Gates quietly spends $14 million buying homes near Medina estate

[donsu]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/text/2001837979_gatesland16e.html

Over the past decade, Bill Gates has quietly bought up 11 properties, including nine houses, that surround his 5-acre Medina estate, creating a buffer zone that is increasingly turning a small hillside neighborhood into a private holding of the richest man on Earth.
Enormous houses — dubbed "megamansions" — are nothing new to Medina, including Gates' 48,000-square-foot spread, which he moved into in 1997. But this is the first evidence of one of the town's many industry magnates actually buying portions of a neighborhood.

"There's not too many non-Gates property owners left here," said Herb Schwartz, a former insurance executive who moved into the Medina neighborhood 13 years ago.

-snip-

"This is a family that holds privacy very dearly to them," said family spokesman Joe Cerrell. "The properties create a buffer around the Gates home."
-snip-
---------------------------------------

a "buffer" from what? the rest of us.

next the rich will be buildng great walls around themselves like Israel is doing.

don't they know the history of walls?

[supercrash]

1. ?

"Don't they know the history of walls ?"

What wall ?...Gates isn't building a wall

[cosmicdot]

5. are walls only visible to the eye?

the iron and bamboo curtains were considered walls

[donsu]

8. and ceilings - american women have to contend with glass ceiling

a wall as thick as any other wall

[Democrats unite]

2. I applaud Bill Gates & his accoplishments

He is the last great American story of rags to riches. We should scorn him because he is smart?

Bill Gates is a hero in my book!

[GCP]

13. "Rags"? Hardly

Mum and Dad were pretty rich from what I've heard.

This is Gates returning a small part of Washington State to feudal times. I'm sure he'd like a castle on a hill with a moat and drawbridge, but failing that, he's just buying out the whole nieghborhood to keep out the riff-raff.

[private_ryan]

57. yeah ok

considering how much he has now, it's rags to riches. Plus he's donating 99% of it to great causes. If I had his money, I'd by the entire town too and most likely you would you.

[papau]

14. rags to riches? -great marketing/unafraid of law -but Mom was on IBM Board

and got him the original contract - and as a good corporate lawyer Mom should - she nixed the straight out sale of IBM DOS 1.0 to IBM, and knowing that IBM expected low sales (a few hundred thousand) and would buy into a royalty deal - she had Bill demand royalties.

The Dos was written by others (Seatle Computings version of CP/M) and bought by Bill for 20,000 (later increased to 50,000) - and that was the basis for the first billion!

Now I grant you Bill's willingness to give to the finger to the law and steal others programs/ideas (he knew the law's inability to stop him better than the lawyers), plus his management ability, plus his marketing ability (which was the old IBM approach before they got into anti-trust problems) built the fortune from 1 billion to where it is today.

But Please - rags to richs - LOL :-)

peace

:-)

[Democrats unite]

21. It would help if you had your facts straight.

Father attorney, mother a school teacher & charwoman of the United way International (may she rest in peace).

[papau]

56. Sorry - my mem failed -Mother's IBM connection was United Way and Akers

Sorry - you are correct - Mom controlled via IBM's Akers - and not by being corporate lawyer on board.

His mother, Mary Gates, was a schoolteacher, a University of Washington regent and the chairwoman of United Way International, and the director of First Interstate Bank. Per Robert X. Cringely (and those like myself that were there -in the field and at the time aware – we thought – of what was going down), an IBM Executive named Akers and Mary Gates (Bill's Mom) were both doing things with the United Way. They got talking, and it became known that IBM (who was looking for an OS for their new Microcomputer) should talk to Bill Gates and Microsoft. Now IBM has a policy of being thorough -- and they were going to check out all potential OS's, themselves. (Gates tried to cover the obvious touch of mother luck by putting out gossip at the time that Gary Kildall was a playboy who was rumored (I love Gates – gossip about a “rumor” – he should have been in the GOP) to have gotten caught having an affair with an IBM executives wife thereby having no chance for contract – so – per the “Gates supplied” gossip, a cover story was made about a visit to Digital Research (aka Gary Kildall) and a bounce off that back to Gates.

The story of his mother saying no to a lump sum comes from Gates – (Gates said he wanted money for a car - perhaps a joke?)back when he still discussed how high-level executives at IBM talked about "Mary Gates boy Bill" (a golden child, and a shoe-in). QDOS was based on Gary Kildall's CP/M, Paterson had bought a CP/M manual and used it as the basis to write his operating system in six weeks, QDOS was different enough from CP/M to be considered legal, per the legal opinion of Bill Gates -Microsoft bought the rights to QDOS for $50,000 -eventually, keeping the IBM deal a secret from Seattle Computer Products.

IBM did allow Digital Research to sell their product for the PC. And CP/M 86 did make an attempt at the market. But it was too pricey, mainly because its development wasn't being paid for by IBM (unlike Microsofts). There was no quality to Gates' or Microsoft's product -- I don't completely agree with the version in Accidental Empires – but Microsoft's clear preference for stealing ideas and buying products rather than innovating them is not something Gates money can hide – although I am impressed at how well google’s search of the internet has been cleaned up!

The Microsoft approved story is that on 25 September 1980 Paul Allen wraps up a deal with Seattle Computer for their 86-DOS. Microsoft paid an up front fee of $10,000 to gain the right to distribute 86-DOS to an unlimited number of end users. For an additional fee of $10,000 per company, or $15,000 if source code was included, Microsoft could sublicense 86-DOS to OEM customers. The deal was nonexclusive so that Seattle Computer could also license 86-DOS. - on 6 November 1980 Microsoft signs the deal with IBM. IBM was prohibited from licensing Microsoft's software to 3rd parties but Microsoft itself was free to do so! Microsoft also got royalties for all its software.1 July 1981 Microsoft Corporation is formed -- Gates 53%, Allen 31%, Ballmer 8%, Raburn 4%, Simonyi & Letwin 1.5% each. In July 1981 Microsoft wakes up to the fact that they were sitting on a potential gold mine. Seattle Computer had already been approached by one company who wanted to license 86-DOS. Microsoft buys DOS outright on 27 July 1981 for $50,000 in "the deal of the Century". Seattle Computer got a royalty free license and could license DOS to buyers of its own computers only. Seattle Computer also got a price break on all Microsoft languages. At the time Brock thought it was a good deal since he did not want to be in the software business. Tim Paterson, who was working for Microsoft on MS-DOS, read the agreement and thought it was a fair deal.

[private_ryan]

65. please don't introduce facts

they'll interrupt the bashing.

[Timefortruth]

70. He was never in rags, more like middle class to riches.nt

[Deja Q]

72. Sigh. Look up Microsoft's history. Gates is pure sleeze and is no "hero"

He and his VP had told a company they had software for their Altair system. Of course, Bill had nothing. He and the veep ran an Altair EMULATOR to construct the software. Sadly, the emulator and the code made under it worked.

Microsoft also made it big when IBM went to them, needing an operating system for their IBM PC (Piece of Crap). Microsoft had nothing, so they went out and bought Digital Research's Quick'n'Dirty OS (QDOS) and sold it back to IBM. (knowing people would buy anything with IBM's moniker on it...)

Microsoft, until 1994, also forced computer makers to buy DOS/Windows for use on EVERY PC to be made - even if the PC was to be sold with a different operating system. The government, rightly so, said this tactic was no better than stealing. Unfortunately, the government fined Microsoft much less than was appropriate.

There's more on the history of Microsoft. Much more. The guy is no hero. He's sleaze. He's predatory. He cheats, he lies, he steals. But you think Gates is a hero :eyes: so you're not going to give a flying fig about the truth.

http://www.vcnet.com/bms/departments/ has a lot of info, but not everything...

[resist]

76. I'm truly sorry to hear that.

What IS it about American's love of that "pulled himself up by his bootstraps" crap? We should scorn him because of the manner in which he has made his money - by keeping others out of the market and thus denying us all more choices. Even his infamous charitable efforts lie mostly in making sure that Windows is the only thing kids learn. Yea, he's a sweetie all right.

There was a story recently about an old black man who lived in poverty most of his life and saved every penny he earned. On his death he left it all to charity. Now thats ahero.

[CityZen-X]

3. Gates Reaction....

after he heard the Motorhead tune "Eat The Rich!"

[cosmicdot]

4. corporate feudalism-esque ... here's the castle, here's the moat ...

maybe he suspects economic troubled waters ahead with many starving peasants

[Bridget Burke]

6. How many poor folks is he rendering homeless?

Buying up cheap rental properties & throwing low-income tenants out on the street in a tight housing market is one thing.

Paying homeowners in a high-priced area large amounts of money for their property is not the same. Are there any reports of guns being held to the heads of the sellers?

[beawr]

7. Nothing wrong with that, at least HE has a good reason.

Gates probably gets more death threats than Clinton did. And at least he's paying for the properties.

But it's the professional, retired and upper middle classes that are building the most walls. Gated communities are all the rage among people that have been scared mindless. These are people that have not been threatened, nobody is out to get them, they just feel scared. This is the trend that reminds me most of Third World countries..

[RBHam]

9. This is "mad scientist" creepy...

Doesn't want too many "nosy neighbors" around...

[supercrash]

11. Not to mention...

The guy donates mountains of money to charities.

[barbaraann]

19. His "donations" are ALL for his own benefit.

I live in Western Washington and am very familiar with Gates and his "charitable" contributions. First of all, he donates appreciated stock that costs him almost nothing and saves him an incredible amount on taxes.

Mr. Gates screamed to high heaven when King County assessed his mansion at a figure he thought was too high. And remember, he pays NO state income taxes because Washington State has none.

Mr. Gates is not happy with everything he has. He wants more--lots more. AND, Microsoft donates to both political parties here. You know what that means.

[Bozola]

10. I would appauld him if

He'd tear down those overpriced cheeseboxes and turn the land into wildlife sactuary/greenspace.

[9215]

61. Was that "appauld"--as in appauled-- him?

;-)

If so what do you have against wildlife sanctuaries?

:bounce:

[Democrats unite]

12. Another point I would like to point out...

Bill Gates spends more money on charities than allot of Countries have money.

It's not ho much money you have it's how you spend it to help other people. The ultra rich in America should lead by Bill Gates example.

It really scares me to see communistic tendencies here.

[GCP]

16. Communistic?? LOL

You mean the fact that we don't buy the bullshit on Gates means we're Communists?
(Hi there, Joe).

I commend Gates for his charitable deeds, but he's been no saint in the corporate world.
Why else is Microsoft called the Evil Empire by many in the IT business?

[papau]

17. Gates $20 b to foundation was tax based-and to make wife happy - move, but

most of the rich do far less despite greater reasons to feel guilty.

Bill's giving is something to applaud.

[JailForBush]

22. Bullshit.

Bill Gates gives philanthropy a bad name.

To put it in perspective, if Bill Gates died today, what would his legacy be? The Rockefellers and Carnegies created great institutions. All Gates has done is get his name attached to a lot of buildings. And that doesn't begin to make up for the damage that asshole has rained down on society. The public is just too stupid to realize it.

[Democrats unite]

26. Before you speak, you should know what your talking about...

http://www.glf.org/default.htm

[JailForBush]

32. Wow!

Bill Gates is helping libraries keep their Microsoftized computers hooked to the Internet! He's getting big tax write-offs for fighting AIDS!

Funny, this page mentions nothing about the K-12 Leadership Institute or all the wonderful things that are happening in the Seattle School District.

But if you choose to believe the propagandists, I guess that's your business. After all, this is a free country! (At least, it is if you're Bill Gates.)

[barbaraann]

52. I see from your profile that you live in Florida.

Please, please, please understand that those of us who live in Western Washington have a lot more data regarding Bill Gates and his impact on others. We see and feel it every day in many different ways. For example, we can see all of the money poured into transportation improvements by MS buildings while other areas that need transportation improvements get NOTHING. I could give you a hundred more examples, too.

[barbaraann]

33. Please listen to the DUers who live in Washington State or have

worked in the software industry. Bill Gates is selfish and evil. Period. His charitable contributions are a sham and don't even begin to make a dent in repairing the damage he has done to our state, our country and our world.

[JailForBush]

36. Speaking of which,

have you ever seen a candidate for public office who criticized Bill Gates? The only one I know of is ME, and if I run for office again, I'll include an exta present for Mr. Gates that I've been working on.

[barbaraann]

44. Nope. Not a peep.

I really don't think Seattle deserves its "liberal" reputation.

And one thing that really steams me is the "limousine" HOV lane on the 520 Bridge by Medina that requires three people in a car. That's just so Mr. Gates never has to wait to get into Seattle like I and the other peons do.

[private_ryan]

63. the damage he did to the world?

are you serious? he changed the world, for the better. A computer in every home /desk was his idea.

But never mind that, let's confiscate all his money and split among us who did't have his brains and ambitions. it's only fair...

[barbaraann]

67. Yes, I'm serious. Read "Fire in the Valley" and you will see.

If you don't have time to read it, just read the reviews on amazon.

[Deja Q]

73. Don't worry, I'm scared too...

Many of those charities are his own. It's one big tax write-off.

He also makes multi-billions but only gives out millions. That's like you or me making $40,000/yr and giving out $100.

Meanwhile, he goes off and buys 14 houses somewhere because he prefers his privacy.

What a spoiled little fascist he is, who always makes sure his donations are spoken of in the media. I don't give a fuck that he donates money. His business practices sicken me.

Hitler united the German people and got the country out of recession. You gonna feel happy for him too? x(

[Rex]

75. Rofl! Democrats of the world, unite!

It really scares me to see people scared of other forms of government besides capitalism here.

[JailForBush]

15. Bill Gates is an Asshole.

That comment about his "rags to riches" life is absurd. For crying out loud, Billy Boy was born with a silver spoon in his mouth! His father was a powerful attorney (and a major asshole), and Bill Gates was sent to the exclusive Lakeside School for Boys. (One of the teachers, Gary Little, became Seattle's most famous pedophile, but no one wanted to hold him accountable - because he was also a judge.)

Bill Gates stole his wealth as much as he earned it, and, on balance, he has done NOTHING for Seattle. The city is in much worse shape than it was twenty years ago. When Bill Gates took over the Seattle School District, I knew my days were numbered. I figured he's want to get rid of any teachers who stuck up for the kids, and I heard through the grapevine that he wanted to get rid of lots of teachers, period. Sure enough, I lost my job a couple years ago - and the district has continued to deteriorate.

Yet Bill Gates is now pushing charter schools - obviously a tool to enhance hs ownership of children. Last year's charter school initiative was bankrolled by Bill Gates' partner in crime, Paul Allen.

It's also very educational to examine the thugs Bill Gates associates with. His bizarre K-12 "Leadership Institute" was staffed by some of public education's biggest derelicts, and his personal spokesman is Trevor Neilson, recruited from the Washington Education Association - perhaps America's most disgraced teachers union. When Gates first got his butt kicked in court, 60 Minutes interviewed him at a local Dick's Drive In, owned by a sleazy and bizrre corporate creationist who's Washington State's #1 charter school advocate (but NOT a children's advocate).

If I was drafted and sent to Iraq, I'd be a very unhappy camper at best. If the government declared war on Bill Gates, I'd volunteer and purchase my own weapon.

[beawr]

24. Perhaps your post provides as good a reason as any

for Gates to protect his family.

[JailForBush]

25. That's one way of looking at it.

Of course, I could also invoke the adage, "What goes around comes around." People who shit on other people do tend to make enemies, if you konw what I mean.

[beawr]

31. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth

Leaves the world Blind and toothless (or something to that effect) See, now you got me quoting Gandhi, and I work for the Marines. I get your point though. Gates has made MANY MANY enemies. I am wrapping up a Doctorate in Computer Science, and I can't count the number of slams I've heard. But I don't get pissed off at rich folks just 'cause they're rich (although I don't think you do either), and I am not pissed off at Gates mostly because I think that the Walton Family of Wal Mart fame has done far more to impoverish Americans than any other force on earth.

[JailForBush]

34. Forget "an eye for an eye."

Try ACCOUNTABILITY. That's why this country's going to Hell; get caught with marijuana and you go to jail. But thousands of corporate criminals are ruining America, and their crimes go unpunished in thought as well as deed.

"But I can't get pissed off at rich folks..."

Are you saying you can get pissed off at POOR folks, but the rich deserve a free ride???

"and I can't get pissed off at Gates mostly because I think that the Walton Family of Wal Mart fame has done far more to impoverish Americans than any other force on earth."

So the only people on the planet who should be held accountable are the Waltons? Sheez! There are THOUSANDS of corporate crooks who should be brought to justice!

[CityZen-X]

37. Corporations Are The Enemy

I am not saying that all corporations are evil, but lets take a look at the ones who control the world and especially our so called government. Politicians are mere butt-puppets for these elitist fux! In my opinion they are truly the enemies of the people.

[beawr]

40. Fair Enough

I don't get pissed off at ANYONE just because of their income.

Wealth doesn't prove guilt. Or do you define "Criminal" as someone with more money than you?

Socialism and Communism are DEAD, get used to it.

If we want to make these folks criminals, then we have to vote the people in that will make the laws that will make them criminals.

[JailForBush]

42. Fair's Fair

"I don't get pissed off at ANYONE just because of their income."

Neither do I. You may have noticed that I've never criticized Ted Turner on DU.

"Wealth doesn't prove guilt. Or do you define "Criminal" as someone with more money than you?"

No, I define "criminal" as someone who engages in criminal acts or acts that would be considered criminal outside of America, where most people are brain-dead.

"Socialism and Communism are DEAD, get used to it."

So you're another Demopublican who equates accountability with "socialism," eh?

"If we want to make these folks criminals, then we have to vote the people in that will make the laws that will make them criminals."

So we can't call Bill Gates a crook until we find someone with enough guts to make hi an issue - but only after he gets elected and passes a law that officialy declares Bill Gates a crook. Brilliant strategy.

[beawr]

46. Isn't that your strategy, haven't you run for office?

And, it seems to me that you define accountability the same way Robespierre did.

And maybe I am a Demopublican. When you become leader, you can send me to the reeducation camps.

[JailForBush]

49. Accountability - It isn't just a four-letter word.

"Isn't that your strategy."

Isn't WHAT my strategy?

"Haven't you run for office?"

Yes, I have. So?

"And, it seems to me that you define accountability the same way Robespierre did."

My definition of accountability is very simple: Commit a crime, do the time.

"And maybe I am a Demopublican. When you become leader, you can send me to the reeducation camps."

One doesn't have to be elected to be a leader. And if you're who I think you are, I wouldn't send you to a re-education camp.

[beawr]

51. You said it

Yes, you don't have to be elected to be "leader". And I DO think Bush has committed crimes for which he should be jailed (fat chance, but hey)

I figured you ran for office to attack Gates, that was what I meant about the strategy.

And my definition of accountability is the same.

And if I AM who you think I am, I'm not protecting my privacy enough.


Since I am over here on the other side of the country, perhaps I should just let it go.

[JailForBush]

53. I didn't run for office just to attack Bill Gates -

that was the icing on the cake.

[CityZen-X]

47. Not In Our Lifetime

"If we want to make these folks criminals, then we have to vote the people in that will make the laws that will make them criminals."

Only when we the people have lobbyist's and the millions to prop up their "people" this will happen. But brother, it's not going to happen in our lifetime, if ever.

Then there is the issue of the "Black Box."

[CityZen-X]

29. Gates Of Hell

Thank you for shedding some light on this megalo! This corporate butt-hole is a supporter of this vile, odious, Bu$h*t machine. If he is a concerned passionate person he would use his wealth for righteous causes, as to insure a better world for his family, not to mention the rest of us. He has the power to do so, but chooses to create a barrier around his castle instead. This man has more money than most countries have in their banks and he chooses to circle his wagons!

[9215]

62. This latest hoarding/castle building operation

leads me more to thinking what you say is true. Yea, he is an asshole.

But even if he isn't he sure as hell is no hero which some fools claim he is.

[PVnRT]

18. Is this any different

from all those upper-class gated communities that keep all the rest of us rabble out, unless, of course, one of the residents therein has deigned it that we should be permitted to enter?

[Silverhair]

20. So?

1. It is his own money. He has the FREEDOM to do with it pretty much as he pleases. Or do you object to freedom?

2. Those who sold the properties sold freely, and probably got a nice price for them too. It was their freedom to sell. Or do you object to their freedom?

If both the buyers and sellers were free consenting individuals, what business is it of ours? So he wants a lot of land around him. So What?

[JailForBush]

23. Corrections

1. Money stolen from the public is NOT Bill Gates' money.

2. Even if it was, people have every right to criticize on how gazillionaires affect the world the rest of us live in.

3. Some of us don't want Bill Gates' stinking carcass in this state. We're tired of being screwed thirteen different ways while our clueless neighbors revere Gates like some sort of Mao Tse Tung. For people who don't have a clue (especially those who don't even live in Bill Gates' back yard), what business is it of yours? Find a corporate whore in your own back yard to defend.

[Democrats unite]

30. Envy is the root of all evil.

eom

[JailForBush]

35. Spoken like a corporate apologist (e.g. Republican)

Everyone who hates Bill Gates must be jealous. People in other nations who hate the U.S. are just jealous of our (diminishing) civil liberties. People who oppose George Bush's economic policies are engaging in "class warfare."

So how's the weather there in the Land of Cop-Out?

[Democrats unite]

38. "Everyone who hates Bill Gates must be jealous"

Well at least we agree on that.

And the weather is great here? How is it in the land of oh woe is me?

[Name removed]

41. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[JailForBush]

54. Why, thank you. N/T

[PVnRT]

55. And you are using the same logic as those you hate

In other words, to defend Bill Gates is to be a corporate apologist. No exceptions.

One might ask how the weather is in your own land of Cop-Out.

[mitchum]

58. Spoken like a true apologist for a ONE-SIDED class war

[Deja Q]

74. No, MONEY is the root of all evil.

Envy is emotional response.

Money is manmade.

Man also defines evil. (in other words, we create a problem and then subject people to it and then find ways to ease the symptoms. Meanwhile, the problem still exists. :eyes: )

The only thing I have left to say is that you're now on my ignore list. Anything else might get deleted. But some of the other comments here, which amazingly haven't been deleted, are comments I would say too.

[thebaghwan]

39. Well I live in Seattle and I don't feel real bad about Bill Gates

I agree dwith the previous post. He wanted to buy, they wanted to sell, whose business is that? Theirs, not ours. As to the money he made, people bought his products. Think what employment in Seattle would be right now without Gates?

[JailForBush]

43. Well, I live in Seattle, too...

and not with my head in the sand.

Bill Gates affects the world. Therefore, his business is OUR business. Deal with it.

You say people bought Bill Gates' products. Right, and the military bought merchandise from Boeing that it used to kill children in Vietnam. What business is that of ours? Business is business, right?

Where would employment in Seattle be without Gates? Well, hundreds of teachers would still have jobs. People who earn less than $50,000 a year wouldn't have a tough time finding affordable apartments or homes. Reputable software companies might be able to survive in a spirit of COMPETITION. Gee, do you think they might hire people, too?

[RoeBear]

60. Is this because of...

...all the well paid Microsoft employees are bidding up rental prices?

"People who earn less than $50,000 a year wouldn't have a tough time finding affordable apartments or homes."

[private_ryan]

64. how did he steal it?

a lot of people would love to take him down, so approach a prosecutor with your evidence. I don't think you would've said he stole without ironclad evidence...

Second, buy him out if you don't want him to live in the state. He's a businessman, and I'm sure if the money is good he'll move to another state. Plenty of states would love to welcome Microsoft and their employees

[Democrats unite]

27. mistake

[Malva Zebrina]

28. It would have worked better if he had bought an island off the coast

of Maine. That way he really could have privacy!

[sweetheart]

71. hell, why stop with maine

There are some lovely uninhabited islands in Shetland and orkney he could bunker up in.

Northern Alaska has a few remote areas where he would be accepted perhaps.

I know they love him in indonesia, perhaps he could move there.

That asshole has destroyed more innovation in the software industry than all reputable software companies combined.

Geesh, my frikking latest windows still crashes ... hmmm.. how long does it take to make software that works?

Bill is an insult to software engineering. He needs an island, and he should stay there.

[NJCher]

45. maybe he hates leaf blowers

You can have all the money in the world and be driven nuts by these things because they are so intrusive. The use of earplugs to block them out is only marginally successful.

If I were BG, I'd be doing exactly what he's doing and I would turn all that new space around me into a nature preserve.


Cher

[RedCloud]

50. When Yellowstone blows open...

Gates will die like billions or be forced to eke out a meager existence with the survivors. Most likely the debris field will be too extensive for him. Maybe he should buy the Yellowstone super volcano a cork?

[Mackay]

66. I think it has a lot more to do with PEAK OIL

Which is just around the corner... He's just getting his buffer zone ready for the moment the rest of us are fighting each other for food.

[barbaraann]

68. I hate to tell you this,

but he will just get an amphibious airplane to pick him up at his house on Lake Washington and be whisked off to a safe place if that does happen. Or a helicopter if that won't work.

[mitchum]

59. Still a pencil-necked geek/robber baron

[Fla_Democrat]

69. So am I

but I'm not shelling out 14 million to do it. I guess the cost of elbow room is cheaper out here in the sticks. :evilgrin: