#1 Copper Canyon, would that trip fit our Barth Coaches or what? I think Ron's Maniaco would be to big to fit the bill. That would be a dream trip with let's say 25 Barths.

#2 I was on a plane one time sitting next to an actuary, (exciting guy didn't even eat his peanuts) the most valuable thing I learned from him other than some men really do polish their finger nails. Is that some risks are so rare that from am actuarial standpoint they actually don't happen. Like a bird dying in mid air and falling one someones head and causing injury. It has happened but he said that from his standpoint it is not a possibility. He told me that the lottery falls in this same catagory. From his, (like totally right-brain) it is not possible for someone to win the lottery.

So how does he explain the people that have won? Or does he just deny their existance???? Not probable maybe, but not impossible. I don't smoke and drink only once in a great while, (cooked a thanksgiving turkey with a couple of beers one time and still had 4 beers left on the 4th of July) so i figure that if my one vice is to spend a few bucks on the lottery once in a while its just a form of entertainment like going to the movies or a horse racing track or a casino.

Well here's the deal. We know that somewhere on this earth a bird is going to have a coronary at 2000 feet and will fall with a thunder on a rancher cutting hay.It lands in such a way that the bird slices off the farmers ear. This did happen but it was rare enough so that you wouldn't wear a steal had in a sow bean field.

I am tired I will finish this thought tomorrow.

Much as I hate to disagree with Bill H, the lottery is not a tax. Taxes are coerced from us on pain iof criminal prosecution or loss of our property. No one holds a gun to our heads to make us buy lottery tickets.

We participate because we anticipate the joy of winning, knowing full well the odds are astronomical. Granted, you get better odds in Vegas, or the Indian casinos, but the corner grocery is lots more convenient, so we buy a ticket.

If my actuary told me it's impossible to win, I'd find another actuary. Extremely unlikely? Yes. Impossible? No.

The Washington State lottery had an ad showing a rear view of three guys sitting at a bar. The middle one had a tail wagging from his coat tails. The voice over said, "Some lucky dog's gotta win." That says it all.

BTW - Happy holidays to all. May all your Christmases be white, and all your Lotto tickets be fruitful.

[This message has been edited by olroy (edited December 23, 2004).]

Here's a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year wish for all ,Keeping Christ in your Christmas too. We have really enjoyed this forum and all the friendly people on it. These must be all very special people here.James and Helen

EE-Gads Dave.......From Holiday Greetings, into amphibious motorhomes, down thru Copper Canyon and into a semi-serious discussion of state lotteries....I'm afraid I've helped create the Mother-Of-All-Thread-Drifts! Back on task:

Blessed Christmas Greetings to All & Yours


P.S. STILL wanna do that Copper Canyon thing

quote:

Originally posted by Lee:
EE-Gads Dave.......From Holiday Greetings, into amphibious motorhomes, down thru Copper Canyon and into a semi-serious discussion of state lotteries....I'm afraid I've helped create the Mother-Of-All-Thread-Drifts!

Yeah, Lee, but you've gotta admit this is an interesting, good-humored bunch here.

quote:

Originally posted by olroy:
..........the lottery is not a tax. Taxes are coerced from us on pain iof criminal prosecution or loss of our property. No one holds a gun to our heads to make us buy lottery tickets.

Roy, your point is well-taken, and I have edited my post to characterize it as a "voluntary" tax. Oops, does that make it an oxymoron?

OlRoy, it was the WA. lottery that my friend won in 88, one of three winners of a 21 million dollar pot. I once had a share (1/250)of a winning 2 million dollar ticket in Canada which after the exchange rate and taxes let me buy a hot tub and take my wife out for dinner and a movie. Anyway Merry Xmas to all and everybody be careful if you are out on the roads, especially you folks that are having cold, wet, windy and that white stuff on the ground....what is that stuff again? Has been 59 to 60 here today but with a lot of wind that has a bit of a bite to it. Hope it warms up for everyone.

Happy Holidays to all! Have enjoyed all of the discussion about the lottery and Copper Canyon...you guys are something else. Our Barth hasn't arrived yet (being transported). With all of the snow in the mid-west, it doesn't look good for a pre-Christmas arrival. Think that Santa could stuff it down the chimney and surprise us Christmas morning? We have a big house! Ho, ho, ho!!!

And just where is this Barth coming from..Here in The south of Dayton area we got about 18 inches of the white stuff and now we are sitting at 7 degrees as I speek and it is forecasted to get colder... Hope you all are ready for Christmas ..I am ready for spring as I pushed enough snow around yesterday to get me out of the winter spirit.
To all Have a very Merry Christmas and stay warm...
John Reilly

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John Reilly
Big Times Kennel
Centerville Ohio

i too would like to wish all a very merry CHRISTmas and a happy New year.
Especially to Dave & Deb for hosting this site. I've been on here for about 4 years with you and find i have laughed, cried, learned, loved, lusted, and even got mad a time or two. May blessings be bestowed upon You and Yours.

Mike

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mike foster
83-35' regency 8.2 detroit towing 98 cherokee classic 4x4

Merry Christmas and thank you to all. The help, enjoyment and plain fun this site provides has added a lot to our lives.