OT: What would you do if you won the lottery?

[thisDude]

This is one of those cocktail party conversation questions. I wanted to throw it at some creative people, maybe even get some creative responses. Would you do your part to better humanity? Would you finally fulfill all of your gear-related dreams? Would you buy your own private island and stock it with monkey butlers? Would you get a posse? Would you give to your church? Would you get back at all the people who you ever swore revenge on? Assuming I survived the party the night of the bank deposit, I'd probably buy a sports team (after, of course, getting a PT system).

[tnb]

Gig until the money ran out.

[Blues Disciple]

I would probably: First--pay off all the bills, car, house, etc. Then I would: Buy the gear I'd like to resolve my continual case of Gear Acquisitions Syndrome (GAS) Take a year off to travel and visit the places I've always wanted to visit Set-up a giving plan to donate to worthy local charities Set-up a scholarship fund for special needs and/or academically gifted kids Put some $ away for my own kid's futures Start a non-profit comprehensive ministry organization Invest some And then buy all that stuff that I've been to cheap to buy now. BD

[strat0124]

I'd probably make a big chunk of it untouchable so the kids will have a killer inheritance at some point. But I know for a fact I'd buy myself a mountain home up toward Boone NC, complete with a killer studio. I'd also have a mobile rig so I could help record and promote acts I really like. Probably open a coffee house/brew pub that featured live music, the more eclectic the better, serve great food. Support the community with stuff for the downtrodden, the kids, old folks. Volunteer alot. Travel alot. I'd still drive modest and live modest. But I'd have some cool guitars!

[not coaster MODERATOR]

I'm glad that I've learned to be somewhat content with the $ that I have already. However, it's fun to dream about winning the big one. I would expand my humble MAC/DP3 project studio rather than start fresh with a new pro-tools beast. And I'd purchase a home along the coast of Northern California on several acres. I'd want one of those huge mideival fireplaces.

[DC]

I think the thought of hungry people in this day and age bothers me more than anything. A priest came to church last week and had an organization that feeds hungry folks. What impressed me was that like 93 cents of every dollar donated actually goes for food and it's transport (compare that with like 28 cents for each dollar with Greenpeace type orgs). I'd give them a chunk. I don't have any debt but my partner does so I'd pay off her loans. I'd try and save a chunk in case I get sick -no health insurance. I'd buy some land and build my own house. Always wanted to do that since I built an addition on ours. I've got most of the music gear I want but I'd surely buy some cool stuff, always wanted a piano. I'd like to check with friends and family and help out where I could as well. Our animals would have all the coolest toys. :)

[Lee Flier]

For myself, I'd build an underground house with a cool studio, all totally self sustaining and run on solar power. Probably also get an RV or bus which I would run on biodiesel and have a little mobile recording rig in it plus it would be a touring vehicle for my band. Definitely I'd become a patron of the arts and record anybody whose music I thought was worthy, maybe have a little indie label to release the stuff. I'd make sure my parents and close friends were financially comfortable. Then I'd start buying up strip malls and ripping up the asphalt and planting trees there. :) In fact, I'd buy as much land as I could get my hands on and put it in trust. That is, it could only be used for specific purposes in perpetuity. Some would be old growth forests and stuff that would need to be protected from any development at all, but I'd also like to buy burned out agricultural and urban land and make something beautiful out of it - sustainable farms, forests, parks, housing communities and places of business that aren't an assault on the senses or the environment. That'd keep me busy for awhile I reckon. :)

[MusicWorkz]

A little bit of everything. I'd give to my church, secure my families present and future by eliminating debt and investing, making the money work for me. I would gear up our company so we can explore the music industry for all its good things. Definitely a new studio, a few toys (BMW M5 w/ modifications, of course) and a lot of sharing with my family and friends will then ensue.

[Tedster]

[quote]Originally posted by Blues Disciple: [b]I would probably: First--pay off all the bills, car, house, etc. Then I would: Buy the gear I'd like to resolve my continual case of Gear Acquisitions Syndrome (GAS) Take a year off to travel and visit the places I've always wanted to visit Set-up a giving plan to donate to worthy local charities Set-up a scholarship fund for special needs and/or academically gifted kids Put some $ away for my own kid's futures Start a non-profit comprehensive ministry organization Invest some And then buy all that stuff that I've been to cheap to buy now. BD[/b][/quote]What he said. Including the signature line. "Lord lord Miss Sally, well you're always cryin' Been around here three long days, lookin like you're dyin' Just step your self outside, look up at the stars above Go on downtown baby, find somebody to love" ...Yep, one of my all time favorite songs too... Oh yeah, and what Lee said about ripping up asphalt and planting trees.

[where02190]

Pay off all my bills. Pay off all my (small circle of) friends bills. Turn the studio into an arts community, free for low income musicians, and a school for those wanting to learn. Buy a modest house outside Paris, France with a massive yard for the dog, and never be heard from again. I'd eat escargot for lunch every day, stroll the streets of Paris and marveling at it's wonders, and going slowly insane. You wouldn't even see my dust...

[sbrock1san.rr.com]

I would buy a WalMart and place it right next to Lee's land just to piss her off :) I would love to buy an old run down movie theatre and refurbish it to it's former glory. Then I would show classic movies at an affordable price and offer great popcorn with real butter, and all the people working there would have to dress in retro clothes. There is something romantic, comforting, and magical in those old theatres and I hate to see them fall by the wayside. They represent a simpler time in America, even if it is just a perceived one. I would also travel two months out of the year and try to see the other 90 % of the world that I've missed.

[RobT]

Hmm interesting thread. Here goes. Tithe to my church. Pray about what to do with what's left after I do the following: Set up a college fund for my kids and my nieces and nephews. (I worked like a dawg in school and its easier to get better grades if you don't have to worry about money) Build a nice retirement house for my mom. Build a house with a studio. Support acts and causes I really identify with.

[Dwarf]

Depends on how much I won. $10 - buy lunch $100 - Pay a bill, buy lunch $1000 - Put a bunch on my Visa, pay a couple of bills, buy lunch $10,000 - Pay off my car, pay off my visa, buy lunch $100,000 - Pay off car, pay off visa and other credit sources, fix problems with car, buy some new drum gear, buy new computer and stereo, buy lunch $1,000,000 - pay off car and other bills, buy new car, buy house, buy lunch. Keep at least $500,000 invested so I can have some interest income. $10,000,000 - pay off everything, buy new car (or two). Pay off friend's bills. Buy about 40 acres of land and have a log house built it. Have a recording studio built too. Keep minimum $5,000,000 invested. Join a band and tour without worrying about making money. Buy band lunch. $100,000,000 - we don't have these kinds of jackpots in Canada. If we did, see $10,000,00 and invest $50,000,000, give $30,000,000 to AIDS and cancer research. -- Rob

[ikestr]

My girlfriend and I talk about this from time to time and its interesting to hear what people have to say. 1. Pay off my bills and my girlfriend's bills 2. Buy a big house on the hill overlooking San Diego Bay. Of course Id build a nice studio and rehersal room. 3. Give to the American Diabetes Association. I would love to be a part of a cure for diabetes. 4. Make sure my family was well taken care of. 5. Travel extensively. 6. Hmmmm....maybe get into politics. 7. Damned, almost forgot about this one... take some vocal lessons! ikestr

[Dylan]

1) Quit my day job :D 2) Pay off bills 3) Travel 4) But a ton 'o guitars 5) Chill like a mutha....

[Groovepusher Sly]

Get a Full Body CAT & MRI scan Take care of anything they find. Then go run like Forrest Gump.

[Hippie]

Party my ass off and be an irresponsible fool - nothing would change. ;)

[Monkey Mouse]

Let's see... First I would buy the few pieces of equipment I need to finish my personal studio. Second I would pay off my car (I'm lucky not to have any debt besides that). Third, I would set up a family trust fund for my offspring (no kids yet). Fourth, I would open up my dream store: combination pawn/porn shop in either Dade or Broward Counties in FL. Those of you who live in Florida are blessed to have so many lovely places like those. I figure that good equipment can come in from time to time and I also love filth, so its a good match. I also figured that with a porn shop you can get some amateur films going ;) and I can compose the soundtracks to them (and direct them too :idea: ). I would have a studio in the back of the joint for such production. Fifth, I would buy the smallest house in a rich neighborhood and do all the white trash things possible to annoy my neighbors: boat and RV in yard, a very big vegetable garden (rich snobs don't grow, they buy from stores), a goat for weed control, a full nightclub soundsystem inside and out, naked pool parties at least 3 times a week, and about 50 cars. If the neighbors complain, I'll just tell them that if they don't like my lifestyle, I'll buy ther houses and turn them into swing clubs or soup kitchens. I just love people! I would also have my dipstick and bean bag bronzed (like Jimi Hendrix) for the hell of it. :thu:

[KenElevenShadows]

I'd do what I do now, except without my day job! Travel even more, help out people even more, make music even more, and try to fix my back... ...and buy a house with a recording studio, although I know not where. Maybe Big Sur overlooking the ocean.

[doug osborne]

one thing for sure SPEND IT ALL you can't take it with you, and the kidz can win their own friggin lottery Doug

[Dylan]

...or [url=http://www.bullshitjob.com/officespace/million1.wav]this[/url] :D .

[Franknputer]

1) Pay off my family's debts. 2) Donate a large sum of money to the National Baha'i Fund, and buy the local community a Baha'i center. 3) Torch my kitchen :D and rebuild it. 4) Build out a tour bus as a mobile recording facility, drive around the country & make recordings using all of my friends who live elsewhere.

[DC]

[quote]Originally posted by Monkey Mouse: [QB] Fifth, I would buy the smallest house in a rich neighborhood and do all the white trash things possible to annoy my neighbors: boat and RV in yard, a very big vegetable garden (rich snobs don't grow, they buy from stores), a goat for weed control, a full nightclub soundsystem inside and out, naked pool parties at least 3 times a week, and about 50 cars. If the neighbors complain, I'll just tell them that if they don't like my lifestyle, I'll buy ther houses and turn them into swing clubs or soup kitchens. I just love people! QB][/quote]Ha, me and a friend have discussed buying a home in a newer pretentious neighborhood. We wanted to put major appliances on the porch, hang laundry between trees in the front lawn, have a collection of old rusty cars up on blocks in the yard of course. Also hound dogs and barnyard animals running loose everywhere, install an outhouse... We thought of a bunch of stuff. :thu:

[Blues Disciple]

Hey Geenard! I live 30 miles from Boone, NC in Wilkesboro at the foot of the mountain...great place to live. When you win the lottery I wanta be part of the studio/coffee shop biz! Two other things I would do: 1. Open a book store/CD store/coffee shop/music hall place 2. Get everything settled and run by responsible people then start a blues band and tour, tour, tour in the best of style! BD

[Sylver]

I would hire Van Halen to play my birthday party. The rest, I would squander until I was pennyless and had to scrounge from relatives. Put away some for my kids future? Yeah, right. Like I would care care after they found me lying face down in a big pile of caviar(I hear it's a great rush if you snort it).

[steven dunston]

I wouldn't do anything different, but I'd do some things (work?) less often and some things (sleep?) more often.

[meccajay]

With enough winnings I would-- -Secretly pay select Radio MD's NOT to play Britney, Nelly, Boy Bands, or any prefab groups, and instead they would play college radio formats, local music, Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Aretha, Beatles, and The Police etc. -Record all the ideas, songs and projects in my head in the nicest recording facilities I could find...something like a resort/studio on a tropical island like Luther Vandross did with his 'The Night I Fell In Love' Album. I'd invite the finest studio musicians and engineers(from this forum)for stability and "insurance" and also invite a host of my idols...Areatha, Chaka, Johnny Lang, George Clinton, Maceo Parker, Stewart Copeland, Stevie Wonder, Q & Rod Temperton....you get the picture! - I'd get 1 nice car and fix up my old hooptie...really nicely! -I'd give friends a nice chuck of change--thru a reputable investment firm. -I'd give my family members bonds or mutual funds for there chlidren, some savings, and 1 really really nice big family home for everyone, so they could all fight over it after Im gone. -I'd set up a few food service vans that would go to different low income neighborhoods and serve free meals to as many of the homeless/poor as I could reach, and not tell a soul who was behind it all. -I'd build a massive recreational/homework center for the kids in my neighborhood to have a place where they could do there homework in peace and access computers. There would be part time instructors and volunteers helping out in an environment where learning and being smart is not looked down upon. In this rec center would also be a fully funtional musical facility with practice rooms, instruments, and weekend music clinic's and musical instruction. Guest performers(local bands) would be paid to perform for the kids on Sat afternoons. Lots of security around, and hopefully lots of parents too!! -I would build a nice studio in my home with a decent four track cassette recorder in it :p -For one month I would set all my boys up on dates with porn stars and then have my boys dump them all cruelly. -I would marry Serena Williams and my TV would be tuned to booty-vision every night! :freak: -I would have a Marvin Gaye Shrine built in Atlanta. -I would buy the Jimi Hendrix 'Woodstock' guitar. -I would routinely drop by the rehearsals of artists like Prince, P Funk, George Duke etc just to say hello. -I would eventually get bored and be a bartender in a Jamaican resort to be with the 'people', and run weekend deep-sea fishing trips...

[ernest828]

We`ll surprisingly, I would do nothing different than what I already do. I`m a musician. Everything in my life has come through my music: job, equipment, friends, etc... Obviously, with any additional money I earn, I upgrade the studio. I`ll also keep all the gear I own, just add to it. Why someone would wait to contribute to society ONLY after they had a large sum of money is beyond me. There is no better time than the present to do something selfless for someone else no matter where you reside. Peace, Ernest

[meccajay]

[quote]Originally posted by ernest828@aol.com: [b]W Why someone would wait to contribute to society ONLY after they had a large sum of money is beyond me. There is no better time than the present to do something selfless for someone else no matter where you reside. [/b][/quote]I agree wholeheartedly, which is why my friends and I make it a point to help homeless people whenever we can!! It's certainly not on the scale that we dream of, but it does make a difference! It's part of the advantage of having the friends that I do here in the Atlanta area. Before moving here it never dawned on me how much the common man could help...each one reach one.

[Sui]

[quote]Would you do your part to better humanity?[/quote]With all the corruption out there? Would it accomplish anything? [quote]Would you finally fulfill all of your gear-related dreams?[/quote]First thing I'd do is get a Corona, my favorite gear magazine, start reading and drinking, and get aroused. [quote]Would you buy your own private island and stock it with monkey butlers?[/quote]Monkey butlers? Nah. Amazon women sound better to me. [quote]Would you get a posse?[/quote]Nah - look where that got MC Hammer. [quote]Would you give to your church?[/quote]I would most certainly contribute a sizeable donation to The First Church of Shatnerology!! [quote]Would you get back at all the people who you ever swore revenge on?[/quote]Why? They would all be my friends again and asking for money. Plenty of revenge in that alone, and they do all the work for you. :D