Tag Archives: Tickets

Lining Up for Powerball

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The Lotto Powerball logo

The Lotto Powerball logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

     The Powerball Lottery has reached $500,000.00.   By the time the drawing occurs, it will be above that amount.   Taxes will take a significant chunk, but it will still be a huge amount of money for the individual who wins.  People are lining up to have a chance at fortune.   As I looked at those waiting to purchase their chance, I realized why so many want an opportunity to become a millionaire.  Most likely it is not the reason promoted by the media.   It is much more basic than simply wanting the good life.

     I went food shopping early Monday morning.   Being that it was after the Thank giving weekend, and I live in a small town, the store was quiet.  I don’t buy lottery tickets on a regular basis, but when the jackpot rises to a large amount, I buy one chance.   I get a quick pick since my odds of winning are not any better if I pick the numbers myself.  The supermarket sold the tickets, so I was able to make my purchase without waiting in a line.  That is not the case in the rural areas I have seen on the news.  People are waiting in lines that stretch for miles to get their Powerball tickets.  Why are so many willing to wait and wait and wait?  They are all hoping for a better life.

     I don’t think most of the people purchasing the tickets want to be among the rich and famous.  Most are just hoping for a chance of being able to live comfortably and worry free.   They want to have their housing, food, and bills paid every month.  They want to be able to send their kids to college without going into major debt.  They want to wake up every day reassured that they will not have to worry about if their job is going to be eliminated, if they will have the means to meet their financial responsibilities, and if they can either pay the mortgage or the rent.

     I have seen many senior citizens waiting in line.   Many are probably living on a fixed budget.  I imagine that they are hoping to make enough to pay for housing, food, and expensive medications.  There are some who have probably had a hard life.  Winning the lottery would give them peace of mind in their last years.  They would like to provide for their children and grandchildren so that future generations would have a better life.

     I bought a ticket because I know there are people I could help.  Sure, I would put aside money for my kids and my old age, but so much good could also be done.   We are living in hard economic times.  Winning Powerball would change some lives forever.  It gives everyone hope that the future can be brighter if just given a chance.  Hopefully the person who has the winning ticket handles their new-found fortune well, and takes the opportunity to enhance the lives of many others.

Attendance Is Down at the Box Office

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It was reported this week that movie attendance for 2011 dipped to a 16 year low.  Many speculate  re that people grew tired of sequels.  This may be true as  Part 2 and 3 of blockbusters seem to be made immediately after their success.  It used to be that sequels would come out a few years later, but that isn’t the case anymore.  There are many other factors that have affected the sale of tickets.   The main one is fact that we can now access films without the cost of sitting in the theatre. 

The cost of a movie ticket  has risen steadily over the years.  3 D movies command an even higher price.  You can try saving a few dollars by going  to a matinee, but that means you probably will have to catch the film at 10:30 in the morning.  Throw in a trip to the concession, and a family of four can easily spend an average of 50 plus dollars for a couple of hours of entertainment.   So, people stay home, make popcorn, and for a minimal price, watch a movie when it becomes available on DVD or streaming.

I remember when you had to catch a film at the cinema or you missed any chance of seeing it.  Matinees were around 2:00 in the afternoon.  Most towns had a theatre showing one movie at a time.  The screen was large, the floor was sticky, the previews were limited, and the audience enjoyed the experience.  Even the cost at night was manageable.  It was a way most people could afford a little entertainment.

Now you have to drive to a multiplex, showing 15 different movies all on screens much smaller than years past. On top of paying more, we have to endure about 15 minutes of commercials and previews.  Televisions have gotten larger.  The quality of HD and Blu-Ray has made watching at home better.  Some people have even installed home theatres.   Even if you miss a film while it is out, you know you can see it eventually. There are some old theatres and town halls that show movies after their major run for a fraction of the cost.  This also provides a fun and affordable way to see a movie. 

I enjoy going to the movies every now and then.  I appreciate a good drama, an indie film, a documentary and yes, even a comedy.  I sit through films that I probably wouldn’t see if it weren’t for my kids.  It still is an enjoyable way to spend some free time.  The darkness, the sound, the crunching of salty popcorn, the laughter, the tears, and the occasional applause, all add to the experience.  Movies will live on forever, however we choose to view them.  The choice is what still makes it possible.

news.yahoo.com/movie-crowds-dip-16-low-apathy-lingers-1539258…