Historically, lotteries date back to the 15th century. While early lotteries funded village needs, they also were vital to strengthening defenses. Money raised would also feed and clothe the poor. According to Random Riches author, Manfred Zollinger, one of the oldest lotteries dates back to 1441 in Bruges, Belgium.
In early lotteries, merchants paid for the chance to win money prizes. Often, the grand prizes included the tax farm on the wijnscrooderschap (wine transporters). These early Renaissance lotteries would grant one grand prize winner opportunity to own the tax farm and quality control of the wine. Amazingly, a lucky winner controlled the collection of wine taxes and maintained the quality of the wines. Understandably, merchants gained a lucrative position if they won this lottery.
In the United States, early lotteries paid for cannons during the American Revolution. They also raised money to pave roads up and down the East Coast. Today, lotteries are state-owned and operated. The funds they gather support government programs and the communities the
What's the best hot dog you've ever eaten? Was it better than this one?
On May 31, 2012, a world record was set for the most expensive hot dog. The “California Capitol City Dawg” sold for $145.49 at Capitol Dawg in Sacramento, California. The “California Capitol City Dawg” features:
· A grilled 18″ all-beef, in natural casing frank from Chicago
· served on a fresh-baked herb and oil focaccia roll spread with white truffle butter, then grilled
· topped with whole grain mustard from France, garlic and herb mayonnaise
· sauteed chopped shallots, organic mixed baby greens, maple syrup
· marinated/fruitwood smoked uncured bacon from New Hampshire
· chopped tomatoes, sweetened dried cranberries, chopped tomato
· expensive moose cheese from Sweden
· basil olive oil/pear-cranberry-coconut balsamic vinaigrette and ground peppercorn
· Proceeds from the sale of each 3 lb. super dog were donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
A factoid for you: 7-Eleven sells the most grilled hot dogs in North America – 100 million annually.
