[griffonwing]

My brother-in-law is an architect specializing in religious architecture. I'd have him help me design an underground dwelling which uses power off the grid. I already have preliminary floor plans drawn up. The power would come from both sun and wind, using new photovoltaic cell technology and savvis rotor wind generators. Almost everything would be natural gas/propane. I'd purchase a large 20,000 gallong tank (the bigs tanks you see at the propane dealers) and have it buried in it's own underground 'tomb', to hide the eyesore. A full tank would last for several years.

Being an underground house, there is virtually no need for A/C. The earth, even just a couple feet from the surface, is a constant temperature is cool, between 60-70 degrees. No need for AC, nor for heating. However, I do plan on laying a small water-piping in the floor to help reulate the temperature. Running hot water if it gets too cool, or cool water if it gets too warm.

In my current rent house, I rarely use much electricity, seeing as how its just me at the place. Even in the hottest times of the summer, I have my windows open and fans sucking air in one window and out of another on the far side of the house. Last summer my elec bill averaged 45 month, that includes having my PC on 24/7. So, with an underground house, a small bank of about 7-10 batteries would be enough to allow me to live quite confortably.

Apart from the housing purchases, I'd also invest in a classic automobile, and convert it to a true hybrid. I'd pay off all of my debts, all the debts of my family so that the money they make would go for immediate debts, and not pre-existing ones.

Tithes would take a huge chunck out of the cash, but to be honest, I wouldnt need much. I'd give about 75% to tithes, offerings, and misc charities in the community. Once a month or so, I would go out and purchase a minivan, and just walk around WalMart. If I spied a mother or family who looked like they needed assistance (and really, its quite easy to tell, once you know the signs), I'd discreetly follow them to their car. If the vehicle is in great disrepair, I would then hand them the keys.

I also would constantly be paying for some familys groceries. Especially if the family in question looked in dire need of assistance. A couple carts of free groceried could be a huge turning point for many families.

On a semi-related note:

My twin brother has T-Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It's spread across his chest, pressing the huge tumor against his heart and lungs. My younger brother died from the same disease just over 2 years ago. My great-grandmother also died from it many years ago. It's hereditary. Just recently, my finances rose a bit more than the past, and I was able to help him with some bio-chiropractic treatments to help with his pain.

Funny thing is this. Let's say that I have 200 bucks. There is a treatment that I know would help me, but gee, spending 200 bucks could better be used on something else. I would much rather spend the 200 on someone else than to spend it on myself. I know MANY people like that. As a matter of fact, my twin is the same way. If he had the money, he wouldnt pay for treatments. He'd spend it on his family. So basically, if he isn't going to, someone has to.

I say this all not to toot my own horn. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a boaster. But I say this to open some people's eyes. Millions of dollars might change YOUR life, but just a few dollars could change the lives of people around you.