Saturday, March 24, 2012

Addendum to "What Do Rich People Talk About?"


In our last conversation entitled What Do Rich People Talk About? I was telling you how the rich (at least at parties) dodge any talk about money, business, health and politics. But to add to that, I'd just like to say I always find it amusing the way they sling around numbers in their conversations!

For example: If  I said to you I bought a decent table wine for "nine fifty" at the local supermarket, you'd immediately understand I mean nine-dollars-and-fifty-cents, right? ($9.50)

But if you heard "nine fifty" from the lips of the rich, you can be sure that would mean they paid nine-hundred-and-fifty dollars for that bottle of wine! ($950.00)

Likewise, if you hear a number like "seventy-five" tossed around, depending entirely upon the context of the conversation, that could mean anything from:

- A decent cigar for $75.
- An inexpensive off-the-rack cocktail dress from Neiman Marcus for seven thousand-five-hundred dollars ($7,500).
- A haute couture cocktail dress for seventy-five-thousand dollars! ($75,000).
- Or a prime piece of real-estate, suitable for building an office tower, for seventy-five-million. ($75,000,000)

So if you're in the business of eavesdropping, it's absolutely essential you pay attention to the context of the conversation. I mean, to my knowledge there's no such thing as a seventy-five-million-dollar cocktail dress, right? You've gotta know what you're listening to in order to interpret it correctly.

I hope that shed more light, and thanks as always for stopping by.

Andrew

16 comments:

  1. We have just now discovered your blog, Mr. Williams, and you are making me and my girl friends in Maylasia laugh a lot. We are learning much from you, about the funn lives of rich people, and now we are using baby diapers to clean glass and mirrors as you suggested. Which makes us laugh also.

    We look to your future writings.

    Adilah

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    1. Thank you for your comment, Adilah! And welcome to this blog.

      I hope you and your friends in Maylasia continue to enjoy this nutty billionaire world I find myself in these days. And I'm glad you've discovered the importance of baby diapers! Ha! (They don't leave lint.)

      Andrew

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  2. ROFLMAO! This blog is crazy! What does $950 wine taste like?

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    1. Glad you're laughing dude, but get off the floor and lets get real -- after one or two glasses, $950 wine tastes the same as $9.50!

      Trust me on that point! Ha!

      Andrew

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  3. Dear Andrew This was sooooo funny !!!!! I lol ! What a delight !kek

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    1. And what a delight that you found it so funny! Thanks as always for reading.

      Andrew

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  4. I just discovered your blog Andrew. I work for a super rich family in California. I serve as valet to their 18 year old son (( myself am 28). Oh my, I can tell I am going to have some stories from this family. Never thought I would enjoy this work, but it is not so bad. The 18 year old (what do I call him, Mister, Sir, Mr., Master? haha) is quite demanding but im learning what his likes and dislikes are.

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    1. What a wonderful comment, "Anonymous"!

      I'm glad you like this job! But you immediately need to set some boundaries! You are the adult, and his protector -- and the family probably expects this from you! Call him by his first name, added by Mister. "Where are we going today Mister Joe?"

      I want to hear all your stories, but you must do me a favor!

      Instead of commenting under "Anonymous", you can select a NAME under the comments -- and it can be as anoymous and simple as "Charles the Chauffer".

      That way, not only I but all my readers will know what to expect and who you are (even though still anonymous). And you can tell us all your stories with complete anonimity.

      And just so you know, your first "Anonymous" comment has already spread to over sixty countries all over the world! Ha! You are already famous and don't even know it.

      Please keep writing, and let us know what this little eighteen-year-old fart is up to! Ha!

      Andrew

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    2. Im still trying to find a suitable name for my profile but it's me again, the valet. So apparently I need to brush up on my gentleman's style trends. The 18 year old little prince had an issue (ok, a minor fit haha), because I laid out the wrong shoes to go with his clothes for the day. He was going to a lunch with his girlfriend at a restaurant by the water and I laid out black casual slacks, a grey cotton collared shirt, and he was fine with this outfit. I got the shoes wrong though. Apparently dress shoes were not an option! He wanted driving moccasins haha. So, I obliged, brought him the correct shoes, but made a second mistake by bringing socks. Apparently driving mocs are worn sans socks! Oh man, I have lots to learn!

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    3. For a name, just off the cuff -- maybe something like "Gentleman's Gentleman", "Valiant Valet", "Intrepid Valet", something along those lines.

      But you need to be careful with this kid you're dealing with. Rich adults know that service is a game, played in exchange for a fat paycheck.

      But their bratty little kids, especially teenagers, don't fully understand the game yet, and can seemingly feel "entitled" to service. Or worse yet, they may even feel and act "superior" to those who are serving them. Ha! Which is a character flaw on their part, NOT yours. Usually they outgrow it and understand what the world is all about.

      You must have the professioanl skills to suck up this kind of bullshit on their part (always remembering the paycheck) or get out of there quick! There's too many great families out there that need help, and don't treat their housestaff like dogs.

      That you didn't punch out this snotty little brat over the choice of shoes already shows you have the skills to outsmart them, and keep your professionals goals in mind.

      Please do keep writing.

      Andrew

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  5. Wonderful Andrew,
    Once again, I sit here laughing.

    Gentlemens Gentlemen, Buckle up....you are in for the most bumpy of rides. Best wishes.

    Hope all is well.
    A.Hari

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    1. You are so awesome, A. Hari!

      Quoting a line from an old Bette Davis movie. Ha!

      All is well, and I'm always so happy to hear from you.

      Andrew

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  6. the valiant valetSaturday, 31 March, 2012

    I am going to go with the Valiant Valet for my profile. I like the ring of it. Today was a good day. Mister Lucas (18 year old) was gone most of the day taking one of his exams before his spring break begins. He returned and I washed his car anticipating that he might be going out tonight but he has stayed in. The Mr. and Mrs. are away for the weekend at a charity event so Mister Lucas had some friends over. He sent me out to bring some food and I spent the rest of the evening serving them as they all just sort of lounged by the pool. My question is how much do you think I should dote on my employer. Since I am new I am trying to be extra attentive. For instance, when he gets out of the pool I am waiting with his robe and towel. I literally dry his feet and put his sandals on. Although he acts like I am invisible while I am doing these tasks (I understand that as his servant I am to remain out of the way as much as possible) I was wondering if I may be going overboard with the servant mentality. Thoughts?

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    1. This is not ancient Persia, we don't dry people's feet, and we don't have a "servant mentality". So yes, you are going overboard.

      We in household staff are professional "employees", not servants, performing needed assistance in various areas.

      Now that you've found your voice and title, it's time for you to set up your own blog and tell your stories to those who will show interest.

      We wish you well along your path.

      The Team at "Billionaire's Butler".

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  7. Laughing ! You don't miss anything !
    I obviously do not proof read. Where is the uncouth word police when you need him? Kidding! Giggle!

    Hope you have a wonderful week,
    A.Hari

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    1. The Word PoliceSunday, 01 April, 2012

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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