“Winners” & Losers – Hometown View 11/29/11

I don’t know about you but my day started out very well. I opened up my email when I arrived at work to find out that I had won the annual MS-World Lotto Lottery jackpot conducted in Africa through Microsoft Co-operation Management Worldwide. Now you may have received similar notices in the past but this one is the real deal because my certificate has logos for YAHOO and MSN so it’s obviously legit.

There was a total of 4 million pounds in the jackpot but it turns out my winning ticket was one of three so I have been approved for a lump sum payment of approximately 1.3 million pounds which I believe converts to just over $2 million of American money.

The email notification says a check has already been prepared in my name but I do need to touch base with Sir Kevin Hills Adam who is the Foreign Service Manager based in London. He needs some basic information and then I should be good to go.

Again I know you are thinking this is a fake but it’s signed by Dr. A.W. George who is the Lottery Board Director and Bill Gates is even mentioned in the official notice that I received. However as a favor to me I would appreciate it if you would not tell anyone of my good fortune as it apparently might disqualify me. Thank you!

OVER EXUBERANCE ON THE FIELD

On a very different subject. ESPN has obviously been a great thing for us sports fans but the sports network is largely responsible for celebrations we get from athletes today over what often amounts to personal accomplishments that have little to do with the outcome of a game.

I blame ESPN because they were the first ones to show, promote and often glorify these selfish acts during highlights. This weekend we had Buffalo’s Stevie Johnson mimic Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg after he scored a touchdown against the Jets. He got his later when he dropped several passes, including what might have been the game-winning touchdown.

Then last night the Giants’ Brandon Jacobs went into this wild celebratory dance after scoring a touchdown…was it the game-winner? No as a matter of fact the Giants were trailing the Saints 21-3 when the overrated, overpaid and soon to be overlooked Jacobs got into the end zone in a game they would end up losing 49-24. He made a real jackass of himself which is nothing new for today’s athletes.

Mommas don’t let you boys grow up to be like this…please.