Want to see a billion dollar 27 story home?

[DrJ]

Originally Posted by algernon

Random question, DrJ.
If Gates, Buffett and Co do as they say and give away most of their money, how much of change will it make in wealth disparity?

I really am curious, as I was reminded of the Stephen Fry debate where he mentioned the Catholic Church could give away all their money and actually help the poor.

When Gates, Buffett and Co do give away masses of their fortune, I believe it's going towards their foundations and but have no idea what they do with it. Doing a quick search, they have raised 24 Billion in grants from 1994.

My point is, when 40% of your country's population is below the poverty line ($1.25 USD a day) and you are living in a billion dollar skyscraper, I think this is a perfect example of the disparity. Not that I'm slamming the family (I know nothing about them, no idea about their humanitarian work, etc.) but I just think it's sad.

Whatever has been done, I'm sure Gates's charity has done more good to those in need than 24 skyscrapers could ever.

Not familiar with the Fry's debate.

[algernon]

Originally Posted by DrJ

When Gates, Buffett and Co do give away masses of their fortune, I believe it's going towards their foundations and but have no idea what they do with it. Doing a quick search, they have raised 24 Billion in grants from 1994.

My point is, when 40% of your country's population is below the poverty line ($1.25 USD a day) and you are living in a billion dollar skyscraper, I think this is a perfect example of the disparity. Not that I'm slamming the family (I know nothing about them, no idea about their humanitarian work, etc.) but I just think it's sad.

Whatever has been done, I'm sure Gates's charity has done more good to those in need than 24 skyscrapers could ever.

Not familiar with the Fry's debate.

I really have no opinion, just wondering if poverty could be truly 'cured', or if poverty is always going to be a part of life.
I volunteer a bit, and remember hearing "f everybody gave one hour a year, everything would get done", I'm just trying to wrap my head around the idea.

Another is "If all the fat people cut back their calories to a 'normal' intake, and sent them to the 3rd world, there'd be no starvation"

[Russic]

I'm not saying this isn't a slap in the face to the poor, but it is providing 160 jobs to those who may not otherwise have one.

[MelBridgeman]

It is totally excessive, but good on him!

[Gundo]

In India you have to build high to get at that fresh air I guess.

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by Gundo

In India you have to build high to get at that fresh air I guess.

In Mumbai that is still not high enough! Trust me, I know from experience.

[HOZ]

Originally Posted by Russic

I'm not saying this isn't a slap in the face to the poor, but it is providing 160 jobs to those who may not otherwise have one.

Very true. Charity is a very ineffective way to alleviate poverty. Jobs is the best and most effective way.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by HOZ

Very true. Charity is a very ineffective way to alleviate poverty. Jobs is the best and most effective way.

Charity in the form of handouts is not as effective as giving someone a job for sure. The problem with many people is they have some sort of barrier to getting (and keeping) a job. That barrier could be addiction, lack of social skills, lack of transportation, outdated training, mental illness or physical disability.

The organization I work for is non-profit. We do work with both Calgary school boards to provide services to kids, teens and their families who otherwise would be 'tossed under the bus' in our society and end up as recipients of welfare or other services. We have many types of counselling services that let people overcome social barriers so they can live a normal life and sustain the relationships needed in a normal job.

We are funded almost entirely by 'charity' of the type that the Gates/Buffet organization is supplying. Some of our funding also comes from the United Way and various city programs. It is my opinion that charity of this type pays huge dividends in reducing payouts required later on in a person's life. Actually, it really is more than just my opinion, there are many studies which have shown the same thing

Yes, some forms of charity are less than effective, but certainly not all.

[TheyCallMeBruce]

This place would be great against the zombie apocalypse.

[Sr. Mints]

For $27 billion, I'm really not that impressed. What is the Bow downtown costing--a fraction of that??

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Sr. Mints

For $27 billion, I'm really not that impressed. What is the Bow downtown costing--a fraction of that??

It's a 27 floor 1 billion dollar home.

[Weiser Wonder]

Originally Posted by HOZ

Ambani, his wife and three children have moved into the building which is named Antilia, after a mythical Island. It contains a health club with a gym and dance studio, at least one studio, a ballroom, guestrooms and a range of lounges and a 50 seater cinema.

There is even an elevated garden with ceiling space to accommodate small trees.LINK


I swear he designed it using a tetris game

Now you all have something to aspire to, get to work!

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Sr. Mints

For $27 billion, I'm really not that impressed. What is the Bow downtown costing--a fraction of that??

The Bow: $1.4 billion, 58 stories, 236m.
Antilia: $1 billion, 27 stories, 173m.

Seems about right, note that Antilia has much higher ceilings.

[Weiser Wonder]

Originally Posted by SebC

The Bow: $1.4 billion, 58 stories, 236m.
Antilia: $1 billion, 27 stories, 173m.

Seems about right, note that Antilia has much higher ceilings.

High ceilings are great for entertaining.

[Sr. Mints]

Originally Posted by Roast Beef

It's a 27 floor 1 billion dollar home.

I understand that. But for $27 billion I was expecting ... I don't know... more.

[Roast Beef]

Originally Posted by Sr. Mints

I understand that. But for $27 billion I was expecting ... I don't know... more.

Once again. The building is 27 stories high. The cost of the building is 1 billion.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Roast Beef

Once again. The building is 27 stories high. The cost of the building is 1 billion.

give him a break, he accidentally the whole thing

[Roast Beef]

Accidentally what?

[Sr. Mints]

My apologies, it's late.

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by Roast Beef

Accidentally what?

the whole thing