Bill Gates's $35,000 House Tour a Sign of Economic Recovery?
Stocks. Bonds. The Dow or GDP. If history has taught us anything in these last two years of financial tumult it's that economic indicators like these don't indicate for a damn. 
Bill Gates: Just touring his house requires a second mortgage.
For a real taste of how the economy is doing you have to consult the man himself: Bill Gates. Or better yet, his house.
As TechFlash reports, every fall Microsoft workers donate something for their fellow employees to bid on. Usually the priciest item is a tour of Gates's 66,000 sq. ft. Medina mansion from the man himself.
Last year, in the midst of financial upheaval, the winning bid was a modest $8,500. This year the bidding ended at an impressive $35,000.
Which means what, exactly?
That those record-setting unemployment numbers don't mean a thing? That a weak dollar is immaterial? That people will actually start buying all those condos on Jackson St.?
Uh, no. Actually, all it means is that there's only one economic indicator that is, and will remain, steady no matter how volatile the times: Microsoft's employees will continue to get so rich they'll have to find new and interesting ways to spend their money.
4 comment(s)
Leon says:
And the money for these bids goes where?
Or do they just have a merry bonfire at the end of the evening?
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 11 2009 @ 11:50AM
Caleb says:
Fortunately Microsoft's auction monies go to charity, Leon. So while we rib, we rib knowing they're throwing that money around for a good cause.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 11 2009 @ 12:05PM
Wells says:
If the sea rises just 3' which waterfront tunnel option (of the two) stabilizes soils better? No question 4-lane Cut/cover. McGinn engineering is correct, Thank you very much, from one engineer to another. Very much.
Posted On: Wednesday, Nov. 11 2009 @ 12:19PM
Dezmond says:
Condos on Jackson St. lol
Posted On: Monday, Nov. 30 2009 @ 6:10PM