Gift Hub

As The Mighty Fall, so Does Their Philanthropy

NYTimes:

Several prominent foundations in the New York area have been particularly damaged by the recent collapse of Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns and the difficulties of the American International Group. The biggest among them is the Starr Foundation, which held 15.5 million shares of A.I.G. in May. Its assets have fallen by at least $1 billion since the end of 2006, or by nearly one-third of its total value at that time.

Pump and Dump Goes Global

C.A. Fitts: "Think of it. The housing bubble has reached the ultimate high. Instead of buying a home for no money down, insiders can now buy a country for no money down." 

Concierge Medical Care for Winners

Private Wealth Management on Concierge Medical Groups:

The fees charged by these firms vary widely, depending on the level and type of service. MDVIP, a popular concierge medical practice in Florida, for instance, gives patient’s greater access to a doctor for an annual fee of about $1,500. More full-service firms, like Healthcare Navigation and PinnacleCare, not only review coverage and appeal denied claims but actually accompany patients on doctor visits, for $10,000 to $50,000 a year. At the high-end, firms deal not only with a patient’s healthcare but with their wellness, aging and beauty. Some throw in perks like driving patients to the doctor in a limousine and giving them monogrammed robes made of plush Egyptian cotton to wear in the doctor’s office. Elite Personal Physician Services in Beverly Hills, for instance, has packages that range from $10,000 to $150,000. The Miami Institute for Age Management and Intervention in Florida has an annual package that costs $250,000.

Still, "Laughter is the best medicine," saith the Fool. For 50 cents I will make you a better person. (No takers, of course.) How about for free? If I give my dirty bathrobe for the privilege? But the limos come and go, outside the hospital, and not one taker for a Morals Tutorial. I follow the limos from hospital to grave side service and listen in as the Priest reads the prayer for the dead. "Ashes to ashes." Then comes the reading of the will, and the all night bash for the heirs at Triple Seven.

Faberge Egg Sells for $18.5 Million

A positive leading indicator of philanthropy? Or Revolution? I will have to ask the Countess Apraxina.