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General => History => Topic started by: Curt on February 14, 2019, 06:19:34 AM

Title: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Curt on February 14, 2019, 06:19:34 AM
If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you visit? I think I would choose America at its founding. Meet George Washington and the other founding fathers.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on February 14, 2019, 07:51:54 AM
I'd sit on the Yucatán Peninsula and watch the world end.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: hermes2015 on February 14, 2019, 08:30:26 AM
An exact place and date for me: Paris, evening of 29 May 1913, to attend the premiere of The Rite of Spring.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Asmodean on February 14, 2019, 11:46:49 AM
I like T's suggestion. Too bad there were no Mayans to make a calendar that would mysteriously end on that day. They could have been right and properly-vindicated too. What a waste of a perfectly good End of the World!

Me... Would I be able to breathe the air in Cambrian times? If yes, I'd go do some diving then. If not... Yeah... The middle of the soon-to-be Chicxulub crater suits my sense of drama.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Bad Penny II on February 14, 2019, 12:52:13 PM
Some guy said music peaked in 1973.
I'm inclined to agree, give or take.
You could go earlier but the Beatles didn't tour so, na.
The Stones with M'k Taylor, Van, Floyd, Bowie, Led Zep, NEIL, LOU, Bob M, Bob D, Bolan, Joni and Joe Cocker 'tswhere I'm goin.



I imagine that would have sounded a lot better if ya was there.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Asmodean on February 14, 2019, 01:13:29 PM
Me, I'm just taking muh MP3 player and a fuckton of battery packs back to the Cambrian period.  ;D
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tom62 on February 14, 2019, 09:32:50 PM
Quote from: Asmodean on February 14, 2019, 01:13:29 PM
Me, I'm just taking muh MP3 player and a fuckton of battery packs back to the Cambrian period.  ;D

Count me in as well!
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: xSilverPhinx on February 16, 2019, 01:03:45 PM
I'd go into the past at the speed of -1s/s, just to see what 'frozen' state would look like. Would my thoughts freeze too? Would they keep skipping back in an endless loop?

Sounds a bit like OCD.  ::)
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: OldGit on February 16, 2019, 07:49:21 PM
I would wait until a large lottery pot came up with no winners   Then I'd go back and play those numbers.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Anne D. on February 16, 2019, 08:19:01 PM
If I could just omnisciently observe, I'd go back to ancient Egypt—no idea which era, though.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2019, 08:50:32 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on February 16, 2019, 08:19:01 PM
If I could just omnisciently observe, I'd go back to ancient Egypt—no idea which era, though.
And to see how they built those bloody pyramids!
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: jumbojak on February 16, 2019, 09:20:01 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 16, 2019, 08:50:32 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on February 16, 2019, 08:19:01 PM
If I could just omnisciently observe, I'd go back to ancient Egypt—no idea which era, though.
And to see how they built those bloody pyramids!

Nah, go back with modern whiz bang technology, pose as a god, and have them build you a pyramid. Figure out a way to do the Go'ould voice thing too...
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on February 16, 2019, 09:28:07 PM
Quote from: jumbojak on February 16, 2019, 09:20:01 PM
Quote from: Tank on February 16, 2019, 08:50:32 PM
Quote from: Anne D. on February 16, 2019, 08:19:01 PM
If I could just omnisciently observe, I'd go back to ancient Egypt—no idea which era, though.
And to see how they built those bloody pyramids!

Nah, go back with modern whiz bang technology, pose as a god, and have them build you a pyramid. Figure out a way to do the Go'ould voice thing too...

:rofl:
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Harmonie on February 23, 2019, 03:23:24 AM
I'd want to go back to some era Baroque or before and observe the music and instruments, so I'd get to see how they really were/performed. Of course, I'd love to acquire a bunch of historical winds (Baroque style oboe, krumhorns, cornamuses, recorders, etc.) but it was considered uncouth for women to play wind instruments. Also a lot of the music I love was either composed for royalty or church services. History sucked, and there's just no getting around that.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on March 07, 2019, 08:04:23 AM
Quote from: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:

A few. That's for sure. But then how could I know that the changes I made wouldn't turn out worse?
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Bad Penny II on March 07, 2019, 12:11:01 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 07, 2019, 08:04:23 AM
Quote from: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:

A few. That's for sure. But then how could I know that the changes I made wouldn't turn out worse?

By popping back to the future OBviously  :picard facepalm:
It's the recreational time travel business model.
You offer a too cheap deal to resist and you haul them in.
They all go back with the intention to fix and they invariably royally fuck it up.
They get their free return trip and they see what they've done.
Their series of trips back to fix their ever funnelling fuck ups is charged full price.
Why isn't there a free enterprise victory fist, smiley, emoticon or whatever those little expressive things are called?
Communist conspiracy.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on March 07, 2019, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on March 07, 2019, 12:11:01 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 07, 2019, 08:04:23 AM
Quote from: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:

A few. That's for sure. But then how could I know that the changes I made wouldn't turn out worse?

By popping back to the future OBviously  :picard facepalm:
It's the recreational time travel business model.
You offer a too cheap deal to resist and you haul them in.
They all go back with the intention to fix and they invariably royally fuck it up.
They get their free return trip and they see what they've done.
Their series of trips back to fix their ever funnelling fuck ups is charged full price.
Why isn't there a free enterprise victory fist, smiley, emoticon or whatever those little expressive things are called?
Communist conspiracy.

What about the chap who so royally fucks up his return trips he decides to kill the great grand mother of the person who invents time travel?
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Bad Penny II on March 07, 2019, 02:02:46 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 07, 2019, 01:15:40 PM
Quote from: Bad Penny II on March 07, 2019, 12:11:01 PM
Quote from: Tank on March 07, 2019, 08:04:23 AM
Quote from: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:

A few. That's for sure. But then how could I know that the changes I made wouldn't turn out worse?

By popping back to the future OBviously  :picard facepalm:
It's the recreational time travel business model.
You offer a too cheap deal to resist and you haul them in.
They all go back with the intention to fix and they invariably royally fuck it up.
They get their free return trip and they see what they've done.
Their series of trips back to fix their ever funnelling fuck ups is charged full price.
Why isn't there a free enterprise victory fist, smiley, emoticon or whatever those little expressive things are called?
Communist conspiracy.

What about the chap who so royally fucks up his return trips he decides to kill the great grand mother of the person who invents time travel?

Oh don't lean on me man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Curt on July 02, 2020, 05:28:47 PM
Quote from: Icarus on March 06, 2019, 11:45:03 PM
I would go back in time for about 55 to 60 years.  There I could make a whole series of better judgements about my future prosperity.   I made a slew of youthful misjudgements when I was in my career development period.  I was smitten by fast cars, motorcycles and boats.  All that seemed to be more important than concentrating on my college studies, professional, and social contacts. ...................Who among us would not choose to make  more insightful decisions when we were callow youths?

:felix:

A lot of things i would like do overs on as well.  Unfortunately there are no mulligans or reset buttons in life!
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: No one on July 02, 2020, 09:21:46 PM
Bang Marilyn Monroe. Go to Woodstock. Bang Marilyn Monroe.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: billy rubin on July 02, 2020, 10:52:24 PM
i heard she had BO
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: No one on July 02, 2020, 11:01:26 PM
I've got a special cream for that.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Dark Lightning on July 03, 2020, 03:09:19 AM
Quote from: billy rubin on July 02, 2020, 10:52:24 PM
i heard she had BO

Everybody has BO if they don't clean up enough. Once he got her in the mud at Woodstock, it would all have been fine?  :o
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: billy rubin on July 03, 2020, 08:44:25 AM
she would have been long dead by woodstock and really stunk by then.

one of her maids wrote in a biography tha t she didnt hit the shower often enough towards the end of her life
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: No one on July 03, 2020, 09:29:05 AM
I guess somewhere along the way, (in between winning the lottery numerous times) I'd off hitler, those 19 scumbags, vlad the impaler, several other of history's nasty critters, and then Bang Marilyn Monroe.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Curt on July 14, 2020, 03:15:27 PM
Quote from: No one on July 03, 2020, 09:29:05 AM
I guess somewhere along the way, (in between winning the lottery numerous times) I'd off hitler, those 19 scumbags, vlad the impaler, several other of history's nasty critters, and then Bang Marilyn Monroe.

Well of course you have to reward yourself for taking out Hitler and such people.  So Marilyn is a fitting reward.  Why settle for just Marilyn?  Lets make it a 3 some where you get to women.  Who is your second choice?
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Randy on July 14, 2020, 05:12:18 PM
Since the title asks "What era would you visit?" I'd say the 1960's. I was born in 1961 but as an adult I'd like to see the protests, the rock concerts, the hippie generation... It looks like it was an exciting time.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: No one on July 14, 2020, 05:17:56 PM
Well Curt, besides Marilyn, I'd go for Barbara Bach.(caveman era)
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Sandra Craft on July 15, 2020, 01:15:00 AM
I'd have to go with some prehistoric era or other, just not sure which one.  Assuming a time travel bubble that'll keep me safe, maybe go back to the time it was all volcanoes or all rain.  Or even go all the way back to the beginning and see how it happened.  I'm also assuming the time travel machine has a fast-forward/rewind button because some of things things I'd want to watch take an awful long time.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on July 24, 2020, 09:52:09 AM
Feathery dinosaurs. I would like to see a small feathery dinosaur.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: No one on July 24, 2020, 01:06:54 PM
Couldn't you just look in the mirror? (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FTongue%2520Wink.png&hash=aabb14574049673ad2605325d39b74f42cd1a972)
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Tank on July 24, 2020, 03:26:29 PM
Quote from: No one on July 24, 2020, 01:06:54 PM
Couldn't you just look in the mirror? (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fweb.stardock.net%2Fimages%2Fsmiles%2Fthemes%2Fdigicons%2FTongue%2520Wink.png&hash=aabb14574049673ad2605325d39b74f42cd1a972)

I could and do. But to date I have yet to see something small and feathery. Small and furry yes. I hope that cunjeured a suitable image :D
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Icarus on December 09, 2020, 04:39:30 AM
Time machine? discover some mysteries of the ancient world such as this one.  This is one of the worlds most important bits of history.   Would we have invented the decimal system and its enormous influence without the Arabs? Is this a good subject for pondering or arguing?

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20201204-lost-islamic-library-maths?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Fibonacci was apparently a brilliant Italian dude that liked numbers.  Fibonacci numbers are simple enough but have enormous application in nature and otherwise. Mathematic progressions of the most interesting kind.  1 x2 =2 and 2 x3 = 6 and 6 x4 =24  and 24 x 5 =120  and so on............ The numbers get rally big.
Title: Re: If you had a time machine that could travel into the past, what era would you vi
Post by: Bad Penny II on December 09, 2020, 12:17:30 PM
Quote from: Icarus on December 09, 2020, 04:39:30 AM
Time machine? discover some mysteries of the ancient world such as this one.  This is one of the worlds most important bits of history.   Would we have invented the decimal system and its enormous influence without the Arabs? Is this a good subject for pondering or arguing?

If it wasn't ten it'd be twelve, or maybe sixteen would be more modern.
0 is useful, and double entry bookkeeping.