Playing the lottery is a bleak and hopeless abyss of wasted money and discarded scratch offs. Regardless, people can’t seem to stay away from it. There are two types of lottery players: the addicted and the entrepreneurs. While some richer folk prefer to purchase lottery tickets in bulk (thus beating the odds out with all their money), others take the low route by scamming and scheming their way into heaps and heaps of gold bullion. It works the other way around, as well — no one wants to dole out millions of dollars to some random ticket holder, and businesses have been caught fudging numbers and paperwork to avoid paying up. Here are five of the biggest lottery scandals ever.

Triple Six Fix – PA, 1980

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The Triple Six Fix is probably the most notorious lottery scandal in history. During the night of a three-ball drawing for a then-unprecedented PA jackpot of $3.5 million, three balls were drawn: 6, 6, and 6. What the six million viewers didn’t realize at the time was that TV host Nick Perry and some of his cronies had weighted down all balls that weren’t 4′s or 6′s in order to rig the drawing.

It was hard to catch Perry and his friends in the act, but they were figured out when an anonymous tip alerted authorities to a small bar near Philadelphia. Perry’s cohorts, the Maragos brothers, had visited the bar and paid for a large quantity of lottery tickets in cash. Playing only 8 specific numbers, a female companion of theirs placed a phone call from the bar and held the receiver up to the sound of the machine printing tickets. She also spoke in Greek, a language Perry was fluent in. The call was traced back to WTAE-TV, where the drawing would be done by a volunteer and hosted by Perry.

Perry got two years in prison and a movie, “Lucky Numbers”, created about his story.

Blindfolded Children – Milan, 1995-1999

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The Milan Lotto may be less infamous than the Triple Six Fix, but it was way more costly. The scam weaseled out to $174 million dollars in cheater’s money, and nine people were consequently arrested for their involvement in the riggings.

The method of number-drawing at the Milan Lotto involves blindfolding children and having them pick out numbered silver balls from a spinning drum at random. Over the years, scammers, gang members, and fraudulent officials would rig the drawing by using tampered balls. Children were bribed to learn how to squint through their blindfolds, and some balls were marked so that the kids could easily see which numbers they were supposed to choose. Other balls were heated, frozen, or sprayed with a glossy coat to stand out from the rest.

Since the ordeal, lottery sales in Italy have slumped considerably. Requests to reform lottery drawings by having a computer draw the numbers at random have been ignored, hinting that there may be some powerful people behind the scandal.

Zhao Liqun’s Clever Trick – China, 2007

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Zhao Liqun was sentenced to life in prison for his little trick, an unreasonably harsh sentence compared to those who executed carefully planned criminal rigging schemes.

Liqun was like any other lottery player, but one day discovered a loophole in China’s lottery drawing — after the winning numbers were chosen, there was a five minute window during which a player could still choose them on a qualified and playable ticket. Liqun did this three times, ‘winning’ over $4 million dollars. Once discovered, Liqun was made an example of when he was sentenced to life in prison in 2007.

Shop Scams Player – Ontario, 2004

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A convenience store clerk scammed a customer out of his winning ticket in June or 2004, swiping her ticket and claiming it as his own six months after the drawing. When Lorraine Teicht, the real winner, and her colleagues grew suspicious of the identical ticket (since they played the same exact numbers every week), they hired a private investigator.

It was discovered that Hafiz Malik, the shop owner, had stolen the ticket and been awarded over $6 million dollars in winnings. Teicht was reasonably very upset over the thievery, but died before Malik was sentenced to a mere one year in prison in 2010.

Ticket Swipers Reap Winnings – Niagara, 2003

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When the Lotto Super 7 jackpot was drawn in 2003, a group of construction workers participating in a group lottery draw thought they had simply bought a losing ticket. What really happened was another Treicht-Malik type case: the store clerks had swapped out the winning ticket once they realized how much it had won, replacing it with a losing one.

It took almost ten years for authorities to uncover the scam, but in 2011, over $10 million in houses, cars, and jewelry were seized from the con-artists. The construction workers were awarded their long-overdue prize of $12.7 million, with an additional $2 million in interest.

From TV spots to social media, the tools of modern advertising have become diffuse. With so many channels available, where do you start? Should you sacrifice old media for Twitter? How do you get something to go viral?

The truth, according to “Paid, Owned, Earned: Maximizing Marketing Returns in a Socially Connected World,” is that new media hasn’t replaced old media. Rather, advertisers are operating in a new digital ecosystem, one based around networks, behaviors and people. The idea is to build a media system that optimizes your brand’s presence. There are three main components at work:

Paid channels, including advertisements and search. These feed users into owned and earned locations.
Owned content hubs (your website, social media, apps, events, etc.). These dedicated online assets make brands available for conversation when the consumer wants to have it, which is 24/7.
Earned media, which happens when customers, community, viral content, etc. contributes to word of mouth, brand credibility and loyalty.

In his in-depth look at modern advertising, ZenithOptima Head of Social Media and Digital Innovation Nick Burcher breaks down today’s complex media landscape into digestible bites. Rich in case studies, theoretical background and research, “Paid, Owned, Earned” acts as a software upgrade for the advertiser’s brain. If you’ve ever wanted to know what works in today’s media world, why it works and how to execute it, pick up this book. If you’re a seasoned online marketing expert, some of Burcher’s tips will be familiar, but the theoretical background and insights he provides will still make the book worth reading.

Rich in depth and detail, “Paid, Owned, Earned” starts by covering the ways in which traditional models for advertising have changed. Next, Burcher addresses listening, an important precursor to building advertising objectives and strategy. Once advertisers have mined social media chatter and feedback to learn how their brands are perceived, they can build an executable paid-owned-earned system from there.

Burcher then goes into the mechanics of the paid-owned-earned process — what each segment contains, how to best harness it and how to make it an interdependent part of the entire system. Among other components, that includes the creation of social hubs and content and optimizing campaigns. Tools like viral seeding and harnessing mass media in order to gain paid traction are discussed, as are more qualitative strategies, like how to distribute content so that it spreads, and how to use customer service as a branding tool. In the end, Burcher discusses measuring campaign success, qualitatively and quantitatively.

The idea of building a viral brand is attractive, but nebulous. Burcher himself admits that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting something to go viral. But by educating readers on the new definitions around advertising, and by providing theory- and experience-backed tips on what to do, Burcher gives readers the tools they need in order to design their marketing system for success.

1. Seaport Hotel. Boston, MA

A luxury hotel only 10 minutes from Logan Airport. Seaport offers more than 40 flexible meeting and event spaces, it offers some of the most varied options in the city, from intimate boardrooms overlooking the waterfront to a large amphitheater equipped with cutting-edge audiovisual technology.

Seaport encompasses 180,000 square feet of venue space – more than any other Boston hotel. Choose from over 40 distinctive Boston meeting venues and function spaces, including eight ballrooms, a massive exhibit hall, a high-tech amphitheater, as well as elegant private dining rooms and outdoor gardens.

For those seeking a less corporate environment for smaller gatherings, the 18th floor Admiral Suite has 3 distinct seating areas, private pantry, conference table for 8 and panoramic views. All rooms and suites come with wi-fi and large work desks.

2. Aspen Meadows Resort. Aspen, CO.

This Aspen conference facility has received awards for their unique spaces including the ultra-green, Gold LEED certified Doerr-Hosier Center boasting smaller-scale rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a permanent art gallery and the expansive McNulty Room
praised as one of the best Aspen meeting venues.

With 40 sweeping acres, 22,000 sq.ft. of meeting and event space, 14 meeting rooms throughout 6 different buildings, state-of-the-art audio-visual technology and 24 hour business center, it’s no wonder why heads of state, diplomats and business leaders from around the world book this hotel for business and corporate retreats.

3. Lakeway Resort & Spa. Austin, TX.

This venue, is unlike any other in Austin or the Hill Country and is built on the shores of Lake Travis, providing a stunning view for guests. This resort has been long recognized as one of the top meeting, executive retreat and conference destinations in Central Texas. Lakeway Resort and Spa is a unique combination of a luxurious resort and spa with top level conference facilities.

Lakeway Resort offers; 24,000 Sq. Ft. of Flexible Function Space, 5,800 Sq. Ft. of Exhibit Space, 5,200 Sq. Ft. class-enclosed ballroom, 17 meeting rooms, 4 ballrooms, conference services & AV staff onsite, sound system & video conferencing, basic LCD projectors included in the CMP, TV & video playback equipment, overhead projectors, lapel & handheld microphones, ergonomic chairs with work tables & white boards.

There’s natural lighting in the meeting rooms, wireless internet access throughout property, 24-Hour Business Center, and a conference planning manager to assist in all aspects of planning and executing your program.

Lakeway Resort and Spa has been awarded over ten industry awards in its conference history. Lakeway Resort is the ideal location to host a business event or interactive and recreational group outing with a golf course to boot!

4. Gaylord Palms Resort & Conference Center. Orlando, FL.

Gaylord Palm offers easy access, elegance and functionality in every aspect of 400,000 square feet of flexible convention, exhibition and pre-function meeting space.

Located on one level; the 178,500 square foot Exhibition Hall, the 3 ballrooms and the 61 breakout rooms were creatively designed to ensure smooth ease & flow between meetings. These meeting spaces are just steps away from guest rooms and incredible outdoor function venues.

The 4 1/2 acres of lush gardens and winding waterways under glass to explore is one way to unwind and relax at the end of the day.

5. Hyatt Regency Century Plaza. Los Angeles, CA.

A recent $1 million renovation included the 100,000 square feet of meeting space, which features the largest ballroom in the city and the California Showroom exhibition hall for trade shows.

Whether you need space for a private executive session or a gala ball, you’ll find it there, along with a 24-hour automated business center, gourmet catering and The Spa at Equinox Century City for unwinding during breaks.

Comprehensive selection of high-tech equipment including; digital audio, professional cameras, multi-image presentations and computer data projection, webcasting and archiving of all your meeting presentations, exhibit displays and set design with flat screen and plasma monitors.

6. Hilton New York. New York, NY.

More than 150,000 square feet encompasses classrooms, theaters, banquet rooms, receptions areas and a selection of suites.

Better yet, planners will make sure that every detail is taken care of, right down to pens for attendees and ice water on the lectern.

New York is one of the finest places to host a conference, or an event, and the Hilton Hotel is one of the best locations in the world to do just that.

7. Emory Conference Center. Atlanta, GA.

A full resort and conference center. Inspired architecturally by Frank Lloyd Wright and set in a 26-acre forest preserve.

This Green Seal-approved property blends the casual elegance of prairie style and environmentally friendly policies with a 32,000-square-foot conference center.

Along with the expected ballroom, meeting rooms, this hotel has the largest amphitheater in the southeast U.S.

Atlanta is also one of the finest places for a conference or event and this historical location would be a great place for any large event.

8. Kellogg Conference Hotel. Washington, D.C

The Washington D.C. Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center has hosted thousands of conferences, seminars and social functions since 1952 and is the perfect setting for a gathering of ten to 1,000.

The 32 fully functional meeting rooms offer a total of over 35,000 square feet of flexible space including a 300-seat auditorium and a 50 seat tiered lecture hall.

DC is a great location for conference as it offers very many hotel and flight options for any East Coast event.

9. Caesar’s Palace. Las Vegas, NV.

Featuring an elegant classical Roman design, the state-of-the-art meeting facilities are set apart from the action of the casino yet just an elevator ride from guest rooms in the Palace Tower.

Large or small groups will find an incredible range of flexible spaces in close proximity to freight elevators, spacious pre-function areas, and countless configuration options to meet any need.

Located on the strip of Las Vegas, this hotel offers; 45 restaurants and lounges, Apx. 300,000 Sq. Ft. of meeting and convention space, 3,348 guest rooms and suites, 180 retail outlets, Wi-Fi access throughout the meeting and convention area, event coordinators, basic LCD projectors, TV & video playback equipment, overhead projectors, microphone and podium access.

Plus, it’s Vegas… need we say more? It’s the excuse you’ve always wanted.

10. Brown Palace Hotel. Denver, CO.

Whether it’s creating an Oval Office for bilateral meetings with world leaders, or organizing a simple training session.

This downtown Denver conference facilities offers More than 13,000 square feet of event space, including 12 separate rooms.

Features that include: Internet access hubs in all meeting rooms, onsite audiovisual services, web casting and video conferencing abilities, full-service business center, dedicated conference service manager for each function.

Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel has hosted nearly every president and has the nickname the Oval Office of the Rocky Mountains because how frequented it was by President’s during trips out west.

Moo has put together a great infographic that details the rise, and continued use of the business card.

Running A Startup is a humorous tumblr someone has setup that takes everyday moments in the life of a startup, and turns it on it’s head and makes them comedic. Trust me humor is the best way to deal with the rigors of running an online business, or starting your own business.

This should keep you laughing this weekend!

Reports indicate that upwards of 30% of recent college graduates weren’t able to find a job within six months of graduation. Part of this is the economy. But part of it is most likely a misalignment of education and economic needs. Too few engineering degree. Too many in accounting.

The following infographic paints an interesting divide between the degrees that are leading to jobs and the ones that are not.

Source: Best Degree Programs

Looks like architecture majors are hurting the most, followed by people with degrees in the Humanities, Liberal Arts, American Studies, Political Science, Sociology and Economics.

The last type of bad degrees for getting a job on our list are the arts. Things like Poetry, Art History, Music Therapy and even something as bizarre as Puppetry (yes, this is a real major).

There are also some degrees that do a better job of getting you hired: engineering, sciences, computers and IT, business, psychology, social work and media and communications.

Just makes you ponder how important a college degree really is in this day and age. Atleast in some sectors of business.

An interview where he calls the Fed, a vampire squid of vampire squids.

No I couldn’t even make up this good of commentary.

“And people get off on Goldman Sachs because it has done this and this, it is pulling wires… The Federal Reserve is the giant squid of squids, it is the vampire squid of vampire squids.”

Our life’s transformations are also apart of business. Because without change, without transformation, without inspiration we really have nothing to drive us to be who we need to be, and to really ignite success in our businesses.

This story is amazing. Simply life changing if you let the story land on your heart. Maybe you are struggling with belief right now. Or maybe the economy has gotten you down. Have faith never stop believing.

And more importantly never give up.

“Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try — he couldn’t do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story.

Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey – he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

Arthur was getting stronger rapidly, and he was losing weight at an incredible rate! Because of DDP’s specialized workout, he gained tremendous balance and flexibility — which gave him hope that maybe someday, he’d be able to walk again.

His story is proof, that we cannot place limits on what we are capable of doing, because we often do not know our own potential. Niether Arthur, nor Dallas knew what he would go on to accomplish, but this video speaks for itself. In less than a year, Arthur completely transformed his life. If only he had known what he was capable of, 15 years earlier.

Do not waste any time thinking you are stuck – you can take control over your life, and change it faster than you might think.

Hopefully this story can inspire you to follow your dreams – whatever they may be.
Anything is Possible!

To contact Arthur or Dallas Page about this incredible story, please visit http://www.ddpbang.com and contact them.”

That’s the sentiment so many of us have. Luckily there’s a solution to this madness. And it’s scientifically proven by a panel of our peers to ACTUALLY work to take your business, your career, and even your relationships to new heights.

Thank God for Business Stilts.