Friday, July 09, 2021

Dinner Guests

What three people from history would you invite to dinner? Jesus is an obvious choice. Probably Abe Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson over George Washington. Jimmy Carter or Bill Clinton could discuss a multitude of subjects, including sports. I considered Princess Diana. Great storytellers Red Barber and Vin Scully. Would be interesting to drive Abe Lincoln around, showing him modern technology, explaining what a mess the world has become. Some people I wouldn’t pick, based on the books I’ve read about them.   

Shaq would be good too. At lunch today, the Duluth Diner had a framed photo from when Shaq had visited. Charles Barkley might be good as well. My other friend Reid works down at Turner. A few years ago he took his sons down to watch the NBA on TNT broadcast. One son was wearing an Auburn shirt, so Barkley called him over and talked to him, saying he’s pay for his college education.

What three people would you want to round out your golf foursome? Bobby Jones. Smoltz would be too competitive, Glavine too stoic, Maddux too bawdy. Peyton Manning would be fun. Tom Brady is starting to open up in his old age. Not really sure about Tiger or Michael Jordan. Better to pick Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, or Phil Mickleson.  

Who would you want to sit next to on an airplane? An actor or actress would be charming, though they may be too full of themselves. David Letterman may not be as talkative as Jay Leno. Would Steve Martin or Jerry Seinfeld be good company? Martin Short might be more fun. Would be good to get to know Andy Stanley, Kirby Smart, or Nick Saban. Seems like I’m more interested in the living than the dead.

Reminds me of my favorite Leno stories. Jay had his parents come out to Hollywood, and they were on an elevator when the rock musician Sting got on. Jay was excited to introduce his parents to a celebrity. “Hey Sting, these are my parents. Mom, dad, this is, uh…Sting.” Jay’s dad barked “Who? Stingman? What kinda name is that?”

Goodness. I’ve been telling that story for almost 35 years.

Thursday: worked past 5:30. Had to stop for gas on the way home yesterday, so I got my free soft drink at RaceTrac – diet Mtn Dew. My first soft drink in I don’t know when. Shouldn’t have. Couldn’t sleep.

Ceil cooked a chicken & squash parmesan, and tossed a salad. Watch a Seinfeld, when George got hired because they thought he was handicapped. Kramer got an intern assistant from NYU.  

Lunch today at the Duluth Diner. I ordered a huge Cobb Salad with grilled chicken.  To celebrate the record month we had to get dessert. The cakes there are huge. I brought back a piece of cheesecake. They threw in a piece of baclava on the house. I think I’ll save mine until Monday.

Our region set a sales record in May. Then in June we blew away that record, selling 20% more.

Dinner Saturday night with my small group and wives. Leader John has recovered from Covid, but he’s still having  problems with his ear.

KURT SUZUKI  [B-R Bio] a one-time All-Star, on the 2014 AL AS team. Suzuki was born and raised in Hawaii. When the 2019 WSN visited the White House after winning the World Series, Suzuki quickly put on a red “Make America Great Again” cap and was hugged awkwardly from behind by Donald Trump. His defense and hitting were key in helping WSN to the top in 2019. Was also the main catcher on the 2004 NCAA College World Series champions, Cal State Fullerton. He was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Brooks Wallace Award which has been given annually since 2004. Until 2008 it was presented to the nation's most outstanding player. In 2009 the recipient list was changed to include only shortstops.  It is named after former Texas Tech SS & assistant coach Brooks Wallace, who died of cancer in 1985 at the age of 27. 

W&MC and T&H liking the sno-cones.

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