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A tale of Two Balls

America is in the midst of a variety of ball fevers.  As in Football and Powerball.


1.  The '50th' Super Bowl (American Football's crowning match) coming to town early FEB and
2.  The Powerball lottery (now estimated to payout $1.5 Billion before taxes and relatives) with the winner announcement imminent or so it seems


Both events are top of mind for the nation even as the POTUS aka Obama was waxing on his annual report card in front of the nation last night.  More so the California crowd who at best seems suspicious of whoever is going to lead our highest office come 2017 is planning a mental escape dreaming of either or both of the above mentioned ball events.  What with the 50th event happening right in the heart of Silicon Valley (typically not known for its Hollywood like extravaganzas) at the newly minted Levis Football stadium (named in honor of the sponsors - the late SF, California resident and businessman Levi Strauss who gave the world blue denim).


The Super Bowl is an annual phenomenon that the American public has come to appreciate despite its inherent dangers for those on the field and off - at least the suckers on the field have the ability to earn in the millions (without winning the Powerball) while the ones occupying the seats are enjoying modern day gladiator like warfare fought on a rectangle 100 yards long.


With the lottery serving as a vicarious escape for the duration the ticket buyer waits for 'what might be' dreaming up possible outcomes, this one has topped itself as America's largest jackpot yet with latest tally coming in north of $1.5B in prize money.


Office workers (with their pool going) and random people who may not have participated in the purchase of a ticket before are now suddenly wanting a piece of the aciton (can be had for as little as $2) and are seen lining up at variety of stores sometimes more than one to in their words increase the chance of hitting it.


So whether America has what it takes to lead the world through sensible politics and value add education for the upcoming graduates, or with an economy that thrives on diversity and ingenuity; for the next few weeks it would appear we only want to have a Ball.


Well if there is any consolation prize it is that the Government will come out a huge winner in either ball with tons of revenue going into its coffers (think tax revenues), which if they had the right people at the helm could actually help solve some problems and then some.  But that is like wishing that I had won the lottery (without playing it)!





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