>>>*I thought a bit about it when I read the news. I have read reports similar that saddened me, cases like Janis Joplin, Elvis, on and on. Ball players jerked from "normal" lives to sudden wealth and fame, power.

We see the results of huge lottery winners, and how their lives are often torn apart, just a few years, in some cases, only months later.

It makes me realize that life is best lived simple and happy. Money brings nothing but perhaps more and better of what one already has. It also often has trials and tribulations attached.

One half billion dollars? Great. I can think of an example of what that might mean to me.

With that kind of money, I could PAY someone to wax my Corvette instead of doing it myself.

But...? I LIKE to polish my Corvette! It excited me to finally be able to barely afford it, it took years of work and savings.

If I could just go out and buy a dozen without a second thought?

It would bore me, life I think would be miserable, no goal, no dreams. To win a small jackpot on a machine is exciting, fun. If I had billions, it would be boring, meaningless.

I think this may well be what happens to people who find sudden fame, wealth.

So often it means misery, early death. I do not think the lady had a life that was much fun to live, I don't think any amount of money would help her with that, either.

The real meaning of life is moments laughing with friends, being content with what you have, having a goal that can be met with effort and is pleasing once earned. A sunset with a mate one loves, just holding hands and living that moment, a Dog that lays it's head upon your leg to beg a pat. A child that smiles and says "I love you Daddy!", who could possibly trade that for money, for fame?

For drugs?

Some can it seems, and I so often see the sad result.

Something for us all to take a moment to think about....*EB