The brief hoax involving a man claiming to be an out-of-work truck driver who won the $365 million Powerball jackpot was months in the making.
It involved two men who have jerked the chains of the national news media for years and was financed by a Texas author seeking publicity for his books, one of the pranksters said Tuesday.
"We had decided that one of these days, there'll be a record jackpot, and we'll have to go," said Bob Pagani, who portrayed the unemployed man who spent $2,000 on Monday buying food for everyone at a Lincoln restaurant.
Pagani said he is a former disc jockey and book editor who lives near Pacific City, Ore. He confessed Tuesday to the hoax but said he felt no guilt.
"We spent a lot of money buying people's lunches. They had a thrill. . . . Nobody got hurt," he said. "It's kind of like a magic trick - a magician lies to you."
Pagani walked into a Village Inn on Monday afternoon, announced that he was the winner and bought a round of meals. The news media were apparently summoned by a restaurant employee. "Good Morning America" and "World News Tonight," among others, did on-camera interviews with Pagani.
Pagani said the hoax was hatched in conjunction with Alan Abel, a Connecticut prankster and drummer who started staging hoaxes in a 1959 appearance on the "Today" show, according to his Web site.
"Every once in a while, he has a wild hair," Pagani said.
He said the timing was per-fect because of the Presidents Day holiday. It closed the Nebraska Lottery office, delaying any official announcement. Because it was a record jackpot, a news media frenzy seemed guaranteed.
The hoax started falling apart as reporters questioned discrepancies in Pagani's story, including how the ticket was purchased. He said he chose the numbers, but lottery officials said the winning ticket was a computer-generated "Quick Pick."
Pagani said he flew in from Oregon on Sunday night and drove to Lincoln on Monday. Two other people, who said they were Pagani's son and niece, also flew in.
Pagani said Joe Vitale, who identified himself as an Austin, Texas, author, financed the hoax - paying for the airline tickets and two nights of motel stays in Omaha, as well as the $2,000 for all the meals at Village Inn.
Before he flew home Tuesday, Pagani said he gets the same thrill from hoaxes as someone who collects stamps.
"With this, I can say I was in the New York Times, the Washington Post and on Good Morning America."
Before he flew home Tuesday, Pagani said he gets the same thrill from hoaxes as someone who collects stamps.
"With this, I can say I was in the New York Times, the Washington Post and on Good Morning America."
Sounds like Pagani gets a thrill from running his big mouth and telling lies to make national news. When he compares it to collecting stamps, he's also lying to himself and believing it.
You know, I don't agree with people getting mad, it actually is funny if it can be pulled off. As he said, a magician does magic. Kinda like Bill Clinton not having sexual relations with Monica, the guy writing the book Oprah supported, and George Bush and weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Those things are still debated, covered in the media, and this guy just had his time in the limelight. It is not worth getting bent out of shape over. And before anyone jumps on me, NO, I do not condone lying. This is a prank, plain and simple.
While this prank didn't fall under the "disgusting" category, I have seen/heard several pranks pulled by disc jockeys that are disgusting. Something should be done to those DJs to keep their pranks in the "suitable for families" range. Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got. That is what should happen to other DJs too.
Common sense. Common decency. That is what should keep people from doing things like this.
Other than that, do we write up a law banning pranks?
I agree Truecritic, some of those are pretty bad and hurtful. This guy hurt no one, 200 people received a free meal, and the press jumped too quickly. Simple as that. The press received the "Dewey defeats Truman" award.
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
Get the headline first, don't be concerned with accuracy.
The lazy MSM got exactly what they deserved this time.
I wonder if ABC hired the former Dan Rather fact checkers from CBS?
Maybe it's time someone or group of someones played a prank on the pranksters!
People love to see this sort of thing. Look how much Sterm is getting to make fools out of any American with ethics and integrity. The American public is paying him to do what he does.
Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got.
Actually, Stern did not pay a penny. His organization, and his insurance company, paid all the fines. Its like fining a Pro-football player $50K, then paying him $25M to show up. Write it of as an uninsured loss.
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
Get the headline first, don't be concerned with accuracy.
The lazy MSM got exactly what they deserved this time.
I'd have to agree...News isn't really news anymore...It's what they heard someone say........Thats all they print or show........That and Paris Hilton!
Well I have no love for jokers, tricksters, game players and con artists but with regard to ABC (OR any other media outlet) getting duped all I can say is...KEWL!
So, you don't like the media? The ones that provide 99% of the news that you hear, see or read?
if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found.
REALLY? Just where does that truth pop out? Over the fence talking with a neighbor?
Chewie
Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can.
"Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can. "
While that may be true it is also true that at one time the media had credibility. Over the last decade or so, they have lost most of it. Anyone who listens to the news now no matter from what venue, and believes what is being said is all factual, is living in the past.
"Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can. "
While that may be true it is also true that at one time the media had credibility. Over the last decade or so, they have lost most of it. Anyone who listens to the news now no matter from what venue, and believes what is being said is all factual, is living in the past.
The media had credibility because the resources to validate their bulldung was not available. People believe that the networks didn't become biased and one sided until the internet came along. They have been that way all along. They hired people who go to the same schools they did, they hired people who think like they do, and they all hang out in the same bars and attend the same celebrations complimenting them on their performances.
People now post the truth in blogs and shoot their bias full of holes. That is why the media cannot stand non-standard news sources. FOX is the devil incarnate for NBC; they dare to question the almighty networks - and draw higher ratings. Technology has enabled the average person to debunk most myths and phonies. It used to be true because Walter said it. It is easy to be the all knowing when there were only three stations, and they all said the same thing over and over. People forget that for generations, there were only three sources for international news, AP, UPI, and Reuters - all three are more liberal then ABC, NBC, and CBS combined. When your soucre is corrupt, the people reading it to you fall into the corruption. Millions of America still deny the truth, as long as it came from the networks, it must be true - why would they lie?
Why are newspapers dying off? Why are networks on the road to oblivian? Why will there never be a another Peter Jenninings? Because you can't keep intelligent people fooled forever. When the die-hards, announcers and listeners, die off, the networks will be history. Famous for overpaying some actors to be stupid on a wekly bases. Nothing more.
Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well?
He did, then bragged on his show that his insurance company paid it. All the while, increasing his followers and enabling him to transfer to satellite radio and quadruple his income. The FCC punished him by sending him to the only place he could be even more famous and make more money - and all the FCC to loose all control of his content. Another smart move by your U.S. Government. Lets publicise some guy in NYC, which most adults never listen to, for using language every kid in America uses in the school yard. Why? Because it will make do-gooders feel good when they sleep at night. Doesn't matter what is on television all day long, doesn't matter what movies portray, doesn't matter the example half the mothers in America send when they drive along and give some guy the finger for making them mad. Doesn't matter that women wear push-up bras to make their boobs look bigger, thereby causing little Johnny (and sometimes Big Johnny) to giggle and smerk in the back of the room. All that is OK! Nope, lets do it because it feels good to be selectively rightuous!
All hoaxes aside, does anyone know if the real winner of the $365 million has come foward yet?
If the winner hasn't come foward yet, they probably don't know that they have won.
I mean, can you imagine winning all the money and staying silent?
I would be screaming from the hills, wouldn't you?
Turn on the radio. Turn on the Television. Use the internet to search news organizations. Its every where! Even better, go here: https://www.lotterypost.com/news/129110.htm
Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all—he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he "entertains" you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an "honest liar" so to speak.
But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball win simply because they want attention, they truly are idiots and must have some type of psychological disorder.
Heck why not spend that $2,000 on the powerball instead? Some people will do anything they can just to get attention, when in actuality a smart player, and a legitimate winner would be doing the exact opposite.
Let me tell you, there are so many instances of people getting tricked into believing they won the powerball or even as little as a scratch ticket...this site I found has got a couple really hilarious videos of people getting tricked:
There used to be a time when journalist researched the stories they were writing and took pride in answering, who, what, when, where....etc. Now, the majority of journalistic efforts appear to be about the headlines---sensationalize the data if it makes a buck! Forget about the bare facts. The recent fiasco about the miners "found alive in the West Virginia" is a prime example of jumping the gun and releasing the information before the FACTS are known. That was the worst day in journalism for me! Forget the NY Times fiasco, forget reporters crawling all over the lawns and neighborhood of one of the decapitated American hostage victims in Iraq..."responsible reporters" acting like paparrazi! I do not have a problem with a particular network, but just journalist of the last five years, in general. In school, we were taught differently---we were taught that our public depended on us to provide them with the facts---news. Feature, sports, obituary articles , whatever, get it right (you get the point). It is about time that journalist were made the brunt of a big joke. They were greedy for the story of the $365! Betcha many had come up with how they were going to invade the life of the 'single winner---track 'em down and make them wish they could find an island that banned reporters.
I can guar-an-tee ya, the next big story will be approached with caution!!! Maybe this will prompt some 'journalist' to FIND AND VERIFY THE FACTS before they report...
While this prank didn't fall under the "disgusting" category, I have seen/heard several pranks pulled by disc jockeys that are disgusting. Something should be done to those DJs to keep their pranks in the "suitable for families" range. Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got. That is what should happen to other DJs too.
Common sense. Common decency. That is what should keep people from doing things like this.
Other than that, do we write up a law banning pranks?
You're right, something should be done. We don't have enough laws yet that make things illegal just because some people find them offensive. Congress is finally on the right track with a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, but they should really step up to the plate and just repeal the whole first amendment. Then people couldn't fool the press, and we wouldn't be forced to listen to all those terrible DJ's saying bad things. They should pass another amendment to make gambling illegal too, because gambling offends a lot of people. And what about making demon alcohol illegal? Most places won't let you buy it before noon on Sundays, but still sell it after noon, and of course anybody smart enough to plan ahead can still drink it at any time during the Lord's day, not to mention the rest of the week.
It's time for the government to step in, because people can't change to a different station, not gamble or not drink just of their own free will or something.
Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all—he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he "entertains" you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an "honest liar" so to speak.
But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball win simply because they want attention, they truly are idiots and must have some type of psychological disorder.
Heck why not spend that $2,000 on the powerball instead? Some people will do anything they can just to get attention, when in actuality a smart player, and a legitimate winner would be doing the exact opposite.
Since three people flew in from elsewhere, rented a car, and stayed overnight it's a safe bet that they spent closer to $4000, but they did it for publicity, not attention. The author mentioned in the story writes about marketing and advertising, and for a measly (and presumably tax deductible) $4000 he got national coverage from major news sources.
They didn't spend the money on tickets because they aren't morons. If they'd spent $4000 on tickets the odds say they would have gotten back just under $450, for a loss of $3550. They wouldn't have gotten any publicity, a bunch of people in Lincoln wouldn't have gotten a free lunch, and some major news sources wouldn't have gotten egg on their face. It sounds like money well spent to me.
SirBrad , not a good idea to spend that money on Powerball, instead of what he did. He got what he wanted, national news coverage! That is money well spent in his opinion, not yours.
2/22/2006
Is it something in the AIR, THE WATER, OR THE CROPS....that made these idiots help put this scam together???????....only in America..........
pretty stupid.
Every idiot gets his 15mins of fame!! Kudos...
now leave. . . .
Before he flew home Tuesday, Pagani said he gets the same thrill from hoaxes as someone who collects stamps.
"With this, I can say I was in the New York Times, the Washington Post and on Good Morning America."
Sounds like Pagani gets a thrill from running his big mouth and telling lies to make national news. When he compares it to collecting stamps, he's also lying to himself and believing it.
LOL!
Maybe it's time someone or group of someones played a prank on the pranksters!
You know, I don't agree with people getting mad, it actually is funny if it can be pulled off. As he said, a magician does magic. Kinda like Bill Clinton not having sexual relations with Monica, the guy writing the book Oprah supported, and George Bush and weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Those things are still debated, covered in the media, and this guy just had his time in the limelight. It is not worth getting bent out of shape over. And before anyone jumps on me, NO, I do not condone lying. This is a prank, plain and simple.
Pagani said he is a former disc jockey
While this prank didn't fall under the "disgusting" category, I have seen/heard several pranks pulled by disc jockeys that are disgusting. Something should be done to those DJs to keep their pranks in the "suitable for families" range. Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got. That is what should happen to other DJs too.
Common sense. Common decency. That is what should keep people from doing things like this.
Other than that, do we write up a law banning pranks?
I agree Truecritic, some of those are pretty bad and hurtful. This guy hurt no one, 200 people received a free meal, and the press jumped too quickly. Simple as that. The press received the "Dewey defeats Truman" award.
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
The lazy MSM got exactly what they deserved this time.
I wonder if ABC hired the former Dan Rather fact checkers from CBS?
Maybe it's time someone or group of someones played a prank on the pranksters!
People love to see this sort of thing. Look how much Sterm is getting to make fools out of any American with ethics and integrity. The American public is paying him to do what he does.
Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got.
Actually, Stern did not pay a penny. His organization, and his insurance company, paid all the fines. Its like fining a Pro-football player $50K, then paying him $25M to show up. Write it of as an uninsured loss.
I love seeing the media duped. It's great. The media knows nothing or less than nothing and half the time they claim to know the truth. When they get duped it's a very funny day in my book. The media should do it's homework rather than try to sensationalize everything and everyone. The media is really the big scam artist here, don't feel sorry for them, if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found. Cheers,
The lazy MSM got exactly what they deserved this time.
I'd have to agree...News isn't really news anymore...It's what they heard someone say........Thats all they print or show........That and Paris Hilton!
Well I have no love for jokers, tricksters, game players and con artists but with regard to ABC (OR any other media outlet) getting duped all I can say is...KEWL!
Jim
The media knows nothing or less than nothing
So, you don't like the media? The ones that provide 99% of the news that you hear, see or read?
if they researched the truth rather than publish the quick tabloid headlines everyday then they would find that the ruth cannot be hidden, it can always be found.
REALLY? Just where does that truth pop out? Over the fence talking with a neighbor?
Chewie
Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can.
"Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can. "
While that may be true it is also true that at one time the media had credibility. Over the last decade or so, they have lost most of it. Anyone who listens to the news now no matter from what venue, and believes what is being said is all factual, is living in the past.
"Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear" - a friend told me once.
Half the fun of winning is the attention (for some).
"Thanks for pointing that out to everyone that didn't know that the broadcasting companies get the fine. Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well? Regardless, the gist of all my comments are that people shouldn't behave badly in public just because they can. "
While that may be true it is also true that at one time the media had credibility. Over the last decade or so, they have lost most of it. Anyone who listens to the news now no matter from what venue, and believes what is being said is all factual, is living in the past.
The media had credibility because the resources to validate their bulldung was not available. People believe that the networks didn't become biased and one sided until the internet came along. They have been that way all along. They hired people who go to the same schools they did, they hired people who think like they do, and they all hang out in the same bars and attend the same celebrations complimenting them on their performances.
People now post the truth in blogs and shoot their bias full of holes. That is why the media cannot stand non-standard news sources. FOX is the devil incarnate for NBC; they dare to question the almighty networks - and draw higher ratings. Technology has enabled the average person to debunk most myths and phonies. It used to be true because Walter said it. It is easy to be the all knowing when there were only three stations, and they all said the same thing over and over. People forget that for generations, there were only three sources for international news, AP, UPI, and Reuters - all three are more liberal then ABC, NBC, and CBS combined. When your soucre is corrupt, the people reading it to you fall into the corruption. Millions of America still deny the truth, as long as it came from the networks, it must be true - why would they lie?
Why are newspapers dying off? Why are networks on the road to oblivian? Why will there never be a another Peter Jenninings? Because you can't keep intelligent people fooled forever. When the die-hards, announcers and listeners, die off, the networks will be history. Famous for overpaying some actors to be stupid on a wekly bases. Nothing more.
>"Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear" - a friend told me once.
Since you "heard" that from your friend, then you cannot believe any of it! LOL
All hoaxes aside, does anyone know if the real winner of the $365 million has come foward yet?
If the winner hasn't come foward yet, they probably don't know that they have won.
I mean, can you imagine winning all the money and staying silent?
I would be screaming from the hills, wouldn't you?
Seems like I remember Stern getting a personal fine as well?
He did, then bragged on his show that his insurance company paid it. All the while, increasing his followers and enabling him to transfer to satellite radio and quadruple his income. The FCC punished him by sending him to the only place he could be even more famous and make more money - and all the FCC to loose all control of his content. Another smart move by your U.S. Government. Lets publicise some guy in NYC, which most adults never listen to, for using language every kid in America uses in the school yard. Why? Because it will make do-gooders feel good when they sleep at night. Doesn't matter what is on television all day long, doesn't matter what movies portray, doesn't matter the example half the mothers in America send when they drive along and give some guy the finger for making them mad. Doesn't matter that women wear push-up bras to make their boobs look bigger, thereby causing little Johnny (and sometimes Big Johnny) to giggle and smerk in the back of the room. All that is OK! Nope, lets do it because it feels good to be selectively rightuous!
All hoaxes aside, does anyone know if the real winner of the $365 million has come foward yet?
If the winner hasn't come foward yet, they probably don't know that they have won.
I mean, can you imagine winning all the money and staying silent?
I would be screaming from the hills, wouldn't you?
Turn on the radio. Turn on the Television. Use the internet to search news organizations. Its every where! Even better, go here: https://www.lotterypost.com/news/129110.htm
Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all—he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he "entertains" you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an "honest liar" so to speak.
But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball win simply because they want attention, they truly are idiots and must have some type of psychological disorder.
Heck why not spend that $2,000 on the powerball instead? Some people will do anything they can just to get attention, when in actuality a smart player, and a legitimate winner would be doing the exact opposite.
Let me tell you, there are so many instances of people getting tricked into believing they won the powerball or even as little as a scratch ticket...this site I found has got a couple really hilarious videos of people getting tricked:
http://collegeguru.blogspot.com/2006/02/365-million-dollar-lottery-winners.html
There used to be a time when journalist researched the stories they were writing and took pride in answering, who, what, when, where....etc. Now, the majority of journalistic efforts appear to be about the headlines---sensationalize the data if it makes a buck! Forget about the bare facts. The recent fiasco about the miners "found alive in the West Virginia" is a prime example of jumping the gun and releasing the information before the FACTS are known. That was the worst day in journalism for me! Forget the NY Times fiasco, forget reporters crawling all over the lawns and neighborhood of one of the decapitated American hostage victims in Iraq..."responsible reporters" acting like paparrazi! I do not have a problem with a particular network, but just journalist of the last five years, in general. In school, we were taught differently---we were taught that our public depended on us to provide them with the facts---news. Feature, sports, obituary articles , whatever, get it right (you get the point). It is about time that journalist were made the brunt of a big joke. They were greedy for the story of the $365! Betcha many had come up with how they were going to invade the life of the 'single winner---track 'em down and make them wish they could find an island that banned reporters.
I can guar-an-tee ya, the next big story will be approached with caution!!! Maybe this will prompt some 'journalist' to FIND AND VERIFY THE FACTS before they report...
Pagani said he is a former disc jockey
While this prank didn't fall under the "disgusting" category, I have seen/heard several pranks pulled by disc jockeys that are disgusting. Something should be done to those DJs to keep their pranks in the "suitable for families" range. Not that Howard Stern pulls pranks but I was all for the fines he got. That is what should happen to other DJs too.
Common sense. Common decency. That is what should keep people from doing things like this.
Other than that, do we write up a law banning pranks?
You're right, something should be done. We don't have enough laws yet that make things illegal just because some people find them offensive. Congress is finally on the right track with a constitutional amendment to ban flag burning, but they should really step up to the plate and just repeal the whole first amendment. Then people couldn't fool the press, and we wouldn't be forced to listen to all those terrible DJ's saying bad things. They should pass another amendment to make gambling illegal too, because gambling offends a lot of people. And what about making demon alcohol illegal? Most places won't let you buy it before noon on Sundays, but still sell it after noon, and of course anybody smart enough to plan ahead can still drink it at any time during the Lord's day, not to mention the rest of the week.
It's time for the government to step in, because people can't change to a different station, not gamble or not drink just of their own free will or something.
Having been involved with magic now for the last 26 years professionally, a good magician does not lie to you at all—he tells you he is going to fool you and he does. Some do so more subtle than others. More importantly he "entertains" you with his entire magic persona, and is actually an "honest liar" so to speak.
But getting back to the other topic at hand, if someone is willing to spend $2,000 or more in order to fake a powerball win simply because they want attention, they truly are idiots and must have some type of psychological disorder.
Heck why not spend that $2,000 on the powerball instead? Some people will do anything they can just to get attention, when in actuality a smart player, and a legitimate winner would be doing the exact opposite.
Since three people flew in from elsewhere, rented a car, and stayed overnight it's a safe bet that they spent closer to $4000, but they did it for publicity, not attention. The author mentioned in the story writes about marketing and advertising, and for a measly (and presumably tax deductible) $4000 he got national coverage from major news sources.
They didn't spend the money on tickets because they aren't morons. If they'd spent $4000 on tickets the odds say they would have gotten back just under $450, for a loss of $3550. They wouldn't have gotten any publicity, a bunch of people in Lincoln wouldn't have gotten a free lunch, and some major news sources wouldn't have gotten egg on their face. It sounds like money well spent to me.
2/22/2006
Is it something in the AIR, THE WATER, OR THE CROPS....that made these idiots help put this scam together???????....only in America..........
libra926:
WITH krap, crap, aptt......like this........no WONDER.......we get FUSED!!!!!
STICK with LOTTERY $$$$ and gather the new$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
YOU ARE A WINNER............."U"........................H-E-A-Haaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!
LOL AMERICA$$$$$$$$$$$$$
PSYKOMO
KY Floyd
We don't have enough laws yet that make things illegal just because some people find them offensive.
Your sarcasm is wasted on me. We don't need more laws. We need LESS laws.
My question about a law banning pranks was rhetorical. Of course not.
SirBrad , not a good idea to spend that money on Powerball, instead of what he did. He got what he wanted, national news coverage! That is money well spent in his opinion, not yours.