KING: Welcome
back. Today we're talking with Ares, God of War about
himself and of course his book "War Times". Was there
ever a low spot in the Ares career?
ARES: Well,
you know, I learned from my mother who was the Queen of the Gods.
She tipped me off. She said, "When -- if any God becomes too
involved, there's a drop." Because, you know, you lose your
concentration, you know, what with mortals and worrying about
what to do and losing power and all this. And at that time...
KING: And
it made the papers, and...
ARES: Well
not -- no, that -- the papers -- of course that's a shocker --
you know, you're trying to keep your life private -- when it
comes to that. But more than that, it's just you lose your
concentration, you know, instead of just being a God and feeling
good about yourself.
KING: When
did the painting start?
ARES: I've
been painting – since I started getting involved with Xena.
It was during that Depression period.
KING: How
do you find time -- when do you paint?
ARES: I
paint every day.
KING: In
whenever you are at? If you are travelling you'll paint too.
ARES: Everyday
– air planes anywhere. I sketch, I paint -- I paint
everyday. I have a warehouse full of paintings.
KING:
Can you describe what you -- the things you like to paint?
ARES: I
like to paint from nature. You know, I like to paint people. I
like to paint nature, landscape, and so. I like to paint oil
paint and water colour.
KING: How
have you been treated world-wide when you leave Mount Olympus?
ARES: Very
well. You have you no idea how you have helped me...
KING:
I've helped you.
ARES: Not
only you, but CNN, because...
KING: We're
your home away from home.
ARES:
I guarantee you have no idea how good it feels to watch CNN when
you are in Belgium.
KING: Ares,
in our remaining moments, have you had -- I know everyone's had
ups and downs in a personal life. Are you happy now?
ARES: I
am.
KING: Do
you feel 3000?
ARES: No.
KING: How
old are you inside?
ARES: 30.
(LAUGHTER)
KING: Yes
30. Is it kind of cooky to say: I can't believe I'm 3000.
ARES: No
-- you born, you live, you die. If we just accept that it's
mellow. I mean no one is beating it. Sooner or later we have to
cut out. If we just accept it, then why fight it? You can't beat
nature. If you just go with it, everything works out.
KING: Do
you ever think of stopping?
ARES: Why?
KING: As
Adlai Stevenson said, "watch the dancers and drink the
wine."
ARES: That's
very good, but I like what George Burns said, "retire to
what." For me to think of just looking at a wall, that would
be like being in prison or something.
KING: But
you could go off and paint -- just paint.
ARES: Yes.
If my skills -- if I, luckily, if I keep my immortality, I'm not
going to stop co-ordinating wars. But if it falters and I know,
just like a prize fighter, if I know it's really not like it used
to be or something, believe me I'm doing a lot of homework, so
I'll just transcribe over to painting and just spend the rest of
my life painting.
KING: Do
you get as much of a kick out of it?
ARES: I
love it.
KING: The
reward.
ARES: There's
nothing like it. It's meditative. You paint for four hours, it
feels like four minutes -- what a release -- it's wonderful.
KING: Ares,
you are a special man.
ARES: Thank
you, very much.
KING: You're
a great friend.
ARES:
Thank you.
KING: Ares,
the truth is out, and the book is called "War Times."
It is published by Olympus Publishing. He is a class act and a
great God. And we thank him for this hour. Thank you for joining
us. See you again on LARRY KING LIVE. Good night.
(BEGIN
VIDEO CLIP) ARES: Because I'm trimming myself
with my top hat and my white tie and my tails. Stepping out with
my baby, can't go wrong because I'm right. Ask me when will that
day be. The big day may be tonight.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
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