Famous people I want to take fishing
(not in any order)
- Bill Cosby. You made the list because of your belief in the family. I appreciate the outlook and hope that other prominent folk join your cause. I still have "Why is there Air?" on record.
- Troy Brown. Wide Receiver. Cornerback. Special Teams. And you're smaller than I am. In a game dominated by people who won the gene pool lottery, you are winning with determination. And you're not afraid to wear the Gilligan/Jimmy Walker hat.
- Alex Rodriguez. As long as he doesn't try to knock the fish off of anyone else's line while fishing. Man, what a Red Sox season in 2004. Finally dumped his agent in 2007.
- Tim Wakefield. I know he fishes and am happy he's still a Sox. He'll retire someday and be able to fish with us!
- Garrison Keillor. I hope he lives to be 300. If he does, there still won't be anyone to replace his storytelling. My wife can't stand listening to him, but to me he paints a picture over the radio that can't be told or shown on TV. Watching his movie, either it was the most difficult thing he's ever had to do or it was no more difficult than waking up. I'm not sure. Strange mix. Prairie Home Companion Website
- Justin Wilson. I gawahntee he has a good time. He got me into cooking years ago. Thanks for making it fun.
- Professor Joseph Nye, Harvard Univ. He gave the best lecture I still remember. He messed with the politically naïve freshmen minds by arguing the politically popular line and got everyone all in agreement, then quietly and secretly changed his tune and argued the other side of the matter even more convincingly until everyone sided with him again. Damn stupid freshmen.
- Professor Philip Stone, Harvard Univ. I get the feeling that the Univ. didn't like you much, but you got me to THINK PRACTICALLY. That must be why. Break down a problem into it's smallest parts and then put it back together better.
- Rachel Ray. That's fun cooking with a good family-based attitude. And all in ½ hour.
- Jim Belushi. Ok, it's not striper fishing off of the Vineyard, but it's exciting.
- Chuck Yeager. First man to break the sound barrier. That's courage. Although then only a movie, "The Right Stuff" gave him a great profile, I think.
- Col. Joe Kittinger, Jr. He jumped out of a balloon from 102,800 feet while serving with the Air Force at Holloman AFB in New Mexico, knowing full well he was having an equipment malfunction. He jumped anyways because he knew it would be his last chance. Then he flew 483 missions during the Vietnam War, before being held POW for 11 months. If you're up for fishing, the trip is on me.
- Tom Brady. You're one cool character. My wife wants on that trip.
- Ted Johnson. I saw you eating at your dad's restaurant before the Super Bowl - we fish here for food one can eat and I know the effort won't go unappreciated. Plus, I want to see someone as strong as him struggle reeling in a big fish so I don't feel so bad when it happens to me.
- Catherine Reynolds. Mrs. Reynolds, we won't split this trip with the folk at the Smithsonian. Good for you. By the way, you had invited my friend and godfather to my son (an MD/PHD from Vanderbilt) to your Academy of Achievement in Washington, DC last year and he spoke very, very highly of you and wanted to once again thank you.
- The Rock, Dwayne Johnson. I'm not a fan of WWE, but everyone should have your confidence. Singing on SNL? Fantastic.
- Ron Popeil. He's the world's best salesman and innovator. I still have a pocket fisherman and will gladly take it fishing with me if he can make it up.
- Jerry McKinnis. His TV program, The Fishin' Hole, opened the world of fishing to me many, many years ago. What a great attitude he has.
- Jimmy Buffet. Speaking of great attitudes, he will be providing much of the music on the trip. Not for me, but for the passengers, I'm even considering a portable blender in his honor. Who says you need changes in latitude to have a good time.
- Art Donovan. I know he's getting up there in age, but I've seen interviews with him and he's one of the funniest people I've seen.
- Stan Jonathan and John Wensink. I played hockey from age 3 right on through college. I grew up watching these guys play for the Bruins. I think that they'd like fishing. I heard once that Stan Jonathan played a whole game in work boots, but I think that was just a rumor.
- Ted Nugent. His attitude of "you can't grill it until you kill it" would work on my boat. But, I have the feeling that all fish not destined for the dinner plate would be released unharmed and with due respect. This is important for me.
- William "The Fridge" Perry. Here's a guy who went from being a monster Chicago Bear to becoming a bricklayer. I don't know if he did it for the money or if he just liked building things, but that's a great transition. I saw him fishing on TV before; it's obvious that he likes to eat, and I think he'd be a good passenger. Just leave the William "The Fridge" Perry collectible memorabilia and website behind!
- Jeff Carlson, Steve Carlson, and Dave Hanson. Yep. As a hockey fan, what dream fishing
trip could be complete without the Hanson Brothers? Hanson Brothers Website! Now, from personal experience,
I know that these guys would be a blast on the boat and we hope to get them onboard soon. I met them at a charity
function in February, 2007 at the Venezia in Quincy. Acting as the "Hanson Brothers", from Slap Shot, they have helped raise over $12 million for charities.
- Fox 25 Morning News Staff. This would be a very enjoyable trip as this crew has such a good rapport with each other. They make news fun. Gene, back in your TV 38 days (in 1992), you did a hockey segment on "The Other Guy". Why not go fishing with him now?
- Matt Groening. I'd like to meet you someday to see how you come up with 20+ years of Simpsons episodes.
- Bruce Campbell. He's an icon. "If Chins Could Kill. Confessions of a B-Movie Actor." Great book. I didn't know you took such a bath following up Evil Dead II. Best of luck with acting and producing. Have fun.
- John and Joan Cusack. Great movies for my generation. Very memorable. Gross Pointe Blank. Fantastic movie and cast. I had my "son staring back at me" moment during his Baptism that seemed to last forever. Kids. It's the answer to the big life question "Why?" You can bring Jeremy Piven if you like.
- Howie Carr. Let's vent about what is wrong with our nation. Is it everyone else who is so wrong? I think so!
- Julia Roberts. I saw her in a couple of documentaries and it showed me that she's not just a pretty face, she's down to earth and looks like she really cares. Anyone that could spend that much time living with nomads in Mongolia or living with orphaned orangutans in the forest is ok with me.
