British View of Sir Richard Branson?
Oct 9th, 2006, 07:01 AM
#1
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British View of Sir Richard Branson?
I've been following the career of 'Sir' Richard Branson for years - from just after he launched the Virgin brand, not long after his days of gaining fame from running some student newspaper from a boat in Little Venice in London.
Now Richard, after being hugely successful in his various Virgin brands, is said to be putting all his transportation-related company (Virgin Air, Virgin trains) into combatting global warming or some such noble endeavor.
I'm curious about what Brits thing of Sir Richard? Does he deserve the Sir title for being a nationa hero or is he a self-serving, shameless self-promoter - me i'm not sure.
Thanks!
Now Richard, after being hugely successful in his various Virgin brands, is said to be putting all his transportation-related company (Virgin Air, Virgin trains) into combatting global warming or some such noble endeavor.
I'm curious about what Brits thing of Sir Richard? Does he deserve the Sir title for being a nationa hero or is he a self-serving, shameless self-promoter - me i'm not sure.
Thanks!
Oct 9th, 2006, 07:45 AM
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Most people who get Ks are shameless, self-serving, self-promoters.
Branson's just less articulate than most of them. Practically in the same league as George Bush II, however improbable it might seem that anyone else could come across that incoherently,
Branson, BTW, got his K because Cherie told her hubby "we really must do something for Richard". AFTER he'd started contributing to the Labour Party.
Branson's just less articulate than most of them. Practically in the same league as George Bush II, however improbable it might seem that anyone else could come across that incoherently,
Branson, BTW, got his K because Cherie told her hubby "we really must do something for Richard". AFTER he'd started contributing to the Labour Party.
Oct 9th, 2006, 09:07 AM
#5
I'm fairly indifferent to him. Certainly publicity seeking, but I suppose it makes a change to be knighted for services other than the diplomatic corps, or the arms trade.
There have been repeated rumours that the Virgin empire is built on sand, and that money is constantly moved from one branch to another to shore up whichever bit is currently under investigation. That said, these rumours have been around for years, and RB and Virgin are still there.
There have been repeated rumours that the Virgin empire is built on sand, and that money is constantly moved from one branch to another to shore up whichever bit is currently under investigation. That said, these rumours have been around for years, and RB and Virgin are still there.
Oct 9th, 2006, 09:48 AM
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Gawd, I'm glad he's not coming to my dinner party!
Too hot to handle!
I'm with Sheila - He definitely comes across as Jack-the-lad.
I don't begrudge him the knighthood as methinks within that mighty chest beats a heart of pure South African gold!
Too hot to handle!
I'm with Sheila - He definitely comes across as Jack-the-lad.
I don't begrudge him the knighthood as methinks within that mighty chest beats a heart of pure South African gold!
Oct 9th, 2006, 10:03 AM
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Audere et facere,
He's OK - really!
PalenqueBob - "Jack-the-Lad" in my Dictionary of Quotations says thus:
'Since every Jack became a gentleman
There's many a gentle person made a Jack'
A quote from Tom Bower in the preface to his book titled 'Branson'
"He is no doubt Britain's most visible entrepreneur, an eager recipient of hero worship, trying to influence practically every aspect of British society, who, in his attempt to market Virgin lifestyle, seeks the widest possible circle of influence!
Like I said - a heart of pure gold!
He's OK - really!
PalenqueBob - "Jack-the-Lad" in my Dictionary of Quotations says thus:
'Since every Jack became a gentleman
There's many a gentle person made a Jack'
A quote from Tom Bower in the preface to his book titled 'Branson'
"He is no doubt Britain's most visible entrepreneur, an eager recipient of hero worship, trying to influence practically every aspect of British society, who, in his attempt to market Virgin lifestyle, seeks the widest possible circle of influence!
Like I said - a heart of pure gold!
Oct 9th, 2006, 11:25 AM
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Yes of course and that's what prompted my OP, after reading about that. Then the thought came that this could be just another publicity grabbing ploy - but like you i applaud him for it anyway and i believe he's sincere, taking the lead from Bill Gates, Warren buffet and similar ilk in giving away chunks of their fortune.
