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Europe
2 French billionaires have pledged 300 million euros to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral
2019-04-17
[IMAGES.DAWN] French billionaire businessman Bernard Arnault’s family and his LVMH luxury goods group will donate 200 million euros ($226 million) to help repair Paris’ Notre-Dame cathedral, said a statement issued on behalf of Arnault.

“The Arnault family and the LVMH group would like to show their solidarity ata this time of national tragedy, and are joining up to help rebuild this extraordinary cathedral, which is a symbol of France, of its heritage and of French unity,” said the statement.

According to The Times of Israel, by the end of their business day the donor pledge total was over $680 million (€600 million).
Posted by:Fred

#6  On the serious side. If the masonary of the structure will support it I think they should rebuild in steel as much as possible. Just make sure that no welding is done up high
Posted by: Cheaderhead   2019-04-17 20:31  

#5  The comment about Merkel cackling reminds me of the old joke about why the French plant trees along the roads. You know, that's so the Germans can march in the shade
Posted by: Cheaderhead   2019-04-17 20:28  

#4  Been kind of skeptical about the arson aspect, but yeah there has been a lot of vandalism, plus St. Sulpice. Then Cavuto being a dick hanging up on that guy for even bringing up the vandilism.

But I guess the Yellow Vests are taking too many resources from the police and media to find out what is going on. Or something.

My French is a bit rusty, but watching the live stream I guess Merkal released a statement, something like, "Notre Dame is a symbol of French culture and European history." Couldn't tell you if she was cackling during the release.
Posted by: swksvolFF   2019-04-17 17:35  

#3  Think Cesare is right; no resident buildings next to Notre Dame.

I had a chance to see some footage of the interior from I guess just short of The Crossing. Lots of consumables such as what I think was a wooden candle rack showing no damage at all, so other than the fallen timbers' heat, all of the heat stayed way up high. Good sign. Being stone, water damage would be minimal. Some damage to the vaulting, but considering the spire collapse there really is no practical, better outcome. Not saying the old gal didn't get scalped, but the important stuff seems to be all in place.

Obviously building materials and techniques have changed considerable. Put her back together as faithfully as possible, and as accurately as possible. Need a fire memorial, sure, but do that off site nearby so that can be done well and also not turn the cathedral into some Mickey Mouse ride. Shove the inclusiveness and one people bullshit in that building if you have to have it (think donor conditions & influence, politician crap).
Posted by: swksvolFF   2019-04-17 16:58  

#2  I believe the visual is from the fire at St Sulpice last month on 17 MAR. St Sulpice is/was the 2nd largest church in Paris. No doubt a coicidence.
Posted by: Cesare   2019-04-17 09:19  

#1  As you can see by the attached graphic, not everyone appeared saddened by the tragic fire.
Posted by: Besoeker   2019-04-17 04:05  

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