# You come into a huge fortune. What frivious thing do you buy? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 12, 2010, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440 "2010-07-12T20:20:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/141 "2010-07-14T18:05:49Z")
I forgot to mention that I would build a Factory Five roadster. I actually plan to do that in the next 10 years though. I’d also find arcade machines of Mortal Kombat 1-3 and NBA Jam. ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/142 "2010-07-14T18:13:55Z")
I was thinking “An organ, or a flying boat?”. Then “Why not both?”. So a nice top-of-the-range four-manual electronic to play while the flying boat is either on autopilot or bobbing at anchor off the coast of Barbados or some such. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/143 "2010-07-14T18:30:32Z")
> [@Oakminster](#): > > I’d buy the Dope. Make a few staff and policy changes. Such as: > > 1. People that post recipes for stuff that sounds good have to make it, and send me some. > > 2. Rule 1 applies double for cookies. > > 3. The Current Pit is eliminated. Instead, we’ll have The Steel Cage forum. You wanna throw down? Fine. But you’re gonna really throw down. In a cage. And the event will be youtubed for all to see. > > 4. Admin Control Panel (or whatever they call it on this software) will be upgraded to include a vuvuzela button, accessible only by me. Piss me off, and you get 10d6 minutes of that horrible sound blasting from your speakers. There is also a timer. Once imposed, the punishment will begin when the offender clicks in order a randomly generated pattern of numbers. If he doesn’t click the right number at the right time, then the timer resets. The only way to remove or disable the buzzing is to sit there and suffer for the entire 10d6 minutes. > > 5. **Skald** gets his own forum, and sole power to grant or deny access thereto. He can post anywhere else he wants, of course, but in his forum, he’s the boss. > > 6. **Gfactor** is hereby employed as board law talking guy, with **Bricker** as his deputy. They get to defend any lawsuits arising out of the vuvuzela button in paragraph 4. They will do so by asserting the arbitration and choice of law clauses in the revised user agreement they drafted. Guess who’s current secretary will be the sole arbiter of all disputes? And, if the arbitration clause is held uneforcable, they can try the cases in the character of any pokemon character **Bricker** ’s kid wants. I got a hundred mill drawing more in interest than the first thousand plaintiffs could hope to win. > > 7. If **Opal** wants, she can request I give people up to three minutes of vuvuzela button for doing that Hi Opal thing. > > 8. **Hal Briston** can do the same for people making sheep jokes. > > 9. **Senor Beef** ain’t gonna like the new College Football Forum, because all SEC news, scores, updates, and discussion will be stickied, and stuff for the lesser conferences will start on about page 3. > > 10. Any self-identified Notre Dame fan is subject to random intervals of vuvuzela button, because I despise Notre Dame. > _Yeah, I’ll be buying an island and suitably fortifying same, of course. I’m just not telling most of you where it’ll be._ I thought the OP specified “frivolous”. I request a ruling - is a heated driveway frivolous? I live in Minnesota, so I am guessing “Not”. If “Not”, a secret passageway to a secret room. Just because. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/144 "2010-07-14T18:34:19Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > I thought the OP specified “frivolous”. > > I request a ruling - is a heated driveway frivolous? I live in Minnesota, so I am guessing “Not”. > > If “Not”, a secret passageway to a secret room. Just because. > > Regards, > Shodan Oak’s from the South, as I am. A heated driveway is entirely frivolous here. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/145 "2010-07-14T19:19:24Z")
Lots of alternative energy experiments - pay people to design a wind tunnel that generates electricity that can go through the attic. Exercise bike that feeds back into the electric grid. ---
**Author:** ![SurrenderDorothy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/surrenderdorothy/32/1221_2.png) [@SurrenderDorothy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SurrenderDorothy)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/146 "2010-07-14T20:04:16Z")
A treehouse. Like, a big nice one. And a huge saltwater aquarium. Like room-sized so that I could have an entire wall of fish. also, a vivarium with poison dart frogs in it. And maybe an aviary full of finches. And people to take care of them all. Also, I’d get my nephew and myself on Sesame Street. eta… or build a replica of Elmo’s World for him ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/147 "2010-07-14T20:56:13Z")
> [@Palo\_Verde](#): > > A full time professional masseuse to rub my feet at a moment’s notice. He said “frivolous”…that’s downright life-sustaining. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/148 "2010-07-14T20:57:55Z")
> [@Stoid](#): > > He said “frivolous”…that’s downright life-sustaining. Nah, it’s still frivolous to have one on staff full time. I mean, my garden maze helps fight global warming and presumably employs several gardeners full time, but it’s still a waste. ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2010, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/149 "2010-07-14T21:05:38Z")
If I had infinite money: Private chef with an advanced kitchen Private masseuse Private therapist Private doctor On top of that Private jet Apartments all over the world (Brazil, US, Russia, China, UK) to travel between. Not really frivolous, but if I had tons of money I would want to invest heavily in neuroscience research similar to what Paul Allen does. ---
**Author:** ![flodnak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/838e76/32.png) [@flodnak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flodnak)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/150 "2010-07-15T09:11:10Z")
I’m so boring. The only thing I can think of is building a dream house. Of course, given that this is the Casaflodnak household we’re talking about, this isn’t quite a normal dream house. Fella bilong missus flodnak wants a pipe organ, which is going to require its own room, if not its own outbuilding. And I want a good old mechanical ant style planetarium, which needs a dome of its own. Other than that, the usual stuff… indoor swimming pool, home theater with built-in popcorn machine, hot tub on the roof… nothing out of the ordinary. Of course I’d need a live-in housekeeper to take care of it, but that’s a sacrifice I am prepared to make. Two new cars, though that’s not exactly frivious… and an RV with one of those little car trailers behind, because I want to see Europe and if I’m a gazillionaire I’m going to do it in style, baby. Kitschy American style, but style nonetheless. ---
**Author:** ![Cicero](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cicero/32/3594_2.png) [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/151 "2010-07-15T09:58:01Z")
I’d buy a few Victoria Crosses. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_the\_Immortal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Max\_the\_Immortal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_the_Immortal)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 11:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/152 "2010-07-15T11:30:48Z")
I’d hire a manservant or two to wait on me hand and foot. To be free from doing any household chores (while still enjoying a home where they’re always taken care of) would be the height of luxury for me. Also, I’d keep buying many new pairs of socks, so that I’d only wear each pair once. There’s nothing better than that new sock feel. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/153 "2010-07-15T15:18:17Z")
A pair of box seat season tickets to every MLB team. I could show up to any game I wanted anywhere in the country all summer long and be guaranteed great seats. Plus I’d be able to get playoff and World Series tickets, no matter who’s playing. Unused tickets would go to local Boys and Girls Clubs or similar organizations. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/154 "2010-07-15T15:24:31Z")
Ooh, Wheelz. That’s a tempting one. ---
**Author:** ![Ranchoth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranchoth/32/1066_2.png) [@Ranchoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranchoth)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/155 "2010-07-15T15:57:22Z")
First thought: a T-800 Endoskeleton replica. I’ve always wanted one of those. After that, if I have $100 million (plus, preferably) I’d contact Space Adventures Inc. about that [circumlunar mission](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Adventures#Lunar_Mission). Personally, though, I’d count that as _non_-frivolous. I also might check to see if there’s a discount if I don’t need to come back. ---
**Author:** ![Jet\_Jaguar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jet_jaguar/32/3562_2.png) [@Jet\_Jaguar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jet_Jaguar)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/156 "2010-07-15T16:08:29Z")
I’d buy a MiG-15, and start collecting old F1 cars and MotoGP bikes. In fact, I’d also start my own MotoGP team, since the grid has been a little thin this year. I’d also like to compete in the Dakar Rally. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/157 "2010-07-15T17:52:08Z")
I figured I’d get tickets to whatever NASCAR races I wanted to go to, but the only thing holding most people back from racing is money. I’d probably bring my wallet to a good team and let them spread some of my money around the organization in exchange for my own ride. I’m in my 20’s and rich, so why not? ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/158 "2010-07-15T18:10:13Z")
> [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](#): > > If Athena had not intended for us to massacre one another with more and more elaborate weapons until at last the Earth was reduced to a smoking wasteland inhabited primarily by geese, She would have killed her half-brother with the limp long ago. Who are you to question Athena? I think you misunderstood - fitting it with weapons is how it would be better. Of course, _I’d_ only use them on whaling ships and targets, but then, I am a pacifist. ---
**Author:** ![Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/159 "2010-07-15T18:37:06Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I think you misunderstood - fitting it with weapons is how it would be better. > Of course, _I’d_ only use them on whaling ships and targets, but then, I am a pacifist. :: demon bureaucrat hat on :: Can I get you to explain how you figure using weapons on a whaling ship fits in with pacifism? 'Cause there’s this Greenpeacer one of my guys has almost-but-not-quite damned and I’d like to get him firmly on the books. ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440/160 "2010-07-15T20:56:29Z")
A floating island Take two zepplins, or three and lay them in Catamaran or Tri maran configuration. Now we need the cross platform that supports the actual mansion. Not overly large as there are engineering aspects that will simply not go away by throwing money at the problem. Who needs to go to a nascar race or an MLB/NFL game, when one can simply view it from the air. Im thinking something along the lines of that spaceship in district nine, same size more or less but an airship. I expect that I will hear, can’t, not allowed, ilegal, need a permit(s). Bah, those I can throw money at Declan [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-come-into-a-huge-fortune-what-frivious-thing-do-you-buy/546440.md?page=9)