Liz - September 23rd, 2008  

Dear Richard

I have just finished reading ‘Screw it, just do it’, very enjoyable by the way, and feel I have had the last several days in conversation with you. I have things to add to the conversation as well so I thought I would write. I know that very few letters will actually get as far as you but if I don’t write then I know for sure it doesn’t get to you, so I write.

Just so that you know, I am finance manager in the social housing sector. It’s not stunningly exciting but suitable for a woman with a social conscience. I, as part of our organisation, make a difference to the world, if only in a small way. We provide homes for people in housing need and we help finance the building of eco friendly homes. We recently had Gordon Brown visiting our major new sustainable housing project in Southampton, the Chapel development, see how it exciting my job is (tongue is firmly in cheek) I just want you to know that I have no advantage to gain from writing to you, other than to share my thoughts, I don’t want anything from you.

I have heard of Virgin music, trains, planes, cinemas (our local Virgin cinema became UGC – they stopped cleaning the place as Virgin left I think and now no-one goes there anymore) mobile phones & the high profile disagreements with Sky TV. But 350 companies, I couldn’t even come up with ten. I have certainly never heard of the energy efficiency of some of the planes, you’re undertaking to work in an environmentally protective way, any more than a cursory nod in the direction of bio fuels. So why haven’t I heard all this? I am a reasonably well educated woman. I don’t read the daily papers on a regular basis because when I do they tend to be full of inflammatory tripe, but I read the BBC website daily (not free from bias I know, but whilst humans still write the news I don’t see how it can be). I just don’t think that your publicity machine is working properly. Now it might not matter than I haven’t heard of 99% of your companies but I think it really makes a difference if people the world over haven’t heard of the work you are doing on environmental issues. I would rather fly on a plane which caused less damage to the environment and I am sure that others would to. But to do that we have to know it is there.

I do get Virgin flyers through my door and I do see your adverts on TV sometimes, an activity that is surely less useful than ever as the technically savvy manage to record their programs without adverts in between. But the big stuff, the really important stuff, I don’t know until I read a book by you once every decade. Why aren’t there articles about this on the BBC website, for example? (I am sure you could get on there – they found it highly amusing when your James Bond cameo was pruned from the BA planes showing of Casino Royale) How about specialist documentaries on discovery or terrestrial TV? Get Michael Palin in on the job (another hero of mine and very appropriate for this as he cares about the planet but doesn’t feel that everyone should just stay at home & avoid travelling and have their minds further narrowed by not looking past their own garden gates) I believe that the information the public has from you needs to be more than a red envelope saying your can get cheap calls & broadband. You need to seriously raise the profile of the socially and environmentally aware side of your work.

And on the subject of publicity, is there ever a brand more appropriate than Virgin to take advantage of the use of those little amusing film clips that get emailed around the planet daily. You are missing a huge opportunity by not picking up on these new ways of advertising. If you have already tried this then I don’t think it has been that successful as I have these all the time & have never had a Virgin one. A favourite that is worth looking out for is a man trying to sneak up on a bear in the wilds of Canada as it fishes for salmon. The bear starts to attack the hunter and you think it is going to be some awful documentary. After a few seconds of fighting, man & bear start with some karate kicks & so on, and it finally becomes obvious that it is not the docu-shock/horror which we may have been expecting. Finally the bear is defeated with the hunter running off with salmon. The closing phrase is about what John West do to bring you the best salmon. It is excellent and only ‘cool’ companies like virgin can get away with it. Plus it saves the wasted paper which goes straight form letter box to bin in most houses.

A couple more really good books I have read lately. The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford – fascinating reading that I would like to recommend to you. Try the chapter called CrossTown Traffic to find instant solutions, or at any rate new ideas in the battle against killing the planet. The other book is Freakonomics. Very entertaining but perhaps not quite so useful.

Dyslexic people are generally more intelligent than ‘normal people’! Anyone that starts to read books about dyslexia knows the Einstein, Susan Hampshire & Richard Branson are all dyslexics, and look how it didn’t hold them back. Which is good, in its way. But 90% of the population probably never open these books, or have any idea about dyslexia. My husband is from Syria & had some extra disadvantage of not being allowed to attend school at all as a child & of Arabic being written from right to left. When we came back to the UK to live he signed up for night school classes for English four hours per week & basic maths for 2 hours per week. I thought he was conscientious in his studies but didn’t actually notice much improvement in his skills. Over the years he carried on attending & came home with certificates in communications skills etc but never actually seemed to improve from the early days. I knew that he really wanted to learn & so didn’t interfere with his plans to attend year after year after year. Fifteen years later I had to admit enough is enough. He still couldn’t read the TV listings in the paper with any degree of credibility. I started to read up about Dyslexia. I read dozens of books, mostly about avoiding reading if I am honest, until I came across a book by Ron Davis & it all became clear. His total concentration on one thing at a time, his ability to hold an accurate 3 dimensional picture of something in his mind, how he could tell you the answers in maths without actually having any workings at all (maths was a greater success story- he finally got a GCSE in Maths a few years back). I found a Davis Dyslexia teacher (at £50 per hour-eek!) and she patiently taught his with plastecine & kush balls, how to use his amazing brain. It was a revelation. The depression that had been hanging around him for years started to lift (he actually took the last ever ‘happy’ tablet this year after weaning himself off them over ime. After fifteen years of ever lowering self esteem he finally has something to feel good about. He is never going to be a brilliant reader or writer because it’s not his particular area of interest, but now he is a qualified swimming instructor who runs his own school. This is mostly because his wife is a confirmed book worm but of course I am sad that I didn’t start reading about dyslexia a lot earlier. Dyslexia is a gift masquerading as a disability but a lack of understanding and the inability to spot it & work with it in schools & adult education is causing awful problems for people (not everyone has your mum ensuring they succeed against all odds) but also means that the market misses out on some of potentially our best thinkers because no-one knows how to harness the gift. I believe that over achievers with this gift, and you don’t have to look very far to find that that’s a very long list, could raise the profile of the gift of Dyslexia to everyone’s advantage.

One more thing before I leave you in peace. I attended a Social Housing Finance briefing in London on Friday to hear an update on what the academic believe will happen to social housing & other public services on Gordon Brown. The doctor that spoke to us said she had been involved in meetings at no. 11 for the last year or so as Gordon Brown gathered information on social housing & its finance and planned his strategy. Interestingly representative of the big banks were involved and two banks have now come up with a product based on what they learned. Abbey & Barclays are both now providing an option to purchase a kind of bond, which will be be an asset that can be drawn against in future and appears to be an attempt to make social housing residents and other in necessitous circumstances more financially responsible. Barclays and Abbey are both offering an early version of this service but are not advertising the service because they apparently signed the official secrets act. The doctor that updated us also had to sign but apparently thought it was fair game to tell us as she was only telling us what they had done rather than the actual full outcome from the meetings. I, in turn, feel that its okay to tell you because I think this is something that you should be involved with. You are, I think, a man with a social conscience and a far better person to entrust with this product than some dodgy character from Barclays (I also thought you should be running the National Lottery, but sadly I am not in charge)

Thank for listening to my rambles, if you did!

Lizzie

Keven cox - September 23rd, 2008  

hey richard ive got huge ideas im 18 going 19 in january and have huge ambitions i want to be a singer a song writer but my huge wish would to be a personal assitant for a celebrity maybe i could be yours for the day :) be awesome

but my question is as a teen did you have any other ambitions or did you have one dream of becoming a successe which you had a set goal as im 18 and want to do many things but im not sure to aim for more so ill have sumthing to fall back on if my dream job doesnt got to plan

thanks richard be cool if you could respond as it would mean a lot

thanks richard
keven

gordon telfer - September 23rd, 2008  

your success is self evident on the high street without reading a book. i wish i had some of your business skills.
having seen you put quality into the market within your virgin brand portfolio and matching other brands pound for pound or even providing more per pound. i wonder why the mobile phone side of your business seems less competitive than others. even if i took a contract with my existing virgin bundle or swapped my two contracts to virgin business i cant get any where near the offers of other providers.

hope you can comment
thank you

Nadia - September 23rd, 2008  

Mr Branson,

I am a recently made housewife (previously a PA)… blah blah blah… I have a highly ambitious self employed son who works so very hard at trying to get to the top of his ambition (he is 23) and has achieved a number of contacts through networking, perhaps also with the help of his honesty, humble nature & and rather vibrant character he is learning a great many lessons during the course of this journey. Please note he has had alot of setbacks needless to say. What I want to know from you is have you had any fears through your ‘journey’ and what are they?

By the way I do like your tenacity in dealing with the ‘Murdochs’ of this world. As I for one would like to see arrogance brought down to it’s knees and business to be played fair and square.

Curiosity killed the cat - but hey it has nine lives and brought it back again for more…
Nadia

Mr Javier Freire-Banos - September 23rd, 2008  

Richard

Having read the books, purchased the goods, and experienced the good services both you and your companies provide, there seems to be a gap which I feel you could fill to overflowing. Schools - the schools in our local area are, to be quite honest, not the best in the country. I am sure that Virgin Group could invest money through education, visits, experiences etc in our local schools, which would reap rewards many times over and above the original investment. The prestige would be huge - a big multi national company supporting local schools, together with CEO visits possibly - would bring back customer loyalty from both parents, teachers and children alike, and would help to promote the future development of our children. How does the saying go? “Our children are our future”.

Alan Madeleine (aka "Alan Madlane") - September 23rd, 2008  

My question concerns Redemption: I’m a 51-year-old former schoolboy wunderkind, a member of American MENSA. For me, early academic success and a creative streak has never translated to anything like real-life success. Without boring you to tears, the short hairs of it is this: How does one pull themselves up from absolute bottom? I’ve tapped out all my friendly lenders, and owe everyone a ton… I’m willing to humble myself and start at the bottom for an ethical and socially-conscious company, but the bottom doesn’t pay nearly enough to fix this mess…

alan - September 23rd, 2008  

Hi Sir Richard
I am an ex employee, I left Virgin Media last year to try living in Spain, no jobs for an ex-pat to sustain a family so I came home. However the last 2 weeks of my stay there were spoiled by the Guardia closing down the largest re-broadcaster of UK TV channels ever thought of making Virgin TV available to expats in the Costa Blanca ?

Debbie Gruss - September 23rd, 2008  

Hello Richard,
Everyday I am approached by others, sometimes friends, sometime strangers and one thing remains constant. I seem to have the ability to put a smile on another’s face and I seem to be able to help others move towards their life’s path. From these experiences, I am in the humble beginnings of creating my dream, Parallelvisions… “Let Your Visions Take Flight” which is an abstract, action-based event that I would like to conduct in home environments. I also want to write a book called “If This Is The American Dream…WAKE UP!” It will be a humorous look at this giant called Corporate America that I have almost 30 years in. My question to you is this… when you were first starting out and your mind was filled with endless possibilities, sometimes to the point I’m sure of making you feel overwhelmed, what was that decisive moment, where you began to see the possibilities in the reality of your existing life and you moved forward with them. My favorite quote is from Albert Einstein who stated “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.” - I believe in this for a lifetime and I want to help others wake up everyday knowing anything is possible, Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

derick graves - September 23rd, 2008  

hi richard i watched a show about you one night and was fascinated.i live in ponchatoula,louisiana.you know hurrican country and just went through a lot with hurricane gustave.my question is WOULD U BE WILLING TO HELP FINANCIALLY WITH MAKING MY HOME A SOLAR ENERGY HOME ? IF YES THANK YOU VERY MUCH,IF NO THANK YOU FOR CHANCE TO AT LEAST ASK. YOURS TRUELY,DERICK GRAVES

Valentin Scherrer - September 24th, 2008  

Hello from switzerland to UK - or Necker :-)

I’m a fan of the Richard Branson Way.
And I - as far as I can say - am a fan of the Virgin brand.
Seems very smart, social, fair, wich is just my style.
I wouldn’t do it any different.

BUT
Why there is nearly no Virgin at all in Switzerland !?!?
As you can imagine switzerland has a quite solid Economy and Swiss people are used to spend of money. Wouldn’t that be a great market?

There are many well trained and innovative people in switzerland (certainly I’m one of them ;-)
I guess you should penetrate the swiss market a lot more.

I would even know a fiew people who would support you strongly. In different fields. :-)

looking forward to eventually hear from you

sincerly
Valentin Scherrer

shoneet - September 24th, 2008  

sir,

where do you think this worlds priorities lie ?
do u think it is justified or do you agree with it?
what do you think it should be ?

i don’t understand much about politics or how this world runs but somehow i think it can be made much better, somehow .. what do you think ?

what do you think it will take to overcome poverty worlwide ? do you think it is possible ? is it just money ?

couldnt be that hard seeing as while some people literally have nothing to eat or drink, some get the chance to just throw it away..im one of the throwers and i hate myself for it.

i wanted to have a career in medicine so i could help people, but obviously wasnt smart enough for it .. so currently stdying to be an engineer, and hopefully someday will have the smarts to help people regardless…

sorry for the sloppyness of my comments..

THANKS

Shivani Arora - September 24th, 2008  

Hi,

I am pursuing MBA and we have to give presentation on Losing My Virginity.
Please give some suggestions that what key facts should be added in the presentation.
I would like to give a comparitive analysis of the market share of virgin vis-a-vis competitors.

Would be highly obliged.

Regards,
Shivani Arora

Abhinesh - September 24th, 2008  

sir i have just applied in a job sit called monster.com for a post as avionics technician.Recently i got a job letter for the post of a customer service officer from your esteemed org. But i am doubtful about the geniouneous of that letter.Sir please help me.In that letter my job ref is given as 008/SK.VIRGIN/VGT/T5UK AND job code as VT65T3RE.Other than you i dont have any one to help me in this matter.pleae help me sir.hopefully looking for your reply and i pray to god let that letter be a real job letter.

Julie Johnson - September 24th, 2008  

Good Morning!
I am from England, now living in New York (for Virgin America)and miss my Virgin Active so much…..America seems to see the gym as a sweatshop (as far as I can see!)and I am used to the sweaty bit, followed by a swim, maybe a relax in the spa/sauna, followed by a glass of wine and a snack. It was also the place to get a beauty treatment or take an exercise class if that’s your thing. It is unheard of to have fun and get fit, at least in the gym environment, and that’s ridiculous. There’s a huge gap here.
If you want that here, it is way out of the price range of the ordinary person in the street (like me!). I have read that you are taking this rather wonderful concept to Portugal. MY question is this….are you going to bring affordable,fun and sociable fitness to America anytime soon? If not, can I get a job at Virgin in Portugal)(seriously).
Thanks for taking the time to read this, and hope to see you rushing through JFK really soon!

Kindest Regards,
Julie J

Pedro - September 24th, 2008  

Richard,

I’ll take the chance to ask just this: how do I become you Brazilian partner?

Best regards!

Stephen Marsh - September 24th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard

I have recently inquired to switch over to Virgin broadband,
but I was told that I cannot have this service via cable.
However Nynex did the work about 9-10years ago outside our property and we have the triangle box on the pavment.
So out of couriosity I looked inside the box and found that there is nothing there so I looked at some more on the street and found the same.
My question is were you aware that this could be more widespread than just my street and also when could we possibly receive your fantastic broadband via cable in our area (M9 7DP)?
Yours Hopefully
Stephen Marsh

Chris Hayford - September 24th, 2008  

Richard,

My Question: Did you know that Baked Beans are not actually baked but are in fact stewed?

I’ve read your auto-bio and just started reading “Business Stripped Bare”. Keep up the good work!

Chris Hayford
Smartworking.com

Suresh Kumar - September 24th, 2008  

Hello Mr.Richard,
I’m from India. I hope your recent visit to India would be a memorable occasion. I’m one of your greatest inspirer. Your’s Biography is the very best one among the others which i have read. Your fame, way of approach & business involvements attracts me a lot. But one of my request is that why dont you involve yourself with much of seminars related to entrepreneurship, business etc., I’m expecting a lot of information related to the same much from you. Please try to do it. I would be much happy if you may deliver any seminar at India. Ofcourse you might know the potential & much of your inspirer available at India.
Screw It and Do It.

With Regards,
M.Suresh Kumar
msures@gmail.com

Sergeant D Curry - September 24th, 2008  

Sir Richard,

I would like to invite you to the British Army Vs Cambridge University Boxing Club Charity Dinner Night in late November 08 in aid of the Army Benevolend Fund. If you would like to attend or show some support for the event please get in touch.

Kind Regards

D Curry
Sergeant
British Army

Duza - September 24th, 2008  

Dear Richard,
At the Urbang Academy 51 Kids Company staff, excluding volunteers, are working hard on restoring lives of 167 most vulnerable young inner citi people age 16-23 in a small Sherborne house in London SE1. Do you have any spare building in London to donnate? Please come and visit us.
Kindest regards,
Duza

V. Sethi - September 24th, 2008  

Sir Richard,
How big do you think the Virgin organisation can become, before it becomes inefficient and too large and unwieldy to manage? I would be disappointed to see the excellent Virgin brand compromised.

Yours faithfully,
V. Sethi

Richard Gill - September 24th, 2008  

Do you have any influence with Government. If so can you ask on our (or my) behalf of any politician in government, what putting wall insulation and roof insulation in, is going to do, if you cant put the heat on because all your money has to go on food to live. I fortunately am not in this position, but would like to know as there are people in this position and I feel for them.
Richard Gill

AJ Bayuk - September 24th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard:

I would very much like to get your advice on a venture I began which hopes to change the face of business travel. I have assembled a very credible team and we are ready to make a move. One of your business units is doing business with a friend of mine, who knows of our project.

tailwinds,

AJ

Yang Razlan - September 24th, 2008  

Dear Mr. Branson,
Do you ever get angry at Board Meetings and other meetings. Because i usually see you always happy and smiling.Secondly, business is about decisions, right decisions!I am in business for 30 years now but i think my biggest mistake in not really succeeding is because of silly mistakes and silly decisions and that stops my progression.Often than not i tend to follow my heart and this becomes disastrous.And sometimes listens to much on others.

Zanele Magubane - September 24th, 2008  

Mr. Branson

I like you want to have my own empire one day. That deals with a lot of different industries, but my issue is that I do not have any knowledge as to the industries I want to go into namely Hospitality, so how do you suggest I go about it, my idea is to first start off by selling my baked goods to Hotels (as I have a really good secrete recipe) and then move on to having enough money to opening up my own Christian lodge, or should I just sell my baked goods to the public.

Which is, in your opinion, the more economical route?

Selling to hotels or the public at large, (as I do not want to be tired down by contracts), I want freedom, to do with my baked goods as I please but I have a feeling that selling to the public may take longer and that the Hotels are a better route

Thank you, for forwarding us this opportunity to ask you our burning business questions
Regards’ Zanele

Belinda - September 25th, 2008  

Hi Sir Richard

I’m a great fan of your “screw it, let’s do it” philosophy. I would love to be able to apply this, but struggle to overcome barrier thinking. Has this ever been a problem for you? If so, please tell me how to overcome it. I’m standing at a crossroad and don’t know which way to go - I’ve never been a maverick and now I may need to be or risk a big opportunity for happiness and success.

Kind Regards

Alex - September 25th, 2008  

Hi George Catling, in response to your comment (no.37) we apologise that you have not yet had your broadband upgraded and we have passed on your email to the customer service team at Virgin Media to rectify as soon as possible. Hopefully they will have this sorted for you very soon.
Kind regards
Alex

Stephen Taylor - September 25th, 2008  

Dear Richard,
As everyone knows you have been extremely successful in business and media since the 1970’s where I once visited the new Virgin record store in Oxford Street and saw you!

You have become a global business man - a great achievement. I think your greatest strengths were when you took on the giants of business and won - ie BA etc.

Do you think it is now time to focus on the pooer people or projects to help mankind as a way of paying back for your success. I used to work for a company in Dubai (THE One) who have built schools in India and Africa for no other reason than it was agood thing to do….for the sake of humanity!

Well done and keep on doing it…

Cheers

Stephen

Victoire - September 25th, 2008  

Dear Richard,

I am studying AS media studies at a small international school in Ibiza. As part of our studies we have to complete a detailed study of a media organisation. I have selected Virgin as the company I would like to examine. Please could you refer me to someone who can offer information and assistance by e-mail. Many thanks in advance, Victoire.
PS: if you are ever in Ibiza town, my father makes very good croissants.

DeXton - September 25th, 2008  

Hi Richard,

do you foresee a day when you won’t have a beard?

Many thanks,

Damien

Richard Branson Fan - September 25th, 2008  

Hi Richard,

My question is, what is your biggest regret? If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?

Thank you.

Margaret Brett - September 25th, 2008  

Dear Richard
As a recently retired person who utilised a challenging approach to working within health & education, I have always considered my considerable success as due to the fact I NEVER forgot the foundations of my career, and always remembered to involve the people who were to implement my ideas and programmes. Many less successful colleagues moved on but forgot about basic requirements, principles and experiences in their work. What or Who do you use to remind yourself of this. IT IS ESSENTIAL.
eg . Never forget before you became ambitious in satisfying the needs of the business world passengers you were dependent upon the more simple traveller. Those people still require consideration if your success is to continue.

A further more simple question based on a recent experience with Virgin atlantic in Las Vegas - Why do you not have s special dummy bag or case labelled ‘LASTBAG’ for the benefit of lggage handlers? This would negate the need for genuine customer luggage being used for this purpose- and as we unfortunately discovered - that bag being lost or delayed. Perhaps I may suggest respectfully that a personal look at your luggage services rather than relying on reports might be appropriate as we have certainly had several unfortunate experiences, and have colleagues with similar results regarding their luggage on Virgin lines.
Good luck with the new writing.
Margaret

Chester White - September 25th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard Branson,

THIS MUST BE A FIRST - POLITICIANS SHOULD TAKE YOUR LEAD. THEY REGULARLY INITIATE PERSONAL CONTACT WITH US WHEN THEY DESIRE E-MAILED CONTRIBUTIONS, BUT WE HAVE NO ACCESS TO THEM FOR OUR VALID, PERSONAL, CONCERNS. AS A BUSINESSMAN WITH SERIOUS CONSTRAINTS ON TIME, YOU’VE LOWERED YOUR WINGS TO US FOR OUR MEANINGFUL INPUT. IT HAS POSITIVE IMPACT IN CUSTOMER RELATIONS; IT IS APPRECIATED. ALL POLITICIANS SHOULD DO THIS IN SOME LIMITED, BUT MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL, WAY ONCE A YEAR. THANK YOU.

I also, had to assert, “Screw it; I’ll do it!” (in regards to a “Catch-22” dilemma) My question to you – though time, itself, will tell – Am I using the ‘Right Stuff’ of the Successful Entrepreneur? Here’s a snippet of the challenge: As an independent New Product Developer, (Inventor: “Green Technologies” et al.) I’ve been faced with a difficult decision to either concentrate on pursuing development of my inventive concepts or remain dedicated as an English (ESL) teacher. It appears that I had allowed my new-product design interests to take priority, by default of preoccupation, even though, of course, education (teaching) is generally indispensable in any society; however, the choice had been made. I had to learn how to write my own patent applications and do my own CAD illustrations – all without the exorbitant fees and input of presumptuous lawyers. The several products, and their developmental requirements, are still monopolizing my time and the scant financial resources of a teacher (I’ve had to create a $27 e-book on Intellectual Property, “Awaken That Genius Inventor Within” to fund my projects. In the meantime, personal/professional relationships have begun to strain, but, through it all, and in the face of cynical people, I have to believe in myself. What do you think? Had I been duped by whimsical notions for bringing “lofty concepts” down to earth, while neglecting academics?

Please take a moment to take a look at one of my several patent-pending products, three are for potable water conservation, (85% - circumventing a waste of Billions $$$ on water desalination plants, feasibility assessment research, etc. around the world). In this regard, I am desirous of introducing the water-conservation products into the Middle East, the U.A.E. in particular. They are in dire need of my products as they spend billions on alternative sources for potable water.

Another one of my products is for an electro-magnetic automobile, (cars, watercraft, buses, & trucks). Gasoline is not required; there is no need for time-consuming battery recharges as with today’s electric “Concept Cars;” nor is it solar. A person may drive from New York to L.A., and back, without either gasing up or recharging any batteries. I am quite aware of the USPTO statutory restrictions against any “Perpetual Motion” devices. You may see one of my patent-pending products published this past week on the U.S.P.T.O. web site: http://www.uspto.gov/patft. Use the publication number: US-2008-0216223-A1 (in yellow box, at “Publication Number Search” link, enter: 20080216223 [a free viewer – for illustrations - can be downloaded from same location]). All four concepts earn special certification from U.S.T.P.O. since they directly benefit health, life, and livelihood: (environment/natural resources). If you’d like to see the patent-pending automobile design, let me know. It is truly a wonder of the dynamics of nature once the simple concept is grasped. So simple, infact, that it is being overlooked. You’ll see why I had to devote time to it. In fact, I invite your proven insights to expedite introduction of this product and the others. I’m on my own otherwise.

Painstakingly, I’m now attempting to do my little bit to help alleviate Global Warming since my four products address air pollution (greenhouse gases) water conservation, and alternative energy use. This is a Global Initiative. So, with the prospect of introducing viable, “life altering,” technological contributions to the world society, making it a better place, but coupled, also, with the “life altering” work of a teacher, which option would you have prioritized? If you’ve read this far, I apologize for the length of the entry.

Thank You – microstar7865@msn.com

mercy njoroge - September 25th, 2008  

Hello Richard,
I am 18yrs old and from Kenya. I have been a very loyal follower of yours especially after you sponsored Kenyan rugby.It shows how much committed you are to youth and motivating them to explore their talents instead of idling around and doing crime.I have looked at most of the questions asked and i have seen none that leans on leisure and sports.
I would like to ask you does virgin have a team that plays any game for the company and if so would you like to add another team - Field Hockey.There is a whole lot of us both girls and boys who have so much talent in hockey and we have been looking for a company that would sponsor us and we would play for them like in the case of soccer.All we need is a name that we can play for and a coach and we would play against other hockey clubs around the world.It could be another good co-curriculum investment on your part.
I and my colleagues will be very delighted if we could get your feedback and your thoughts on our proposal.
Thank you.
Mercy.

Abdul - September 25th, 2008  

Hi Rich,
I would like to know if you will be interested to invest in my country…i am from Niger and/or Benin Republic (West Africa) and currently study in the UK. There are great opportunities waiting for you there.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Abdul

Tyrone - September 25th, 2008  

Howzit, Sir Richard

Greatings from sunny South Africa and “Baie Dankie”
for all your commercial interest here.
Thanks also for this opportunity, it’s so unusual, it left me at a loss for ideas and I usually have quite a few.

Being the constant oppertunist, I was going to pitch one of my business ideas which, when realized, will fill my coffers too, but instead decided on this question.

Why don’t you make a “Full Length Feature Film” about yourself?
Gathering from your book annecdotes, you’re a real, born storyteller.
Your stories are interesting, tongue-in-cheek funny, and portrays you as anything but boring.
I read a lot and never put a book down when it’s interresting. Screw it let’s do it, I finished in one go.
I felt bold, young and mischievous again, like anything is possible.
That Richard is how you come across. Refreshing.
Your movie, even without guns, would coin it, look how we all rush to buy autobiographies.
You’d be setting a new trend and… you’d be one-up on Trump, Oprah, and the rest.
Wait a minute,
that is a moneyspinner.

Maybe in the near future, I’d pitch you my idea anyway.
For now, best wishes to you and yours…
and PLEASE…
consider, The Movie.

Regards T.Daniels

Stuart Pollock - September 25th, 2008  

Hi Richard,

You’re probably a little busy, so I’ll keep it short.

Would you like to produce an animated feature film?

Please visit: http://www.gimmiko.com (project:’CACTUSMAN’)

Kind Regards,
Stuart Pollock

Emilio - September 26th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard

It has always been my dream to see human being travelling in space.
I believe that what you are doing is one of the most important project of the human history and I hope one day to be part of it. I graduated in management few months ago and I just complete a trip around the world. I’d like to know what should I do to be part of your adventure, what kinde of peple you look for. Thank you for your time.

Regards,

Emilio

Adrian Wright - September 26th, 2008  

Hello,

I know from reading about your green fund part of vigin you are investing in new sorces of energy replacement.
Could you please tell me if you (Richard) are aware of a new bio-oil produced from algae.
It seems to me that the united states know alot more than the uk does or wants to.
Not only can it replace current oil produced in oil producing countires that hold the rest of the world to ransom,it can be produced in any country on sites that where once busy industrial areas.
I read that you where going to put into service a biofuel 747.Did it evver happen.

I hope this is of general interest to him and some responce would be apprecaited as my concerns regarding the ever increasing fuel costs.

Oil has its prices and its price dictates the future of every country in the world.

Kindest Regards

Adrian Wright from Redditch.

Anthony Graziani - September 26th, 2008  

Richard: Would we arouse your curiosity with an invitation to a venture that could provide sufficient liquid hydrogen fuel to launch a fleet of Virgin Galactic spaceships into eternity?

Coral - September 26th, 2008  

Hello Richard, hope you are well.

Through connections with Sir Tom Hunter, and West Coast Capital, I have just come across the Entrepreneurial Exchange network which Sir Tom supports in Scotland. Nothing similar appears to exist in England (all public sector run, if at all). Do you, would you consider, launching such an initiative to support growing young entrepreneurs?

Best wishes

Coral

lynn joyce - September 26th, 2008  

hi Sir Richard,
We know of a very talented local Wolverhampton rock group who are trying to make it in the music world. Every time we hear them they just get better and better.As yet they are unsigned.The management they are signed to doesn’t seem to be out there selling them to the general public. They have a great fan base. We feel they deserve more can you help please. I know this is a big ask from someone as busy as yourself, but hey if you don’t ask you will never know. they can be found on myspace.com ‘WILCOX’
looking forward to your reply. lynn.
best wishes

Rob Hart - September 26th, 2008  

Mr Branson
You recently wrote an article in the Daily Mail in praise of capitalism.
Tell me would Virgin Trains still be in business without the huge public subsidies it has enjoyed?
A simple yes or no will do

CARLOS RAMOS - September 26th, 2008  

YOUR OWN BOSSCompartir
Hoy a las 20:48 | Editar nota | Eliminar
DEAR RICHARD BRANSON

THANKS FOR YOUR POSITIVE ENERGY

MY QUESTION CONTAINS TWO:

1. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO SACK YOUR BOSS AND BECOME YOUR OWN?

2. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO MIRROR YOUR BOSS AND TO LET HIM NOW THAT YOU ARE TOTALLY EQUAL TO HIM?

ALL THE BEST FROM ALICANTE

CARLOS RAMOS

Tom Christy - September 26th, 2008  

Short and sweet; Sir Richard Branson, how do you find a balance in your life while juggling a HUGE business enterprise, space travel, family time and having time to write an inspirational book? Where does your energy come from?

John Broughton - September 26th, 2008  

Sir Richard,

As a renewable energy consultant for more than twenty years, I have constantly been aware of the fact that humans generally opt for cheap and convenient products, over what they percieve to be more expensive ones. The value however, associated with a product is paramount, even over price. Generally the consensus of a products value is justified or swayed through various methods of marketing and or other more realistic valuation methods. Ultimately it is the accountants of the world that first and foremost seek to justify value and therefore the purchase of a product new to the marketplace. This is most prevalent in the corporate world, where large volumes of products are purchased and sold everyday.

Through the years you have invested much time and money in many activities that most accountants would and more importantly, I am sure have, told you that it was not a worthy investment. They were doing so based upon their existing accounting practices and rules. I am hoping to draw on your experiences here, since I am sure many ventures had your accountants or investors screaming “no go” and then later after the projects were completed and generated profitable returns, they turned around and said “wow, I am sure glad we did”.

My question to you Sir Richard is simple. How do your accountants place value on sustainable activities compared with non sustainable activities, and how do they show this worth to their ptoential or exisitng investors?

Lastly, do you think that there should be a generally accepted global economic indicator, a Gross National Happiness product (GNH)? Similar to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet is focused more on a nation’s economic success measured by the quality of life, hence promoting sustainability and environmentalism? I have been aware of two nations looking into this concept, New Zealand and Bhutan. I truly believe that if the nation level accountants of this world established such a measure, it would trickle through to their respective governments, corporations, and lastly consumers. An accounting principal where the guy running a business on solar energy is awarded for this activity, compared to the guy who uses a non renewable energy resource.

Thanks for the opportunity to ask you a question. And as a freelance renewable energy consultant, please keep me in mind for any potential opportunities you may have.

JB

Jose J Jimenez - September 26th, 2008  

I would like to ask you, how do you keep a good mood with all those occupations on your business, and at the same time how do you keep in focus to answer correctly your troubles? I have a big problem with that. On the other side, I would ask you if would you want to make an investment in technology for manufacture some machines for LatinAmerica and other countries in development?

Jim Chappell - September 26th, 2008  

Hi Richard;

As there are different levels and measurements of success as viewed by society and individually by us and those we have contact with, my question; how do you measure your success and those around you?

Thank you,

Jim

Amey Naik - September 26th, 2008  

Respected Sir,
I have read your book ’screw it or do it’ and have really got more inspired in life as i am the same stage as you were in the begining.Now i have strong exmaple to live by.I run a business of hotel in Goa.

“Would you like to have a Ammusement Park in GOA (INDIA)”?

I have a land perfect for the project.

Why Goa?
1.Goa is one of the best tourist spot famous amongst Indian as well as Foreign Tourists.
2.Goa Govt is promoting tourism very well by geting cruise tourism this year apart from the huge numbers they get even otherwise.
3.Goa Govt. is looking for some investor who could start something like this.

Waiting for a Favourable reply.

Regards

Amey Naik.

Tijana - September 27th, 2008  

To: Sir Richard Branson

I would like to thank you Sir For this wonderful opportunity
you have given to us.

The chance to address you directly and share and express
what I have to offer, what I feel, with my thoughts
beliefs and idea.

I’m a very highly ambitious, motivated, hard working,
independent young lady and i always
take a pride in what i do.

I believe in treatining people with respect
and having good manners.
I have a dreams….
And passion for life.

I believe if you really want something
you will make it, and you can have it.

There is no failure for me - only learning and training
to be better next time.
Im willing to work and learn to reach my goals.

I read your articl yesterday in one of the newspapers
quote- do all this WHILE MAKING THE WORLD BETTER PLACE
there are the ways to reach your goals while
making the world better place.

A man who have ability to Lead and Inspire.
The man with a Style, all that and more with
Amazing Smile.

To me, you left graet Impresion.

And here is me standing as a young girl with big ideas
and big dreams asking you, for an opportunity to meet you
and share my innovations, vision on how young people see Richard Branson
and Branson’s Empire
In the Future…

Best wishes to You
Your lovely family
And your Great Virgin Team

Bill - September 27th, 2008  

Richard this is all exciting stuff - I wish it well - but before zooming off to the stars perhaps you should rattle some cages at Virgin to get a basic technology working, namely your customers webspace, which has been inaccessible to probably hundreds of your customers since as long ago as April. If you can’t make this work a trip to outer space seems really dodgy! Crash and burn. Everybody dead because write permissions deny access to the files!

Best regards

Bill

Shirl - September 27th, 2008  

Hello, I’m asking on behalf of our Facebook group - Airbourne 2009 - INPTSOMOS! Support Group - whether you would be willing to sponsor Airbourne 2009 in Eastbourne next year. Airbourne had always been advertised as the Largest Free Airshow in the South and for 15 years it was just that. This year our Council decided to bring in charging as they had had a £72,000 deficit from the previous year due mainly in part to not being able to find a major sponsor. This year they again were unable to find a major sponsor and so set forth on an ill-advised charging scheme which has backfired on them and the town and we think this may mean the end of this wonderful airshow. The residents of the town did not know about any of this until a few months before the event and we originally set up a group called Airbourne - I’m Not Paying to Stand on My Own Seafront! The campaign was to try and make the Council realise that this was a very unpopular decision and would not solve the problem of their deficit. We were proved correct as they have landed the town with a £360,000 deficit this year as people were not willing to pay £5.00 a day over four days and just watched this fantastic event from outside the charging area. They had to pay the police £10,000 as it was no longer a free event, the fencing cost £55,000 which made our beautiful seafront look like a prison camp & with other added costs lost us the aforementioned £360,000. We want Airbourne to continue and in our correspondence to them before the event suggested donations over the four days would be the way forward, but no-one listened and they landed themselves with this deficit which they are having to now fund out of a Contingency Fund which ultimately came from the residents! Please look at our old and new Facebook groups and you will see that the people of the town want to see the spectacular sight of the Red Arrows over the skies of Eastbourne next year. Thank you for your time in reading this. Shirley Moth

Dennis J - September 27th, 2008  

Good afternoon Richard,

I believe back in the 1990’s you assisted Paul Newman with opening of one of his charity camps in Ireland.And,as he has today passed away I thought to ask if you agreed with his appraisal of his life-the benevolence of luck. For all of your great achievments and persiverance, do you think that without “the benevolence of luck” you would yourself have gone so far.Or,as some believe,is luck in your opinion man made. Thankyou

Phomtap A. - September 27th, 2008  

Dear : Richard
Have you ever come to Thailand? Why you not fly your virgin to Thailand coz I love to see you aircraft fly here coz in my dream I want to work with your airline coz I love you style in investing when I read your book.

Robert Lee - September 27th, 2008  

I just finished watching the spot about the Virgin space vehicle in the works on the Science Channel. I am a master electrician by trade, a certified Avionics Tech from the U.S. Navy, and was a master mechanic before I became an electrician. Would LOVE to be part of something like that! (Need a hand building it?)

Philip - September 27th, 2008  

Dear Mr Branson,

Would be great if you can answer the following questions:

1.What was the main reason why you entered the drinks business with Virgin Cola? To challenge the monopoly with Coca Cola & Pepsi?

2.What are the 3 best advices you can give in entrepreneurship?

3.What has been the most fun/exciting business you have started and why?

4.What has been you main driving force in life? I know it’s not money.

5.When you employ a person; what is the first and second thing you are looking for?

Best regards Philip

Richard Ernst - September 27th, 2008  

Richard

Being a entrepreneur myself but on a smaller scale for now, and to have very much the same ambition and desire to live life to the fullest, and to fulfill as much in life as one can to benefit mankind. I truly believe that certain people are placed here on earth with wealth to help those in need and make this earth a great place to live. But many stray away from the true purpose and keep the wealth to themselves. But those who kept the path, such as yourself, have made a huge difference in so many lives in so many ways. A great being you are and I admire that in you. So to the question now. What is the major concern in this world that is, and will continue to get worse as time goes on? The one and only essential thing for existence on this earth, for all living things to survive. It is very abundant but there is less and less of it every day. It never changes in volume, only in quality. The answer is water. Yes we have facilities that try their best to give us clean water but they can only clean it so much. Many types of processes to get the water clean but still things like medication and other items manage to still remain in the water. There is a solution, a better way to make cleaner water. The process is simple yet and it has been in front of many eyes for a long time and never seen, until now. What is the answer? I guess you will have to wait until you ask. Until then, keep up the great work that you are doing and keep dreaming up new ideas so they can come into existence. Believe and watch the wonders of life com true.

Diana and Helmuth Uebel - September 27th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard,

My question for you is : - would you be willing to meet with my husband concerning an engine he has developed which is an internal combustion rotary piston engine based on Trochoidal geometry; is a more efficient, cleaner, lighter and smaller engine; is mechanically simple; can operate as a diesel, multi-fuel, gas, hydrogen or gasoline engine; will cost substantially less and take less time to bring to production than conventional engine projects?

This engine uses less fuel than current engines and would produce about 40% less carbon dioxide than is generated by conventionally powered vehicles. In addition, emissions of other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides would all be reduced.

I am a British citizen and my husband was born in Chile. As a result of my husbands’ job we have traveled extensively for more than 30 years and are currently residing in the USA, although my husband is presently in Germany. A good part of the year he spends in and around Asia, so I know he would be willing to meet with you anywhere in the world it may be convenient for you. Along with this engine, my husband has developed (he does not like that I use the word ‘invented’) several projects. He has an incredible mind but we are not successful in the area of finding investors to bring his ideas into fruition.

A prototype of the engine has already been built, and of course there are numerous documents, photos and a video to support the engine claims.

I felt that such a project would be of interest to yourself, however, if this should not be the case, do you know of anyone I could contact as a potential investor?

Thanking you most sincerely for your time and attention to my letter,

Diana Uebel

Ahmed El Moghazy - September 27th, 2008  

Hello Mr Richard

Realy i have a great idea for a project which i think it comply with your interists and your investments

you will not regret , i hope for answer personally

thanks for interisting

Abhishek kumar Singh - September 27th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard Branson,

I know your time is precious & therefore, with due respect I will come straight to the point.

Today, Global warming is affecting the entire world. It is a big challenge and individuals of every country do understand this and therefore, many individuals, communities & private institutions have taken initiatives to do their bit within their own limitations.

Unfortunately, since the problem of global warming is so big & because each of these individuals work within their limited capacities, their efforts never take that quantum leap required to make their efforts effective & result oriented.

I believe, what’s required is a cohesive pre-planned action course which involves citizens of this globe, but as with the case of any successful profitable business, this project also requires a leader. A leader, who can drive such a mega project & to whom people look up to.

I truly believe, you are the one who can do this. Your global appeal & likeability among the masses make you the obvious choice.

If you ever take this responsibility, I would like to be the first one to sign up for this mega-project.

Best Regards
Abhishek Kumar Singh

Ajit Suri - September 28th, 2008  

Sir Branson,
Hello,

I would like to thank you for giving us this opportunity which is hard to come by. Let me start by saying that you are one of the few people that I admire for what you have achieved and how. What I admire most about you is your concern about the envoirment and global warming for which you are investing in development of alternate green fuel and pledgeing USD 3 billion for this project.

Sir, my name is Ajit Suri, a businessman from India. I deal in air conditioners. The same air conditioners which are the biggest energy consumers in the world (according a report 43% of the energy consumption in peak hours in US alone).

However, seeing the current energy crisis and the advent of global warming made me stand up and notice. Being a responsible citizen of this world, I am trying to do my bit in this direction. I am in the process to develop an air conditioner which will cut the energy consumption by more than 50%. It is a break through alright, but there is still a long way to go.

Being a entreprenuer yourself and involved in many developmental projects, you must well understand how capital intensive any developmental process.
I woruld like you to help me in this endeavour by granting me financial aid. I’m sure if all of us do our bit in saving our Mother Earth, she will be a better place to live.

Thank you,
Regard,

Ajit Suri.

Rob Scott-Jones - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard

I am trying to track down an old friend John Hogg who did or still does work for you. I also worked for you for a short time and I attended the party you threw at your house in Oxfordshire. I have lost contact with John about 8 years ago and would like to try and find him again. If you have any idea where he is, could you please let me have a contact address or telephone number. The last time I saw John he was working for your company in America. I know you have a lot of employees but I believe John is known to you personally.

Leon - September 28th, 2008  

Hi! I am a Kenyan student with a deep passion to study Aviation in the U.S and eventually become a an Airline pilot. Unfortunately, i can not afford it since i depend on my income for studies and upkeep.

I would be so glad if i would get a loan to study. Unfortunately, all the International lenders require you to have a cosigner or be a U.S citizen.

Please, Sir Richard Branson, would you be kind enough to help me achieve my dream?

Michael Harris - September 28th, 2008  

Richard,

I just finished reading Losing My Virginity and it was fascinating. I didn’t know much about you before reading it, and I came away with much respect for you. I’ll ask quickly since I am probably one of the last questions on here.

I am 20 years old and just recently left school (New York University) to start my own business. I just have one question that may be hard to answer, but how good does it feel to win? In the end, after all of the ridicule and all the work…is it really all worth it? has it been for you? I believe it will be, but I would love to hear it from someone like you who is where I want to be.

Also, I have to ask you to look on itunes for my younger brother who is a 15 year old recording artist who has worked and bought all of his own equipment and set up a studio in his bedroom. His name is Young Thewz ad the album is 15- a very talented kid. Thank you so much.

I hope I’m not going on too much, but if you might read this I should just go for broke - Is there any way I can contact you directly to ask you some of my other questions about business and things you have done? An e-mail address or phone line? Hope that’s not out of line!

Best of luck with all of your endeavors, I can’t wait to see where you take Virgin in the future.

All the best,

Michael Harris

Wayne - September 28th, 2008  

Sir Richard,

What do you believe is the purpose of human life?

Wayne aka “Lone Eagle”

Andrew John Heath - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard Branson,

Thank you for using HYDROGEN FUEL CELL vehicles as executive shuttles for Virgin Airlines ground transportation.

How would you feel about switching to LIQUID HYDROGEN FUEL for Virgin Airlines, Virgin Trains and Virgin Galactic. I am honored to see you testing Bio-diesel as jet fuel. Unless the bio-diesel is created from waste oil or animal fat, it is a net energy loser.

Solar/wind generated hydrogen fuel is truely zero-emission fuel. Pratt&Whitney have developed a LIQUID OXYGEN/LIQUID HYDROGEN rocket engine for lunar and Mars landers that can throttle between 10% to 90% power with out a hick-up.

Virgin Galactics video of Voyager 1 is beautiful. Seeing the “brown” vapor trail out the back of the spacecraft sucks,though.

Please let me know your thoughts on LIQUID HYDROGEN fuel.

Sincerely,

Andrew John Heath (”Clear is the new Green”)

PS Garbage can also create hydrogen fuel.

Neil Dexter - September 28th, 2008  

Hi Richard,
A real well done to you because you’re a business man but don’t act like it. I like people like you, you treat people how they are meant to be treated! You make it feekl like you’re one of us.

What is it that inspires you to beat competition like British Airways, Coca Cola etc?

I really do look up to ou and work for you! :-)

miltownkid - September 28th, 2008  

Hey Sir Richard,

If I raise $16,000 for the not-for-profit Room to Read will you do a little dance and post it on YouTube? :D

I recently read your book “Losing My Virginity.” The world needs more people like yourself (I’m working on it ;) ).

Take care!

Simon - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Richard,
I would like to add to my previous question before time runs out.
With regards to virgin’s investment in “virgin water” as a pilot project, western cape, South Africa:. With outlets such as virgin active, virgin atlantic, England in Dubai World Island Resort etc. the quality water we can provide will not only satisfy the consumer but empower this local community whilst saving virgin money. I would love the opportunity for a dialogue with you regarding this matter as it is a win win situation for all concerned.
That’s not my question.
My question is regarding Biofuel.
I wish to plant biofuel crops. In your opinion (or one of your boffins) what’s best to plant with regards to yield, ease of extraction, minimal engine conversion and secondary use. I have had many opinions, all different, it would be great to hear your thoughts as I’m sure your research would have been fair and honest.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Simon

Christine Bouquet - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard,
Am I glad I was reminded of this great book. Two years ago I created some kind of a fan club! I loved the book so much that I let my boss have it, he gave to another company Director etc, and when it finally came back well used, he forced his wife to get a ‘Virgin Education’. I am sure they have been applying the ‘virgin ideas’ to the letter since then!!? ;-) How on earth did you set out to remember all those infinite details in the first place… It certainly inspired me to let some other people gain an insight into my colourful life. Anyway… I am sitting here waiting that you buy Gatwick, I’ll be there to help on the spot, it will be a huge success should this happen. Here’s to the future and Good Luck!

Paul Blagg - September 28th, 2008  

I cannot understand why we don’t harness the force of buoyancy to get our spacecraft into space. Balloons have been known to reach the outer fringes of our atmosphere with little or no propulsion required. I envision a large circular inner tube like structure with a skin of carbon fiber and a central cockpit with walkways to the outer circle ring. In the outer ring you would have large cylinders of helium with a compressible chamber of hydrogen gas in between pairs of large expanding pistons in cylinders of helium. With helium and hydrogen, buoyancy lift could be obtainable since the skin of the craft would be made of carbon fiber, which is stronger than steel and lighter than aluminum. The entire device would look like a large innertube with spoke like walkways to a center round cockpit. On the outer skin of the outer carbon fiber tuble ring, at 90 degrees from each other would be mounted swivel rockets controllable from the center cockpit. These swivel rockets would allow the entire device to be maneuverable in all directions. Since the hydrogen gas would be trapped in a compressible chamber between pairs of expandable enclosed cylinders of helium, and since helium expands as the atmospheric pressure increases but remains a gas until much lower temperatures and higher pressure than hydrogen and since it is slightly heavier than hydrogen, the cylinders on each side of the hydrogen compressible chamber would pressurize the hydrogen and it would be cooled to a liquid as the entire carft ascends into a much colder and lower pressure environment of the outer atmosphere.. Why would this be an advantage? You would be making liquid hydrogen as the craft acends, which can be bled into storage tanks for use as the rocket fuel to provide propulsion for the swivel rockets controllable from the central cockpit. Since gravity decreases as the square of the distance from the earth, the problem of weightlesness could also be solved because the entire circular device could be made to rotate providing an artificial gravitational field by manipulating the swivel rockets to start its rotation. You could have oxygen storage tanks, water tanks, and food storage and living quarters in the outer ring enclosure. You could even have a greeenhouse for growing plants to replenish oxygen and food supples. You could take this spacecraft to mars and back. Since Mars has water at its polar region, you could resupply your water and make more hydrogen from the water on Mars using solar energy for electrolyis. The space craft could be left in orbit when not traveling to other planets. Another smaller spacecraft of similar design could be used as a resupply/rescue craft - if necessary. I hope you can envision this, and I cannot imagine why we are still trying to travel into space in jet planes or rockets when we can reach space this way cheaper and more efficiently and even take it on to other planets.
Suggest building a small model and the money from charging people for a trip to space used to finance a much larger craft that could literally be lived, in if necesarry. Yes, there would be problems of cosmic radiation, but by turning the entire device into a large electromagnet through wiring around through or inside the skin and center cockpit, cosmic radiation and other harmful radiation could be deflected much the same way the magnetic field of the earth deflects that radiation. If one had to, one could literally live in space in such a carft and resupply its water, oxygen, and rocket fuel from any planet having oxygen and water. Food could be grown in its own greenhouse.
I doubt if NASA has the imagination, intuitive insight or will to build such a craft, so I am submitting this idea to you. EMail if you have questions.

Paul Blagg

Damien Miller - September 28th, 2008  

Richard,

Some comments have alluded to the fact that the Virgin
marketing machine isn’t quite as inspiring as it once was. I would like to see Virgin in the forefront of peoples’ minds once again but need to arrange a 13 minute meeting with you, to prove that I can add value and elevate the Virgin brand to an extensive new market. What do I need to do to connect with you so that I can prove my intention, integrity, and ingenuity?

If that’s not the type of question you were looking for, I’d also like to know… “What is the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make and why?”

Ana Mesquita - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Sir Richard Branson

I`m a worker from Santa Maria Airport, Santa Maria Island, Azores.
I know you use to land in Santa Maria Airport several times just as a technical stop for refuelling.
I`ve noticed you are going to make some investments in Portugal
I`d like to ask you to know our airport, its good condition of operacionality and to see what we do have to offer to Virgin in aviation area.
Best regards.

Ana Mesquita

Robert Strutin - September 28th, 2008  

Our Question: Sir Richard, if family fun could prove to meet our common goals; would you consider sitting on our Board of Directors?

iMU Studios creates video games for an ever-increasing, home-entertainment market, bringing the family closer with products they can enjoy together.

Our Goal: To create profitable entertainment that is fun, meaningful and fulfilling.

The in-game 3D web platform will provide an economic benefit and social networking to our markets through a space-themed world.

We already have a clearly-defined business plan I can discuss with you at your earliest convenience and a growing TEAM who loves what they do and what the project stands for.

We believe your guidance would be a perfect fit our iMU board.

james gawley jimmyclaws - September 28th, 2008  

Dear Richard,

I want to solve the global warming problem.
I have a ten point plan.
Who am I?
jimmy claws……X-MEN TRILOGY