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Part of our slide as a nation began in about 1980 when governments began all this lottery business. It is something else that teaches people that work is not important, and oh boy I can hit the big time with just 1 more ticket purchase. Even when they do, it all disappears soon. John Ashcroft, Mo. governor, even succumbed and signed the bill allowing gambling in Missouri.

I agree.

Texas was one of the last ones to fall for it. Everyone mocked the “bible-thumpers” who didn’t want ‘state-sponsored gambling.’

Indeed, the people it taught the most to was the legislators who found a new cash cow they could milk.

In the workplace, you are always hearing people say how if they win the lottery that night, they are not coming to work the next day. I always thought it was sad that they think so little of their careers that they would give it up just because they come into a windfall of cash.

If I won the lottery, I would go to work the next day just like usual. That's because I like my career and have no desire to be idle. Sure, I'd increase my standard of living. I'd drive a fancier car, take more vacations to Hawaii and drink some better wine. However, I'd get up and go to work everyday just like always because I like doing what I do.

In fact, if I could get away with it, I would keep my lottery win a secret. Wouldn't tell my co-workers and I certainly wouldn't tell my family (other than my wife) - as I'd have relatives that haven't talked to me in years show up on my doorstep hat in hand.

That's probably the secret to beating the "lottery curse." Just keep a low profile and continue business as usual.

As for lottery pools, I always that was a stupid idea. Just buy your own tickets. That way, you can keep your win a secret and won't have to deal with a bunch of squabbling co-workers claiming their "fair share" if you do win.

As an aside, I was at a convention for work some years ago out in Arizona and we went to one of those Indian casinos. A co-worker of mine bummed some money off me to play some slot machines and he proceeded to win a $600 jackpot. He gave me my money back but didn't offer to split any of his winnings. I never thought ill of him for it and didn't expect that he should share the jackpot he won. I got the money back I that I loaned him and I was happy with that. That Arizona casino did have some killer margaritas and after about four of those, I proceeded to lose a bunch of my money at the blackjack table.