There is some confusion. Experts are not certain whether Jeff Bezos is the second or third richest man in the world. What a problem! In 2018, he was thought to be the “richest man in modern history.”
Since that time, one or two billionaires have apparently edged ahead. Makes no difference, however. Bezos’ net worth this past week has been estimated at $176 billion.
That kind of money can buy anything. And it has and does.
Bezos’ most recent expenditure involves an historic bridge in Rotterdam. The bridge is known as the De Hef. It only has a 130 foot clearance. Tall enough for any boats to pass under since before World War II.
Not high enough however for the new yacht Bezos is having constructed in the Netherlands. The yacht is 417 feet long and 3 masted.
The yacht’s cost $450 million.
No problem. Bezos is paying Rotterdam to dismantle a portion of the bridge and then replace it after his yacht moves through.
The dismantling will take 2 weeks.
The City of Rotterdam is happy to provide the unusual service to Bezos. Rotterdam is experiencing employment problems. Rotterdam authorities say what Bezos will be paying is a “revenue generator.”
Staying with money for a moment, the U.S. national debt hit $30 trillion this week for the first time in history.
What is money for? Bezos can spend millions and billions for whatever he wants. The U.S. has been on a wild spending spree for years.
Whether Bezos or the U.S., it does not seem to make a difference. Bezs spends his own money. The U.S. our money flowing to the government in the form of taxes.
Neither seems bothered by the spending. A difference between the two, however. Bezos spends his own money. The U.S. not. The government spends our money.
I have observed over my lifetime that those who have not earned through sweat and toil what they spend, have little disregard for it. They give little to no thought concerning wasteful spending.
Key West’s winter has come and gone. In all of 3-4 days. Hopefully it will not return this season. It can. We shall see.
This “winter” was one of the chillier. Hit 50 degrees 2 nights. Never made it to 70 two different days.
I can recall a couple of “winters” when the temperature in the evenings dropped to highs in the 40’s.
The weather is projected to be 75-80 degrees the next several days.
We’ll happily put up with it!
Tom Brady has formally announced his retirement. Good for him!
Forty four years old, he has played 22 seasons of professional football. Unquestionably the greatest quarterback of all time. Some believe the greatest football player ever.
His record outstanding. Seven Super Bowl wins, 5 Super Bowl MVPs, 3 times NFL MVP. He also threw 624 touchdown passes, the most in NFL history.
It was exciting to see him throw. Especially in the last minute of a game when his team needed a touchdown or position for a 3 pointer. He was successful most times.
Everyone felt good watching him play. Except for the opposing team.
Interestingly, he was not expected to star when he entered the draft. He was drafted 199th. In the 6th round.
Enjoy the rest of your life Tom Brady. You’ve earned it!
Professional football coach Brian Flores opened the door to what may be a big time “scandal” in professional football. He has commenced a lawsuit against the NFL and others.
One issue involves colored coaches not being treated well. Very badly. Another, and one which if true will change how pro football is operated, involves being offered $100,000 to have his team lose. The intent of the bribe to have the team end up with a bad season and move up in the selection process in the next draft.
My sense the “expose” will rival two other bigs ones. The 1919 Black Sox Scandal and the 1950 City College of New York point shaving scandal.
February is Heart Month. Very important. Especially as one gets older. Your heart is a constant source of problems. Watching it closely definitely prevents an early demise.
I have had several heart problems over the years. Three of consequence that are always with me.
I watch heart related problems closely. Take a multitude of pills, visit my heart doctor regularly. Every time I have heart pains which are extreme or new, I am in the doctor’s office or hospital to be examined immediately.
As with my cane, my heart doctor is another of my best friends.
Enjoy your day!
I THINK WHEN BECOMES A MULTI_BILLIONAIRE THEY MUST HAVE SUPER BRAINS AND GRIT> I ALSO THINK THOSE PEOPLE HAVE STEPPED ON PEOPLE WITH LESS MONEY AND POWER BUT WITH THE SAME GRIT> I THINK THE ULTRA RICH MUST BE CUNNING RENOVATION OF THE DRAWBRIDGE WOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED IN GLOUCESTER<MA SINCE THAT BRIDGE IS VITAL FOR SOME OF THE COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN TO GET OUT TO THE HARBOR TO THE OPEN SEA> I USED THAT BRIDGE WHEN I TIED MY BOAT UP IN WEST GLOUCESTER.(PHONE CALL)THERE IS A STRONG CURRENT UNDER THE BRIDGE AND IT WAS HARD TO CONTROL THE BOAT WITH A SINGLE SCREW>
Well Marcia, You have this right again, especially the part about how the ultra rich can, with a (Phone Call), navigate under the Gloucester Bridge with a (MA) single screw.It’s their super brains and grit, that poorer people don’t have that gets them these powers.