When journalists get talking, inevitably they start to drop names to put a Hollywood agent or socialite to shame.From talking to mayors about their kids to Members of Parliament about hockey and party leaders about travels; from Jimmy Herman (from Dances with Wolves) about addictions, to George Stroumboulopoulos about moshing at concerts; and from Canadian astronauts, veterans and engineers to more musicians and great artists than I can keep count... I've had my share of chats with charismatic people who made for an engaging interview.
It's the sort of conversation that you just don't want it to end because it's just a completely invigorating battle of wits or enlightening and hilarious or sad stories that really challenge a writer to get it right.So when I hear of a great story, like a great man and his dog, like Roosevelt and his Scottish Terrier, Fala or Mackenzie King and his Irish Terriers, Pat and Bob. Or when I read a biography like George Carlin's outspoken critiquing and critical thinking on social issues. I think, would I love to have been able interviewing them. Not to say that normal people aren't interesting, yet a witty mind like of someone like Dr Seuss would be fun to pick through and quote.
Maybe I'll just do that from these people's speeches and letters -- could be fun. Of course, like most writers, I have a bucket list that gets longer as I try to get through it.
Here's a short list with whom I'd love to sit down if they were still around:
Albert Einstein, Nikola Tesla, Jane Goodall, and Alexander Bell -- a few of the heroes of science.
Mark Twain, Hunter S. Thompson, Margret Atwood, and Ernest Hemmingway -- writers with long conversation over drinks.
Dorothy Lange, Yousef Karsh, Ted Grant, and Henri Cartier-Bresson -- amazing photographers who I admire.
Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Roy Orbison, and Janis Joplin -- voices of a generation before my own came into existence.
Fidel Castro, William Churchill, the Dali Lama, and Mohandas Gandhi -- leaders in peace and freedom.
Mother Teresa, Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and Helen Keller -- saints of tolerance and patience.
Amelia Earhart, Charles Lindbergh, the Wright Brothers, and Alan Shepard -- flying off on adventure fearlessly.
Babe Ruth, Larry Bird, Johnny Bright (CFL running back) and Maurice Rocket Richard -- breaking sports records and striving in life.
Eleanor Roosevelt, Princess Di, Marilyn Monroe, and Audrey Hepburn -- charm and grace embodied.
Julia Child, Jamie Oliver, the Iron Chef, and Gordon Ramsey -- masters of one of my favourite subjects, cooking.
This list is hopefully not missing anyone incredible, and I know I've likely missed Olympians and other great speakers and leaders.But more so plenty of those 'ordinary' people who became heroes by their actions. Those great local people who deserve 15 minutes of fame.
One great source of those stories are indie magazines and weekly newspapers. Those people were the most fun and rewarding to talk with like this young teacher who was awarded a top honour for making a difference in her class and caring about her kids.
Or this guy who had hunted down a speedy, shy and elusive jackalope. Sadly I was unable to have enough room in the newspaper layout to print this photo. So as usual, it was the tall tale that got away. The guy was really neat to talk with about hunting and the camaraderie out in the woods.
It's just as hard to get those shy people to open up, but once they do, it's awesome.
The real question is who do we miss hearing the real story from? Those who are those unsung heroes from all walks of life; those who are old and feel they are forgotten; those who are the local wise-crack or just plain wise; those who do all kinds of amazing things and are humble in their talents or contributions.
Take some time to listen, for those who need to tell their story too.
