze you have ever tried?
In 18th century Europe, women had hairdos that were sometimes over 4 feet high, often dusted with flour and decorated with plums, curls, stuffed birds, artificial fruits, and flowers. The women who wore them had to sleep wearing wire caps to keep rats out.
If you could ask every citizen three questions, what would you ask?
In 1936, a poll conducted by the Literary Digest incorrectly predicted that Republican Alf Landon would win the presidential election. Statistician George H. Gallup improved the methods used to take such polls. He founded the Gallup Poll, which gathers public opinions on politics, religion and values.
If you could be empowered with one superhuman ability, what ability would you choose? Why?
In 1938, Action Comics introduced Superman, the first superhero. He had x-ray vision, superhuman strength and the ability to fly. Superman #75, the comic book issue in which the villain Doomsday kills Superman, has sold more than 6 million copies since its 1992 publication.
What other simple inventions became big fads?
In 1958, Richard Knerr and Arthur Melin of the Wham-O Toy Company were inspired by Australian kids who exercised with bamboo hoops in gym class. The manufactured plastic version and advertised it to American kids for swinging around the hips, arms and neck. Their hula hoop became a huge fad, selling 25 million in the first four months.
What teacher had the greatest impact on you? Why?
In 1998, the US had more than 52 million students in public and private schools, with about 3 million teachers to instruct them. It is estimated that the average high school teacher educates more than 10,000 students during his or her career.
If you could change your surname to reflect your job, looks or ancestors, to what would you change it?
Last names, or surnames, or once used to describe the bearers occupation, appearance or ancestry. "Long" was the name given to a tall person. "Harrison" was the son of Henry. "Smith" was the surname for a metal worker, and is the most common surname in the US and Britain.
What kind of machines would you like to invent or redesign?
Most people know Leonardo da Vinci as a masterful painter, but he is also considered a genius for his many inventions including the bicycle, scissors, extended ladders, ball bearings, and the parachute. He also designed Bridges, submarines, and flying machines.
If you could require everyone to read just one book, what would it be?
Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau once said his favorite book was People by Peter Spier. Whoopi Goldberg claims Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird as hers. For advice columnist Ann Landers, it's The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Oprah Winfrey's all-time favorite book is The Hobbit by Tolkien.
What is your most unusual fear?
Ombrophobia is the fear of rain. Pogonoophobia is being frightened of beards. Worms scare helminthophobics. For those with spectrophobia, ghosts are especially scary. School strikes fear in the hearts of those with Scholionophobia. Blennophobia is the fear of slime.
Where do you usually get your news?
One of the worlds first newspapers was Acta Diurna (Daly Acts), published in ancient Rome around 59 B.C. In renaissance Europe handwritten private newsletters passed along information about business, wars and even gossip. Today, many people get news from TV and the Internet, as well as newspapers.
If you could make a new law or eliminate an existing law, what would you do?
People are not permitted to roller skate on the streets of Quincy, Massachusetts. In Hanford, California, it's illegal to stop children from jumping over puddles. It's unlawful for people and Gary, Indiana, to go to the theater after eating garlic.
Is there any record that you think will never be broken? Why?
People once believed that it was impossible to run a mile in less than four minutes. Yet in 1954, English medical student Roger Bannister ran a mile in three minutes, 59 seconds. The fastest mile recorded today is Moroccan Hicham El Guerrouj, who ran the mile in three minutes, 43 seconds in 1999.
If you could name one dish as your country's official food, what would it be?
Pizza is the worlds most popular fast food. The average pizza eater consumes about 60 slices every year. The favorite topping is pepperoni; the least favorite is anchovy.
What is the most adventurous ride you have ever taken?
Roller coaster fans have had their ups and downs since 1870, when an abandoned mine train in Pennsylvania was used to carry thrill-seeking passengers down a mountain. Today coasters are even more daring, with speeds up to 120 mph and drops of 400 feet or more.
What is the best birthday celebration you have ever had?
Singer Rudy Vallee got a melodious gift on his birthday in 1933 - he received the first singing telegram ever delivered. Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Harland Sanders had a record-breaking birthday when he turned 89. The colonel's party in Louisville, Kentucky, attracted 35,000 well-wishers.
If you were eighth friend, what would you be called?
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) was Walt Disney's first full length cartoon. In this tale, a beautiful maiden escapes into the woods and it's taken in by colorful group of small men. The dwarfs' names - Doc, Dopey, Sleepy, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy and Happy - reflect their demeanors.
If you had to wear the same color for a year, what color would you choose and why?
Studies have supported the common observation that different colors suggest different moods. Red is usually rated as exciting, blue as serene, yellow as attention-getting, green as positive and black as powerful.
If you wrote a plot for a soap opera, what would happen to the characters?
TV drama with an ongoing story shown in regular installments is called a "soap opera." This is because the first American programs, broadcast in the 1950s, were sponsored by soap powder companies. The Guiding Light, which premiered in 1952, is the longest running soap opera on record.
If Rip Van Winkle awoke from his 20-year nap today, what changes would he notice?
The 19th-century writer Washington Irving was the first American author to achieve international fame. His Sketch Book contains the tale of Rip Van Winkle, who falls asleep for 20 years. When he awakens, Rip notices that the portrait at the local Inn has changed from that of King George III to George Washington.
Do you usually feel nervous or excited when you're first at something?
The Declaration of Independence proclaims America's freedom from British rule. Although adopted on July 4, 1776, it wasn't signed until August 2. The first signature was John Hancock's. He wrote his name especially large so King George III, who had poor vision, could read it without using his spectacles.
If you could record a scene from any time in your life to watch over again, what would that scene be?
The Digital Video Disk (DVD), introduced in 1995, set a new industry standard. Now, the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) allows viewers to not only record TV shows, but also pause and fast-forward while watching.
Which celebrities would you select to receive a star? Whose star would you most like to see?
The Hollywood Walk of Fame was started in 1960 with over 1500 stars dedicated to past Hollywood greats. New stars are added each year for celebrities in the five fields represented by the five points of the star: cinema, stage, radio, television, and music.
What would be the best job for you?
The Jobs Rated Almanac ranked Website manager as the best career, followed by the job of actuary - the person who calculates risk for an insurance company. Other top jobs are software engineer, mathematician, and computer programmer. Lumberjack, dancer, construction worker and cowboy were ranked among the worst.
If you could solve any great mystery, which one would you solve and why?
The Loch Ness monster is a sea creature believe to live in the deep, dark waters of Loch Ness in Scotland. The Bermuda Triangle is an area in the Atlantic Ocean where a number of ships and planes have vanished. Atlantis is a lost city described in Greek mythology.
If you made a list of the seven wonders of today's world, what would go on your list?
The Seven Wonders of the World were works of art and architecture that the ancient Greeks and Romans believed were the most extraordinary structures of their time. Of the seven creations, only the oldest one - the pyramids of Egypt - are still standing today.
What is your favorite parade? Which part of it do you like the most?
The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in America dates back to 1761 when the parade was held in Boston. The following year the tradition began in New York City, where it is now the largest parade. The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, started in 1927, featured live zoo animals.
What name would you give a new car? Do you know any cars with nicknames?
The first mass-produce par was the Oldsmobile, named for creator Ransom Eli Olds. When Hitler ordered the Ferdinand Porsche to make a "peoples car" in 1936, the result was the bug-like Beetle. Today carmakers choose names that convey a certain mood or quality, like Voyager, Cherokee or Grand Marquis.
How do you think the world would be impacted if you live to be 100 years old?
The longest documented lifespan of a person was Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122.5. The French woman had met Vincent van Gogh at age 14. She surpassed the record previously held by a Japanese man who lived to the age of 120. Three people are known to have lived to 115.
Who is the most unusual member of your family? Why?
The watermelon is part of the berry family. Onions, chives, garlic and leaks are all members of the lily family. Cherries, peaches, nectarines and almonds all belong to the plum family.
What can you do in a single second? What do you wish you could do faster?
Thunder travels a mile in about one second. A hummingbird beats its wings 70 times in about one second. The cheetah can run 70 miles an hour, which is more than 100 ft./s. Figure skaters can spin as fast as five revolutions per second.
What is your favorite hobby? What hobby would you like to try next?
When he wasn't busy psychoanalyzing patience, Sigmund Freud enjoyed collecting mushrooms. Rocker Rod Stewart builds elaborate model trains. Actors Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, and Justin Timberlake all enjoy playing basketball. Jessica Alba and Mary-Kate Olson practice yoga.
Considering your abilities, how could you get into The Guinness Book of Records?
While hunting with friends, Sir Hugh Beaver wondered which game bird was fastest. No one knew, so Beaver asked London statisticians to compile a book of such records. The result was The Guinness Book of Records, first published in 1955. Today it includes records for feats like pogo-stick jumping (177,737 jumps).
How would your life be different if you didn't have to sleep?
With the possible exception of the spiny anteater, all mammals sleep. The average human infant sleeps 16 to 18 hours per day. The average adult sleeps 7 to 8 hours per day, or about 1/3 of every day.
With whom would you like to make up and " bury the hatchet?"
Years ago, Native Americans would bury their weapons after a battle to show they had made peace with their enemies. Today the phrase "bury the hatchet" means to make up after a disagreement.