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Lately, I am having a hard time tracking down my Shout Out recipients due to what I can only assume is holiday madness. (If you owe me a bio, and you know who you are, get on it please!) So, in replacement of the usual SO feature, I’m going to tell you about my Coffee List.

What the heck is a “Coffee List” you ask? The coffee list is a list of people (living or deceased) that you would love to just sit down with over a cup of coffee, maybe in a sidewalk cafe when the weather is nice and warm, and just have a long and hearty discussion about life, the world, and everything in it. You may never get the chance to do so, but if you did, the event would be one that you would never forget. And that, my friends, is the Coffee List.

So, think of this a a mini shout out to the following people:

Michael Lopp (aka Rands) - Rands is the author of “Managing Humans”, a book that I am currently reading. It’s a book that is focused on software developers and although I am not one, nor do I ever plan on managing one, there is actually  a lot of insight to nature of humans – and better yet, geeky humans – in this book. His thoughts are strong and smart, his wit sharp, and his attitude, though some may view as abrasive, is admirable. I am highly fascinated by this man. So, Rands (assuming you happen to see this), if you’re ever in the Chicago area, look me up. I’m buying!

Dr. Jane Goodall – A most fascinating woman. Although she has spoken in conferences to thousands, a one-on-one with Jane would be a most memorable event.  She has gone where men before her were unlikely to go and her work in the rainforests has taught the world to redefine the way we think about animal science. I sometimes dream about changing the world for the better, but Jane is doing it. My respect for her is endless.

Mary Todd Lincoln – Wife of one of the most intriguing presidents of my country’s history. It’s been suggested that Mary was just as mentally unstable as her husband, who was prone to fits of debilitating melancholy. But, who wouldn’t be after all she went through. Her husband was constantly under the threat of assassination, her country was torn in two, and her sons were dying one by one. However, there are a ton of missing gaps in the Lincoln story that I am sure only she could answer. If I could, I would love to talk to Mary.

The CEO of TED Conferences – I love TED. Because of TED Conferences my childlike wonder of the world never diminishes. TED brings together the most noteworthy minds and innovative ideas of our time. To run a company like that, I imagine that you would have to be pretty noteworthy yourself and have your own innovative ideas. Surely, this is someone I would learn a lot from.

The Knoll Brothers – The original developers of Photoshop. I think the reasons for them being on my coffee list are obvious.

Bert Monroy – I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting Bert and I adore him. His work with Photoshop is nothing short of jaw dropping, but he also has a great spirit and a genuinely good heart. An afternoon with Bert would be one I would cherish forever.

Jim Henson – Ok, I’ll admit it. I am a huge Muppet fan. I always have been and I always will be. But aside from the fact that these creatures are so lovable, Jim was a pioneer of robotic technology. He was never afraid to push the boundaries of design or engineering and always wanted to see just how close to true magic he could come. Because of him, connecting with rainbows suddenly seemed possible in my world. I was crushed the day we lost him.

The Photographers from National Geographic – Growing up, my dad had a subscription to this magazine and he would keep every issue safely tucked away in a cabinet. I used to spend hours lying on the floor in front of the cabinet just looking at the pictures. It made me want to see everything the photographers saw and experience the world. Because of them, I have this inner yearning to travel the globe and I guess talking with them would feel as if I was closer to that dream.

Mike Rowe – Host for the Discovery channel’s Dirty Jobs. I love this show and it just wouldn’t be the same with out Mike as the host. I have a feeling a conversation with him would be filled with a lot of laughter, horror, and astonishment.

Leonardo da Vinci – What artist or innovator wouldn’t want to have time to tap into the mind of this man. The original poster child for ADD, geekology, and design of all kinds. To have a conversation with him, although I feel like I would not be able to keep up, would be priceless.

Janine Smith – Janine is a photo restoration artist in Texas. She is also a genealogist and is constantly working on historical preservation. I would love to spend an entire day with Janine listening to her stories of all she has encountered with her work. I wouldn’t mind following her around town either as she jets from one Archive to the next digging up all kinds of historical goodies. In fact, I would really love it!

Adam Savage / Jamie Hyneman (and team) – Ah, the Mythbusters. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has these guys on their list. Science, technology, robotics, creativity, explosions, humor – seriously, what more could a girl ask for? Oh yeah, these guys are on my list for sure.

There are others on my list, but if I mentioned everyone I’m not sure that I would ever stop writing. So, do you have a list? If you do – who’s on it? Let me know in the comments because there’s always room for more at the table!