Just Why Do Rich People...

@pyewacket (43903)
United States
February 6, 2009 12:39am CST
Have weird lifestyles anyway? Late at night I usually watch this show called Cribs. It's an MTV show but on the ABC channel (channel 7 here). The whole premise of the show is to showcase three celebrities homes for each episode...their "cribs". Now some actually do have real GORGEOUS homes...uh, well not homes in the usual sense but bondfide mansions. Yet as nice as the homes themselves are the celebrities decorate their homes like crap, real tacky and with no taste for the most part, or otherwise they look like museums with a do not touch atmosphere, not lived in. OH, and almost all of the celebrities seem to have widescreen plasma TVs in their bathrooms usually overhanging their bathtub..does one REALLY take long baths to need to watch TV...like huh? The weirdest part is after the celebrity gives a tour of their home then they show off all their cars...that's plural CARS..not one, not two, but seems each celebrity has at least six cars. Like huh? And no this isn't envy or sour grapes, but even if I did have their kind of money to kick around with, like why would I want more than maybe two cars...one practical all around use kind like a Jeep Cherokee, and maybe one luxury car like a Jaguar. One person even had twenty motorcycles...like huh again? I mean one can only drive one car or ride one motorcycle at a time. I mean isn't this just a tad overboard? Anyone else see this show??...I found their official website and one can watch some of the episodes here. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/cribs/series.jhtml {Warning: This is NOT a referral link but a link to the Cribs show}
9 people like this
27 responses
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
8 Feb 09
They need to invest money to escape from taxes. By reselling those houses they make good money. They don't have time to design anything in the house(most of them), all is done for them way before they move in. They are living in someone else idea what they may need around the house.
2 people like this
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
16 Feb 09
They will never loose on those houses and cars...Elvis wrack was sold for millions...old Madonna coat was sold for thousands...just to name a few... With new real estate market they can wait, because they can afford to wait...
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Well you're talking about "big-time" celebrities and yes, probably even a tissue that they blew their noses in would go for a lot of money The "celebrities" in this show though I've never even heard of...like one person who showed off his expensive "cribs"---a skateboard champion...like huh? So I can just see the real estate person trying to sell the home by saying "And this home once belonged to (fill in name)."....Bet the reaction would be "Who?"
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Maybe....but with the economy the way it is, no way can those people now get anything near the reselling price of what the home might be worth...and as far as all those cars? Even they go down in value a lot
@vivasuzi (4127)
• United States
6 Feb 09
Well the first thing I thing whenever I watch is - these celebs are probably rarely even in their house to enjoy it! They are always out on the road, flying around the country. If I was a celeb, I wouldn't want such a large waste of a house if I'd never be there. I would LOVE a bathroom like that. I LOVE soaking in the tub except mine is small :( Everytime I see a bathroom with a huge jaccuzzi tub and a TV over it, I think - that would be awesome!! I'd use it every night. I don't need a mansion, I don't need 20 rooms that no one uses, but a nice master bath would be heaven :) The cars I could live without. If I was a celeb on that show, the only car i'd be showing off is the limo that drives me around :-D How often do celebs really drive those cars? Probably not a lot b/c theyd be stalked all the time. I bet you the ones with 10 cars let their friends drive them. Plus they probably have deals with the car companies to show them off. What i think is funny is when they have random friends there (not famous ppl, just randoms). I imagine some of these random friends live there more than the celeb does!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
I have to admit I love the "homes" that have those kinds of swimming pools that look like a part of nature, with waterfalls and everything...now that I could go for..LOL..and the kitchens! My kitchen is the size of a closet so I'll gladly take one of those too...heehee
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
6 Feb 09
LOL! You know, I would love to BE one of those random friends - and maybe not even see them as a 'celebrity' but as a person. Honestly, that has to mean more to someone than all the star struck fans in the world, know what I mean? I wouldn't want to be famous but if I were, I'd probably only extend privs to the friends I already have - and to people I had admired and always wanted to meet. The average joe screaming outside my door? Whatever. If I was that important he should have approached me before I was famous lol.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
6 Feb 09
yup i think rich people are nuts. like ya said ya can only drive one car or one bike at a time. Do they also show you their awful art collections. things I wouldnt have on my walls!. Nope if i had thier kind of money I would ave a house that would hole al my kids or build them one on the property. I have a spot picked out on the mountain side here already lol. Might get me another Durango or maybe a hummer as looking at them have grown on me . didnt like tham at first. adn I would get me some horses! A cook for I get tired of cooking. And a summer home in Cripple Creek Colorado! and I would travel and meet all my friends and see thier countries. See How I plan on how to spend when I win the BIG lotto lol
2 people like this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
8 Feb 09
Might have to build something around Mt. Charleston for no forrest close to Las Vegas.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
LOL--I wouldn't mind a nice "mansion" surrounded by forests and a mountain view to boot..know any for sale? Heehee
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
6 Feb 09
Hi pyewacket! Yes, I have watched some of its episodes and I do agree with you. Their lifestyle is so extravagant and kinda weird. lol.. I have seen so many of their luxury cars and maybe the reason why they are buying all these things so they will have something to sell when their record albums and movies don't sell anymore. Just a joke. I really am not sure what is going on in their minds..maybe they have been deprived of so many things before so when they finally have the money, they really splurge and indulge on any of their whims. They are basically living in a very materialistic showbiz world that almost everyone wants to look and live glamorously even if most of the time it is done in poor taste. Take care and have a great day! lovelots..faith
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
Actually the idea of collecting so many expensive cars wouldn't be a bad idea for these people...sooner or later their popularity might wane and the mega bucks no longer coming in, so yup, they could sell those cars.
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
8 Feb 09
I think so too! lovelots..faith
1 person likes this
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
6 Feb 09
I've watched shows that tour celebrity homes, although I haven't seen cribs. While certainly opulent, I agree with you that many of them are tacky and tasteless. What missing in a lot of them is personality. Decorators are hired and the end result may look good on tv, but doesn't reflect the person who lives there. Somewhere in these houses there must be a room that is the retreat of the owner, the one that has the clutter that we accumulate throughout life. THAT'S the room I'd like to see. If anyone sits in a tub long enough to watch a movie...I hope that the California raisin song (Heard it through the grapevine) plays when their foot touches the bath mat...lol
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
LOL--I was surprised there actually WAS one home of a recording artist that really WAS a dump..Clutter everywhere, cabinet doors falling off cupboards in the kitchen..Like thinking with all that money the person had, couldn't he at least fix it up a bit? ...then I'm looking at my own place and thinking, like geez, my place looks like a palace compared to that hunk a junk home...LOL
• United States
6 Feb 09
I have wondered about this too I watch Cribs on CMT (country music television) most of them have really nice homes but like you said they are museum like and why do they need all those cars? the only person i have ever seen with a reasonable amount of cars was randy owens from the band Alabama he only had 2 vehicles a new truck and the truck that once belong to his grandfather
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
Maybe collecting cars is a security thing???? Sooner or later these celebrities popularity might diminish and the big bucks aren't going to be flowing in non-stop..so maybe they figure collect a lot of cars and when money does get tight sell them. I've heard a number of celebrities are actually selling their high priced mansions, with the economic situation the way it is even they have to downsize...but like who the heck then would have the money to buy them at around $40 million or whatever? Didn't Michael Jackson have to sell off his home and property?
@tigerdragon (4297)
• Philippines
6 Feb 09
i guess we are just living at varying degrees. aren't we ok if we have a pair of shoes but most of us have more than what we need for a certain occassion. we splurge our money if we get an extra few, here and there. the only difference between them and us is that they have a surplus to get what they want. with concerns to their taste, to each his own. i do agree that most of their cribs really are not interiorly done well, i would know, i work for an architectural firm, but i guess there are people who just simply doesn't have any peeves to their crib's layouts or designs. it is like patchwork. LOL! i gotta hand it to them , they really got some nerves showing it off to the world. these rich guys will be the saviors of our economy because they are the only living beings who can spend to boost the economy.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Feb 09
Thinking about shoes though..some of these celebrities show off their clothing closets and I'm not exaggerating when I say they often have say at least 50 pairs of Nikes..Like huh? I could see maybe up to five, but fifty??? Are they octopuses????
• United States
12 Feb 09
I have seen the show and I agree with you I do not understand why they have to have such large homes and so many cars. I guess one car for everyday of the week, month or even year. We have two cars and I cannot drive any longer. We have my car which goes out for my weekly airing when I have my driver take me out or if my hubby and I go out of town. Then we have my husbands pick-up both cars are older and we have no plans of getting new ones in the near future.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
LOL--I confess I wouldn't mind living in a large home like some of these celebrities...I would just decorate it better than they seem to do
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Mar 09
I would just love to have a kitchen like some of those homes...they look as large as my living room as opposed to my closet sized one I have...LOL
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Mar 09
OMG they decorate horribly. I know they pay someone to decorate for them but lets get a grip and make it homey and not ugly.
1 person likes this
@jerzgirl (9233)
• United States
6 Feb 09
I think they call it 'ostentatious consumption'. They feel compelled to have as much as possible to prove they can, to show off in many ways that they can afford anything they want. Despite that, I don't see someone like Jay Leno being an ostentatious consumer in the same way - he collects cars like some people collect baseball cards. Basically, he saves them from the junk yard, restores them, provides a place for them, and maintains them. He sometimes donates something of value to charitable organizations to auction off. He simply loves his cars. But, many of those on Cribs have because they CAN have - not because they love a particular thing or type of thing, but because they get bragging rights. The biggest house, the most cars, the most 'toys', etc. It's unnecessary and, I think, pretty darned stupid. What if their career crashes (as has happened to some)? Guess what they'll have to do - they'll have to sell their precious possessions, probably for less than they paid. So, why spend every penny on so many "things" when there's no guarantee those pennies will keep coming in? It's almost an obsession for some - maybe because they came from nothing to something, but still. My mother lived through the depression and learned that you can't count on something always being available - you'd think that someone growing up in poverty would also understand that. But, it isn't always the case, is it?
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
Yes I know about Jay Leno and his being a genuine collector of cars...think he also collects a lot of rare vintage cars. Your sentiments are the same as mine...those people aren't going to be raking in the money non-stop forever, so they'll will have to wind up selling most of their "toys" and at far less value. Haven't kept up with the news about him, but didn't Michael Jackson have to sell off his ostentatious home?
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
You're welcome...what happened to the animals? He had a real virtual zoo there with a lot of exotic animals
@jerzgirl (9233)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Yeah - Jacko had to sell Neverland Ranch to a company he was actually a partner in, but to whom he owed money. His purchases were psychological - an attempt to capture the childhood he never had (Neverland Ranch says it all). He's psychologically a child in a man's body with a man's responsibility, but no adult ability to handle it. But, thank you, Pye for the BR.
1 person likes this
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
6 Feb 09
I've never seen (or heard of) this show - but I'll check it out! I agree about it not being sour grapes - being a person with no ambition whatsoever, I've never wanted any of that crap. One bed to sleep in, one car to get from A to B ... and you can never have enough books! Some of those houses are indeed full of horrible, tasteless crap - gilt stuff everywhere, white fluffy carpets which are so impractical and ugly - and the whole place alarmed and locked up like Fort Knox! Personally, I think some people have such low self esteem they need all that stuff to make them feel worthwhile and to impress others. I can see no other reason for needing 20 bedrooms, half a dozen cars or more than one house! Go figure ...
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Feb 09
I know I can't stand that fru fru type furniture..like the Louis XIVth style or colonial. MMM..wouldn't mind 20 rooms though...instead of bedrooms would have one room as an official "office" another as a library (I have a LOT of books as it is)..turn one into a photographer's darkroom. Maybe since I've lived in a small studio type apt all my life I wouldn't mind a LOT of rooms..LOL...some of the kitchens these people have are to die for...but maybe since my own kitchen is the size of a closet...LOL
@celticeagle (159058)
• Boise, Idaho
6 Feb 09
Rich people are neurotic, depressive,obsessive, etc. they wear the ugliest clothes and come t find out they are name brands. They are bored so they collect things and do the silliest stuff. Some, but very few find something of value to do with all that money. Most are self indulgant, arrogant and one minded.
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Feb 09
It could also be that if they came from relatively poor backgrounds then they go overboard to make up for lack they might have known before.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
6 Feb 09
Hey pye! I watch this show every now and the and it really is absurd! You forgot to mention the ostentatious (sp?) swimming pools, basketball courts, tennis courts, golf courses, and whatever else they have! I can't believe how much money they spend of the cars and all the other stuff besides the mansions! Some of them are just so elaborate I just can't even close my mouth! And some of the younger "stars" really are the worst! They make a CD and then they just go crazy! But it is kind of fun to watch and see all the things I'll never have in a trillion years! Oh, well! I guess I can just sit here in my damn freezing cold little 1 bedroom apartment with Luna on my lap trying to keep the two of us warm! But, that's ok! We are happy! Not really, but Luna say's he loves his mama anyway as long as he can lay in mama's lap while she types to "Auntie Pye"!
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
6 Feb 09
Wow can't believe you know the show I'm talking about...LOL Well some of the swimming pools I like...the ones that look like natural waterfalls or something..LOL and kind of wouldn't mind the idea of my own little movie theatre room..heehee. Awww sorry your place is so cold...I'm the opposite have so much heat coming up I'm sweating! Some homes ARE gorgeous though and some do have really have good taste...but I think those that collect so many cars and stuff are like glorified hoarders or something...they have the money to burn so they seem to think they HAVE to buy a zillion cars, shoes...clothes...I mean I get a kick when they show their closets and all the clothes/shoes they have
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
8 Feb 09
I have seen the show. It is unbelievable isn't it? These celebrities do not even spend enough time in their so called homes to enjoy all this "stuff" and I agree a lot of the time is tacky and useless. I heard Oprah's reply when she was asked why she decided to help fund a new program to help underprivileged girls, "I'm doing this because I have enough shoes...” How many shoes, TVs, jukeboxes, cars etc... does one need? It is appalling when there are so many in the world that need help. Don't get me wrong I love the luxuries of life as much as anyone else but, please!! Diamond collars for your Chihuahua? Like you I am not making comments fuelled by envy and jealousy. I have nothing against living a wealthy life but when you have so much to spare why not give a thought to the children in third world countries who do not even have enough to eat each day?
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Glad you brought up Oprah...I really look up to her, since she came from a poor background, was abused, but now is the richest woman in the world, yet she really does a lot of good for the world in general and is very generous with her money.....too bad other "celebrities" can't follow her example, right? Along the lines of stupidity and a waste of money...remember sometime back a man won a vanity license plate as it had the number ONE on it at an auction...He "won" it for $14 million ...that would feed a lot of starving people in the world
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
16 Feb 09
I agree!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
6 Feb 09
hehehe well.. you can say that its no touch atmosphere coz its so clean and organize i guess.. even the flies would be shy to land on those.. hehehe and for plasma tv's in the bathroom i guess its normal.. coz sometime i have long hours in the bathroom as well.. imagine yourself lying on a tub.. with bath salts and bubbles it makes you relax plus theirs a tv.. with their cars.. its their pride and glory.. i truely understand that we can only ride one car at a time and a motorcycle one at a time.. as you see.. they are celebrities and a lifestyle to keep up with.. :)
2 people like this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
7 Feb 09
Maybe I just don't understand the TV in the bathroom part as I'm never in their that long, not even when I'm taking a bath
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
6 Feb 09
I have watched this show pye and the life styles of the rich and famous. They both are the same. I agree with everything you named and almost everyone of them have a guest house, not guest room but a guest house. Now that would be nice.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
Gee is lifestyles of the rich and famous still around? I used to watch that years ago
• United States
8 Feb 09
On satellite it pops up now and again, lol.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Feb 09
some celebs are just peacocking.."look what i got". if i were rich,i'd keep my house,just fix it up. maybe a nice new car..and a hot tub..and that's about it.i don't need all the other junk.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Mmmm....I wouldn't mind having an estate...LOL...or the fancy car...but I just think I would have more taste in how I decorated it
@underdogtoo (9579)
• Philippines
10 Feb 09
I don't follow celebrities and rich people because I will only feel bad that I have a such humble abode. I do try to make some money and raise myself up from my poverty. Cheers!!
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Yes but it can allow you to "dream" a bit no??
@jtr115 (722)
• United States
19 Mar 09
I could see if someone collected classic art or cars because they're worth a lot, but some of the things I saw on that show probably wouldn't even sell at a flea market. Another show MTV had was called "Pimp My Ride," where ordinary people got their cars "tricked out." One person had a tropical fish tank put in his car. In addition to having to care for the fish, the hot weather in California would likely bake those fish alive. I definitely would not go that far if I made that much money.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
20 Mar 09
Why oh why did a person put a fish tank in his car....that's a bit weird
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
13 Feb 09
I've watched that show twice then was so disgusted with it, never watched itagain. THey do that cause they can. Good grief.. the massive amount of money they get.. what else could they do with it all? They have litteraly everything they want and need, so just spend on anything else is what they got left.. so they do it because they can. Also, they just made a ton more money from this TV show and showing their "cribs" so that probably paid for alot of what they spent on the house in the first place!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Feb 09
Well I'm not disgusting by watching the show...I have to admit I'm kind of addicted to it, if anything to give me a good laugh...
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
6 Feb 09
I love watching Cribs and I totally agree with you (and I'm glad you decided to come back, BTW). It seems like all the money in the world can't buy good taste. The majority of those homes like so cold and uninviting. A few of the ones I did really like were Will Sasso's house, Lee Aaron's and Jamie Presley's (sp?). All of them looked like real homes that people might actually live in!
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
8 Feb 09
The one thing I usually do love about some of these homes though...the kitchens...OMG...to die for. My kitchen is the size of a closet so I would kill to have a big spacious kitchen like in some of those homes.
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
8 Feb 09
Yes, the kitchens are something. I love the fridges with the little door in the door - I had never seen those until Cribs!
1 person likes this