The challenge of our age
Published 7:13 pm Monday, August 16, 2010
Sometimes these days, it seems like no one can get along, even in the sacred bosom of family. Or wherever two or more are gathered:
n “$500,000 Powerball prize divides elderly sisters”: Two once-inseparable sisters, who share a love of gambling, are fighting over whether a pact they signed in 1995 to share all winnings was still valid, because of a falling out that occurred sometime between 1995 and the purchase of the winning Powerball ticket in 2005.
The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that Theresa Sokaitis, 83, can indeed try to enforce the contract she signed with her sister Rose Bakaysa, 87. Bakaysa won the jackpot with her brother, Joseph F. Troy Sr., USA Today reported.
In better days, Sokaitis said, she and Bakaysa gambled together all the time. When Sokaitis won $160,000 playing poker in 1995, the sisters typed up an agreement to share future winnings and had it notarized. Bakaysa’s lawyer said a 2004 argument nullified the agreement. But they didn’t notarize that.
Forget the trial. Give these gals their own reality show and follow the money: “Gambling with the Grannies.” “Suing Your Sister.” “Eighty-seven and Looking for a Little Action.” “Golden Girls Texas Hold ’em.” “All in the Family Feud.” “What Not to Wager.” “Sisters of No Mercy.”
n “Doctor gets dunked over anti-doughnut campaign”: A Florida doctor was forced to resign as director of the Bay County Health Department after his anti-obesity campaign angered a county commissioner who owns a doughnut shop and two lawyers who own a Dunkin’ Donuts, the Associated Press reported.
Dr. Jason Newsom, 38, posted warnings on the health district’s electronic sign about bad foods: Sweet tea, hamburgers, fried chicken, etc. He mentioned KFC by name and came up with “America Dies on Dunkin.’” The hunky Newsom said he picked on doughnuts because they are a “social expectation thing” at any gathering in the county, where 39 percent of all adults were overweight in 2007 and one in four was obese.
But the lean ’n’ mean doctor overplayed his hand. Newsom angered his own employees by barring doughnuts from meetings and announcing he would throw them away if found in the break room.
He banned candy bars in the vending machines, replacing them with peanuts. Banning chocolate? Never mind the angry lawyer-doughnut contingent — with that move, Newsom guaranteed an employee revolt.
He’s currently working at a prison, doing exams, but would like his old job back. No doubt. Maybe if he promises to bring doughnuts in every day for life.
