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Ernie Renzulli Discusses Fossett's Voyage
Aired July 02, 2002 - 14:54 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: At last word, Steve Fossett continues to drift toward a landing place after flying his balloon around the world. He's the first person to do that all by himself. But as thrill seekers go, Fossett is just one of the many.
Joining us now to talk more about the breed, Ernie Renzulli of "The Robb Report." The magazine is a detailed guide to products, events and passions that command the attention of the affluent.
Good to see you, Ernie.
ERNIE RENZULLI, "THE ROBB REPORT": Hi, Kyra, how are you?
PHILLIPS: Very good. OK, so let's talk about Fossett, Dennis Tito, Richard Branson, and all these wealthy tycoons. Have they always been this adventurous?
RENZULLI: I think all wealthy people have always been adventurous. But they certainly haven't gotten the notoriety or publicity that they get today.
PHILLIPS: Well, do you think -- what is it? I mean, do they just have so much money that they get bored?
RENZULLI: I think the very wealthy want to do things that no one else can. They want to experience things and try things that are beyond the reach. They want to push the envelope to the limit.
PHILLIPS: Who do you think someone who has been the poster child for this? Who has, to this point, do you think, pushed it to the absolute limit?
RENZULLI: Well, certainly going into outer space is pushing it pretty far.
PHILLIPS: Yes, that's something we probably will never do.
RENZULLI: I don't think most people will experience that. Very, very few will. But, you look back, you know, people were buying planes years ago and having private pilots fly them for them. Today people like John Travolta are not only buying the plane, but they're piloting it themselves.
Ted Turner not only funded the America's Cup, but he was the captain on the ship. So people want to experience things that are unique and different.
PHILLIPS: Why yachting and flying? This seems to be the hobby of the rich. They have their planes and their big yachts.
RENZULLI: Well, a couple of reasons. First of all, they're very, very expensive adventures to get into. A lot of high speed connected with them. They're exciting. They're fun. They're things that most people will never get the opportunity to do in their lifetime.
PHILLIPS: Here's the major question, though. Ernie, why don't these guys -- they could change the world with all of this money. I mean, foundations, medical research, international aid. Why don't they do that instead?
RENZULLI: I think they probably do, but it's not known to the public. I'm sure they're very in philanthropic in their own ways. They're very, very wealthy so I'm sure they're doing things like that. And they probably don't want that notoriety. This is one area where they can enjoy both of the notoriety and have the excitement along with it.
PHILLIPS: All right, Ernie Renzulli. If you get enough cash, will you take me to space with you?
RENZULLI: I promise I will.
PHILLIPS: OK, Ernie, thanks so much.
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