Ever wonder what it would be like to wake up one morning, check the numbers on the lottery ticket you bought yesterday and find that you’re suddenly a millionaire? Most of us don’t get much past the dreaming stage there, but that might be for the best, for that dream can well turn into a nightmare.
Jane Doe just won over a half billion dollars … $560 million, to be precise. But whether Jane ever sees so much as a dollar of that money depends on her willingness to give up her privacy and perhaps even place her life in jeopardy. Tough decision, yes?
Ms. Doe won the Powerball lottery jackpot in New Hampshire, where lottery rules require that her name be made public. I see you’re thinking, “okay, so what?”, but let’s take a look at what has befallen past lottery winners after the initial shock wore off.
In November 2015, Craigory Burch Jr. matched all five numbers in the Georgia Fantasy 5 drawing and won a $434,272 jackpot. Two months later, Craigory was dead, after seven masked men kicked in his front door and murdered him in front of his girlfriend and children.
Abraham Shakespeare won a $30 million lottery prize in 2006. Shakespeare quickly grew frustrated with the constant appeals for money from both friends and strangers. He told his brother, “I’d have been better off broke.” Two years later, he was approached by Dorice “Dee Dee” Moore, who said she was writing a book about how people were taking advantage of him. She soon became his financial adviser and slowly siphoned away his money. In November of 2009 his family reported that they had not seen nor heard from him for seven months. His body was found buried under 9 feet of dirt under a newly constructed concrete slab. Ms. Moore is currently serving a life sentence, and Mr. Shakespeare never made it past age 42.
Other winners have reported that reporters and camera crews wait outside their homes, following them everywhere they go, strangers come knocking at their doors asking for money, and of course the phone calls, scammers, are non-stop.
Lottery commissions in many states require that the person’s name must be made public before he/she can collect their winnings, and some states even require that the winner submit to being paraded before the public on television in a public relations ad. The reason is stated to be to protect the integrity of the lottery and quell the voices of those who might otherwise claim the game is rigged. In reality, such publicity draws more people to buy tickets, thus increasing profits.
But on the other side of the coin, it hardly seems fair that the winner has to basically change their name and move to another state in order to protect their privacy, their winnings, and perhaps even their very lives.
Jane Doe has petitioned the court in Merrimack, New Hampshire, to allow her to remain anonymous, but my best guess is that she will not win that argument. Unfortunately, she already signed the back of the lottery ticket, as advised on the lottery website. Had she not done so, she could have legally established a trust to collect the money for her, thereby preserving her privacy.
Why am I writing about this today, you ask? Because as I trolled the news this morning, I quickly became tired of seeing you-know-who’s picture and name on every story, and when I saw this one, I felt great empathy for Jane Doe, for I would be the same … I would not wish my name made public if I had more than my usual few dollars in the bank. I pictured myself going out and purchasing a really big, solid baseball bat to bash the heads of any who came to my door. And then, I pictured myself in an orange jumpsuit sitting behind bars. I hope Jane Doe has better luck.
Meanwhile, since it never hurts to dream a little bit … I know what I would do if I won $500 million … what about you?
Will first off, I would love to have that problem. I would want my name not to made public. Lottery winners have a history of bad decisions after they have won. Many go bankrupt. I agree with you about wanting to read about something else than 45 all day long. Currently reading about a local pup here that is going to the Westminister Dog School. Her name is Emmy. Go Emmy!!!!!
DJ
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Welcome, DJ! I have a grandson we call DJ. Yes, the money goes to some people’s heads and they made really bad choices, then end up worse off than they were before. The story about the dog sounds fun!
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
This would be a problem.
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Many thanks, Suzanne!
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Stupid idea making them reveal their names. Is that a sneaky way of scaring folk off from collecting their winnings.
Anyway IF I was in the USA and IF I won $560,000,000 dollars
Firstly I’d hire some of those nice guys from Academi to provide me with security– that should scare folk off.
Then I’d bite one of Trump’s high profile supporter’s leg and hire one of those high flying lawyers to get me off scot free.
Meanwhile ten actors dressed as Trump lookalikes would be hired to stand in various places crying out ‘I have seen the light’ and sing ‘The Red Flag’
Invest $1,000,000 in a self-published book which proves that anything anyone on the Alt-Right says is actually coded instructions from Moscow to sleeper agents.
And then hide away somewhere thinking what other schemes I could cook up…….
Oh yeh, run for Congress….
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okay….there MUST be someway to guarantee that you win a huge lotto!
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Never give someone who read MAD magazine in their teenage years too much money…..🙃
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I still own my Mad magazine with the Million Dollar Man story………..lol
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👍👍👍!
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🤣🤣🤣 Ah, Roger … only you! There is a problem with this scenario, though. Once you bite that guy in the leg, I fear you will become diseased and be unable to fulfill the rest, for I am certain there is something very toxic running through their veins! So, perhaps it’s better you skip the bitin part and go straight to the run for Congrss!
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Hah!..Again I say Hah! I grew up in South Wales where coal came from. We didn’t have rivers, we had coal tip run offs!
I worked in cold damp dirty offices that would give Executives night-mares.
These guys, they got nothing!
It would be a blast, imaging running again one of the GOP top bluster-miesters with nothing to lose, say what I wanted to.
So cool!
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😀 You da man, Roger! Yep, it would be cool, and you would have my vote … and probably all of my readers, too!
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Well the first thing I would introduce in an NHS, or a State Health Service….Oiii Fatso in the Whitehouse y’ listening! You keep the %*$@ out of commenting on our NHS, otherwise I might that starting to you about Gun Control!
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We would greatly appreciate the NHS type health care program. I avoid doctors at all costs, as I stay healthier that way, but when it’s absolutely necessary, such as my current eye problems, it eats up a huge chunk of money! New shoes or better vision? Guess I’ll keep wearing the holey shoes. 😀
Yes, he definitely needs to learn to keep his mouth out of other people’s business. I was incensed last year when he criticized Mayor Khan, and then again last week when he tweeted about the NHS. He needs to worry about his own house and not others. I have mixed feelings about Ms. May, but I have to give her a thumbs up for not responding in kind, for I’m betting she would have liked to. She is a professional … he, obviously, doesn’t even know that word … it has too many letters for him.
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One of the many facets of Americana I love is the way only you folk can put the correct feeling into certain words like ‘Shmuck’, ‘Jerk’, ‘Klutz’ or my favourite ‘Asshole’, they are so descriptive.
If you get my meaning…..😏
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But then, you have “punter”!
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True.
But can any of us top Shakespeare’s
‘You blocks! You stones! You worth than senseless things!’?
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True that, but we can go back a bit and remember the really great comeback… “Oh you…you…YOU!
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Very very, true.
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😀
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Loud and clear! Subtlety is not our strong suit. 😀
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I love you guys for that! 😁
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It’s definitely interesting. I have heard a few people say they know someone who won the lottery and their life has only gone down hill. To me it’s about relationships, if you have strong relationships before the money comes I believe it will only make life better but if you have weak relationships money will only add to the emptiness, addiction, etc. #BSOLO
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Strong relationships, compassion and common sense should keep one afloat even after winning the lottery. So many let it go to their head and ruin their lives. Personally, I am pretty content with what I have. 🙂
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I honestly think I would give it away. The problems you point to are simply symptoms of the larger issue: wealth is a trap and it can easily take a person down. I am happy with what I have and know there are a great many people who could use a hand up. I know it sounds like an “alternative fact,” but I honestly think this is what I would do.
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I fully believe you because I would do much the same, though I might buy a modest home first, as I am getting tired of being at the mercy of a landlord who may or may not fix something. You’re a good man, Hugh.
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Right back at ya!
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(Check out yesterday’s post. It’s about one of the good guys!)
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I will do so shortly! Thanks!
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It amounts to a false blessing – I had relative who won 2nd division twice. On both occasions he gave it all to charity – he said money never made anyone happy.
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I too play some lotteries, even knowing the waste of my lottery dollars, and the liabilities and tribulations of winning big. But I do not dream of winning big, I play those lotteries that funnel the monies into charities (supposedly, of course). This is my way of making complrtely anonymous donations. No one will ever know how much I donate, to whom, or how often. Of course, it’s a radical way of viewing donations, but I’m nothing if not a radical guy. So, Jill, send me your address just in case I need a place to store 50 or so million someday. You sound like a good charity to me, lol. Your blog must go on…
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I read some people saying they don’t play lotteries so they don’t lose nor worry. True. However I do play the lotteries. Sometimes I win more than I play , other times I do not. However I play only what I can afford to throw away, the loss doesn’t harm me in any way, and I get all the joy and benefits of dreaming and thinking of what a grand new joys I could experience with such an influx of money. I can dream of what I would do, those I would help , how I would use the money to make a difference. For me it is a fair trade, win or lose. Hugs
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Before I retired, I used to toss a buck into the office pool, but these days only occasionally do I buy a ticket. I’m not out much, so don’t have much opportunity. But, like you, I would enjoy being able to help others, to try to make the world just a little bit better. Hugs!
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Fascinating post! I think I’d grab the money and disappear – set up my own new identity and a bullet-proof car, an impregnable bunker and live happily ever after. (In Canada the winnings are tax-free!)
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I don’t know that I’d like living in an impregnable bunker or riding around in a bullet-proof car, not able to take a walk in the woods without fear. I think I would just give it all away and then there would be no reason to murder me! 😀
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That was very much tongue-in-cheek – I honestly don’t know what I’d do. I think the best move would be to bring in a lawyer to give advice, then go identify yourself. No matter whether you’re in danger or not, winning that amount of money would be a life changer.
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I had no idea lottery winners were subjected to such draconian conditions. Then again, I don’t buy lottery tickets so I probably shouldn’t be surprised.
What’s that old saying? No free lunches? I guess money for nothing probably falls into that category. We always have to pay, the only question is how much and when. 😦
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Quite so. And I’ve read so many stories of people who did foolish things with their winnings and ended up flat broke within just a few years. Me? I’d give most of it away, for at my age, what do I need it for? I would buy a home, though, and set up a trust for my girls. And maybe a new pair of shoes, for mine are developing holes. 😀
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Most lotto winner think they should take the pay off lump sum amount rather than the overtime pay outs. I disagree, especially with large amounts. You get far more of the money by taking the yearly payments. You can still invest or live well, but you have security of knowing for 20 or 30 years you get a large sum each year. Keeps you from spending it all in a year or two. Hugs
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Well, the way to look at hat is actuarially. If you’re 20-30 years old and can reasonably expect to live for another 25 years, then you are right, the annual payments is the way to go. However, at my age, the odds are slim-to-none that I would live to collect it all, and it does NOT go to your estate, but merely goes back into the lottery pool. Another way of looking at it is that if you took the immediate payout and invested it wisely, you could end up with more than you would with the annual payments. But, of course, most people haven’t got the willpower to do that … it starts burning a hole in their pockets before they even get it, I think! 😉
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Some lottos do pass down, but I can see what you are saying. I know I have too many dreams and too many people I would like to help. Having a budget and reason accommodations are better way for me. Hugs
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Understanding that makes you a very smart man. Few of us ever understand ourselves this well. Hugs!!!
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That’s about what I’d want too, but maybe add enough to pay the bills until I’m 90 or something. 🙂
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Dear Jill,
Thanks for the warning. If I am so fortunate, I’ll go to an attorney, first thing. I am like Jane Doe. I wouldn’t change. I would help a lot of folks but I would live in the same house, drive the same car. I like living simply. My children would be set. Then I’d set up a foundation where I could generously help others anonymously.
I feel for Jane Doe.I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.
Hugs, Gronda
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I’m with you. I would use most of it to help others, to try to make a difference in people’s lives. And yes, this is a good lesson for all of us … straight to the attorney’s office! Hugs!!!
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Once again, reading this reminds me that I’ve never lost a lottery draw, and playing the lottery “my way” is really the best way.
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I’m in agreement with you. It is rare that one actually gets “something for nothing”.
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We, at least the oldest kids, were taught (and it was an “applied” lesson) that there is no free lunch; that everything has a price; that anything promising something free is a trap for the weak-minded, which included free salvation! To me an accidental lottery win would be a major curse. Lotteries contain moneys stolen under false pretenses. All that money is cursed with the shattered hopes held by thousands of people when they bought a ticket. No wonder it causes problems: it’s a moral disease. Lotteries by their very nature, gambling, are immoral. Moral people would never indulge in such blatant theft. Like taking candy from a baby. If we the people indulge openly in immoral behaviour, what right do we have to point the finger at the big winners in the same game? Is it any wonder the whole world’s in the “shit hole” it’s in?
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Take deep breaths now, Sha’Tara! I suppose on some level you are right, but … Isomehow don’t think that the lottery is the beginning of the downfall of human civilization as we know it. But then … what do I know?
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Lotteries have been called a “tax on the stupid”. I don’t play them, so never disappointed. Ever see that movie, “The Magic Cristian”? Free money … get your free money here … Hehe! Cheers Jamie
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No, I never heard of that movie, but then I’m not big on television or movies. If one can afford to toss away a buck a week, it’s fun, but too many people spend more than a dollar, money they can ill afford, and place too much hope in winning. It’s really not much different than playing the slots in Vegas. Cheers!
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Making the name public is cruel! The poor lady won’t have one quite day any more. – What would I do with loads of money? Oh…. giving parts of it to family, giving parts of it to charity, doing some stuff in and around the house, probably buy a new car (ours is the same age as oldest son) … maybe a cool long vacation, and keeping the rest around as nest egg for later. – But I guess that is what everyone would do …
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I agree, it IS cruel. I’m with you, but once I set up a trust for my girls, bought a car and a modest home, I would give the rest away to people who really need it, for at my age, I am unlikely to need a nest egg. 😉
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Reblogged this on The Militant Negro™.
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Thank you so much, JB!!! Hugs!!!
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💞🌹🤗🌷😎☺️ Always good to see you Ms. Jill.
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Always good to see you, too, my dear friend! I hope you are well and happy. By the way … the first of my eye surgeries is this coming Monday, Feb 12. I will let you know how it went sometime next week. I am cautiously optimistic. 🙂
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Good luck and lets just say we know they will be a great success.
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Well, I wouldn’t have to be at work every day anymore…that would be one monkey off my back. Now, what to do about the orange monkey down your way??
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Ahhh … you could write a book since you wouldn’t have to work anymore! And I’ve pretty much given up on anybody doing anything to get rid of the orange turd, so I think I’ll just come up your way and while you’re writing your book, I can be your resident editor and in my spare time I will play with the kitties! 🙂
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That sounds like a lot of fun!!!
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