Lottery fever: It's Best to control temptation
Nobody walked away with Saturday's Powerball jackpot.
It's difficult to imagine, but about 75 percent of the possible number combinations were sold, yet nobody won.Lottery officials say the staggering $980 million prize will now roll over to an unbelievable $1.3 billion.It's the largest in U.S. history.And while there's no harm in buying a few tickets, don't go overboard.Use discretion and avoid temptation.In fact, many believe that if you're truly meant to hit the big one, you'd really only need to buy one ticket.Truth is, your odds of winning are astronomical.You have a one in 292.2 million chance, according to statisticians.It's more likely you'll be struck by lightning or die of accidental poisoning than win the Powerball jackpot.Still, like a dangling carrot, Powerball is enticing.It's very easy and tempting to spend - or maybe waste - $2 on a ticket to possible paradise.So here's a tip. Scott A. Norris, a professor of mathematics at Southern Methodist University, says you can improve your odds just slightly if you let the computer pick your numbers.If you win, you'll be paid in a cash jackpot or else installments over 29 years, whichever method the winner chooses.For the rest of us, if we really want to count our wealth, we only need to sit down and think about treasures we've already claimed.According to Internet statistics, if you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head, and a warm bed, you're already richer than 75 percent of the world's population.If you have a bit of money in the bank, a few dollars in your wallet, or even some spare change, you're among the top 8 percent of the world's wealthy.If you woke up today in generally good health, you're more fortunate than the million people who won't survive this week.If you've never experienced the danger of battle, the pressures of imprisonment or torture, or pangs of starvation, you're luckier than 500 million people alive and suffering.If you can read this editorial, you're more fortunate than 3 billion people in the world who can't read at all.Yes, it's fine to daydream about winning the Powerball.A little fantasy never hurts.But don't forget to celebrate the riches you already enjoy.DONALD R. SERFASS |