People That You Admire

[mariab]

Should also say all of those Americans who formed a nation more concerned with individual liberty than anything that had gone before. Good effort!

That's right. And the right to carry guns incorporated into the constitution.

[c.d.]

With a 90% interest on the loan, C.D.? ;-)

Hi Maria,

Actually the interest rates were extremely low and people were getting loans sometimes without a verification of employment or income. The mortgage companies made their money by bundling the loans and selling them to big Wall Street Companies. Therefore, they didn't really care if someone was a bad credit risk who might default because at that point they were off the hook if it happened.

c.d.

[Steadmund Brand]

Hello Maria.. the St Valentines Day Massacre was a mob hit back in 1929...7 guys gunned down probably set up by Al Capone... fun bit of American prohibition history

[mariab]

“Mortgage“ is a word that carries a lot of pain today in the US.

To Steadmund Brand:
Thank you. I've figured that much. My post #57 was a silly joke. :-)

[Tom_Wescott]

It's interesting that in spite of the large number of women contributing to the thread, very few women were named as those we admire. I'm quite surprised that Mary Magdelene wasn't named, or if she was, I missed it.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Steven Russell]

Should also say all of those Americans who formed a nation more concerned with individual liberty than anything that had gone before. Good effort!

Right on, Fleetwood. And it took them less than a hundred years to free the slaves. Sterling effort.

Steve.

[mariab]

It's interesting that in spite of the large number of women contributing to the thread, very few women were named as those we admire.

Actually, there were quite a few women named, Marie Curie and a thick bunch of athletes. Only 3 women contributed on this thread, by the way.

'm quite surprised that Mary Magdelene wasn't named, or if she was, I missed it.

Not one of your best ones, Tom.

[Steadmund Brand]

There are so many people I could list... and as time goes by I may list more... but lets start with Lenny Bruce and Harpo Marx... one was perfect in silence and one never knew when to stop talking.... many friends of mine have said they are the two sides of my personality .....not so sure thats a good thing

[Tom_Wescott]

Maria,

If you feel women have been fairly represented on the list, then I'll defer to your judgement. My comment about Mary Magdelene - arguably the most important woman in history - was not a joke. And although only 3 women have contributed, your posts alone make up 50% of the thread posts, which is actually light work for you compared to most threads you appear on.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[mariab]

Tom,
interesting your view on Mary Magdalene.
Most obviously women cannot have been equally represented on such a list, since accomplishing women were pioneers and exceptions until well after the mid 20th century mark.
I apologize for the offensive chatterfest, but I'm in severe need of mountain action and drooling like a junkie in need of his fix, hence the highjacking to mountaineering talk.
(I'm also procrastinating from work on an article, if that ain't obvious enough yet.)

[Tom_Wescott]

interesting your view on Mary Magdalene.

I know that everything in Da Vinci Code was wrong, and there's absolutely zero empirical evidence that Jesus and Mary were married, but as he is the most important and influencial person to have ever existed, Mary's place in the saga cannot be overlooked. She was his number one supporter, financial and ministerial, was the person he chose to reveal his resurrection to, making her the 'apostle to the apostle', and seems to have been instrumental in continuing his ministry. It's hard to argue she's not important when the largest organization on earth (the Catholic church) is terrified of her.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[mariab]

Tom,
not many take the Catholic church seriously, so no worries.
Tom, might I inquire if you also believe in life after death? I very firmly believe in life before death, and at times I've even found it a very pleasant experience. Also, as Monty Python once said, “It has been proved without a doubt that there is definitely death after life.“
(Please don't think that I'm attempting a joke at your Christian faith here, Tom, as I respect it truthfully.)
On another matter besides Mary Magdalene, I'm a bit mystified by your so profound admiration of KISS as musicians. My own favorite Pearl Jam could beat your favorite to shreds, easily.

[Fleetwood Mac]

Women: the French philosopher was mentioned and quite rightly too. I think Thatcher deserves a mention. Now I didn't agree with nigh on 70% of her policies but she had the vision to change a nation and the discipline to see it through. That's got to count for something - mind you, as did Hitler and Stalin so the jury's out on Maggie.

What about Florence Nightengale? You have to appreciate a woman who derives pleasure from tending to dying men, or maybe that's just me.

The Quaker woman who was a big player in banning slavery and meant England took the leading role in the developed world - we were keen on it I suppose once upon a time but that's the mark of a great nation - you begin proceedings and you end it when you're ready and allow everyone else to follow suit (that's not to make light of slavery).

Perhaps the French philosopher was right - women aspire to 'equality', which means they're not pioneers.

[Tom_Wescott]

Maria,

If I'm a Christian, doesn't it stand to reason I believe in life after death? Or did you mean something else?

On another matter besides Mary Magdalene, I'm a bit mystified by your so profound admiration of KISS as musicians. My own favorite Pearl Jam could beat your favorite to shreds, easily.

KISS are not satanists, they are Jews. As for Pearl Jam, I can guarantee you they would defend KISS against your suggestion and point out that no one has could or will ever beat KISS in the rock arena. Incidentally, my favorite Pearl Jam song is currently Elderly Woman Behind A Counter In A Small Town.

Yours truly,

Tom Wescott

[Steadmund Brand]

Kiss eh? I would have to go with Noddy Holder and Slade then, even Gene Simmons (years ago) admitted that Kiss tried to be and sound like Slade... now, Gene doesn't admit such things anymore... as, well he likes to tell people he invented everything .... not bashing him, I find it funny really... and I can't tell if he is really that.. arrogant or if it is an act.... and I say this having met the man on several occasions... (have you ever gotten the chance to Tom? being a fan I hope you would.. he is quite a nice guy, as is Paul...and so was Ace, never did meet Peter though) and I am not a fan of theirs...well, not a big fan... but nice guys.... but yeah.. I'll go Slade over Kiss anyday... and Slade isnt even in my top 10 list (well.. ok maybe they are .. but towards the bottom of the 10)