On Feb 12, 11:53*am, Tom Littleton wrote:
Now, Giles, it is only fair to request your list, with all the caveats,
as well as the clear acceptance that it would be just today's list.
Heck, one could pleasantly envision a whole series of such gatherings,
albeit imaginary. I just don't want to get stuck with the dishwashing,
and perhaps the menu could be some sort of pot-luck supper.......

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Tom

There is no "today's" list. On the days that it comes to mind the
list changes moment by moment.

Right now? Well, Twain ALWAYS looms large. T.H. Huxley would be an
interesting foil.....or goad. And if Huxley is there then
Darwin.....but no, not only too obvious, too dull. How about Billy
Graham? Yeah.....or Jim and Tammy Fay?
And then, just to keep things moving smoothly on an even keel,
Christopher Hitchens.

Menu? Tamales.....with wasabi.....and tequila shooters.

Theme? Absolutely irrelevant.

Or, how about Emmett Kelly, Red Skelton, George W. Bush, and Newt
Gingrich? Not as silly as it might appear. I've heard (and/or read)
interviews with both Kelly and Skelton. Both came across as
thoughtful and humane.

Hm.....

O.k., it's silly.

Theme? Personal integrity.

Menu? Gummi Bears and Chitos.

Marie Curie, Mother Theresa, Melissa Etheridge, Mary Shelley.

Theme? Which of you actually thinks you have something to say that
ALL of the others might possibly be interested in?

Menu? Pretty much whatever Melissa wants, I'd guess.

Mother Theresa, Joan of Arc, Mary Baker Eddy, Sojourner Truth.

Theme? Conciliation, cooperation, consensus.

Menu? You'll eat what's put in front of you!

Edward O. Wilson. Sigurd F. Olson, Snorri Sturluson, Peter
Matthiessen.

Theme? Patrimony.

Menu? Nope, not a clue on this one.

giles
who could go on for days and, needless to say, always experiences
difficulty in keeping imagination from bludgeoning insight.