There probably isn't a person among us who hasn't had dreams of what we would do if we cashed in on a big lottery win. Buy a new car, pay off the mortgage, travel the world, help out friends and family, feed a village - there's a long list of possibilities if suddenly you had a cheque for millions of dollars in your hands. Some have good intentions, some less than so but alas... most of us will never have the opportunity to really find out.
Last week this was all the talk as Americans scrambled to buy tickets for a Powerball lotto that came with it a cash prize that most of us can barely fathom - a whopping $550 million. The US federal government takes its share right off the top - I'm told about 40 per cent - but that still leaves a winner with a whole lot of cash.
Ticket sales went through the roof with buyers, including a lot of homeless people, paying a small price in search of a big dream.
"I'd buy an island," said one ticket buyer. "I would buy my sister a home and then go into hiding..." "I'd give nothing to no one," said another. "What has anyone truly done for you? We should not kid ourselves that we can solve the world's problems with our money. Real friends and family would never ask you for a penny. Put it all into your account and live off the interest and be happy." "I'd give it to Obama so he can run government for a couple of hours." "I'd build a school... help my church..." Comments are endless, some giving and some selfish...
Regardless, as of last Wednesday at least two people have an actual chance to find out what they will do. The winning numbers were drawn and the winning tickets were purchased in Arizona and Missouri. Money may not be able to buy happiness but lives will no doubt be changed. It makes a person wonder...
Speaking for myself, there would be a lot of happy people walking around if I cashed in on $500 million. If you ask me, how could one person possibly need that much?
There's no harm in buying into the dream... but take it all with a grain of salt of course and don't bet your house on it because your chances of winning are pretty slim.
"If you really want something in this life you have to work for it. Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers!" - Dan Castellaneta
