From The Past: December 9, 2004

Just in case you missed Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People of 2004 special last night, here is the rundown of her picks:

10. Oprah Winfrey – She turned 50 this year and does countless charitable good work.

9. Ken Jennings – He’s the guy who won over 2 million dollars on Jeopardy. He’s a devout Mormon and will give 10% of his winnings to his church (how many people would do that?).

8. Donald Trump – Master of The Apprentice and New York’s building tycoon.

7. Usher – Popular singer (They always have a singer in the top 10. I don’t necessarily think that Usher is fascinating, although he seemed pretty fascinated with himself.).

6. The Google Guys – These two guys are the creators of the search engine Google. They both live frugally even though they are now worth billions. One of the guys doesn’t even own his own car and he rents his apartment. Their motto is: Don’t Be Evil.

5. Michael Moore – Anti-Bush, Anti Republican who created the movie Fahrenheit 9/11 and Bowling for Columbine.

4. Mel Gibson – Christian actor who made The Passion of the Christ spending 25 million dollars of his own money. The movie made over 500 million.

3. Curt Shilling – Boston Red Sox pitcher. He helped pitch the Red Sox to a win amid his ankle bleeding and turning his sock red.

2. Paris Hilton – Daughter of the Hilton Hotel founder. She became famous from the TV show The Simple Life.

1. Karl Rove – The president’s political advisor. The president has nicknamed him “Turd Blossom.”

Currently (2020): I used to always watch the Barbara Walters specials. Even when I disagreed with her choices, it was great getting to know new people. I think it’s time someone new brings this special back. If I could do it, I certainly would. I do love asking lots of questions and meeting people. No one would ever give me this job though because I would refuse to put a Kardashian on there.