'Bailout Bill' hands out cash in Times Square, where's he landing next?
Filed under: Extracurriculars
On Tuesday and Wednesday this week, Bailoutbooth.com was handing out stacks of cash to anyone willing to stand in line at its Times Square cubicle and tell their stories.
"Bailout Bill" listened to the stories and decided on how much cash to dispense. Everyone got something. Most people got $50 or $100, but a few left with as much as $3,000. Bailout Bill gives out $50,000 per day on the two days.
The stunt has generated a huge amount of publicity for the site for far less than the cost of a Super bowl ad. The gimmick seems to combine some of the most depressing handouts in history: Depression-era soup lines and the 1950's television show Queen for a Day that featured housewives telling stories of woe in front of a live studio audience in the hopes of winning a new appliance.
I'd like to see the Treasury Department borrow the methodology behind this campaign, and let CEOs like Kenneth Lewis and Vikram Pandit beg for money in front of a studio audience of Hell's Angels who can vote on how much they get.
The PR spokesman for the company has told WalletPop that Bailout Bill is on the move and planning to stop in more cities, although will remain rather cagey about his identity and the dates and locations of his promotions. "We have every intention to repeat this event in multiple cities, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston," he told us. "The dates and locations for these events are not being disclosed at this time, but they will all happen relatively soon. All press will be given an embargoed release days before the event so that they may prepare their coverage, however, due to the inherent security risks associated with, "A guy in a booth, holding $50,000 in cash," we will not publicize the event until the day of."
The stunt has generated a huge amount of publicity for the site for far less than the cost of a Super bowl ad. The gimmick seems to combine some of the most depressing handouts in history: Depression-era soup lines and the 1950's television show Queen for a Day that featured housewives telling stories of woe in front of a live studio audience in the hopes of winning a new appliance.
I'd like to see the Treasury Department borrow the methodology behind this campaign, and let CEOs like Kenneth Lewis and Vikram Pandit beg for money in front of a studio audience of Hell's Angels who can vote on how much they get.
The PR spokesman for the company has told WalletPop that Bailout Bill is on the move and planning to stop in more cities, although will remain rather cagey about his identity and the dates and locations of his promotions. "We have every intention to repeat this event in multiple cities, including Washington DC, Philadelphia, and Boston," he told us. "The dates and locations for these events are not being disclosed at this time, but they will all happen relatively soon. All press will be given an embargoed release days before the event so that they may prepare their coverage, however, due to the inherent security risks associated with, "A guy in a booth, holding $50,000 in cash," we will not publicize the event until the day of."



Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-05-2009 @ 8:46AM
www.exchangerategraph.com said...
Is it possible to get the money in EUROs instead of dollar?
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2-05-2009 @ 8:19PM
whatever said...
I do not want bailout money in euro's. I want mine in GOLD and DIAMONDS....
Euro's are no good....
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2-05-2009 @ 8:35PM
Immahippie22 said...
um.. euros are worth more than the regular US dollar so i would want my money in euros
Reply
2-05-2009 @ 8:40PM
R.W.J said...
THE ANSWER
Give our job back; What? Yes lets take a look at how, and why.
I believe that this is the simple answer to what many are calling the worst economy we have ever seen. Our Government thinks there is only one answer. This is far from the truth. Also they lead us to believe, many other not so true things. Lets look real close, as we journey back a bet. Lets go back to the start of, how and why and where this all started. We first saw great prosperity we saw new laws by our Government, one of a few, would make money or most any type of credit easily abstain, with or without credit or even LOW scoring. Many people with respect to include with my next statement, many have a desire and even a need, so to speak, to just have anything that others have or just really want nice things, one may deemed nice. I believe most of us all have a certain desire to fill like we are on top of the world, we are human, with many desires. However we get caught up in the moment, or the dream. I really would like to believe that this is human, and we just make mistakes, however we know what we are doing. We just believe its our right to take a chance at all cost no mater who it hurts. So one can fill like they are successful no mater the over all out come, they don’t seem to look or care how they are going to pay or keep the payments up on what they have bought. I would also like to believe that all of our elected officials care about our well being, however this is not all true they have there hidden self agenda, may it be money, power or statue. I believe its bigger that anything we have ever dreamed, total Government power though the collapse of the economy, and the division of the people.
You know there is no other country, or nation that could ever destroy this great country, America. So to achieve THIS! it would have to be executed from within our higher powers like our Government, and certain elected parties, and completed though out our country by the people, with the mind set of power artificially inseminated with access to MONEY, with large housing equity, availability of low entrust rates, creation of big saving accounts, 401k plans- growing, as well the NYSE great performance. Remember the old saying what go’s up must come down, well-? We got lead to water and yes we drank it, trouble is it was some what poison. Let me expand, we went up against a well thought out plan, you see we humans here in this great country America, get on a high with money it makes us feel superior and we don’t know how to say no, bottom line GREED POWER, AND STATUE. Now comes the part when all these actions from the beginning of, to when the desired end of the creators reaction ends it, and not before. Then the beginning of ones hidden self agenda.
This point of view comes from many outlets with a lot of thought as well the process of elimination to reach a sound point of view. I do believe in God, and relay on wisdom ask for and given from the holy sprit, this point of view will not fit to anyone anywhere without a just view. I consider myself a born again Christian. I also believe our answer of any problem was given to us long ago, Jesus Christ. It is with him we start it is with him we live, it is with him we prosper and last but not least it is with him we finish. I believe that our fore fathers had it right at the signing in seventeen seventy six, with the words IN GOD WE TRUST, and we have the right to take his promise gift. If as an individual we confess that we are sinners we believe in God, believe that Jesus Christ gave his life for remission of our sins, that God the father rose him from the dead and we accept Jesus Christ as our savor we are saved. I also believe that we must and should maintain a on going personal relationship with our savor Jesus Christ.
In regards to THE ANSWER I believe if we depend or Jesus Christ we win, as well as a nation, it is my hope and my prayer that we as a people and as a nation we would let our Lord and savor lead us to the right path. I believe as individuals we are to be held accountable for our actions, haven said all this I will conclude with the rest of THE ANSWER . If we are going to use tax payer money and I don’t believe we should, however it seems our Government choose by the people for the people as well we as the people are directed by God as wrote in the Bible in Romans thirteen, that we the people are to listen as well Obey our appointed leaders unless we are ask to go against God word.
To the point the tax payer money would be better used as a direct fix other than indirect. We have one half million Americans out of a job. How do we put them to work NOW! Simple let the company that laid them off put them back to work give them there job back, how can we do this just do it, if our Government incest on spending tax payer money, then pay there salary. What? Yes you do the math, as well the logistics, we cannot turn back the pages of time, however we can start where a certain process began or ends, right? Think about it if all had there jobs back then the rule of logic has to take place, supply and demand. Also if any of the smaller business have gone then we create another or leave them out. Sounds simple, it is, I think some may want us to think there is only one answer. WE THE PEOPLE don’t have time for any power pulls or power desires of others. We need to go back to work. Now let me answer your Question yes- it way working, up to the reaction of the action of power hunger, greed addition, hidden self agendas plan was in play and is still in play, as well the fear generated wagon train and the greed of many of we the people, it is what it is many are at gilt, and we may still have some off the greed, however we got the heads up on those now so lets get back to the basic, we have a job, we spend we sell we live better because we now can wake up to the wisdom, live and not need to fill like a million. We do what we as the American people have the right to do live be free, dream with responsibility, and hold ones self accountable, with the chance to be what ever we want to be. GOD BLESS AMERICA WE THE PEOPLE.
Reply
2-05-2009 @ 8:40PM
JustAMom said...
Now that is a really cool story to read amiss all this chaos in this world right now. Boy I sure wish I had been there but hey maybe we still have a chance.
Bailout Bill ,
By next month my family and I will be homeless. We are 5000.00 behind in our rent , my husband is embroiled in a battle with disability since he became ill ( rightly deserved since he worked 21 years for the city) . Where do we go from here?
Who knows? Nothing short of a miracle will save our place now!
So BailOut Bill WHERE WILL YOU BE?
WE PROMISE TO ONE DAY PAY IT FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just A Family among many!
Thanks!
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2-05-2009 @ 9:30PM
HowTheHell? said...
How the hell do you get $5000 behind in your rent? Get a job pay the rent or you should be on the street. Dont give me a sob story tougher things have happened to more people and when you make NO attempt at making your rent payments then you end up in the street. Maybe try public assistance for food and work 2 or 3 jobs to keep up the rent. Just because you are hit with bad luck the people who you are not paying the rent didnt sign up for keeping you up in a house or an apartment and they deserve their money. Pay or move to a homeless shelter there is no free ride in America. Most of you fools didnt plan to fail you just failed to plan
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2-08-2009 @ 2:17PM
tzoo said...
BailoutBill is just a private entrepreneur trying to play a democrat government bureaucrat. He needs to work with billions to really dress the part.
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2-08-2009 @ 3:21PM
Janice said...
I THINK THIS IS A SCAM,i WENT ON THE SITE ,REGISTERED,AND GOT NO RESPONCE.
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2-08-2009 @ 3:23PM
nancy wagner said...
The gov't should do the same...
What they should have done with all that money was to give $150,000 to everyone they gave checks to last year, with the rule that half is to be used to pay towards mortgages, car loans, & credit card bills, & the rest to be spent as we see fit! THAT would get this economy moving again. And the biggest benefit would be it would STILL be cheaper than what they've done with the money so far.
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2-28-2009 @ 9:07PM
Becky said...
Very True THe Usa Goverment Should Have Been Asamed to Send out those Small Checks.
The Greedy Bankers, Got Millions, To Lavish There Greedy Selfs .
Wake up, Goverment, America is in a Dowward Spirial, From the Rich Greed of the Rich.its, 2009 & Women Men, Living Sick /ill with no health insurance in america. A true Sad Fact.
8 out of 10 have no health insurance, myself i have none.
America Has Become The Greedy Country, of the Greedy Rich.
& Shame on you George Bush, For not signing the Chips Insurance Health Coverage for children , my 2 small grandaughers did without health coverage, because of your bad judement.
Shame Shame, a Sad Fact.
2-08-2009 @ 4:59PM
ann said...
Im just impressed with this story. This is what I do on a daily basis. Its nice to know that there are so many that think alike. I give back, or as many say, pay it forward. I feel so much better when I give to others , my money, my time, possessions....its fun...
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2-08-2009 @ 5:54PM
H said...
Speaking on behalf of the person who posted that their hubby and her are struggling...and the one who thinks they know it all...I want to express my understanding in your situation. The one who posted their nasty comments obviously hasnt had a dire hardship...YET...and until they do, they wont understand what its like to be in this kind of situation .
Speaking for myself and for my family, my husband suffered a massive heart attack at the young age of 34. Clean as a whistle and strong as a ox. He had the widow maker heart attack and the bugger survived-BARELY. His meds alone run 1800 a MONTH but with insurance they run US 600 a month. This doesnt include the Drs visits, and thus forth.
We have 2 children and are struggling to get me through school.
We are preparing to move to a place neither one of us wants to go. From Florida to South Dakota-sigh... Its cheaper there.
As for the poster who thinks that destressed familys should work 4 jobs if necessary...thats not really possible in this economy nor is it a good idea when there is a very ill family member at home that needs extra care.
Its so bad here in the Tampa "area" that a new business placed an ad in the paper for hiring all staff @ min wage -and within 12 hours there was a line of 150 people begging for a position-before they even opened the doors that next morning. Its hard to get a second job when there are NO FRIGGIN jobs to get you moron....Have you read the headlines lately? Have you not read about all the business that are closing shop, filing bankruptcy, and laying off people by the thousands? Have you not seen the numbers that are even projected to come in the next six months? You need to pull your head out of your butt and look around you. Its people like you who have the attitude you do that will be the first to starve....If I was you I would at least pretend you give a crap so when it trickles down to you, you will at least have someone who will share something to eat with you.
As for the orgional post-er I wish you the best of luck. Look into all the options you can for cutting expenses (which I am sure you have) and look into going somewhere you never wanted to go..... Canada has free health care (We are eyeing it really hard) and a lot cheaper costs for medications which will help for any medical you will need for you and your family.
Just remember you are not alone.
With LOVE....
Signed- I understand
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2-08-2009 @ 6:55PM
Grumpy said...
I can appreciate what is being done. But to have people stand in line to tell a sob story that more than likely is not true is ridiculous.
To those who claim to be behind in rent or mortgage payments. What the hell is wrong with you. The first things you pay are rent/mortgage, food and clothing. As for clothing, buy in the thrift shops. There is nothing wrong with wearing hand me downs. I did it and survived. Also, where is your work ethic? I have worked all my life. I always seemed to find a job that paid the bills, no matter what I had to do. There was never a job that was beneath me when it came to providing for my family. I never looked for a handout from anyone.
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2-08-2009 @ 7:57PM
Robert said...
How The Hell is a moron and must also have a job. Try getting work when most businesses have hiring freezes. In Los Angeles the day laborers are getting about 1 day a week at minimum wage when they use to get 5 or 6. I too am a college educated business owner who has been bankrupt by the economy, I'm looking for "any" job and can't even get an interview.
Best of luck people we need it.
Reply
2-08-2009 @ 7:53PM
blondie8080 said...
Why go to big cities? We in rural America need help too. I lost my job last May, and my husband was laid off "permanently" last week after 24 years with the same company. My father just had bypass surgery....5 bypasses....and needs constant care, as my mother has severe osteoperosis and is not able to take care of him. I, myself, have just been diagnosed with breast cancer......so.......tell me about it.....My husband has never been on unemployment nor had I until this past May. Are we sorry and lazy? Hell no!!!!!!! Both of us have worked all of our lives. We have a daughter and son at home...son is in Tech school, and daughter still in high school, both of whom are working part time jobs and have asked for extra hours to be able to help us out. We may lose everything we have worked all our lives for....so...to you who have no sympathy or understanding.....screw you. We never asked for a hand out, and will take whatever jobs we can get, but in our area, in South Carolina, there are no jobs to be had. I can not walk away and leave my mother and father....so tell me....you big shot know-it-alls.....what are we supposed to do?
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2-10-2009 @ 3:39AM
Sue said...
I lost my husband in a par/pedestrian accident. Because of it I'm in a downward spiral and trying to survive. The girl that hit and killed him, wasnt paying attention and left the road and struck him. This happened in a small county and no tickets or charges were given. This is the same county that is currently pressing charges against a person for poisoning wild turkeys and this story is making headline news. I guess it's not ok to kill wild turkeys in this community. But it's ok to kill a human life and get away with it. I don't understand what this country is coming to.
Since my husbands accident a year and a half ago, my life is still in limbo. I lost the family business (couldnt run it alone), I'm loosing my home that we built together and probably going to be forced to go bankrupt. All our dreams are gone. We worked very hard for what he had.
The point I'm trying to make is no matter how hard the times are right now show the ones in your life how much you care and love them. For they might not be here the next day. If you are struggling at least you have each other. Some people don't have anyone to struggle the tough times with.
I would happily give everything I own for me to have my husband back with me. I would live in the homeless shelters, I would go hungry if only I could have my husband back.
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2-10-2009 @ 7:46AM
D L H said...
HOW THE HELL... YOU IDIOT..Ya know rather the story is true or not, people getting behind on things is happening every day..Its people like YOU this country DOESNT NEED..We all knew the bottom would fall out..Its just harder on ones that dont have the chance too be AS prepared..How would (Thank God) FORMER President George W feel if everyone that got nailed by his tactics while he was in office,the ones who lost their homes,their jobs ect ect. how would he feel if they all decided too start pitching tents in his home in Crawford Texas..I mean hell anyome can find a map and Mapquest can tell you EXACTLY how too get there...I wonder if it may even dawn on him even just a little bit of the DAMAGE he's done too this country
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2-28-2009 @ 8:37PM
Becky Ford said...
The Usa Goverment, Should Do THe SAme to Help LOW Iincome People like myself. How Would they like to live on a 2 hour Job per/day, like i live, i live poor , Poor living in Usa,
I Have No Health insurance, Can't Aford to buy Health Insurance.
Soo i Have none. The Goverment Just Thinks of the Rich Wealthly.
Former George Bush, Never Gave 1 Thought to Poor Usa Women & Children, My 2 Small Grandaughers lived Without Health Insurance, Last Year, Because Bush, Refused to Sign THe bill, to Give more Coverage to Insurance Chips For Children, Soo they Had no Health Coverage. Its Really Sad. These Times here Living in Usa.
Maybe He Should LIve Poor Like Some of Us People Living in Texas.,
& All the Usa Citys Large And Small towns , threw out.
I Truly Wish He could LIve 2 Days in my Shoes.
People Read Aidepage, see The Suffering of Poor People There.
Rich people are Full of Greed.
Maybe i was lucky in one way to be Poor, I have Great Commpassion, for people. A true Gift Rich people would never ''Feel''. If i Could i Would Kindly HeLP Every one on Aidepage site.
Just this week all the people loosing there Jobs, My DAugher lost hers a few weeks back, & my job is only 2 hours per/day.
Usa is in a Downfall, Sprial,'' WAKE UP''' Rich Greedy Goverment,
& The Greedy Rich People.
Greed will be your DownFall.
Thank you, For Reading, my Thoughts,
~ Becky Ford
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