Hmm, just found this from CNN

Two Oregon couples to split largest-ever Powerball jackpot

(CNN) -- Two Oregon couples Tuesday claimed the largest Powerball jackpot in history -- an announced $340 million -- which the woman who bought the ticket called "just a tremendous blessing."

The four, who chipped in to buy $40 worth of tickets at Ray's Food Place in the small town of Jacksonville, in southwest Oregon, will take their winnings in one lump sum, or $164,410,058, before taxes, said Frances Chaney, 68. Powerball spokeswoman Marlene Meissner said that would come to about $110 million, after taxes. (Posted 6:07 p.m.)

So, if the lottery winnings are reported to be 340 million, but you only get 110 million, is that a good deal? I am too tired to run the stats, but the lottery people are not losing money here; otherwise lottery programs wouldn't exist. This is legalized gambling; and the odds of winning are so incredibly low as to be nonexistant.

Anyway i am in the middle of more paper and dissertation writing. Planning to submit the dissertation early next week. The end is neigh.