Money can’t buy happiness … right?
Down in Tampa, prosecutors today gave their opening arguments in the trial of DeeDee Moore, accused of murdering Abraham Shakespeare. Her alleged motive?
Shakespeare, a barely literate man with a long record of petty crime, “got lucky” and won $17 million in the Florida lottery. According to police, Moore then finagled her way into Shakespeare’s life, got him to sign away what was left of his winnings, killed him and then buried him in her backyard beneath a concrete slab.
So … have you bought your Powerball tickets yet? I’m told the jackpot is now up to $550 million.
Somebody, somewhere, is likely to have a life-altering experience tonight at 10:59 EST. A lot of their troubles — problems at work, a boss they hate, worries about paying the bills — will disappear, only to be replaced by a whole ‘nother set of problems that in most cases they are much less equipped to handle.
Friendships will be broken. Families may be rent asunder. Simple lives will become much, much more complex. As Sandra Hayes, whose share of a 2006 Powerball winner came to a measly $6 million, told Fox:
“I had to adapt to this new life. I had to endure the greed and the need that people have, trying to get you to release your money to them. That caused a lot of emotional pain. These are people who you’ve loved deep down, and they’re turning into vampires trying to suck the life out of me.”
So … bought your tickets yet? Time’s running short.
– Jay Bookman
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469 comments Add your comment
curious
November 29th, 2012
9:35 am
If money doesn’t buy happiness, why are the rich so determined to pay less tax?
Are all of them just miserable?
Doggone/GA
November 29th, 2012
9:38 am
Anyone who says money can’t buy love or happiness…never owned a puppy
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
November 29th, 2012
9:39 am
USinUK,
I saw the Maddow show this morning too. What she says about Mass. does have that ring of truth. And it’s right up the alley of how the GOP works. Susan Rice is, and will remain so, the best qualified for the job.
Just got back from the Doctors about my knee. The main problem with it is a double torn meniscus. I was offered two surgery days. Xmas eve or new Years Eve. Never on Kiddie day and New Years Eve is my anniversary. The wife said to do it then. I think she doesn’t want to go out with me…
Alex
November 29th, 2012
9:39 am
US in UK, oh BS, degrees of objectivity… Bunch of BS, same for you Taxpayer, repubs “worship ” money, oh BS, You feel better, fullof self serving crap. True messiah:Obama, how incredibly arrogant, Billions spent on both sides…ask Soros…Goodness….
Anyway back to reality, a repub in a mass senate seat, difficult to imagine. I do understand he was somewhat moderate. As for Kerry, would pass muster in the Senate, but would he be a good SOS?
guy
November 29th, 2012
9:39 am
Think of all the hell raising and bashing if McCain had been elected and the debt had gone up 6 trillion.That’s not silliness,it’s just the truth.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 29th, 2012
9:40 am
SfD — “However, for the record, Mrs. Alan Greenspan is probably as respectable a TV journalist/host as there is out there.”
FWIW, I have some trust issues with Mitchell. She and Tim Russert were both hip-deep in the Valerie Plame affair, yet went blithely along, continuing to report on the story while never once mentioning the very salient fact that they were both on the potential witness list.
In a case like that, “respectability” would have involved getting oneself taken *off* that story AFAICS.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
9:41 am
Like somehow it would have been zero if McCain had won.
Can’t remember which of the regulars here does this, but I keep hearing “is our overall debt going to be ONE PENNY LESS at the end of Obama’s second term!” from one of ‘em — as if any human in that office could not only erase the budget deficits, but also start PAYING DOWN THE FLIPPIN’ DEBT, inside of four years.
Not even Mitt Romney, force-fed meth and the massaged by Pete Peterson, would make such a claim.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 29th, 2012
9:41 am
Doggone — “Anyone who says money can’t buy love or happiness…never owned a puppy”
In that case, money can certainly buy a new mop and a urine-soaked bathroom rug.
barking frog
November 29th, 2012
9:41 am
A shame that the SONS OF CONFEDERATE VETERANS did not win the
lottery..it would have done so much for heritage preservation.
TaxPayer
November 29th, 2012
9:41 am
guy,
I’m just offering an explanation for why Republicans call President Obama their messiah. You are free to make what you wish of their faith.
Oscar
November 29th, 2012
9:42 am
Curious – Not sure all rich people are like that. We only hear from the ones that speak out about wanting to pay less tax.
Maybe the ones that complain have inferior feelings due to a small body part.
Alex
November 29th, 2012
9:43 am
Lots of orthos out there, get another offer, get a second opinion……ALWAYS agood idea before surgery. Doggone;yep,plain and simple..
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
9:44 am
FWIW, I have some trust issues with Mitchell.
Me too (obviously, sharing a bed with Irrational Exuberance makes me suspicious, hence my earlier honorific), but thanks for that fallen-down-the-memory-hole example about the Plame affair.
TaxPayer
November 29th, 2012
9:45 am
Poor Alex appears to have woken up grumpy.
skipper
November 29th, 2012
9:45 am
Jay,
I am sure there is much debate on $ and happiness….therefore, I humbly volunteer to be the guinea-pig and take all the lottery winnings. I’ll report back to all ya’ll and let you learn from my astute observation!
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 29th, 2012
9:46 am
Doggone, have to agree about the pups. Did you happen to see my earlier post about Pirelli?
Joe Hussein Mama
November 29th, 2012
9:47 am
SfD — “thanks for that fallen-down-the-memory-hole example about the Plame affair.”
I think my torque level over that reached its peak when I saw Mitchell and Russert, both on camera and *chatting* about it as if they were mere observers. I wanted to reach through the screen and slap both of them silly.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 29th, 2012
9:47 am
“US in UK, oh BS, degrees of objectivity”
Alex – someone pi$$ in your cornflakes this morning???
Maddow presented an opinion and discussed it with Mrs. Greenspan, who also thought it had some merit, albeit she didn’t show much enthusiasm for the idea.
I think Maddow’s opinion has merit. Deal with it.
guy
November 29th, 2012
9:48 am
I am mostly conservative and not ashamed to admit it.obama is no messiah to me. NO FREAKING WAY!!!
Keep Up the Good Fight!
November 29th, 2012
9:49 am
Stands, fully agree. And the same posters supported Mitt even when most every proposal he had was shown to make the deficit worse than Obama’s plans. Extreme ODS
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 29th, 2012
9:51 am
JHM – 9:47 – no kidding … the “how did this happen?!” shock (shock! I tell you) from the Villagers was a bit tough to take.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
9:55 am
Ok, I did a quick news.googling of Susan Rice AND Scott Brown, and got:
this
Talk of John Kerry getting the top diplomatic job has quieted, especially since the election, as it would open up a Senate seat that could go to Republican Scott Brown. Other names—ranging from Tom Donilon to Dick Lugar to even Bill Clinton—seem to be everything from less likely to far-fetched.
and this lovely bit of concern trollery:
Having come to Rice’s defense, Obama risks looking weak if he nominates someone else, such as Massachusetts Democrat John Kerry, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. While Kerry would probably win Senate confirmation, as Collins said yesterday, his move could give just-defeated Republican Senator Scott Brown a shot at retaking a Bay State Senate seat.
and much less high profile, but far more explicit,take
Pundits at all levels have been scratching their heads at the persistence of Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) in opposing a nomination for a cabinet post that hasn’t even been officially acknowledged by the White House.
The presumptive nominee, United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice for Secretary of State in the second Obama administration, has now completed two days of private meetings with the senators, and they, joined by other Republican senators, continue to claim that her performance on Sunday talk shows months ago disqualifies her for the office.
An explanation to provoke head smacks becomes obvious, however, when you consider who the second choice might be. Senator John Kerry would relinquish the Democratic seat he has held for 28 years for Massachusetts. Republican Scott Brown, who narrowly lost the other Massachusetts seat in a bitter battle with Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), would be ready to step into a special election and pick up where he left off.
that’s just a sampling. In short–at this point, it’s not just Rachel and Andrea.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
9:56 am
whoops, forgot to insert third linkee @ 9.55, here it is:
http://www.policymic.com/articles/19768/ambassador-susan-rice-the-quiet-reason-the-gop-has-been-bullying-her
Doggone/GA
November 29th, 2012
9:57 am
“Did you happen to see my earlier post about Pirelli?”
I did, but I’m at work and can’t open the link from here
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:01 am
I humbly volunteer to be the guinea-pig and take all the lottery winnings.
You just jarred an ancient memory.
Mind you, I love George Harrison, but I remember when his single “Give me Love” came out, some letter-writer to Rolling Stone wagged: “When he sings ‘help me cope/with this heavy load’, does that mean he has too much money? Because I would be happy to help him with that.”
ByteMe - Got ilk?
November 29th, 2012
10:04 am
Just caught this and got a great laugh:
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/11/gay-women-will-marry-your-boyfriends
(Soooo not suitable for playing out loud at work unless you want everyone looking over the wall at what you’re watching)
Oscar
November 29th, 2012
10:05 am
John Kerry as SOS. Don’t think so. He is the most angry man in town. Can’t see him mediating any dispute and getting an agreement.
Can see him stirring up more disagreement and creating more tension.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 29th, 2012
10:05 am
SfD — “help me cope/with this heavy load”
I always thought he was looking for peeps to help with that contents of that massive bowl attached to his water pipe.
St Simons - he-ne-ha BOOTAKOOK 2014
November 29th, 2012
10:05 am
US Running Xmas Sale on Passports
there you go, cons
St Simons - he-ne-ha BOOTAKOOK 2014
November 29th, 2012
10:08 am
what is this ‘John Kerry SOS’ crap all over the raydio and wingnuttia?
the next SOS is Ms Susan Rice, and that’s MA’AM to you, cons
suck it up, cons this is getting cringe-worthy
skipper
November 29th, 2012
10:11 am
You got libs, conservatives, lefties, righties, blah blah blah. But Rachel Maddow? She makes Cynthia McKinney look like a Newt Gingrich disciple! C’mon, Corbin! She is farther away from reality than Rush! Independents, where are you? Where is common sense?
lovelyliz
November 29th, 2012
10:12 am
“So if money can’t buy happiness I guess I’ll have to rent it” – Weird Al
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:13 am
She is farther away from reality than Rush!
Ok, make your case. Show your work.
Joe Hussein Mama
November 29th, 2012
10:14 am
skipper — “But Rachel Maddow? She makes Cynthia McKinney look like a Newt Gingrich disciple! C’mon, Corbin! She is farther away from reality than Rush!”
You might get some traction with that argument if you’d ever actually watched her show. As it stands, though, it’s pretty apparent that you haven’t.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
November 29th, 2012
10:15 am
Skipper,
Obviously, you have never spent time with her show. Open your mind, look around other than to the right.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:16 am
He is the most angry man in town.
and… ’sup with that^^? Every time I’ve seen Kerry in the past, oh, 7½ years, he seems to have a Buddha-like serenity about him, likely just glad as hell that he didn’t wind up having to steer the ship of state through the Big Sh-tpile Collapse of 2007.
moonbat betty
November 29th, 2012
10:17 am
Sorry folks,
Jay hit 5 of the 6 numbers and went to Disney Land.
This ship is forever rudderless.
Doggone/GA
November 29th, 2012
10:18 am
“the next SOS is Ms Susan Rice, and that’s MA’AM to you, cons”
She hasn’t even been nominated yet. It’s ALL a tempest in a teapot (tea party?)
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
November 29th, 2012
10:19 am
“Money can’t buy happiness … right?”
No …………. and neither can a raise in taxes without big cuts.
“TAX NOW, CUT ‘LATER’ ” (Obama)
Don’t fall for Republicans ………….. stick to your guns !
barking frog
November 29th, 2012
10:21 am
SOSs are just gladhanders with checkbooks nowadays. The fuss is silly.
The President should have who he wants.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:21 am
Hey, you guys who want to *cut* spending at a time of still-high unemployment?
Your guru is here. Bow down to wise Scouty McDigits.
He will learn ya real good about them mackerel-eekonomix.
They BOTH suck
November 29th, 2012
10:22 am
“Don’t fall for Republicans”
Well based on the election results, it appears that the electorate didn’t “fall for Republicans”.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:22 am
Soooo not suitable for playing out loud at work unless you want everyone looking over the wall at what you’re watching
indeed.
moonbat betty
November 29th, 2012
10:24 am
Oprah for SOS!
Save us all Oprah!
The world needs you!
moonbat betty
November 29th, 2012
10:25 am
Hopefully the dems will cut mortgage deductions to spark the housing industry…
guy
November 29th, 2012
10:25 am
The president should have his way! If not,there will be charges of RACISM Sound familiar?
BOO HOO,CRY,CRY,CRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
larry
November 29th, 2012
10:26 am
Well based on the election results, it appears that the electorate didn’t “fall for Republicans”.
I wish someone would tell them that…………again!!
St Simons - he-ne-ha BOOTAKOOK 2014
November 29th, 2012
10:26 am
i concur with sfd & ms. maddow
concern trolling to open a senate seat, in a senate where you got
shellacked.
Concern trolling won’t open up a senate seat for Scotty, cons.
get a grip dudes, you’re embarrassing really
Alex
November 29th, 2012
10:27 am
In regards to the “maliness”of kerry, see 2nd reference by stands…sexist BS, many believe Rice would actually be tougher than Kerry, and if a lack of an X chromosomen is unacceptable, then toss in a Kleinfelter: 2 X’s and a Y, sheesh,
Cringe worthy, love the golden Isles, outpost of the Gilded in the 20’s , beautiful for Christmas at the “club”…porter, porter, be gentle with those bags, Talley ho ho ho
TaxPayer
November 29th, 2012
10:31 am
Don’t fall for Republicans
No problem.
Oscar
November 29th, 2012
10:32 am
stands – Maybe it’s just his accent. But never thought of his as Budda like.
TaxPayer
November 29th, 2012
10:34 am
Pending home sales at a six-year high. Maybe that’s what lottery winners are doing with their money.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:35 am
Oscar @ 10.32, not his voice, his body language, I guess.
He seems completely at ease… maybe not Buddha, but… Biden-like? Now, those are two men of a Certain Age who seem to be enjoying what they do for a living these days, tremendously.
TaxPayer
November 29th, 2012
10:37 am
There were over 8 million other lottery winners. Some of them won over a million. Jay. The odds are long but Jay could… nah! He would have at least posted a gone fishin’ sign. Right Jay.
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 29th, 2012
10:37 am
speaking of George Harrison … saw an interview with his son a couple of years ago … absolutely creeped me out how much he looks like his dad (who, incidentally, was my favorite Beatle)
DannyX
November 29th, 2012
10:37 am
“Sound familiar?
BOO HOO,CRY,CRY,CRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Yes, in fact that does sound familiar. Very familiar. After the Republican fall 3 weeks ago it’s been nothing but boo hoo, cry, cry, “kiss my boo-boo” from Republicans, especially around here.
Corbin Sharpe. I think, therefore I am...I think.
November 29th, 2012
10:38 am
Jay was probably mugged on his way to the Lottery Office…
USinUK - not very ladylike (and former Girl Scout)
November 29th, 2012
10:38 am
“Don’t fall for Republicans ”
fall for them?
no.
trip them?
hrm. maybe.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:39 am
Gooper numerology SHEETZ.
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
November 29th, 2012
10:40 am
Excuse me ………… “it” …………..
They BOTH suck
November 29th, 2012
10:41 am
Scout
That was great advice telling folks not to “fall for Republicans”.
Good job. Even you are seeing the light.
stands for decibels
November 29th, 2012
10:43 am
yeah, based on interviews I’ve heard, George’s son has inherited not just his looks, but bright, just-snarky-enough personality as well.
incidentally, was my favorite Beatle
I can’t pick a favorite, but of the four, the one I’d most like to know in person, just because I think he’d be a terrific person to know, with something to share? yeah.
heading upstairs.
Redneck Convert (R--and proud of it)
November 29th, 2012
10:49 am
Jay was probably mugged on his way to the Lottery Office…
Well, my guess is he’s plugging away at writing something for the old stopped-up grannies that are the only ones that buy the paper version of the AJC. We just get whatever’s left over. He don’t recognize our value.
Trolls Bane
November 29th, 2012
10:55 am
Can money buy happiness, to a point.
Money can buy love, sex, friendship (of a sort), loyalty (of a sort). Money can NEVER buy a clean conscience, a pure soul, or piece of mind.
GT
November 29th, 2012
11:00 am
Oscar I think there are Mortgage Back Security criminals walking around free right now. They sold fraudulent paper all over the globe, in the good faith of Wall Street. They made their astronomical commissions, even turn around and bought short on some of the very same paper they paddled as 20 carets.
As for Wall Street, this last crash showed an innate tenancy of the street for systemic, as oppose to healthy competition, deals. We call it the good ole boy system down here where people become too familiar with each other and do illegal inside deals that compromise the system. To hell with 20%, the real reason Wall Street stands is it has the corrupt power to do so. It is an antiquated vehicle of commerce that spikes the odds like Las Vegas. Or in other words we can be just as immoral at home, as the Georgia state government has argued and plainly demonstrated, for years, as some Yankee in New York City.
kosh21
November 29th, 2012
11:15 am
Did she steal the concrete slab, too?
guy
November 29th, 2012
12:12 pm
Danny X Remember,the sun doesn’t shine on one liberals rear end everyday. You have a distinct advantage over me in that you can kiss mine and I can’t!!!! You lucky lib!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love those libs!!!!
skipper
November 29th, 2012
1:40 pm
Actually, I have watched her (Maddow’s) show to see what she was up to…….Rachel or Richard, BTW?
JohnnyReb
November 29th, 2012
2:25 pm
For all you gloating Moonbats, here’s a sobering statistic courtesy of Bill Whittle.
Despite all the things Republicans are accussed of doing badly, many from the keyboard of this blogs author and followers, the Country remains almost divided in half as to political party preference.
To be back in power, all we Republicans have to do is a few things right and the balance shifts to us.
So, it is not the gloom and doom the Left wing propaganda machine puts forth. It’s still a matter of a few million voters.
If I was a Moonbat, God forbid, I would be more interested in fixing things to meet voter expectations than wallowing in short-lived glory.