15-7-2023 (SUN VALLEY) Astrid Buffett, the wife of renowned investor Warren Buffett, was overheard expressing dissatisfaction about paying $4 for a cup of coffee during Allen & Co’s annual gathering known as the “summer camp for billionaires.” Despite her husband’s vast wealth, Astrid complained about the price, mentioning that she could buy a pound of coffee for the same amount at more affordable locations.
Warren Buffett, the 92-year-old chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, is known for his frugality, residing in the same house in Omaha, Nebraska, which he purchased for $31,500 in 1958. He is also known to clip coupons, buy hail-damaged cars at discounted prices, and enjoy breakfast at McDonald’s.
Confirming Astrid’s observation, the cheapest coffee available at Konditorei, the popular Austrian-themed pastry shop and coffeehouse at the Sun Valley resort in Idaho, indeed costs $4. Cold brew starts at $5.50, while specialty drinks like the “Fire Trail,” consisting of two shots of espresso with dark chocolate, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and steamed milk, can cost up to $6.
During the conference, Astrid was heard mentioning that Warren Buffett has been experiencing difficulties with poor balance as he approaches his 93rd birthday in August. Consequently, he has been using a golf cart to navigate the spacious grounds of Sun Valley while wearing a red fleece adorned with the Allen & Co. Sun Valley 2023 logo. Astrid, whose maiden name is Menks, has been a regular attendee of the conference alongside her husband.
Warren Buffett and Astrid Menks tied the knot in 2006 when he was 76 and she was 60. They had been in a relationship for several decades while Buffett was still married to his first wife, Susan Thompson. Thompson, who passed away in 2004, was aware of the relationship and gave her approval.
Meanwhile, at the Sun Valley conference, the announcement that Bob Iger would continue as Disney’s CEO through 2026 took attendees by surprise. However, Iger and other media industry leaders faced a fresh challenge as the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and its 160,000 members prepared to vote on a potential strike due to failed negotiations with major TV and film companies. The potential strike, combined with an ongoing strike by Hollywood screenwriters, could lead to a virtual shutdown of the entertainment industry.
Paramount CEO Bob Bakish, a key figure in the dispute, declined to comment on the potential labor disruption, citing a need to attend a meeting. Similarly, Paramount Chairman Shari Redstone evaded questions regarding Hollywood turmoil and simply expressed her intention to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow conference attendees.
Bob Iger, 72, discussed the actors and screenwriters’ demands during a CNBC interview, noting that they may not be realistic given the challenges the entertainment industry faces. He emphasized that adding further disruption during the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic would be detrimental to the business. Iger also hinted at the possibility of selling Disney-owned assets, including ABC and other linear TV networks. He addressed his ongoing feud with Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stating that Disney does not wish to be entangled in any culture wars.
The conference’s second day saw the presence of Bill McDermitt, CEO of software firm ServiceNow, who flashed a thumbs-up gesture while strolling around the resort. Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir Technologies and an ally of billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel, also greeted the gathered media members.
