英文短篇故事（纽约）376 Lotto Jackpot Is $550 Million

 　　The Powerball lottery¹ is worth $550 million. Everyone is talking about it. A newspaper reporter asked an old lady what she'd do with $550 million. She said, "First of all, you news people should know better. Nobody's going to get $550 million. The winner will probably take the lump sum payment. That's only $360 million. Then, the federal government and the state will take their share. The winner will take home only about $210 million. That's better than a sharp stick in the eye, but it sure isn't $550 million." The reporter said, "You're right. Let me try again. What would you do with $210 million?" She said, "I know exactly what I'd do. I've been wanting to do this for years, but my husband keeps saying we can't afford it. Well, he can't say that if we're millionaires. I'd buy him some new underwear—and make him wear it!"

1 lottery   

n.抽彩；碰运气的事，难于算计的事

参考例句：

• He won no less than ￡5000 in the lottery.他居然中了5000英镑的奖券。
• They thought themselves lucky in the lottery of life.他们认为自己是变幻莫测的人生中的幸运者。