Okay, call me odd man out, but I did not participate in the massive "money down a rat hole" Mega-buck lottery.

I realize it's generated much attention and mirth, but I have ignored the whole bally-hoo, or tried to.

Actually, it saddens me to watch and listen to the people being interviewed about the mega-buck circus. They are so optimistic about winning. We are informed how they'll spend the money or whether they'll quit their job, etc. Yes, hope springs eternal. (I could substitute "stupidity" for hope, but I might offend a participating reader.)

Every single person thinks he or she has a chance to win. Of course, why wouldn't they? It's a "why not me?", or, "somebody has to win" mindset (not to forget "You can't win if you don't play"!). Pretty unrealistic, but commonplace. I heard that a golfer has a better chance of getting three holes-in- one in one round.

I really wish I was a psychologist to understand this phenomenon. I don't think the average Joe sees the big picture. This equates with how he sees himself in the universe or in time. We are but a grain of sand--rather insignificant. But, in our own minds, we count and matter (and yes, in another context, that's true). Each individual is the center of the world, a world that revolves around him. True again, but if he should die, the universe would never know or miss him.

Dreams and wishes of riches, I suppose, is in most of us. That's why so many of us participate in lotteries. Dream on American citizens. Oh, and sorry about your bad luck in not winning. (roll eyes)