Rick is a bit of a new follow for me, since I have become most acquainted of him through his very witty Twitter banter, far before I rolled over to check out his website (yes, I know, my fault entirely).
He is doing the Mongol Rally this summer with Sherry Ott of Ottsworld and Dave and Deb of thePlanetD, created the very popular #NUTS chat on Twitter every Tuesday afternoon, blogs, does videos… pretty much I just want 25% of his energy and drive and I will start my plan to conquer the world.
So go check out his website with its many and varied components, Midlife Road Trip and follow him on Twitter and enjoy his really humorous answers to the Lucky 13 — reading tip for you… try reading aloud with a Southern accent to get in the proper mood:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VH4nVMJEopU
1. Best movie that no one has heard of?
Most younger people probably haven’t heard of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”. It’s a brilliant comedy with an all-star ensemble cast. I credit it with instilling in me that the journey is part of the adventure.
2. What is a game that entertains you for hours on end?
I used to be a bit of a chess geek, but since I got an iPad, I’ve become a Scrabble nerd. It’s become somewhat addictive. In fact, I’m getting to where I can’t go to the restroom without it. I tend to play until my legs fall asleep.
3. If you could only drink one alcoholic drink from now on, what would it be?
I’m a red wine guy so I’m gonna say pinot noir – preferably form Oregon.
Dickens writing his Tweet comeback to Rick
4. Who is the most overrated writer you can think of?
I am. My fourth grade teacher said that I was destined to be a famous writer. I’ve yet to live up to the hype. Other than me, I’d have to say Charles Dickens. Don’t get me wrong, I love his stuff, but he was rather verbose. He’d have never made it on Twitter.
5. What is your favorite foreign curse?
“May the fleas of 1000 camels infest you crotch and may your arms be too short to scratch.” I’m not sure of its origin, but seeing as there aren’t that many camels in the USA, I figure it’s gotta be a foreign curse.
6. What do you miss most from high school?
Getting into mischief with friends after football games on Friday nights.
nice 70s porn mustache
7. Who plays you in the movie about your life?
Jeff Foxworthy – he’s already got a southern accent.
8. Tell us something interesting about one of your ancestors (older than parents).
My great uncle, Ben Baswell, played on the offensive line next to Paul “Bear” Bryant on the University of Alabama’s 1934 national championship team. He used to tell us that had to tell Bryant who to block on each play and he was basically responsible for teaching Bryant football.
9. What is your favorite sporting event?
I love college football. I’ve been an University of Alabama season ticket holder since 1992.
"Winning!"... the stuff that keeps you going...
10. What celebrity would you most want to slap or berate in public?
The answer to that question probably changes daily, but right now it would have to be Charlie Sheen. Tiger blood or not, that dude is on the fast track to disaster – such a waste.
11. Where was the largest dinner tab you were ever a party to?
Excluding wedding parties and press trips where the tab has run into the thousands, I’d have to say the $643 tab I had to pick up for my daughter and a “couple of her” of her sorority sisters at a Mexican restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We told her that she could invite a couple of friends but more and more girls kept showing up. The new arrivals would only nibble on the free chips and salsa so my wife and I kept telling them that they could order something… and they did – ouch!
12. What is your favorite room in your house and why?
I’d have to say my production studio because that’s where I feel most creative. (…and that’s the room that pays for all the other rooms:)
13. If you could ask one question to someone in history that they would answer truthfully, what would it be?
It would be hard to pick just one – so I’d be happy asking any of these people these questions:
Shoeless Joe Jackson – “Is it so, or ain’t it?”
Lee Harvey Oswald – “Did you act alone?”
O.J. Simpson – “Did the glove fit at the time of the murder?”
Meg Ryan – “A facelift! What were you thinking?”
ooh love this introduction to Rick, very funny interview.
Thank you Michael! I am honored have been selected to answer your Lucky 13 Questions. However, I must make a couple of quick corrections.
1. My wife is not participating in the Mongol Rally with me this summer. She is much too intelligent to undertake such an adventure. Besides, she might miss a sale at Macys.
2. My wife didn’t help me create #NUTS but my Midlife Road Trip co-host, Sandi McKenna (@McMedia on Twitter) did. Sandi and I are married, but not to each other. While I’m Mongol Rallying under the stars of a bunch of countries I can’t even pronounce, Sandi will be roughing it under the stars of some five-star resorts. She always gets the cushy assignments…
Thanks Again!
Rick
damn it — that’s what I get for editing with a bottle of wine. Arrgggg. Thanks for the corrections, Rick — and great answers!
It’s quite all right. I answered all of the questions with a bottle of wine… well actually, the bottle of wine answered the questions and I just typed ’em up.
Can’t say I’m familiar with camel fleas, but that sounds like a nasty curse!
Love learning more about Rick! And can’t wait to meet him someday… He and my husband could talk for hours about the deeper meaning of It’s a Mad, mad, mad world. And I always truly appreciate his warnings about things like taking his daughter’s whole sorority to Mexican restos and stuff. Fun interview, Michael!
Best foreign curse EVER! Love the interview. 😀
Love the interview! I can relate to Rick’s bathroom habits. Anytime I bring my iPod into the john, I end up playing it until my legs fall asleep too. Looking forward to following Rick and the others on the Mongol Rally.
Enjoyed the interview Rick. A football loving guy with a drawl, yes that would be the South. I know your kind :-). I grew up up in Altanta (yeah Ga Tech). Good luck in the Mongol Rally.
no, THIS was a fun read! I’ve never met Rick but my friend/cowriter Beth has, and I can see why she likes him so much.
…by “no,” I meant, “now.” And I haven’t even had any of that wine you were writing about!
Great read Rick. :o) I have one piece of advice for your Mongol Rally trip: If your car fails completely in the middle of Kazakhstan, then my advice is not to take the lift offered by the camel caravan.
LOL I loved the curse! What the heck was that?? 😛
Great interview! I’ll go follow Rick, and then google images of Meg Ryan. 🙂
Love the foreign course. I might learn that one myself!!
I also just recently “met” Rick, through a recommendation. And he’s fantastic!
I went to Alaska with Rick — he is truly one of the funniest guys I know! He’s also one of the most enthusiastic and upbeat as well. I’m looking forward to reading the Mongol Rally updates!
Thanks Liz! Alaska indeed a blast!!
You lost me at Alabama football. (I’m a UGA fan.) Fun interview though, I can’t wait to follow the mongol rally, that sounds really awesome!
I love you anyway … Roll Tide! 🙂
One of the best Interview’s yet on the Go, See, Write blog. Rick Griffin is one of the funniest travel personalities.
Love learning more about Rick! I might learn that one myself!!
Love the interview. ) I have one piece of advice for your Mongol Rally trip: If your car fails completely in the middle of Kazakhstan, then my advice is not to take the lift offered by the camel caravan. Good luck in the Mongol Rally. LOL I loved the curse!