You are absolutely right, didn't notice that at all @ two in the morning, sorry about that! Here is his interview btw, and this time it's real http://www.autojunk.nl/clips/view/161634
That is the problem with people like you. You fart in your own wash tub and call it a Jacuzzi. I NEVER worried about what anyone thought either. I was ruthless within the rules while competing. I had to look into the mirror and KNOW I WAS #1 and my record HAD to back that up. After a short time I became "the one to beat." That is when you know you have the competition by the "short hairs." Mastering "everyone elses eyes" do matter, and very much. That is why I usually succeded. But I also knew when it was time to quit. Period. MS doesn't write history or start the conversations at the bar. His record does that. BUT name one athlete who "came-back" regardless of reason, usually failed, and EVERYONE (history) forgave him/her. Name one where history FORGAVE them. When you are in the lime-light like he and other superstar professionals are, you only have your record. Tarnish it at your peril. Ask OJ. Ask Farve. Ask ..... As far as MS goes being altruistic, I do not know him, but know a few guys who do (one was a personal pilot of his). I do not believe any of them would ever put the three words "MS" and "altruistic" in the same sentence. Don't know many Germans who would either. Please continue ...... P.S. My ".... Shame on Ferari" still stands. Seems shortsighted. If MS was not around, who then?
I believe he gave a very large donation to the Clinton Foundation, so he was certainly altruistic in that instance.
Two things I have heard about MS 1) He LOVES the Harley Davidson V-Rod. He gave a bunch of them away as gifts to people... and not just to people who got him things he wanted (like WDC wins), but just to people he felt grateful to. 2) He was the biggest individual donator to the Tsunami aftermath fund. He is widely known to be a very large and generous donator to various charities - hospitals, schools, and more.
It was revealed that the retired Schumacher, F1's most successful driver in history, gave between $5 and $10 million to the William J. Clinton Foundation, whose stated aim is to 'strengthen the capacity of people throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence'. Some of the projects funded by the foundation include initiatives to tackle AIDS and climate change.
Back to the topic : Michael Schumacher says he has already lost three kilos as he continues to prepare for his return to grand prix action in Spain. The seven-time champion admitted, however, that he needs more work on his neck, which is still hurting slightly. "I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race," Schumacher wrote on his website. "I already lost three kilograms even if it is also important to me to build up muscles. So all in all, the practice works pretty well. "I only have to admit that my neck pinches a bit. We have to get a grip on that as health has priority - that's the clear arrangement made with Ferrari and, by the way, with my wife, too. "It's on! I accepted the challenge. And as you all know, I really love challenges. It seems as if my fans would love them, too." Schumacher was also thankful for the support he has received since it was announced he would replace Felipe Massa at the European Grand Prix. "I really would like to thank all my fans who keep their fingers crossed for my plans for all the positive feedback. It's incredible how much support I get from all over the world in these days. "It almost feels like as if a flush of positive energy is coming over me. Compliments to all of you!"
I never said he was not generous. I did say he was far from altruistic. I am very glad he donated so much money to VERY worthy causes (if the money was "his" I'd be more impressed). All legal of course, but dig into his little move south awhile back and his stated reasoning and how he then became arbeitslos by a quirk of fate, paying almost ZERO in income taxes on how many 10's of or 100's of millions in annual income? Altruistically, that money didn't "belong" to him when he donated it. And the guy, reported by an old friend whom he owed for services, couldn't even manage to pay for his airfare without many months of badgering. Just another side of the coin for all you to know and ponder.
He has spent today doing karting training / testing in Lonato.. "Karting has a very good training effect, that is why today I just jumped into a testing day of the Tony Kart Team in Lonato. There is nothing better for my preparations at the moment - in terms of steering wheel forces for example Karting is even more difficult than Formula 1. And the fact that it has been boiling hot here is simulating the temparatures expected for Valencia. Luca Badoer is with me, and together we found again today that Karting is just an awful lot of fun." http://www.michael-schumacher.de/?page=news&story_id=82385&lang=uk
Ok so you hate the guy. Wow he is not perfect....please show me the other side of your coin....maybe there is something worthwhile there. Fart
Are you familiar with how taxes work in Switzerland? He is hardly "not" paying taxes there. Granted it is not as crazy as Germany, yet hardly free.
You really think an employee would know of one's charitable gifts? Mine haven't a clue and I'm not interested in telling them in the slightest. The fact that Schumacher gave more money -- a truly massive fortune -- in the week after the Tsunami disaster than the *entire United States government* says a lot. You can hate on the guy all you want but his off-track giving and charitable work are deserving of respect.
The donation towards the Tsunami was also a personal thing for him, as he lost his bodyguard in the disaster. http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/6786663/
Little known fact; Michael owns 16 Harleys that are stored in various places around the world. He organizes road trips for him & friends for his various trips.... He has made numerous road trips in the us; blue ridge mountans, allegany state park, Utah to Vegas etc....
It'll be nice to see him in the car once again however his decision to return is beyond a Richter scale reading for bad ideas. I hope the guilt trip and media pressure laid on him result in only positive or neutral consequences.
Any money a person earns belongs to them. At least outside of the US a person has the ability to legally avoid taxes. We are taxed everywhere and it keeps going up.
We've discussed the matter of Hamilton racing Schumi, but what about Vettel? We know that this is his hero, and they are both German. Should be interesting.
Yes, you are absolutely correct. I am. Giving away $MM's and stiffing a guy on his freaking paycheck. Hmmmmmm. I got ya guys. Sorry for the down-to-earth interuption. And NO, I do not HATE MS, but being fans is one thing, tripping over your cranks in adulation, is quite another. Now, this thread got WAY OFF Course and I'll accept part of the blame. All; no chance. Some; absolutely. IF MS should pass his physical (neck: mine is missing several pieces so I know neck pain/injuries REAL WELL) and be cleared to race, Ok. Right or wrong, I just do not believe he should risk his rep. But it is all altruistic so it REALLY DOESN'T matter. Success or Failure will not go beyound us girls. The world judges harshly. IF HE FAILS, the history books will start with his failed comeback for three paragraphs before they get to the World Championships, etc. Just a humble opinion and observation from previous "altruistic heroes." Oh, in another thread, the F-Chat Odds Makers (when I last checked) didn't have Mikie fairing all that well. Actualy, I hope they are wrong. See? I am on your side. Just for different reasons. Oh and Mordalo. I live in Germany. I get paid by the US Govt in Dollars. I pay US Taxes and I haven't lived there in 20 years. I ALSO PAY many (not all) German taxes and AM NOT AUTHORIZED ANYTHING for it. Can't talk about Switzerland. Don't know.
